Gluten free Irish soda bread is one of the easiest, most rewarding breads you can make , no yeast, no kneading, and no long rise times. Just mix, shape, and bake. In this article, you’ll discover the story behind my family’s favorite loaf, how to get that perfect golden crust with a tender crumb, and what ingredients make it truly taste like the real thing. Whether you’re gluten-free by need or choice, this recipe brings comfort and tradition to your kitchen. Ready in under an hour, gluten free soda bread is your new go-to for holidays, soups, and everyday meals alike.
Table of Contents :
The Story Behind My Gluten Free Irish Soda Bread
The family story behind this gluten free Irish soda bread
Gluten free Irish soda bread wasn’t something I ever planned to bake , until I had to. Back when Ellie was five and first diagnosed with celiac, bread was the hardest goodbye. She missed the rituals: warm slices with jam in the morning, dense loaves with soup at dinner. But the one that stung most was soda bread on St. Patrick’s Day.
I grew up in a Chicago kitchen where Irish soda bread came out like clockwork every March , flour-dusted counters, raisins spilling out of shaggy rounds, and that unmistakable smell of buttermilk and crust. The first gluten free versions I found were dry, crumbly, and nothing like what I remembered. Ellie took one bite and asked, “Is this supposed to taste like this?” That’s when I knew I had to figure it out myself.
After dozens of test loaves, I finally landed on a gluten free Irish soda bread that actually held together, sliced well, and tasted like tradition. Sorghum flour gives it body. Potato starch keeps it tender. Psyllium husk binds it naturally, no gums needed. And the combination of baking soda and buttermilk brings that signature rise and tang.
Now, this loaf shows up in our Asheville kitchen more than just once a year. Ellie toasts it in the morning.
Why gluten free soda bread matters in my kitchen
There’s something deeply comforting about a bread you can make in under an hour. No rising. No yeast. No fancy tools. That’s the beauty of gluten free soda bread , it’s beginner-friendly but still rich in flavor and history.
And it matters. Because so many gluten free breads feel like substitutes. This one doesn’t. It stands on its own , golden outside, soft and dense inside, with just enough chew to satisfy. It makes your kitchen smell like home.
I like mine rustic, cut in a round with a cross on top, just like my grandmother did. But you can dress it up, too , add chopped nuts, currants, even herbs.
So when people ask, “Can soda bread be made gluten free?” the answer is: absolutely. And not just made , made deliciously. This recipe proves it.
Gluten Free Irish Soda Bread That’s Rustic, Easy, and Gut-Friendly
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (8 slices) 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This traditional gluten free Irish soda bread is rich, tender, and filled with sweet currants. No yeast needed , just mix, shape, and bake.
Ingredients
3 cups (375g) good quality all-purpose gluten-free flour blend*
1 tsp. xanthan gum *see note
1/4 cup sugar
1 tsp. baking soda
1 Tbsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 cup (1 stick =8 Tbsp.) cold unsalted butter
2/3 cup currants or raisins
1 cup buttermilk
1 egg, room temperature
For brushing on loaf:
1 Tbsp. melted butter
1 Tbsp. buttermilk
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine the gluten-free flour, xanthan gum (if needed), sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
3. Using a pastry cutter or two knives, cut the butter into the flour mixture until pea-sized crumbs.
4. Stir in the currants.
5. In a small bowl, mix together the buttermilk and egg then add to the flour/butter mixture.
6. Start with a spatula to gently stir, then switch to using your hands to mix the batter together to form a wet dough that you can form into a ball.
7. Dough will be quite sticky, but you should be able to form into a ball shape and place on the parchment paper lined baking pan.
8. In a separate bowl, combine 1 Tbsp. melted butter and 1 Tbsp. buttermilk. Using a pastry brush, brush the whole loaf with the butter/buttermilk mixture.
9. Use a knife to cut an X shape in the top of the loaf.
10. Bake at 375°F for about 50–55 minutes, or until golden brown and no wet batter visible in the slit.
11. Let cool on pan for 10 minutes, then move to cooling rack to cool completely before slicing. No need to serve this hot, it tastes great and cuts better when cooled off!
Notes
* If the gluten-free flour blend you use already has xanthan gum or guar gum in it, then omit the xanthan gum called for in this recipe.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: gluten free Irish soda bread, gluten free soda bread
How to Make Gluten Free Irish Soda Bread with Perfect Texture
Ingredients that work for gluten free soda bread
Making a tender, flavorful gluten free Irish soda bread starts with the right ingredients—and yes, every detail matters. For this loaf, I use 3 cups of a good-quality all-purpose gluten-free flour blend. It’s the backbone of the bread, so choose one that includes rice flour, starches, and ideally sorghum for a soft, hearty bite. To help bind everything together and mimic the stretch of gluten, xanthan gum is essential , just one teaspoon does the job.
Sugar, baking soda, and baking powder bring the sweetness and lift. Baking soda reacts with buttermilk to give that signature rise, while baking powder ensures extra fluff in case your flour blend is on the heavier side. Salt balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
What makes this loaf truly rich is cold butter ½ cup, cut into the dry mix until crumbly. It melts as the bread bakes, creating that flaky interior. Currants or raisins (⅔ cup) add a hint of chew and traditional sweetness.
Wet ingredients include 1 cup of buttermilk and one room-temperature egg, both of which add moisture and help the loaf rise properly. A quick brush with a mix of melted butter and buttermilk just before baking gives the crust a beautiful golden finish.
This recipe holds together beautifully and slices clean—no crumbling.
Tips for structure, rise, and flavor
The biggest trick to making any gluten free soda bread shine? Don’t overwork the dough. Mix it until just combined , it should look a little rough, like a biscuit dough. If you stir too much, you’ll lose the lift and get a dense loaf.
Form the dough into a round and score the top with a deep cross. That’s not just for tradition , it helps the loaf cook evenly and gives it that beautiful, rustic crack on top. I like to bake mine in a cast iron skillet, which keeps the bottom crust crisp and golden.
Let the bread cool for at least 15–20 minutes before slicing. It continues to set as it rests. Cut too soon, and the crumb can feel gummy. But wait, and you’ll get a perfect, tender texture every time.
With just a few tweaks, you can make this loaf your own , whether you’re serving it for St. Paddy’s or just need a quick, satisfying bread to go with dinner.
Is Gluten Free Irish Soda Bread Good for Your Gut?
Why soda bread can support digestion
Homemade bread made with real, simple ingredients is often easier to digest , and that’s especially true here. This loaf skips yeast entirely, relying instead on baking soda and acidic dairy (or dairy-free) milk to do the lifting. No fermentation means it’s naturally lower in FODMAPs, making it gentler for those prone to bloating or digestive discomfort.
Most store-bought gluten free breads come packed with gums and preservatives, but this version keeps it clean. Sorghum flour offers a soft crumb and mild flavor, while psyllium husk adds fiber that supports digestion and promotes regularity. Each slice feels hearty, not heavy.
Tweaks for even more gut support
Want to boost digestion even more? Swap buttermilk with plain, probiotic yogurt , dairy or not. You’ll still get tenderness, plus live cultures for gut health. A tablespoon of ground flaxseed brings extra fiber and omega-3s without changing the flavor.
Gluten free Irish soda bread, when made thoughtfully, can be a wholesome and gut-friendly staple you feel good about eating..
FAQs About Gluten Free Irish Soda Bread
Can soda bread be made gluten free?
Yes, soda bread can absolutely be made gluten free and it turns out beautifully when you use the right flours and ratios. Instead of traditional wheat flour, I use a blend of sorghum, potato starch, and a small amount of psyllium husk for structure. The end result is a loaf that’s tender, flavorful, and slices well without falling apart. You can find more gluten free bread recipes in the bread recipes category .
What is the trick to making good gluten free bread?
The real secret? Moisture and binding. Gluten free flours tend to dry out quickly, so it’s essential to use ingredients like eggs, yogurt, or buttermilk to keep the crumb soft. I also always recommend using psyllium husk or ground flax instead of xanthan gum for more natural binding. And most importantly, don’t overmix the dough gluten free baking is delicate.
What’s the difference between Irish bread and Irish soda bread?
“Irish bread” is a broad term that could include various yeast-based loaves or enriched breads, but Irish soda bread specifically refers to a quick bread made with baking soda and buttermilk instead of yeast. It’s a staple in Irish kitchens and often features a rustic round shape with a cross scored on top. My gluten free Irish soda bread keeps this tradition alive just without the gluten.
Is soda bread good for your gut and stomach?
Yes especially when you make it at home. Gluten free irish soda bread uses simple, whole ingredients like sorghum and psyllium that are naturally easy to digest. Since it’s yeast-free and low in fermentable carbs, it fits well into a low-FODMAP or anti-inflammatory lifestyle.
Conclusion
Gluten free Irish soda bread brings the best of tradition and simplicity to gluten free baking. No yeast, no long proofing, no stress , just a golden, rustic loaf that’s ready in under an hour and full of real flavor. Whether you’re baking for St. Patrick’s Day, meal prepping for the week, or just want something warm and satisfying with dinner, this bread has you covered.
Try it once, and like in our Asheville kitchen, it just might become a weekly ritual.
Craving more gluten-free baking goodness? Come hang out with me on Facebook and Pinterest for tasty recipes, tips, and inspiration you’ll love!
