Oh, the smell of fresh bread! It always transports me back to my grandmother’s kitchen, especially around St. Patrick’s Day.
While she made a beautiful traditional soda bread, my family now needs a delicious gluten-free option. That’s why I perfected this incredible Gluten free irish soda bread recipe. It’s truly a labor of love, but so simple to make!
My kids, all three of them, devour slices of this warm, rustic bread straight from the oven. This particular Gluten free irish soda bread recipe delivers a tender crumb and that signature slightly tangy taste we all adore. You will love making this Gluten free irish soda bread recipe for your own family. It is a fantastic way to celebrate without the gluten.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You need a simple, reliable Gluten free irish soda bread recipe. This one delivers! It comes together quickly with minimal fuss.
No yeast, no kneading, just easy mixing. Furthermore, this Gluten free irish soda bread recipe tastes absolutely amazing. It offers a wonderfully moist texture, unlike some dry gluten-free breads.
Moreover, it’s a wholesome bread, perfect for any meal. This is your new go-to Gluten free irish soda bread recipe for holidays and everyday enjoyment.
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Gluten free irish soda bread recipe
- Total Time: 70 mins
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This incredible Gluten-Free Irish Soda Bread recipe delivers a tender crumb and signature tangy taste, perfect for St. Patrick's Day or any occasion. It's a simple, labor-of-love recipe that comes together quickly with no yeast or kneading, offering a wonderfully moist texture.
Ingredients
3 cups Gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (with xanthan gum)
1/4 cup Granulated sugar
1 teaspoon Baking soda
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1 1/2 cups Buttermilk
1 large Egg
1/4 cup Unsalted butter (melted)
1/2 cup Raisins (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
- In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. If using, stir in the raisins
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk the buttermilk, egg, and melted butter until well combined
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir with a spoon until just combined. The dough will be sticky. Do not overmix
- Transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet. Shape it into a round loaf, about 6-7 inches in diameter
- Using a sharp knife, cut a large "X" into the top of the loaf, about 1/2 inch deep. This helps the bread bake evenly
- Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until golden brown and a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clea
- Remove the bread from the oven and transfer to a wire rack. Cool slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy your homemade Gluten-Free Irish Soda Bread!
Notes
This recipe is loved for its simplicity, reliability, and quick preparation, requiring no yeast or kneading. It offers a wonderfully moist texture unlike typical dry gluten-free breads.
For a dairy-free version, substitute buttermilk with 1 1/2 cups dairy-free milk mixed with 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice or apple cider vinegar (let sit 5 minutes), and use dairy-free butter. Optional additions include dried cranberries, orange zest, caraway seeds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or chopped walnuts.
Important tips for success: Do not overmix the dough to avoid toughness. Measure flour accurately, preferably with a kitchen scale. Ensure baking soda is fresh for proper leavening, and cut the 'X' deeply on top for even baking.
Storage: Store cooled bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap individual slices and freeze for 2-3 months. Reheat slices in a toaster or oven. Serve warm with butter and jam, alongside hearty stews or soups, as part of a brunch spread, or with cheese and fruit.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 50 mins
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Gluten-free, Irish soda bread, bread, St. Patrick’s Day, baking, no yeast, easy
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

Gather your ingredients for this easy Gluten free irish soda bread recipe:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (with xanthan gum) | 3 cups |
| Granulated sugar | 1/4 cup |
| Baking soda | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Buttermilk | 1 1/2 cups |
| Egg (large) | 1 |
| Unsalted butter (melted) | 1/4 cup |
| Raisins (optional) | 1/2 cup |
SUBSTITUTIONS & VARIATIONS
Customize your Gluten free irish soda bread recipe easily. For a dairy-free version, swap buttermilk with a mixture of 1 1/2 cups dairy-free milk and 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice or apple cider vinegar (let sit 5 minutes). Use dairy-free butter too.
You can also skip the raisins entirely for a plain loaf. Moreover, add dried cranberries, orange zest, or caraway seeds for different flavor profiles. This Gluten free irish soda bread recipe is very versatile.
Beyond customizing this delicious bread, you might enjoy exploring other gluten-free treats that offer similar versatility. For a delightful melt-in-your-mouth experience, consider trying these gluten-free shortbread cookies.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
- First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Next, in a large bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. If using, stir in the raisins.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk the buttermilk, egg, and melted butter until well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir with a spoon until just combined. The dough will be sticky. Do not overmix.
- Now, transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet. Shape it into a round loaf, about 6-7 inches in diameter.
- Using a sharp knife, cut a large “X” into the top of the loaf, about 1/2 inch deep. This helps the bread bake evenly.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until golden brown and a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Finally, remove the Gluten free irish soda bread recipe from the oven and transfer to a wire rack. Cool slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy your homemade Gluten free irish soda bread recipe!
PRO TIPS FOR SUCCESS

Achieve the perfect Gluten free irish soda bread recipe every time. Do not overmix the dough. Overmixing develops gluten (even in gluten-free flour blends), making the bread tough.
Furthermore, measure your flour carefully; too much flour results in dry bread. A kitchen scale provides accuracy. Moreover, ensure your baking soda is fresh for proper leavening.
This ensures your Gluten free irish soda bread recipe rises beautifully. Also, cutting the “X” deeply helps the bread cook through.
Achieving the perfect texture in gluten-free baking often comes down to precise measurements and gentle handling, ensuring a moist and tender result. If you appreciate a light and flavorful loaf, you’ll also love perfecting a gluten-free lemon raspberry loaf.
STORAGE & REHEATING TIPS
Store your cooled Gluten free irish soda bread recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It stays fresh. For longer storage, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil.
Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Reheat slices in a toaster or oven until warmed through. This keeps your Gluten free irish soda bread recipe delicious.
WHAT TO SERVE WITH THIS RECIPE

This delightful Gluten free irish soda bread recipe pairs wonderfully with so many things. Serve warm slices with a generous smear of butter and jam. It’s fantastic alongside a hearty stew or soup.
Think beef stew or a creamy potato soup. Furthermore, enjoy it as part of a brunch spread. It makes a great accompaniment to scrambled eggs and bacon.
A slice of this Gluten free irish soda bread recipe also works well with cheese and fruit. Truly, it complements almost any meal.
This rustic bread truly shines when paired with simple spreads or heartier meals, making it a versatile addition to any table. For another equally comforting and satisfying gluten-free dish that works wonderfully for dessert, don’t miss The Ultimate Gluten-Free Apple Crumble.
FAQS
Can I make this Gluten free irish soda bread recipe dairy-free?
Yes, absolutely! Substitute the buttermilk with a dairy-free milk (like almond or soy milk) mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
Use dairy-free butter as well. Your Gluten free irish soda bread recipe will be just as delicious.
What gluten-free flour blend works best for this Gluten free irish soda bread recipe?
An all-purpose gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum works very well for this Gluten free irish soda bread recipe. Brands like Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 Baking Flour or King Arthur Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour are excellent choices.
How long does gluten free Irish soda bread last?
This Gluten free irish soda bread recipe stays fresh for 2-3 days at room temperature when stored in an airtight container. Freezing extends its shelf life significantly.
Can I add seeds or nuts to this Gluten free irish soda bread recipe?
Certainly! You can add 1/4 cup of sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or chopped walnuts to the dry ingredients for added texture and nutrition. This makes a great variation of the Gluten free irish soda bread recipe.
Irish soda bread, a traditional quick bread, relies on baking soda as a leavening agent rather than yeast, making it quick to prepare. Adapting this beloved staple to be gluten-free involves carefully selected flour blends that mimic the texture and rise of its wheat-based counterpart, allowing everyone to enjoy this classic part of soda bread culture.
NUTRITION INFORMATION (PER SERVING)
Approximate values for one slice (based on 12 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 38g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Fat | 5g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Cholesterol | 25mg |
| Sodium | 200mg |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 10g |