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Traditional Gluten-Free Irish Soda Bread

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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!

Traditional Gluten-Free Irish Soda Bread | Strength and Sunshine @RebeccaGF666 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!

Traditional Gluten-Free Irish Soda Bread | Strength and Sunshine @RebeccaGF666 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!

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!

Traditional Gluten-Free Irish Soda Bread | Strength and Sunshine @RebeccaGF666 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!

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).

Traditional Gluten-Free Irish Soda Bread | Strength and Sunshine @RebeccaGF666 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!

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.

Traditional Gluten-Free Irish Soda Bread | Strength and Sunshine @RebeccaGF666 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!

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!

Traditional Gluten-Free Irish Soda Bread | Strength and Sunshine @RebeccaGF666 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!

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!

Traditional Gluten-Free Irish Soda Bread | Strength and Sunshine @RebeccaGF666 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!

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.

Traditional Gluten-Free Irish Soda Bread | Strength and Sunshine @RebeccaGF666 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!

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

Traditional Gluten-Free Irish Soda Bread | Strength and Sunshine @RebeccaGF666 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!

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Traditional Gluten-Free Irish Soda Bread

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!

Scale

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
  2. First, in a small bowl, mix together the milk and apple cider vinegar, set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flours, baking powder, baking soda, and stevia. Mix together.
  4. 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.
  5. 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 1/2 inch deep.
  6. Mix together the water and baking soda mixture and lightly brush the outside of the mound.
  7. Place the brushed loaf in the oven and bake for 30 minutes. Remove and let cool before slicing and serving.
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 Traditional Gluten-Free Irish Soda Bread | Strength and Sunshine @RebeccaGF666 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!

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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Comments

  2. Alison says

    February 7, 2017 at 1:41 pm

    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. ?

    Reply

    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says

      February 7, 2017 at 2:04 pm

      Baking gluten-free breads requires multiple flours to get the exact taste you want in a traditional recipe.

      Reply

  6. Nina says

    March 8, 2016 at 8:14 pm

    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.

    Reply

  8. Deborah Davis says

    March 8, 2016 at 12:05 am

    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!

    Reply

  10. Nikki Frank-Hamilton says

    March 7, 2016 at 12:13 pm

    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!

    Reply

  13. masala girl says

    March 6, 2016 at 5:08 pm

    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!!

    Reply

    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says

      March 6, 2016 at 5:10 pm

      Go for it!!! This blend was the magic key to making it all finally work! Thank you dear xoxo

      Reply

  14. Robyn @ Simply Fresh Dinners says

    March 5, 2016 at 6:00 pm

    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!

    Reply

    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says

      March 5, 2016 at 2:38 am

      You are going to love this!!! Get more than excited! You won’t be able to tell this is “free-from” 🙂

      Reply

  17. Audrey says

    March 4, 2016 at 4:34 pm

    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.

    Reply

  18. Sarah says

    March 4, 2016 at 3:19 pm

    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!

    Reply

  30. Lucie says

    March 2, 2016 at 4:49 am

    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 🙂

    Reply

  32. Chrissa - Physical Kitchness says

    March 2, 2016 at 12:33 am

    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!

    Reply

    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says

      March 2, 2016 at 7:10 am

      Hahaha, I’m flattered, but this one had me struggling for awhile to get it JUST right!
      Thank you! xoxo

      Reply

  35. Nicole says

    March 1, 2016 at 8:23 pm

    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.

    Reply

  37. Melissa @ vegan does it says

    March 1, 2016 at 2:06 pm

    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

    Reply

    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says

      March 1, 2016 at 2:10 pm

      YES! I missed it so much and this one tastes like the “gluten” counterpart!
      MAKE SOME!!!!! Promise me you will? 😉

      Reply

  39. The Vegan 8 says

    March 1, 2016 at 2:03 pm

    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!

    Reply

  41. neil@neilshealthymeals.com says

    March 1, 2016 at 9:59 am

    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!

    Reply

  45. Melissa @ vegan does it says

    February 29, 2016 at 6:55 pm

    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

    Reply

  46. Cailee says

    February 29, 2016 at 6:25 pm

    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!!

    Reply

  52. Natalie | Feasting on Fruit says

    February 29, 2016 at 2:08 pm

    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!

    Reply

    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says

      February 29, 2016 at 2:13 pm

      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!

      Reply

  53. Sharon @ What The Fork Food Blog says

    February 29, 2016 at 1:57 pm

    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!

    Reply

    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says

      February 29, 2016 at 2:10 pm

      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!

      Reply

  54. jules says

    February 29, 2016 at 1:53 pm

    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

    Reply

    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says

      February 29, 2016 at 2:09 pm

      Right? Every family has their favorite versions and I’m so glad to bring it back into my (and my mom’s) life!

      Reply

  55. Lisa @ RunWiki says

    February 29, 2016 at 12:45 pm

    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.

    Reply

    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says

      February 29, 2016 at 12:59 pm

      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 😉

      Reply

  59. Jen V. says

    February 29, 2016 at 11:02 am

    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!

    Reply

    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says

      February 29, 2016 at 11:21 am

      Well you totally can!!! The recipe tasted like the “real” thing to me! I’ve missed it so much, but no more!

      Reply

  61. Brittany says

    February 29, 2016 at 10:44 am

    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!

    Reply

  64. Kacey @ The Cookie Writer says

    February 29, 2016 at 9:04 am

    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.

    Reply

    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says

      February 29, 2016 at 10:55 am

      Yea!!! That’s why I’m on a mission to bring back all the classics so they’re safe…and still delicious!

      Reply

  69. Nadia says

    February 29, 2016 at 7:13 am

    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! 😀

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. […] You know we love bowls at Bad to the Bowl and we could not resist making a vegan bowl that would be delicious for St. Patrick’s Day. Guinness marinated portabella mushroom bowl is filled with ingredients such as: Portabella mushrooms, asparagus and onions are marinated in Guinness, grilled and served atop a fresh bed of greens and with crispy chickpeas.19. Traditional Gluten Free Irish Soda Bread […]

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Hey there, welcome to Strength and Sunshine! I’m Rebecca and I’m so glad you’re here! This is your go-to destination for delicious, fun, and (mostly) healthy gluten-free and allergy-free recipes, tips & tricks, advice, as well as celiac and food allergy coaching services!

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