Irish Brown Bread Honey Butter (Print Version)

Rustic wholemeal bread with creamy honey butter, offering a hearty, mildly sweet traditional Irish flavor.

# What You'll Need:

→ Brown Bread

01 - 2 cups whole wheat flour
02 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
03 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1 teaspoon salt
05 - 2 tablespoons rolled oats, plus extra for topping
06 - 2 tablespoons brown sugar
07 - 2 cups buttermilk

→ Honey Butter

08 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
09 - 2 tablespoons honey
10 - Pinch of salt

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf pan.
02 - In a large bowl, combine whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, rolled oats, and brown sugar. Mix well.
03 - Make a well in the center and pour in the buttermilk. Stir gently with a wooden spoon until a soft, shaggy dough forms. Do not overmix.
04 - Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Shape into a round loaf, approximately 2 inches thick. Place on the prepared baking sheet or in the loaf pan.
05 - Use a sharp knife to cut a deep cross on top. Sprinkle with extra oats if desired.
06 - Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until golden brown and the bottom sounds hollow when tapped. Cool on a wire rack.
07 - In a small bowl, beat the softened butter, honey, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy.
08 - Slice the cooled bread and serve with generous dollops of honey butter.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Quick and easy: With just 15 minutes of prep and no yeast or rising time required, this bread is ready to bake almost immediately.
  • Wholesome ingredients: Made with whole wheat flour, rolled oats, and buttermilk, every slice is packed with wholesome, hearty goodness.
  • No special equipment: A bowl, a spoon, and a baking sheet are all you need to make a beautiful rustic loaf.
  • Versatile: Serve it warm for breakfast, alongside a bowl of soup, or as a comforting afternoon snack with honey butter.
  • Vegetarian-friendly: This recipe is suitable for vegetarians and can be adapted for vegan diets as well.
02 -
  • Do not overmix: Stir the dough just until it comes together. Overmixing develops gluten and results in a tough, dense loaf.
  • Test for doneness: Tap the bottom of the loaf — if it sounds hollow, it is done. An internal temperature of around 190°F (88°C) also confirms it is fully baked.
  • Score deeply: The cross cut on top is not just decorative — it allows the heat to penetrate the center of the loaf and ensures even baking.
  • Room temperature butter: Make sure your butter is fully softened before making the honey butter, so it whips up light and smooth without lumps.
  • Use fresh baking soda: Baking soda loses its potency over time. Test it by dropping a small amount into vinegar — if it bubbles vigorously, it is still active.
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