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Easy Irish Soda Bread Recipe with Creamy Honey Butter Spread

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A quick and easy Irish soda bread recipe that yields a tender crumb with a slightly crisp crust, paired perfectly with a creamy honey butter spread. Ideal for cozy mornings, brunch, or afternoon tea.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (480g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1¾ cups (420ml) buttermilk (or 1¾ cups milk + 1½ tablespoons lemon juice or white vinegar, let sit 5 minutes)
  • 4 tablespoons (60g) unsalted butter, softened (half for dough, half for honey butter)
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • Pinch of sea salt flakes
  • Optional: ½ cup (75g) raisins or currants (soaked in warm water 10 minutes before adding)
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon caraway seeds

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a cast iron skillet.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and sugar until evenly combined.
  3. Cut 2 tablespoons (30g) of softened unsalted butter into small pieces and rub it into the flour mixture with your fingertips until it resembles coarse crumbs.
  4. Slowly add 1¾ cups (420ml) of buttermilk, stirring gently with a wooden spoon or spatula until the dough just comes together. It will be sticky; avoid overmixing.
  5. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently shape it into a round loaf without kneading too much.
  6. Place the loaf on your baking sheet or skillet. Using a sharp knife, cut a deep cross (about ½ inch / 1.3cm deep) into the top.
  7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Internal temperature should be around 200°F (93°C).
  8. Transfer the bread to a wire rack and let it cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
  9. While the bread cools, whip together the remaining 2 tablespoons (30g) softened butter with 3 tablespoons honey and a pinch of sea salt flakes until creamy.
  10. Slice warm or at room temperature, and spread generously with the creamy honey butter.

Notes

Use fresh baking soda for best rise. Do not overmix the dough to keep bread tender. Score the top deeply to help bread expand evenly. Let bread cool before slicing to avoid gummy texture. For creamier honey butter, use softened butter. If dough is too wet, sprinkle a little extra flour but avoid adding too much.

Nutrition

Keywords: Irish soda bread, soda bread recipe, honey butter, quick bread, easy bread, traditional Irish bread, no yeast bread

Find it online: https://blixfood.com/easy-irish-soda-bread-recipe-with-creamy-honey-butter-spread/