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
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!
- Yield: 1 Loaf 1x
- Category: Bread
- Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients
- 1/2 Cup Millet Flour
- 1/2 Cup Amaranth Flour
- 1/2 Cup Sorghum Flour
- 1/2 Cup Tapioca Flour
- 2 Tsp Baking Powder
- 1 Tsp Baking Soda
- 2 Packets of Stevia (or 3 tsp sugar)
- 3/4 Cup Unsweetened Almond Milk
- 2 Tsp Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1/4 Cup Unsweetened Raisins
- 1 TB Water + 2 Tsp Baking Soda (for brushing)
Instructions
- 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 1/2 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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kathy says
Best tasting gluten fee bread! added 1 TBS caraway seeds yumm! Mom said better than cake!
★★★★★
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
I’m glad to hear you like it, Kathy.
Jillian says
I love Irish soda bread! I am definitely going to have to try this recipe out!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Fantastic! I know you’ll enjoy this one!
Alison says
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. ?
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Baking gluten-free breads requires multiple flours to get the exact taste you want in a traditional recipe.
Jan says
Hi Is there an alternative to cider vinegar, as cant have yeast. Lemon maybe.??
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Lol, um ACV is not yeast.
kimmythevegan says
This sounds super delicious! I love the added raisins. Totally digging the manageable vegan & gluten-free breads. Yum!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Raisins are a must in soda bread!
Emily @ Recipes to Nourish says
Such a fun recipe in time for St. Patrick’s Day! Looks beautiful too.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
That’s the point! Thanks!
Nina says
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.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Well I hope you bake this version!
Erin - Suburban Simplicity says
Looks like your persistence paid off. Your Irish Soda Bread looks amazing! Well done!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thank you very much Erin!
Deborah Davis says
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!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
A baker’s moment of pride!
Ilka says
Thanks for sharing a gluten-free soda bread! Super yummy!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thanks!
Nikki Frank-Hamilton says
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!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Yes, we all need it!!
Honest Mum says
What a beautiful loaf.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thank you!
Debbie @ Coach Debbie Runs says
I’m not sure I’ve ever had Irish Soda bread! This sounds really good, so maybe I should try :-).
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
O goodness! Well you must! It’s a St. Patty’s Day tradition!
masala girl says
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!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Go for it!!! This blend was the magic key to making it all finally work! Thank you dear xoxo
Robyn @ Simply Fresh Dinners says
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!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
You don’t normally make Irish food!? :O
Belgian Foodie says
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!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Yea! It is one of the quintessential classic bread recipes! Thank you dear!
Heather says
Totally pinning this to try!! I’m part Irish & gluten intolerant. I am so excited to be able to make this!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
You are going to love this!!! Get more than excited! You won’t be able to tell this is “free-from” 🙂
Audrey says
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.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
It tastes just like I remember!
Sarah says
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!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Soda bread is perfect any time!
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says
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!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Make this one!!! You need soda bread stat!
audrey @ unconventional baker says
Irish soda bread used to be my favorite to make 🙂 This looks amazing — great recipe.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
USED to be??? Why not now!?
Anita says
This recipe looks so delicious!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thank you!
Bethany says
This looks so amazing! You did a great job with it. 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thank you dear!
Brianna H says
I am definitely going to give Irish Soda Bread another try this year. Thank you for the recipe!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
This one will not let you down!
Sara says
Believe it or not, I have never had Irish soda bread. It looks amazing and I would love to try.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
You’re missing out on MORE than a classic!
tianna says
thanks for sharing this! I love Irish soda bread, but try to avoid gluten so this is great ♥
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Wonderful!
Jess @hellotofit says
My mom used to buy Irish soda bread all the time when we were growing up. This makes me nostalgic!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Yes! I totally grew up with it! A nice thick buttered slice!
Josefine @ Sprouted Fig says
Goodness, this sounds so so so so good! I loooooove Irish soda bread.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Isn’t it just the best!? Thank you Josefine!!
Uma says
This one so great! I always looking for vegan bread and cakes. This is totally awesome!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thank you Uma!
Vicki Montague - The Free From Fairy says
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!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Ah yes! I would love to check it out!!
Lucie says
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 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Yeast can always be tricky!
Amberjane says
Being in Ireland we take soda bread a bit for granted so this is a great recipe for my gluten free friends
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Ah, well, no shame there!
Chrissa - Physical Kitchness says
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!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Hahaha, I’m flattered, but this one had me struggling for awhile to get it JUST right!
Thank you! xoxo
Kristy @ Southern In Law says
This looks delish! Irish soda bread is such a simple but delicious recipe!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Do you guys have is down there???
Jenn says
I love Irish soda bread! This one is packed with so much nutrition! Great job!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Sure, thanks!
Nicole says
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.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
O no! You need to make some stat!
Sandy Sandmeyer says
I know that Irish Soda Bread lovers will so appreciate your gluten-free recipe.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
I hope so!
Melissa @ vegan does it says
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
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
YES! I missed it so much and this one tastes like the “gluten” counterpart!
MAKE SOME!!!!! Promise me you will? 😉
Laurie says
Wow! It looks so good!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thank you!
The Vegan 8 says
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!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Haha, thank you!! It was the perfect size so none of it went to waste 😉
Kristen @ The Endless Meal says
I woke up this morning thinking about Irish soda bread (no lie!) and now here it is all gluten free and vegan. Awesome!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Hahahahaha 😉 Those magical bread forces!
neil@neilshealthymeals.com says
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!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
REAL Irish food….I’m jealous 😉
Celeste says
Beautiful loaf and gorgeous pictures! Makes me want some right now 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thank you Celeste!
Nutmeg Nanny says
Soda bread season is my favorite! Love that this version is gluten free!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Same! Thanks dear!
Chrisy @ Homemade Hooplah says
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 😀
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Haha, thank you!! I’m still smiling 😉 I hope you do give it a go!
Melissa @ vegan does it says
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
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
You’ve got to make some Melissa!!! It will “make” you Irish 😉
Cailee says
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!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thanks Cailee! I hope you bake a loaf!
dixya @ food, pleasure, and health says
i have never had soda bread…since i love carbs a lot, i could see this pair well with chili or something hearty..
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Haha, you are definitely not Irish 😛
Dr. Jennifer Weinberg MD MPH | Simple Pure Whole Wellness says
This looks very authentic and delicious! Thank you!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thanks Jen!
Michele @ paleorunningmomma says
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!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Mmm, yes 😉 Everyone needs soda bread!
Gin says
Your bread looks delish Rebecca! It looks like you got the texture _perfect_.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
I think I did nail it! Finally!
Amber says
This looks really good. I am a HUGE fan of bread.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
I hope you add this to you list then!
Natalie | Feasting on Fruit says
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!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
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!
Natalie | Feasting on Fruit says
Nope, welsh and french :/
Sharon @ What The Fork Food Blog says
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!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
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!
jules says
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
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Right? Every family has their favorite versions and I’m so glad to bring it back into my (and my mom’s) life!
Lisa @ RunWiki says
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.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
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 😉
Linda @ Veganosity says
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.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
German for sure! I’m mostly German and Irish, I think!
Evi @ greenevi says
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 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
O, it’s not “sweet”, haha! But only a tad, just as soda bread should be!
Tara | Treble in the Kitchen says
This really sounds delicious. While I have never had Irish Soda Bread, but Irish hubby has made a special request this year 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
How have you never had it :O
Jen V. says
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!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Well you totally can!!! The recipe tasted like the “real” thing to me! I’ve missed it so much, but no more!
Trish says
I love Irish Soda Bread and this looks delicious! I love that the recipe includes raisins.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
To me it’s a sin to make soda bread without the raisins!
Brittany says
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!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Ah girl, make up for lost time and eat as much soda bread as you can!
kenzie says
this looks amazing! I am a huge fan of irish soda bread!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
It is one of the best!
Victoria says
So yummy! I’m going to Ireland in May and I hope to have some there!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Ah, really authentic 😉
Kacey @ The Cookie Writer says
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.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Yea!!! That’s why I’m on a mission to bring back all the classics so they’re safe…and still delicious!
Faith (An Edible Mosaic) says
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!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Fantastic! Thank you Faith! This one will not let yo down!
Citra Kale @Citra's HOme Diary says
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
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
I hope you try this one!!! It is spot on and you’d never know!
Keeley McGuire says
Yum! My Irish heart loves this. Will have to try soon!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Yes!!! Thank you Keeley!
Annmarie says
I’ve never had GF soda bread- need to give this a try!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Do it!!! We all need soda bread and now…that can happen! No more tears!
Nadia says
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! 😀
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
I’m so happy to be able to FINALLY have it again! It was so dearly missed!
rachel @ Athletic Avocado says
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 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
WHAT!?? You must not be Irish :O
shernell says
I really like that you added raisins and that it’s healthy. Thanks for sharing.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Lol, okay, thanks!