Crispy Oven-Baked Irish Soda Bread Recipe with Easy Honey Butter Spread
A quick and easy Irish soda bread with a crispy crust and tender crumb, served with a simple honey butter spread that balances savory and sweet flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Bread
- Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups (480 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 ¾ cups (420 ml) buttermilk (or 1 ¾ cups milk mixed with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar, let sit 5 minutes)
- ¼ cup (56 g) unsalted butter, softened (for honey butter)
- 2 tablespoons honey (for honey butter)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a cast-iron skillet or baking sheet in the oven while it heats.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Pour the buttermilk into the dry ingredients and gently fold with a wooden spoon or hand until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Do not overmix.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and pat into a 7-inch (18 cm) diameter round.
- Score a deep cross about ½ inch (1.3 cm) deep into the top of the dough with a sharp knife.
- Carefully transfer the dough onto the preheated skillet or baking sheet.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the crust is deeply golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing.
- While the bread cools, mix the softened butter and honey until smooth to make the honey butter.
- Slice the bread thick, spread generously with honey butter, and serve.
Notes
Preheat the baking surface for a crispy crust. Do not overmix the dough to keep the bread tender. Score the dough deeply to allow steam to escape and ensure even baking. Cool the bread before slicing to let the crumb set. Optionally brush the top with buttermilk before baking for extra crust color.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: One thick slice with
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 1.5
- Protein: 5
Keywords: Irish soda bread, quick bread, no yeast bread, honey butter, crispy crust, easy bread recipe, homemade bread