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Ever wanted to bake beer bread for a special occasion, such as St. Patrick's Day? This homemade beer bread recipe is a very easy recipe to make, and is baked with honey! This great recipe will be a beer bread all your leprechauns (and other guests) will enjoy!
Step into the world of beer bread, a delightful treat that's sure to uplift your spirits! No yeast or proofing time required. Just mix everything together, pop your beer bread batter (try saying that 5 times fast!) in the oven, and let your taste buds dance. In less than an hour of baking time, you'll be rewarded with a heavenly, crusty loaf that even the pros would envy. Don't wait! Start baking some delicious beer bread today!
About Our Honey Beer Bread Recipe
To make this easy beer bread recipe, we recommend dark honey such as Buckwheat or Bamboo honey. Dark honey's strong flavor complements bitter foods and drinks like dark beer, while holding up well in the oven - making it perfect for beer bread recipes! Honey in baking requires attention to a few details that will improve with each honey recipe you try.
Other than honey and beer, the ingredients consist of melted butter, self-rising flour, baking soda, and salt - all things you most likely have stocked in your pantry! Try it with salted or unsalted butter depending in your taste.
You can also try the almond butter from our Southern Cornbread recipe as a delicious topping for our easy beer bread recipe.
To mix and cook this bread recipe, you just need a large bowl, a loaf pan (or bread pan), a sifter to make a flour mixture, a mixer, and some measuring utensils. It's best practice to be ready with a prepared loaf pan, you can brush melted butter to grease the pan.
Grandma's Easy, Quick Breads
As a child, I was captivated by my grandmother's kitchen skills. She'd effortlessly mix various ingredients while humming to herself, creating dough that would transform when baked - it was as if she was using a magical loaf pan.
As I grew older, I realized it wasn't just her loaf pan, but rather different tricks she had learned throughout her life while making delicious recipes.
One of those tricks was that Grandma avoided yeast bread—it was prone to disaster, not to mention having to overpower the yeasty flavor. Discovering recipes for quick bread, which don't require yeast, made things simpler. She also used self-rising flour. She was able to take a classic recipe and transform it into easy, amazing recipes!
This Classic Apple Cake recipe was inspired by my Aunt Jane
Sweet Beer Bread Memories
This specific recipe reminds me of my aunt's Thanksgiving bread - a sweet, soft, and chewy beer bread with a crusty texture. Perfect for dipping in soups or making sandwiches, it's slightly sweet with hints of savory flavors because of the beer and honey in the batter. With plenty of melted butter, it bakes with beautiful air pockets and a golden brown top.
Sometimes, she would add a teaspoon of garlic powder to the mix and add shredded cheese on top of the loaf to make this beer bread even more special - a garlic beer bread!
How to Make Easy Beer Bread with Honey: A Quick Bread Recipe
When making beer bread, most beer bread recipes require you add some sugar to the bread mix. Honey, however, is a great and healthier substitute for sugar. It will also help your beer bread, or any baked goods you make with honey, retain more moisture.
Usually when you replace honey in a recipe that calls for sugar, you have to adjust the other liquid and dry ingredients to make up for the amount of moisture that is retained. Luckily though, this beer bread recipe calls for honey, so you don't have to worry about changing a thing!
Easy Beer Bread for Any Occasion
Golden brown beer bread is honestly perfect for any occasion. However, if you feel like you need an excuse to get your mixing bowl out and make beer bread, we've got you covered!
Make this easy beer bread recipe in honor of National Beer Day (April 7), or St. Patrick's Day! Regardless, it's a perfect way to celebrate. Use whatever kind of beer you like, from pale ales to darker beer. You could even experiment with pumpkin beer in the fall when you make beer bread!
Whatever you favorite beer is, it might be fun to switch it up every time you bake this easy beer bread recipe. Feel free to also try out light beer and gluten free beer to see just how much you can adapt this beer bread recipe.
How to Make Honey Beer Bread
It’s easy to make this beer bread with honey. First, let’s discuss the six ingredients you'll need:
- Butter
- Self-rising flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Beer
- Bee Inspired Honey
First: Gather Ingredients & Prep
These ingredients combine in no time! Let's get started. After gathering your ingredients, let's make this beer bread. First, preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease the loaf pan generously with coconut oil, cooking oil, or butter. Spread it evenly using your fingers, a folded paper towel, or even plastic wrap - whatever you have around.
Second: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Sift together all of the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
Third: Add the Wet Ingredients
Add in the beer stopping periodically to combine. Add honey, mixing it all until just mixed. Pour the batter into the baking pan, and top with butter.
Fourth: Bake the Bread
Bake for 40 to 50 minutes and let the bread rise. Check the bread with a toothpick inserted in the top of the loaf to make sure that it's done. If the toothpick comes out clean, your bread is ready! Let the bread cool for a little bit before serving.
Why Use Baking Soda Instead of Baking Powder in This Beer Bread Recipe?
When it comes to baking beer bread, the choice between baking soda and baking powder can significantly impact the final result. Most bread recipes might call for flour, baking powder, yeast, and more. In this honey beer bread recipe, we opt for baking soda due to its unique properties and interaction with the other ingredients.
Baking soda is a powerful leavening agent that requires an acidic component to activate its rising properties. In our recipe, the beer and honey provide the necessary acidity, allowing the baking soda to effectively help the bread rise. This results in a light and fluffy texture, which is a hallmark of good beer bread.
On the other hand, baking powder already contains an acid, which means it doesn't rely on the other ingredients for activation. Using baking powder could lead to a denser loaf, as it might not react as strongly with the beer and honey. By using baking soda, we ensure that the bread rises beautifully and achieves that perfect, airy crumb.
Moreover, the reaction between baking soda, beer, and honey also contributes to the unique flavor profile of this bread, enhancing its taste with a subtle tang that complements the sweetness of the honey. This careful balance of ingredients makes this quick bread recipe a huge hit for any occasion!
Try serving this bread with our delicious Homemade Ginger Beer
Different Types of Flour for Honey Beer Bread
When it comes to making honey beer bread, the type of flour you choose can significantly impact the texture and flavor of your loaf. Here are some flour options you can experiment with:
- All-Purpose Flour: This is the most common choice for beer bread recipes. It provides a balanced texture and a mild flavor, making it a versatile option for any beer bread variation.
- Self-Rising Flour: Using self-rising flour simplifies the baking process, as it already contains baking powder and salt. This can be a convenient choice for a quick and easy beer bread recipe.
- Whole Wheat Flour: For a heartier and more nutritious loaf, whole wheat flour is an excellent choice. It adds a nutty flavor and a denser texture, which pairs well with the sweetness of honey.
- Almond Flour: If you're looking for a gluten-free option, almond flour can be used. It adds a subtle nutty flavor and a moist texture, although you may need to adjust the liquid ratios in the recipe.
- Bread Flour: For a chewier texture, bread flour is a good option. It has a higher protein content, which helps develop gluten and gives the bread a slightly more elastic crumb.
Experimenting with different types of flour can lead to unique variations in your honey beer bread. Whether you prefer a light and airy loaf or a dense and hearty one, the choice of flour can help you achieve your desired result. Enjoy the process of finding your favorite combination!
Need leprechaun bait? Our Lemon Honey Lollipops look like gold!
Toppings for Honey Beer Bread
Honey beer bread is incredibly versatile, and choosing the right toppings can elevate its flavor profile to new heights. Here are some delicious ideas to try:
- Honey Butter: Enhance the bread's natural sweetness by spreading creamy honey butter on top of each slice. This simple topping adds a luxurious texture and a touch of extra honey flavor.
- Garlic Herb Butter: For a savory twist, mix softened butter with minced garlic, chopped herbs like rosemary or thyme, and a pinch of salt. Spread it on warm slices for a burst of aromatic goodness.
- Cheese Spread: Top your honey beer bread with a layer of cheese spread. Cream cheese mixed with chives or a sharp cheddar spread can add a rich, tangy contrast to the sweet bread.
- Avocado and Tomato: Create a fresh and healthy topping by mashing avocado with a little lime juice and salt. Add sliced tomatoes and a sprinkle of black pepper for a refreshing combination.
- Nut Butter and Berries: Spread almond or peanut butter over the bread and top with fresh berries or a drizzle of berry compote for a delightful breakfast or snack option.
- Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese: For a more sophisticated topping, spread cream cheese on the bread and layer with smoked salmon, capers, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Jam or Marmalade: Classic and timeless, a layer of your favorite jam or marmalade can add a burst of fruity sweetness that complements the beer bread's flavors.
Experimenting with these toppings can make your honey beer bread a versatile addition to any meal, whether it's breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Enjoy the creativity and deliciousness that each topping brings to your homemade bread!
Adapting Beer Bread
Unleash your creativity in the kitchen with this amazing loaf! From sun-dried tomatoes to garlic chips, think outside the box - anything you dream up will surely make a delicious treat. Add herbs or jalapeños for a spicy kick, or mix cranberries into your sauce for an unforgettable twist. Try making this bread with Cranberry Honey for sweet, tangy goodness.
- Add in raisins and cinnamon.
- Serve toasted with honey butter.
- For something savory, add cheese, such as shredded cheddar or parmesan cheese. We recommend using a half cup for this recipe.
- Add some heat with chopped jalapeños.
- Top the bread with cream cheese and "Everything Bagel" seasoning.
- This bread would make an excellent base for avocado toast.
- Serve right out of the oven with cheddar cheese and rotisserie chicken to make a sandwich.
Beer Bread made with honey is a delightful pairing with your favorite beef dish. It is delicious no matter if you serve warm, room temp, or even let it cool completely. I love eating this bread with cheddar cheese and club soda.
If you have any leftovers - and that is a big IF - store it at room temperature covered with aluminum foil. For even longer storing, put this beer bread in the freezer.
I'm thrilled I tried making bread again—it brings back fond childhood memories. Now that I know how easy and delicious quick bread is, I'll be baking more often! Enjoy this incredibly simple and tasty recipe!
Trust us when we say that no matter what combination you choose and how you choose your honey pairing, these delectable breads won't last long! If you decide to make this honey beer bread recipe, be sure to take a photo and share them with us using #beeinspired on Instagram. We love seeing your photos!
More Bread Recipes:
- More interested in having fruit in your bread? Try this Honey Banana Bread - it is absolutely delicious.
- Put a little South in your bread with our Southern Cornbread recipe!
- Go gluten-free with our Healthy Nut and Seed Bread recipe.
Updated 4/10/2025
