Home > Recipes > Bread Recipes > Quick Breads > Buttery Honey Beer Bread
by Michelle
April 2, 2013 (updated Dec 8, 2019)
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4.50 (4 ratings)
There are few things that bring me more satisfaction in the kitchen than pulling a warm, fresh loaf of bread from the oven. Most of the time, I make yeast-based breads, but I have also become quite fond of a number of quick breads that have secured themselves a permanent home in my recipe collection. One recipe that I’ve been dying to make for the longest time is a quintessential beer bread. In the past, I’ve made an Irish beer and cheese bread, as well as another beer and cheese bread with a long list of ingredients. While both were fabulous in every possible way, I’ve been looking for a straightforward, simple beer bread recipe. No frills, no excessive ingredient lists… just one bowl, a few ingredients, and done. This bread delivers and then some. It’s the perfect beer bread recipe to have on hand for those nights when you need something easy to serve with soup or stew… it’s also the perfect recipe to have on hand when you’re just flat-out craving carbs. This recipe is going to become your best friend.
While the bread itself is fabulous, the best part might be the buttery crust. Instead of incorporating melted butter into the batter for the bread, you drizzle it over the batter once it’s in the loaf pan. The result? The butter seeps all around the edges of the pan, creating a wonderful, buttery crust almost reminiscent of a deep-dish pizza. It’s truly fabulous and makes this recipe stand apart from other typical beer bread variations.The honey gives the bread a subtle hint of sweetness, which is only heightened when you serve it alongside homemade honey butter.
If you have 5 minutes to spare, you can get this bread into the oven. It’s quick, easy, and really… is there anything better than warm bread fresh from the oven slathered in butter?
One year ago: Italian Easter Bread
Two years ago: Peanut Butter Snickers Cookies
Buttery Honey Beer Bread
Yield: 10 servings (1 9-inch loaf)
Prep Time: 5 minutes mins
Cook Time: 50 minutes mins
Total Time: 1 hour hr
A fabulous rustic honey-beer bread, perfect to serve alongside your favorite soup or stew.
4.50 (4 ratings)
Print Pin Rate
Ingredients
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (125 g) bread flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 12 ounce (340.2 ml) bottled beer
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan; set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together both flours, the sugar, baking powder and salt. Add the beer and honey and stir with a rubber spatula until thoroughly combined.
Spread the batter evenly in the prepared loaf pan and drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the batter. Bake until the loaf is golden brown and a thin knife inserted into the center comes out clean, about 50 to 60 minutes. Allow to cool to room temperature before slicing. Leftovers should be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Notes
Notes:
- While it is best to use bread flour if you have it, you may substitute all-purpose flour in its place.
- I would recommend using your favorite ale or lager-style beer for this recipe. Use one you enjoy drinking, as some of the flavor does come through in the bread.
- For a higher loaf, use an 8x4-inch loaf pan and increase the baking time accordingly.
Nutritional values are based on one serving
Calories: 215kcal, Carbohydrates: 36g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 5g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Cholesterol: 12mg, Sodium: 236mg, Potassium: 169mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 6g, Vitamin A: 140IU, Calcium: 60mg, Iron: 1.4mg
Did you make this recipe?
Leave a review below, then snap a picture and tag @thebrowneyedbaker on Instagram so I can see it!
Author: Michelle
Course: Bread
Cuisine: American
Originally published April 2, 2013 — (last updated December 8, 2019)
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63 Comments on “Buttery Honey Beer Bread”
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Thecrafty-woman — Reply
That’s some great looking Beer bread, and that’s my wifes favorite brand so I can definitely make that bread!
Cheers -
Teresa Escareno — Reply
Very good!!
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Teresa A. Escareno — Reply
Easy!!! Smells delish!!!
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Colleen — Reply
See AlsoMy Favorite Cornbread Recipe - Sally's Baking AddictionGluten Free Tortillas | Easy Recipe For Tacos, Burritos - ElaveganEasy Moist Amish Cornbread Recipe - Amish Heritage15 Best Keto Bread Recipes You Must Add To Your Keto Meal PlanCan bread flour be used? Can this be baked in a 9×13 so it can be cut into squares like cornbread?
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Michelle — Reply
Hi Colleen, Using bread flour would make this heavier and denser. As for baking in a 9×13, I don’t know how that would turn out, as I haven’t tried it.
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Karin — Reply
We used regular Guinness and really loved it. The beer flavor is more pronounced than an ale or lager would be, but in a good way (we thought). If you like Guinness ordinarily, give it a try!
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Yvonne (Bread Fun) — Reply
Awesome Bread!!!!! it looks like honey, light and delicious. I never had beer bread before. I would like to know how it taste. I will try it one day real soon. “Delicious Bread”
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Ali — Reply
Delish bread! I used Rolling Rock, a pale ale from PA, and wheat flour. It came out pretty dense because of the wheat flour but had a nice flavor. I will try this again using regular AP flour to see which way we like it better. Definitely a ‘do over’ according to my husband! :)
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Carmen — Reply
Mine came out dense but that’s because I used whole wheat and oat bran. Tasted great with butter fresh from the oven.
I loved when the beer hit the flour Nd everything just fizzled, it was like making a volcano!
Imy sister enjoyed her piece to and this from a lady that doesn’t eat carbs.
I enjoy your blog thank you for the tips And delightful, playful foods -
Sarah — Reply
All of your pictures are awesome! Beer bread it quite addicting, love it! I had featured U in the post of Top 7 Delectable Bread for Breakfast on AllFreshRecipes.Except ur more delish recipes!
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Jocelyn — Reply
My family really enjoyed this bread. I used white whole wheat flour in place of the bread flour and non alcoholic beer. I will definitely make this again. Thank you so much.
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Michael — Reply
This was seriously delicious and could not be any easier to make. I made it after work tonight with a Yuengling and only using AP flour because I didn’t have any bread flour. It came out beautifully! Thanks for a great recipe.
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Lugh — Reply
What about using mead instead of beer? I know it’s a wine, but could it work? Would I have to add something to compensate for the greater carbonation of the beer? New at baking so your expertise would be appreciated.
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Michelle — Reply
Hi Lugh, I would not recommend using wine in place of beer in this bread. The yeastiness and carbonation of the beer really help with the rise and flavor of the bread.
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Lugh —
And that’s why I asked, thanks Michelle. :-)
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Jaime — Reply
Oh my GOD! This bread is better than the mix that you can buy. I made it for my daughter’s 1st birthday party last weekend and everyone LOVED it. I love that it is so much more cost effective than buying the mix and that it uses ingredients that I already have on hand. 2 thumbs up for this yummy bread!
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Gwen — Reply
I just baked this bread recipe last night. I couldn’t find bread flour at the store, so I ended up using 3 cups of regular all purpose flour. The bread still came out amazing! I was so excited! Delicious fresh out of the oven!! The bread does capture the flavor of the beer quite nicely! I’m excited to make this again!
What do you think of adding some shredded cheddar cheese and chives to this recipe? Too much?
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Michelle — Reply
Hi Gwen, I’m so glad you liked the bread! I think you could add some cheese and chives, although I’m not sure how they would pair with the honey. Probably a personal preference thing on taste.
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Emily — Reply
This recipe is a keeper! I’ll definately be making this again and again.
Thanks! -
Heather — Reply
This was delicious! Had it tonight with our dinner. My dh hates beer (and so do I), but we loved this beer bread!
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The Male Baker — Reply
This looks so delicious! I love how simple it is to make!
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Tina @ Tina's Chic — Reply
I love a bread recipe that doesn’t require yeast! Thanks for the idea. I can’t wait to try it. :)
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Shirlee — Reply
Oh my gosh….I made this bread as soon as I saw the recipe. It is absolutely delicious. The bread is beautiful when it comes out of the oven. I did use bread flour in the recipe. The bread was moist and delicious with the soup I made. Great recipe!
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Laura Dembowski — Reply
I love beer bread but have never made it. The butter on top is so unique and sounds delicious!
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Dragonlady — Reply
Voted by the family the best beer bread yet! Since rain and cold was the order of the day in OKC yesterday (and today) ham and bean soup was the perfect side for the bread.
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Fran — Reply
So many awesome beer choices for this. I may have to do a blog series using different ones. Can’t wait to find my favorite!!
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Rachel — Reply
I made this last night with Yuengling and it is so good! My boyfriend loved it and said it’s one of his top 3 favorite things I’ve made. I had to add a tablespoon of water after adding the yuengling because there wasn’t enough liquid to the flour mixture but otherwise easy peasy recipe! Thank you!
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MadSCAR — Reply
Love it! :)
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Kiran @ KiranTarun.com — Reply
I need to try beer in bread recipes. This looks divine!
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Sadie — Reply
BTW, You are a PA girl, right? I used a Yeungling in this bread…perfect!
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Sadie — Reply
I am eating this as I type, so please pardon any possible butter-finger typos. I pulled it out of the oven and could not obey the instructions to cool before slicing. I had to try a bite of this heavenly, buttery goodness. I am ruined for all future beer breads.
I am curious to try this with my favorite beer…Guinness…wonder how that will turn out???-
Michelle — Reply
Hi Sadie, My personal feeling is that Guinness may be too heavy for a bread like this, but if it’s your favorite then by all means give it a try. Come back and share your feedback after you’ve made it!
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Fran —
Maybe the Guinness Black Lager but I agree with Michelle that the stout or draught would be too heavy. Save those for adding to the beef stew you serve with this bread ;)
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Love the sweetness from the honey, this has to be delicious! CAn’t wait to try it!
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bridget {bake at 350} — Reply
Oh! I can’t wait to try your beer bread with the butter poured over BEFORE baking! Genius!!! And the honey! Yum! It looks just beautiful!
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Nikki Howser — Reply
Wow! The title reeled me in before I even saw those scrumptious pictures! I think my foray into beer beads will start here :) and I think a butter layer on top will become a thing I need to do on every loaf lol
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Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes — Reply
I don’t like beer but LOVE beer bread. It gives the bread a great flavor. I will be trying this!
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Annie @ Annie's City Kitchen — Reply
THAT CRUST. I die. I would just dunk that bread in warm marinara sauce and eat it as a meal.
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Rebekah — Reply
That looks FANTASTIC!
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Marcie @ Flavor The Moments — Reply
I saw this on Cookie Monster Cooking last month and thought it looked amazing, and yours looks just as great! I’ve never had beer bread, so this is definitely the one to try!
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Tracy {pale yellow} — Reply
What a great, simple bread. I love using beer in quick breads, fantastic flavor and texture!
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Linda — Reply
I hate beer and don’t even know if you can buy one bottle. Love your recipes but this one I probably will not try.
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AndreaL — Reply
If you wanted to try it, check your local beer takeout store. I know the places by me in PA sell singles. The beer taste isn’t too bad and if you stick with something light, you’ll get just a touch of the flavor. ;)
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Michelle — Reply
I’m not sure what state you’re in (laws for beer and liquor sales change by state), but in most states you can buy single bottles in a lot of places.
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Mindy — Reply
My husband and I aren’t beer drinkers either, but I bought a six pack of bottles just for making bread. A co-worker brought in a loaf and I was hooked! I will definitely be trying this recipe to compare…it sounds amazing! Don’t hesitate because of the beer, though; there are many uses for it in the kitchen for those of us not partial to drinking it. The yeasty-ness it gives bread is so worth it, fresh from the oven…not to mention toasting it the next morning…yum!!!
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Sues — Reply
I agree- there is nothing like homemade bread… especially when it involves beer! :)
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Samantha — Reply
I’m drooling at my desk right now. This looks amazing! I wish I would have had this recipe before Easter because I definitely would have served this as an appetizer/during dinner. Yum. I’ve never made beer bread, but this makes me want to try it out!
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AndreaL — Reply
What kind of beer did you use? What style do you think best? I’m married to a beer salesman and am curious how different styles or flavors would work.
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Michelle — Reply
I used Sapporo, which is a Japanese lager (I happened to have some in the fridge). I included information in the notes at the bottom of the recipe about types of beer to use – I would recommend an ale or lager.
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AndreaL —
Cool – he has access to so many brands and I can’t wait to try the various flavors. Thank you :)
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Katrina @ In Katrina's Kitchen — Reply
I agree- something about pulling a loaf of bread out of the oven is so satisfying.
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What a wonderful combination! Mmmm, honey and beer, yes please!
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Honey… butter… beer… bread… carbs… yup I’m sold!
And the buttery crust sounds amazing!
I’m making an Oaty Ale bread in a few days – but the type that involves lots of kneading and proving – so I will give this a try after to see how it compares, although they are very different types of bread.
Many thanks
Leah x x x -
Shirlee — Reply
What do you do with the butter?
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Shirlee — Reply
Sorry, if I had read ALL of the information, I would have found out.
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Master Chefette — Reply
This looks so simple and delicious! Yummo!!!
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heidid26 — Reply
I noticed that the butter step is not included in your actual instructions. It is included in the blog portion of the post, however. If I hadn’t made a similar bread previously, I would have completely missed it and been wondering what to do with the butter. This is a fantastic recipe and I’m anxious to give it a try. The previous one I tried didn’t have the honey. Looking forward to the addition… YUMMY!!!
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Allison — Reply
I noticed that too when I first read the recipe this morning. I now see that the recipe has been updated.
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Azzira — Reply
I had never tried beer bread would love to have the taste of it.
Vegetable Store -
Jessica — Reply
Sapporo is a great beer choice! We’ll be making this soon, probably with Sapporo, or maybe a Kirin =}
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Ari @ Ari's Menu — Reply
Buttery crust???? I was sold on the beer bread, but then the words buttery crust just made me drool even more! It looks so soft, and totally amazing!
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Renee @ Awesome on $20 — Reply
This is so beautiful. I can almost smell it. And my husband will love the excuse to buy beer.
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Averie @ Averie Cooks — Reply
I love the description the drizzled butter before baking and how it creates a crust. Oh, that’s heavenly! And Im a huge fan of honey-butter and honey-anything, especially when worked into bread!
