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Perfectly Soft Irish Soda Bread Recipe with Easy Honey Butter Spread

Irish soda bread - featured image

A soft, tender Irish soda bread with a subtle sweetness, paired perfectly with a smooth honey butter spread. Quick and easy to make, this bread is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or alongside soups.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (480 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon (5 grams) baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon (6 grams) salt
  • 2 tablespoons (25 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1¾ cups (420 ml) buttermilk
  • 2 tablespoons (28 grams) unsalted butter, melted
  • For the honey butter spread:
  • ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons (40 grams) honey
  • Pinch of sea salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a round cake pan.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and sugar until well combined.
  3. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the buttermilk and melted butter. Gently mix with a wooden spoon or your hands until the dough just comes together. It should be soft and slightly sticky but not wet.
  4. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a round loaf about 7 inches (18 cm) in diameter and 2 inches (5 cm) thick. Place on the prepared baking sheet or pan.
  5. Using a sharp knife, cut a deep cross (about ½ inch / 1.3 cm) into the top of the dough.
  6. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Tent with foil if browning too quickly.
  7. Remove from oven and transfer to a cooling rack. Let cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing.
  8. While the bread cools, combine softened butter, honey, and sea salt in a small bowl. Whip with a hand mixer or fork until smooth and fluffy.
  9. Slice the bread and spread generously with honey butter.

Notes

If dough feels too dry, add buttermilk 1 tablespoon at a time until right consistency is reached. Avoid overmixing to keep bread tender. Let bread cool before slicing to allow crumb to set. Use fresh baking soda for best rise. Tent with foil if crust browns too fast.

Nutrition

Keywords: Irish soda bread, soft soda bread, honey butter spread, quick bread, easy bread recipe, traditional Irish bread