Want more recipes like this? Get access to 500+ gluten-free recipes

Irish Soda Bread began in 19th-century Ireland, when people didn’t have yeast, but had baking soda, buttermilk, and a need to feed their families fast. It’s simple, clever, and full of soul.

This no-fuss bread came to life in rural kitchens where open hearths and cast-iron pots turned everyday ingredients into warm, crusty loaves. Soft wheat, common in Ireland, was perfect for soda-based baking.

A cross was often cut on top-some say for even baking, others say to let the fairies out (yes, really!). Over time, families added raisins, oats, or seeds, and it became a staple at every Irish table.

Today, it’s a symbol of comfort and heritage-a soft, lightly sweet traditional loaf reimagined as gluten-free. This rustic bread features tender raisins, a touch of honey, and a charming golden crust - ideal for cozy breakfasts or teatime with jam and butter. One slice and you’ll taste the story: of survival, of tradition, and of a people who turned simplicity into something special.

Curious how a loaf without yeast became a legend? Let’s bake it.

And here is how to get access to our full selection of 500+ more recipes like this…

Yield:

1 loaf

Total Time:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 25 minutes

• Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients:

Dry Ingredients:

• 400 g Gluten-free Cake Flour Mix

• 4 Tbsp Sugar (50 g)

• 9 g Baking Soda

• 10 g Salt

Fat & Add-ins:

• 60 g Cold Butter, Cubed

• 1 cup (150 g) Raisins

Wet Ingredients:

• 220 mL Buttermilk (or 1 Tbsp vinegar + plant-based milk)

• 75 g Honey

• 1 Egg

• 8 g Psyllium Husk (whole shells)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Psyllium Gel

1. Gather your required ingredients.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and honey.

3. Add the psyllium husk and stir well. Let it sit for about 5–7 minutes until it thickens slightly into a gel-like texture.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the gluten-free flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.

3. Work in the Cold Butter

1. Add the cubed cold butter to the dry mix.

2. Use your fingertips to gently rub the butter into the flour until it resembles a sandy or coarse crumb texture.

4. Make a Well, Combine

1. Create a well in the center of the dry mixture. Crack the egg and pour in the buttermilk, honey, and psyllium mix.

2. Stir everything together until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.

3. Add raisins to the dough.

4. Gently fold in the raisins, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.

5. Shape the Loaf

1. Transfer the dough to a parchment-lined baking tray or a greased loaf tin. Shape it gently into a round or oval loaf. If forming by hand, use damp hands or a spatula to smooth the top and make a deep cross cut.

6. Bake

1. Bake at 220°C for about 25 minutes, or until golden brown and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. Cool and Serve

1. Let the loaf cool for 15 minutes on a wire rack before slicing, to allow the crumb to set.

2. Serve warm with salted butter, berry jam, or even a slice of cheddar for a savory twist.

Get Your $239 Welcome Gift Bundle FREE

That’s hundreds of recipes, tutorials, and guides, with two gorgeous hardcover cookbooks you’ll actually want on your kitchen shelf.

And it’s all risk-free for 30 days. If you don’t love it, simply cancel, no questions asked.

Claim Your Free Cookbooks + Membership Today

Check out some of our most popular gluten-free bread recipes:

Focaccia - soft, golden, and topped with olives, tomatoes, and herbs - Get recipe here

Gluten Free Sourdough - classic tang and airy crumb - Get recipe here

New York Deli Bread - the perfect loaf for hearty sandwiches - Get recipe here

Sourdough Buckwheat Hazelnut Bread with Apricots - hearty, nutritious, and naturally gluten-free - Get recipe here 

Gluten-Free Multiseed Bread - hearty, crunchy loaf that feels like a modern health food - Get recipe here

Want more recipes like this? Get access to 500+ gluten-free recipes