Everything a traditional Irish soda bread should be, only this one is gluten-free and vegan! A simple flour blend and spotted with raisins, everyone will feel the luck of the Irish with this simple soda bread recipe!
FINALLY! After years of trial and error, I’ve nailed down the best traditional gluten-free Irish soda bread ever! I cried with joy when this final try came our of the oven and the salty sweet dense taste of perfect Irish soda bread hit my palette! My deep Irish roots are singing with pride, as this celiac can now have her soda bread once again!
Here is my tale of the soda bread-less celiac. Pre-celiac (i.e. over 7 years ago) Irish soda bread was one of my favorite things. I would wait all year for the “season” to come and these loaves of glory would become essentials in the house. Dense, crusty, but soft, salty from the baking soda, with pops of sweet from the raisins, warmed and slathered with a dollop of butter. O my BREAD!
Then came celiac and soda bread was no longer an option. When this younger celiac was in her first year, only a few months after diagnosis, March rolled around and that meant soda bread season was in full swing. But nary a gluten-free loaf and no one with the baking skills to make one. Until she got the idea to find a seemingly stellar recipe for Irish soda bread online from a gluten-free blog and make some herself. All went swimmingly. Dough was mixed, mound was formed (maybe too formed).
After this mound was “baked” and removed from the oven, she allowed it to cool a bit before slicing that first glorious piece. Well, it should have been glorious. Looking down at the middle of the loaf, even before cutting, one could see that the bread was under cooked, but the sides were done. The best course of action was to slice and see the inside for herself. But that center, of that very deep mound, was gummy under-baked sadness.
Needless to say, the some of the bread was still enjoyed (the outer sides), but the whole of it was basically all thrown to waste. That lead to no more Irish soda bread for years to come…until now that it is. I had planned on trying my hand at baking some again last year, but didn’t have the proper resources and was still not totally baking literate. This year though, I was fully prepared to take on this major bucket list recipe. I would conquer the soda bread!
Even with my new baking know how, this soda bread did not come easy. It’s silly really. Soda bread is a “poor man’s bread” and a baking product of a poor country. All that’s needed is flour, buttermilk, and baking soda. From there, many countries have adapted it and you’ll see variations with anything from caraway, orange peel, raisins (yes!), some add butter, some not, some are very sweet and others are totally savory. To my family, traditional Irish soda bread is slightly sweet, salty, and has raisins!
So why did I say it was silly? Well, I still couldn’t get this “quick” bread right! The main reason I guess would be since I needed it gluten-free and vegan and the fact that I refuse to ever use someone else’s recipe. So after some research though, I hit the mixing bowl. My first loaf was a sad mess and never even made it to the oven. It was a goopy soup that had no chance of staying in ANY mound. (I saved that and made something else though!) However, after a little more trouble shooting, I nailed it! What resulted was the perfect classic, tender and dense, slightly sour tang, subtly sweet, hard crusted loaf.
The flour blend I made up was so light and easy on the pallete, it went perfectly with the baking soda saltiness and the little studded sweet raisins. For the “buttermilk” aspect, all you have to do is add some apple cider vinegar to your milk and allow it to sit a few minutes before adding it to the flour. You can do with this any milk, vegan or not! Then forming the mound, this time smaller and a bit flatter, making sure to cute deep cross slits in the top to help the center bake, and then brushing the outside with some water mixed with baking soda, the crust browned as needed and the center cooked!
Traditional Gluten-Free Irish Soda Bread
- ½ Cup Millet Flour
- ½ Cup Amaranth Flour
- ½ Cup Sorghum Flour
- ½ Cup Tapioca Flour
- 2 Tsp Baking Powder
- 1 Tsp Baking Soda
- 2 Packets of Stevia (or 3 tsp sugar)
- ¾ Cup Unsweetened Almond Milk
- 2 Tsp Apple Cider Vinegar
- ¼ Cup Unsweetened Raisins
- 1 TB Water + 2 Tsp Baking Soda (for brushing)
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- First, in a small bowl, mix together the milk and apple cider vinegar, set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flours, baking powder, baking soda, and stevia. Mix together.
- Now all the soured milk and raisins. Mix together until a slightly sticking, dough forms, then knead with your hands to make sure everything is worked together.
- On a Silpat or parchment lined baking sheet, plop down the dough in a slightly flattened mound in the center on the pan. Take a sharp knife and make an X on the top of the mound, about ½ inch deep.
- Mix together the water and baking soda mixture and lightly brush the outside of the mound.
- Place the brushed loaf in the oven and bake for 30 minutes. Remove and let cool before slicing and serving.
The thing about Irish soda bread is that it’s meant to be eaten with a savory meal (i.e. dinner) and is not a dessert bread. It has always been part of the main meal and in the old days it was baked every few days as it’s a perishable bread and stays best for only 2-3 days. But trust me, you’ll finish this little loaf rather quickly! Some like it sliced and slathered with (coconut) butter, others like to simply rip pieces off and have it at the center of the table for all to share (that’s another reason for the be cross on the top; to section it off!). How ever you decide to eat it, serve it warm and will all the Irish love you can muster. Gluten-free (and vegan!) Irish soda bread for all! The tradition does not have to die with a celiac diagnosis and I am so glad I can bring it back into my life! Maybe St. Patrick’s Day will be good this year? 😉
So tell me:
+ Are you Irish? Heck yea! I guess I can blame that on my pale (sun burn prone skin!)
+ How does your family do soda bread? Does anyone call it “Spotted Dog” or ‘Gypsy Bread”?
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I love Irish soda bread! I am definitely going to have to try this recipe out!
Fantastic! I know you’ll enjoy this one!
Hi Rebecca! This looks awesome! Could I use just one type of flour instead of the combination? If so what do you suggest? Thanks So Much. ?
Baking gluten-free breads requires multiple flours to get the exact taste you want in a traditional recipe.
Hi Is there an alternative to cider vinegar, as cant have yeast. Lemon maybe.??
Lol, um ACV is not yeast.
This sounds super delicious! I love the added raisins. Totally digging the manageable vegan & gluten-free breads. Yum!
kimmythevegan recently posted…Chickpea Brussels & Quinoa
Raisins are a must in soda bread!
Such a fun recipe in time for St. Patrick’s Day! Looks beautiful too.
Emily @ Recipes to Nourish recently posted…Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
That’s the point! Thanks!
Hi! After traveling to Northern Ireland several years ago, I love traditional Irish foods. Although not currently needing the gluten-free version of soda bread, your post has inspired me to bake up a loaf or two for my family.
Nina recently posted…It’s the REAL thing!
Well I hope you bake this version!
Looks like your persistence paid off. Your Irish Soda Bread looks amazing! Well done!
Thank you very much Erin!
Hi Rebecca,
I thoroughly enjoyed reading your journey to the perfect gluten free irish soda bread. This takes me back to my days of trying to make perfect loves of whole wheat and cinnamon raisin bread to give as gifts. Congrats on your achievement! Have fun feasting!
Deborah Davis recently posted…It’s Party Time at the Healthy, Happy, Green & Natural Party Blog Hop #101
A baker’s moment of pride!
Thanks for sharing a gluten-free soda bread! Super yummy!
Thanks!
Rebecca, I love Irish Soda Bread, it’s the only bread that I have been able to make gluten free, that came out really great, that is before I found your site and your recipes. But Irish soda bread is so tasty and dense, we had it with a creamy Italian soup and it was a great meal! I will try your recipe too, can’t wait! Shared all over the place, everyone needs to have some Irish Soda Bread in their lives!
Yes, we all need it!!
What a beautiful loaf.
Honest Mum recently posted…When Your Weight Fluctuates
Thank you!
I’m not sure I’ve ever had Irish Soda bread! This sounds really good, so maybe I should try :-).
Debbie @ Coach Debbie Runs recently posted…Blogger’s Pit Stop #13
O goodness! Well you must! It’s a St. Patty’s Day tradition!
Rebecca, i love how you’re baking breads that are GF and still wholesome. i love the flour blend you used! i hope i get to try it! i may have to go buy some of them over spring break when i’m home 🙂 thank you!!
Go for it!!! This blend was the magic key to making it all finally work! Thank you dear xoxo
I am of Irish ancestry so I guess it’s time I made something Irish on St. Patrick’s Day, lol. Thank you for this delicious recipe, Rebecca. Loving your pictures and I am going to attempt this because we have lots of gluten-free issues with cousins and in laws. Perfect!
Robyn @ Simply Fresh Dinners recently posted…Healthy Weeknight Plan #9
You don’t normally make Irish food!? :O
I love Irish Soda Bread because it has such yummy taste, the perfect crumb and relatively quick to make. I’m happy to find your vegan and gluten-free version! Thanks!
Yea! It is one of the quintessential classic bread recipes! Thank you dear!
Totally pinning this to try!! I’m part Irish & gluten intolerant. I am so excited to be able to make this!
You are going to love this!!! Get more than excited! You won’t be able to tell this is “free-from” 🙂
I’d kid you for spending so much time on trying to create recipe, but it is Irish Soda Bread, I understand. I am glad you found your perfect loaf.
Audrey recently posted…Coconut Oatmeal Jelly Bean Cookies – Fill the Cookies Jar
It tastes just like I remember!
One of my favorites to make for St. Patrick’s Day! Won’t happen this year being gone all the time but thinking I will whip some up Easter weekend!
Sarah recently posted…Salted Caramel Mocha Espresso Cream Cups
Soda bread is perfect any time!
We never did soda bread growing up, but I love it now. I totally forgot it’s almost St. Paddy’s… I need to get my bread bake on!
Love the flour blend you used!
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table recently posted…Lemon Pepper Roasted Cauliflower [Recipe]
Make this one!!! You need soda bread stat!
Irish soda bread used to be my favorite to make 🙂 This looks amazing — great recipe.
USED to be??? Why not now!?
This recipe looks so delicious!
Anita recently posted…17 Inexpensive Family Vacationing Tips
Thank you!
This looks so amazing! You did a great job with it. 🙂
Bethany recently posted…Sugar Free Chocolate Whipped Cream Frosting
Thank you dear!
I am definitely going to give Irish Soda Bread another try this year. Thank you for the recipe!
Brianna H recently posted…What I Wish I Knew on Day 1 of Blogging…
This one will not let you down!
Believe it or not, I have never had Irish soda bread. It looks amazing and I would love to try.
You’re missing out on MORE than a classic!
thanks for sharing this! I love Irish soda bread, but try to avoid gluten so this is great ♥
tianna recently posted…Spring Fashion Color Trends 2016
Wonderful!
My mom used to buy Irish soda bread all the time when we were growing up. This makes me nostalgic!
Jess @hellotofit recently posted…How to Get Past a Workout Plateau
Yes! I totally grew up with it! A nice thick buttered slice!
Goodness, this sounds so so so so good! I loooooove Irish soda bread.
Josefine @ Sprouted Fig recently posted…Snøfler // Snuffles – Healthy Rum Cakes
Isn’t it just the best!? Thank you Josefine!!
This one so great! I always looking for vegan bread and cakes. This is totally awesome!
Uma recently posted…Cauliflower Channa Dal Masala Curry
Thank you Uma!
This looks great! I have just sorted a recipe for vegan gluten-free soda bread too and it is amazing. When I share it on my site I will let you know! I must try yours with dried fruit in though!
Vicki Montague – The Free From Fairy recently posted…Coconut & Lemon Bites (Paleo, Gluten, Dairy, Egg, Nut, Soya & Refined Sugar-free)
Ah yes! I would love to check it out!!
It looks so hearty and delicious! Great job Rebecca, congrats for finally nailing the recipe 🙂 This bread reminds me of the Czech Easter bread but that one’s yeast based. I have yet to nail that myself 🙂
Lucie recently posted…5-Minute Healthy Pear Jam
Yeast can always be tricky!
Being in Ireland we take soda bread a bit for granted so this is a great recipe for my gluten free friends
Ah, well, no shame there!
I love you but I don’t believe you. Years to perfect? Not nailing it right away? BS! You are such a baking extraordinaire when it comes to gluten-free/dairy-free goodies. I could NEVER pull off what you do, especially this. Totally obsessed!
Chrissa – Physical Kitchness recently posted…Paleo Carrot Cake Energy Balls
Hahaha, I’m flattered, but this one had me struggling for awhile to get it JUST right!
Thank you! xoxo
This looks delish! Irish soda bread is such a simple but delicious recipe!
Kristy @ Southern In Law recently posted…Travel: Getting to know Rotorua’s History
Do you guys have is down there???
I love Irish soda bread! This one is packed with so much nutrition! Great job!
Jenn recently posted…Lentil Mushroom Healthy Bolognese
Sure, thanks!
I’m neither Irish, or had soda bread (I’m sure I’d remember if I had), but it sounds like a wonderful bread to dip into a big bowl of soup too.
O no! You need to make some stat!
I know that Irish Soda Bread lovers will so appreciate your gluten-free recipe.
Sandy Sandmeyer recently posted…Over the Moon Link Party #12
I hope so!
It always feels so good to finally nail a recipe you’ve had trouble with doesn’t it? Very happy you can have your soda bread again. I’ve actually never had it before, but it looks amazing! I love the rustic look of it and the texture looks fantastic plus raisins<3
Melissa @ vegan does it recently posted…BBQ Quinoa Ball Sliders
YES! I missed it so much and this one tastes like the “gluten” counterpart!
MAKE SOME!!!!! Promise me you will? 😉
Wow! It looks so good!
Laurie recently posted…March Country Fair Blog Party
Thank you!
This is such a beautiful bread Rebecca! It looks gorgeous all the way around, from the slices to the perfectly golden top! I could eat it all rather quickly too!
The Vegan 8 recently posted…Rejuvenating Strawberry Rice Flour Mask and My Cosmetics Routine
Haha, thank you!! It was the perfect size so none of it went to waste 😉
I woke up this morning thinking about Irish soda bread (no lie!) and now here it is all gluten free and vegan. Awesome!
Kristen @ The Endless Meal recently posted…Thai Chopped Salad with Sweet Sesame Mango Dressing and Crispy Wontons
Hahahahaha 😉 Those magical bread forces!
Huge fan of Irish soda bread here!
And you’ve made it accessible to everyone by making it gluten free, brilliant!
I’m lucky enough to be only a short flight away from Dublin here and I know for a fact they love their soda bread. It’s delicious served with Irish stew!
neil@neilshealthymeals.com recently posted…Cauliflower Cheese Pasta Bake
REAL Irish food….I’m jealous 😉
Beautiful loaf and gorgeous pictures! Makes me want some right now 🙂
Thank you Celeste!
Soda bread season is my favorite! Love that this version is gluten free!
Nutmeg Nanny recently posted…Chorizo Plantain Breakfast Hash
Same! Thanks dear!
BIG congrats on mastering the gluten free version of this bread 😀 I looks just like it’s “standard” counterpart! Love the ingredients – I’ll have to try my hand at making it soon 😀
Haha, thank you!! I’m still smiling 😉 I hope you do give it a go!
I’m so glad you nailed an old favorite and it looks so good! No Irish here and sadly I’ve never actually had soda bread. After seeing this, that definitely needs to change though. I just love how rustic it looks, the texture looks amazing and raisins <3
Melissa @ vegan does it recently posted…BBQ Quinoa Ball Sliders
You’ve got to make some Melissa!!! It will “make” you Irish 😉
Oh my gosh! This is gluten free?? it looks so fluffy and delicious! What a fun way to celebrate St. Patricks day! So fun! Hope that you’re having a great Monday!
xoxo Cailee!!
Cailee recently posted…Moving Forward.
Thanks Cailee! I hope you bake a loaf!
i have never had soda bread…since i love carbs a lot, i could see this pair well with chili or something hearty..
dixya @ food, pleasure, and health recently posted…Wild Blueberry Ginger Kombucha Smoothie
Haha, you are definitely not Irish 😛
This looks very authentic and delicious! Thank you!
Dr. Jennifer Weinberg MD MPH | Simple Pure Whole Wellness recently posted…A Vegan Coconut Cream Recipe and February Simple Pure Whole Favorites: Health | Lifestyle | Happiness
Thanks Jen!
The texture of this looks like perfection and I love that you used the raisins! I’m not Irish but can definitely appreciate a good soda bread – I’ll have to try it!
Michele @ paleorunningmomma recently posted…Boston Marathon Training & Weekend Pictures
Mmm, yes 😉 Everyone needs soda bread!
Your bread looks delish Rebecca! It looks like you got the texture _perfect_.
Gin recently posted…Strawberry Chia Jam
I think I did nail it! Finally!
This looks really good. I am a HUGE fan of bread.
Amber recently posted…Why You Should Watch Fuller House
I hope you add this to you list then!
I’ve only had soda bread once (pre-vegan) and that stuff is amazing! I love subtly sweet breads, and you know how I feel about raisins! I am amazed by how perfect this loaf looks–the X in the center, those raisin spots, the crusty outside, gimme GIMME! And since I don’t really eat a whole lot of savory meals, this would probably be dessert/snack for me <3 But really everything I eat is pretty much a snack 😀 This is amazing, nicely done!
Natalie | Feasting on Fruit recently posted…Frosted Lemon Poppy Seed Mug Cake
Girl, you need some soda bread in your life NOW!!! (Are you Irish?? I feel like you are….)
The X 😉 Anything with knife slits and baked always looks so “rustic” and “authentic”….plus it helps the center not be RAW, hahahaha!
We shall snack on soda bread and potatoes….the Irish really knew their carbs!
Nope, welsh and french :/
Natalie | Feasting on Fruit recently posted…Frosted Lemon Poppy Seed Mug Cake
Irish Soda Bread is my fave, I feel the same way as you about it. There’s something that is so simple and special about it. I’m half Irish (believe it or not!) so I use my grandmother’s recipe and have been making it gluten free for a few years. This year I had to start making it dairy free too. I’ll be sharing mine on the blog soon. Yours looks fantastic btw!
Sharon @ What The Fork Food Blog recently posted…Grain Free Blueberry Muffins
Ooo, I can’t wait to see yours!! It is one of the best classic recipes to have up your sleeve! I’ll be making this all year round now!
I just love making GF Irish Soda bread this time of year. And seeing everyone else’s recipes, too! It’s amazing that such a tradition bread can be made so many different ways. Yours is beautiful, as always, Rebecca!
~jules
jules recently posted…Round Em Up! Gluten Free Girl Scout Cookie Recipes
Right? Every family has their favorite versions and I’m so glad to bring it back into my (and my mom’s) life!
Irish Soda Bread is a tradition in our house. My husband’s grandparents on both sides are from Ireland, so when we got married I tried to incorporate some little traditions to keep that part of my children’s heritage alive. I go with a basic recipe, but replace raisins with mini chocolate chips since my kids say that, “Raisins ruin everything” haha!.. Okay then, chocolate chips it is.
Lisa @ RunWiki recently posted…Chocolate Caramel Pecan Turtle Overnight Oats
Hahahaha! I have never had a chocolate chip soda bread 😛 That ruins that magic of such an old recipe! Haha! Raisins are part of the old world charm 😉
Yay! I’m so happy you nailed this recipe. 🙂 It looks great.
I’m Dutch/German/ and a wee bit Irish on my mom’s side.
Linda @ Veganosity recently posted…Spicy Oil-Free Mexican Hummus
German for sure! I’m mostly German and Irish, I think!
What a stunning loaf of bread! I have never tried a sweet version of soda bread, so now I am super curious, it sounds totally amazing 🙂
Evi @ greenevi recently posted…Cauliflower Cheese Sauce Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
O, it’s not “sweet”, haha! But only a tad, just as soda bread should be!
This really sounds delicious. While I have never had Irish Soda Bread, but Irish hubby has made a special request this year 🙂
Tara | Treble in the Kitchen recently posted…Lower Body Circuit Workout (Bodyweight Only!)
How have you never had it :O
I am so excited to have found this recipe! I am newly gluten-free and have been having to find new recipes for all my old favorites. I usually make soda bread for St. Patrick’s Day and was wondering if I could make it gluten-free. So thank you for sharing this!
Jen V. recently posted…Peanut Butter Chocolate Energy Balls
Well you totally can!!! The recipe tasted like the “real” thing to me! I’ve missed it so much, but no more!
I love Irish Soda Bread and this looks delicious! I love that the recipe includes raisins.
Trish recently posted…Music Monday – “Girl Don’t Come” by Sandie Shaw (1964)
To me it’s a sin to make soda bread without the raisins!
There’s an Irish bar by my house that serves soda bread with a bowl of guinness stew. OMG it is SOOOOO good! I’d never heard of soda bread before that. I’m glad you finally perfected your gf-v recipe!
Brittany recently posted…February Progress and March Goals
Ah girl, make up for lost time and eat as much soda bread as you can!
this looks amazing! I am a huge fan of irish soda bread!
It is one of the best!
So yummy! I’m going to Ireland in May and I hope to have some there!
Victoria recently posted…Twisted Fairy Tale Engagement Session: Sarah & Brian
Ah, really authentic 😉
Great job, Girl!! There is nothing worse than giving up something you love (especially when you have no choice!) My mother-in-law has had Celiac forever (and probably before she was diagnosed officially) so this will be a nice treat for her.
Yea!!! That’s why I’m on a mission to bring back all the classics so they’re safe…and still delicious!
Now that is a gorgeous loaf of bread! I made regular Irish Soda Bread a few years back, and these days a GF version is much more my speed. I’m bookmarking this one!
Fantastic! Thank you Faith! This one will not let yo down!
I was thinking to make soda bread but still wandering around to find nice recipe. this is even better cause it’s gluten free…thx for sharing Rebecca
Citra Kale @Citra’s HOme Diary recently posted…Orange with poppy seeds Chiffon cake recipe
I hope you try this one!!! It is spot on and you’d never know!
Yum! My Irish heart loves this. Will have to try soon!
Yes!!! Thank you Keeley!
I’ve never had GF soda bread- need to give this a try!
Annmarie recently posted…Easy Vodka Alfredo Mushroom Penne {Vegan, Gluten Free}
Do it!!! We all need soda bread and now…that can happen! No more tears!
Love love LOVE this recipe! Soda bread used to be one of my favourite breads too, especially dipped in soup *drools* Must buy the different types of flour so I can try it! 😀
Nadia recently posted…Raspberry Chia Pudding (Vegan & Gluten-free)
I’m so happy to be able to FINALLY have it again! It was so dearly missed!
I seriously don’t remember the last time I actually ate soda bread, it’s so good and I miss it so much! I never knew you could make it gluten-free, thanks for sharing 🙂
rachel @ Athletic Avocado recently posted…Roasted Banana Split Breakfast Bowl
WHAT!?? You must not be Irish :O
I really like that you added raisins and that it’s healthy. Thanks for sharing.
Lol, okay, thanks!