There are certain recipes that just feel like this time of year, and Irish soda bread is one of them. If you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, this easy gluten free Irish soda bread is the perfect way to bring a little festive tradition to your kitchen.

Unlike yeast breads, Irish soda bread comes together quickly using baking soda as the leavening agent, which means you can mix it up and have a warm loaf on the table in under an hour. This gluten-free version keeps everything you love about the classic: a golden crust, tender crumb, and just a hint of sweetness from honey.

Even if you don’t follow a gluten-free diet, this bread is incredibly satisfying. Slice it warm and spread it with a little butter (I love the Irish butter from Trader Joe’s), and it’s the kind of simple comfort food that makes any March day feel special.

Editor’s Note: This recipe was originally published in March 2024 and has been updated and reshared for 2026.

Why You’ll Love This Gluten Free Irish Soda Bread

• No yeast required — ready in under an hour
• Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day baking
• Slightly sweet with honey
• Gluten free but tastes like traditional soda bread
• Delicious warm with butter

What Is Irish Soda Bread?

Irish soda bread is a quick bread that uses baking soda instead of yeast as a leavening agent. Traditional recipes include flour, baking soda, salt, and buttermilk. This bread is dense yet moist, with a deliciously crispy crust—similar to a scone. It’s light, tender, and almost flaky, yet slices perfectly in wedges or traditional slices. While many Irish soda breads include raisins, this recipe does not—but you can add them if you like. This version uses regular milk instead of buttermilk.

Gluten Free Irish Soda Bread

For those of us with a gluten intolerance, this was one bread I really missed. It isn’t really spring without it, and I was feeling left out. So I set out to make the best Irish soda bread—and I think I nailed it! This gluten free version uses gluten free flour, and trust me—you truly won’t taste the difference. Serve it warm with Irish butter (my favorite is from Trader Joe’s) for the ultimate treat.

Gluten Free Irish Soda Bread Recipe

Yields: 1 loaf (Approximately 12 slices)

Prep: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour

Ingredients:

• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 3 cups certified gluten free all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon xanthan gum (omit if flour blend contains it)
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, cold
• ¼ cup honey
• 1 large egg, whisked
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
2. Add whole milk and white vinegar to a small bowl, and stir to combine. Allow the mixture to sit for 5 minutes while preparing the next steps.
3. In a large mixing bowl, add gluten free flour, xanthan gum (if required), baking powder, baking soda and salt. Whisk to combine.
4. Slice the stick of butter down the center lengthwise, then cut into chunks.
5. Cut the butter into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter.
6. Add the milk mixture, whisked egg and honey to the mixing bowl. Stir until incorporated.
7. Using clean hands, work the dough into a ball.
8. Place the dough ball onto the prepared baking sheet. Cut an X in the top center of the loaf.
9. Brush melted butter over the surface of the dough ball.
10. Bake in preheated oven for 45-55 minutes or until golden brown. Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Notes:

• All gluten free flour blends absorb moisture a little differently. If you are working the dough into a ball and find that it is too dry, add a little extra milk. If it is too wet, add a little extra to flour until desired consistency is reached.
• If the gluten free flour you use already contains xanthan gum or guar gum in it, then omit the xanthan gum called for in this recipe.
• If you like raisins or currants in your Irish soda bread, feel free to add them.

 

You may also like to try more of my gluten-free recipes like Bake Your Own Fresh Homemade Oat Bread (Gluten Free and Yeast Free) and Quick & Easy Lucky Lime Cake Mix Cookies (Gluten Free).

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