Classic Gluten Free Irish Soda Bread Recipe

Ever walked into a kitchen and been instantly greeted by the warm, buttery aroma of freshly baked bread? Imagine that welcoming scent folding around you like a cozy hug. That’s what Classic Gluten Free Irish Soda Bread delivers! It’s delightful, quick to make, and a perfect companion for any soup or simply slathered with butter. Trust me, when you whip this up, your taste buds will be doing a happy dance.

Why Make This Recipe

Here’s the deal: This Irish soda bread is a total game-changer for your baking repertoire.

• Super Simple: No need for fancy gadgets or excess fuss. You can make this in a pinch, perfect for those “Oh no, I need bread!” moments!
• Crowd-Pleaser: Anyone can enjoy it—gluten-free friends and family included. There’s no gluten in sight, but it’s loaded with flavor!
• Budget-Friendly: You probably have most of the ingredients in your pantry, which means fewer grocery store runs (can I get an amen?).

You’ll find this Irish soda bread is not just easy to make; it’s also deliciously satisfying.

Ingredients

You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!

• 4 cups all purpose gluten free flour blend (I used Better Batter), plus more for sprinkling
• 2 teaspoons xanthan gum (omit if your blend already contains it)
• 2 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (roughly chopped and chilled)
• 1 1/2 cups raisins (plus 1/2 cup more as desired)
• 2 eggs (100 g, weighed out of shell)
• 1 1/2 cups buttermilk (chilled, plus more as necessary)

Directions

Follow these steps to make your delicious Irish soda bread:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9-inch round baking pan or a 10-inch cast iron skillet, and set it aside.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, xanthan gum, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cream of tartar, and granulated sugar until combined.
3. Toss in the chopped, chilled butter, coating it in the dry ingredients. Flatten each chunk of butter between your well-floured thumb and forefinger, then return it to the mix.
4. Add the raisins (adjust to taste!) and toss to coat them in the dry mix.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups buttermilk and 2 eggs until blended.
6. Make a well in the center of the dry mix, pour in the buttermilk and egg mixture, and mix gently until the dough comes together.
7. Knead the dough gently with clean hands, adding more buttermilk, tablespoon by tablespoon, if any dry spots remain.
8. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a round approximately 9 inches in diameter, sprinkling lightly with more flour as necessary.
9. Place the dough in the prepared pan and slice a large “X” on the top about 1-inch deep (about 6 inches long).
10. If the dough feels warm, pop it in the freezer for 10 minutes to firm up the butter.
11. Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick comes out clean (about 45 minutes).
12. Cool the bread in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
13. Slice and serve warm, with butter, or toast it the next day for a delicious breakfast.

How to Make Classic Gluten Free Irish Soda Bread Recipe (Overview)

Making this soda bread is as easy as pie… or, you know, bread!

• Start by mixing all the dried ingredients.
• Toss in the chilled butter—this is where the magic begins.
• Add in your buttermilk and egg mix, then knead gently until it all magically becomes a dough.
• Shape it, score it, and into the oven it goes.

Pro tip: Don’t skip putting it in the freezer if it gets too warm. Your bread will thank you later! 😉

How to Serve Classic Gluten Free Irish Soda Bread Recipe

This bread is a real showstopper on its own, but it also plays nicely with:

• Buttered toasted slices: Think crunchy on the outside, soft inside, all drenched in butter.
• Pair it with a hearty bowl of soup or stew for the ultimate comfort meal.
• Serve it with jam or honey for a sweet treat. Just imagine a golden slice with a glossy spread of creamery goodness!

How to Store Classic Gluten Free Irish Soda Bread Recipe

This bread is best enjoyed fresh but can hang out in your fridge for about 3–5 days.

• For longer storage, wrap it tightly and pop it in the freezer—up to 3 months.
• To reheat, just toast slices for a quick revival, or warm in the oven. Your house will smell incredible!

Tips to Make Classic Gluten Free Irish Soda Bread Recipe

Here are some insider tricks to make this bread even better!

1. Use chilled ingredients: Keeping that butter cold helps create a flaky texture.
2. Don’t over-knead: Just a gentle mix will do—too much can lead to dense bread.
3. Add herbs or spices: Introduce flavors like rosemary or a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra twist.

Variation

Want to jazz it up a bit? Here are a few ideas:

• Go vegan: Swap eggs with flaxseed meal and use plant-based butter and milk.
• Try different add-ins: Use cranberries, nuts, or even chocolate chips instead of raisins for a fun twist!
• Herbed version: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme or chives into the dough for a savory flavor.

FAQs

Can I use a different gluten-free flour blend?
Absolutely! Just make sure it’s a 1:1 blend designed for baking.

Can I make this bread ahead of time?
You can prep the dough and keep it in the fridge for a day. Just shape and bake when you need it!

What can I substitute instead of buttermilk?
Try regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to create a similar tangy effect.

Now that you have this Classic Gluten Free Irish Soda Bread Recipe in your arsenal, get ready to impress your friends and family (and maybe sneak a slice for yourself!).

📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!