Imagine the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked Irish soda bread wafting through your kitchen, inviting everyone to gather around the table. This classic Irish recipe is not only quick and easy to make, but it also delivers a delightful crunch on the outside and a soft, tender crumb on the inside. Paired with a luscious honey butter that adds a touch of sweetness, this bread will become a staple in your home. Whether you're hosting a brunch or simply indulging in a cozy evening, this Irish soda bread is sure to impress. Ready to bake your way to happiness? Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: Iris
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 3/4 cups buttermilk
- 1/4 cup honey (for butter)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (for butter)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly flour it to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Whisk together until well blended.
- Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the 1 3/4 cups of buttermilk. Using a wooden spoon or your hands, gently mix the ingredients together until a soft dough begins to form. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be slightly sticky.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. With floured hands, gently knead the dough a few times until it comes together. Shape it into a round loaf, about 1 to
- 5 inches thick.
- Transfer the shaped loaf to the prepared baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, score a deep cross on the top of the loaf. This helps the bread to cook evenly and gives it a traditional look.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. An internal temperature of about 190°F (88°C) indicates that it is done.
- While the bread is baking, prepare the honey butter. In a medium bowl, soften the 1/2 cup of unsalted butter at room temperature. Once softened, add in the 1/4 cup of honey. Mix well until the butter and honey are thoroughly combined and smooth.
- Once the bread is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for about 10-15 minutes. This will help maintain its texture.
- Slice the warm Irish soda bread and serve it with the honey butter on the side. Enjoy your delicious homemade Irish soda bread with a sweet touch!
Tips
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense bread, so keep it gentle for a light, fluffy texture.
- Check Your Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using.
- Scoring the Loaf: Scoring a deep cross on top of the loaf not only adds a traditional touch but also allows the bread to expand properly while baking, ensuring an even cook.
- Baking Sheet Prep: If you don’t have parchment paper, a light dusting of flour on your baking sheet will work just fine to prevent sticking.
- Serve Warm: For the best experience, serve the bread warm with the honey butter. It melts beautifully into the warm bread, enhancing the flavor and texture.
- Storage Tips: Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze for longer storage. Just reheat in the oven for a few minutes to bring back the freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 25mg
