Gluten-Free Irish Soda Bread
I realize this post is a little late for the St. Patrick’s Day festivities, but really—isn’t Irish soda bread good any day? As I was working on the recipe, I wondered why I don’t enjoy it more than once a year. Probably because up until this point, I was relying on my local bakeries, and sadly, they don’t carry Irish soda bread for more than a week or two in March.
It took me a few tries, adjusting the types of flour and ratios, keeping the added oils low without compromising the texture. But I finally created a recipe that’s not only vegan, but also gluten free and totally delicious. Definitely not something I’d be likely to find at any bakery in town.
I think this means year-round Irish soda bread is in order.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day to those of you celebrating! In Boston, that would be everyone, Irish or not.
Gluten-Free Irish Soda Bread
Gluten-Free Irish Soda Bread
Serves: 1 loaf
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
A non-traditional take on traditional Irish Soda Bread. Gluten-free, vegan, low in fat, and without processed sugar, but with the same great flavor and texture as the original.
Cuisine: Gluten Free, Vegan Servings: 1 loaf
Prep Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 30 mins Total Time: 45 mins
A non-traditional take on traditional Irish Soda Bread. Gluten-free, vegan, low in fat, and without processed sugar, but with the same great flavor and texture as the original.
Instructions
- Pre-heat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, lightly dust with chickpea flour, and set it aside.
- In a large bowl, add the chickpea flour, potato starch, tapioca starch, coconut sugar (if using), baking powder, baking soda, xanthan gum, and sea salt. Mix to combine.
- To the dry ingredients, add the vegan shortening and buttery spread. Mix until a sand-like texture forms (I used my stand mixer, but you can also pinch in the shortening and buttery spread by hand).
- Stir in the vegan buttermilk and applesauce until a sticky dough forms.
- Fold in the currants, caraway seeds, and orange zest (if using).
- Transfer the dough to your prepared baking sheet, dust it with a little more chickpea flour, and form it into an 8-inch round loaf.
- Score the top of the round with an "x" and bake it for 30-35 minutes, until golden. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
- Allow the bread to cool slightly and enjoy it with a little buttery spread and some jam if you like!
Copyright © 2020 Amanda Maguire for Pickles & Honey
This is gorgeous! I’ve never had soda bread before, but your gluten-free version looks fantastic!
You must try Irish soda bread – it’s so good!
wow! this looks amazing, lady! i must try this as i haven’t had irish soda bread for probably 8 years and miss it dearly.
OMG I love this stuff, doll!
I planned on making Irish Soda Bread for St. Patrick’s Day this year, but just didn’t have the time. 🙁 My sister is gluten-free, so I will have to share this recipe with her!
I havent had this bread in so long.. Great recipe for gluten-free individuals 🙂 Hope you had a great green-day. Mine was eating too much avocado hummus
Avocado hummus?! Two of my most favorite foods. 🙂
Yum! St. Patty’s Day in the GTA is not just for the Irish either. It is for everyone and the green beer flows and is consumed by all.
I agree, soda bread is good all year long! Your version looks delicious and I’m sure it rivals what you can find in the bakery.
Love it! Thanks for the recipe 🙂
I was just talking to Greg about how much of a shame it is that we never got up to Boston for St. Patrick’s Day. Oh well- I guess we’ll just take a much longer plane ride there in the future!
Soda bread is the ONE thing I really wanted on Sunday (more than beer!) but I didn’t think about it until it was almost dinnertime. Like you said though- why just make it once a year? I certainly enjoy pumpkin year-round, and am still drinking “Holiday tea” from Christmas!
Hi Amanda,
Your Irish soda bread looks soo delish! I’ve never tasted this type of bread before and will have to give this recipe a try when I’m back in the US.
Ciao!
It looks sooooo good!!! Thanks for sharing the recipe! 😀
Thanks, Michelle!
I *love* soda bread. Great recipe!
Thanks, Gena! 🙂
This looks fantastic Amanda, can’t wait to try it!!
You can make gluten-free bread anytime of the year and it’s a winner in my book. I never got around to making soda bread this year, but just because St. Pats is over doesn’t mean I wont! I am always looking for new gf recipes, this one looks great!
Thanks, Alex! I just clicked over to your site – I’m excited to read more of your posts! 🙂
this looks lovely! I am a bread lover but my gluten free breads suck, will give this a go!
haha I know what you mean! The gf bread I buy sort of tastes like cardboard! I was really happy with the soda bread though. Hope you like it!