As a Jew, Gluten Free Irish Soda Bread recipes aren’t part of my culinary heritage, but then again, neither is pizza.
Still, I’m always up to the challenge of creating healthy low carb recipes, whatever their provenance.
Gluten Free Irish Soda Bread
Since there is such demand, I had to create the best recipe for Irish Soda Bread around.
One of my readers from Ireland gave this low carb Irish Soda Bread recipe ten stars.
And so many others agree with her. This healthy bread recipe is so popular that it’s been shared over twenty-five thousand times!
Gluten Free Irish Soda Bread
Ingredients
- 2¾ cups blanched almond flour (not almond meal)
- ¼ teaspoon celtic sea salt
- 1½ teaspoons baking soda
- ½ cup raisins
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 pinch caraway seeds
Instructions
- In a large bowl combine almond flour, salt, baking soda, and raisins
- In a small bowl combine eggs, honey, and apple cider vinegar
- Mix wet ingredients into dry
- Place dough on a parchment paper lined baking sheet
- Form into a large flat circle around 8-inches across and 1½-inches tall
- Using a serrated knife, score top of dough ½-inch deep, in shape of a cross
- Sprinkle top of bread with caraway seeds
- Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes, then turn off oven and leave bread in for 10 minutes
- Cool for 1 hour
- Serve
Equipment
What is Irish Soda Bread?
So, what exactly is Irish Soda Bread? According to Wikipedia:
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Soda bread is a variety of quick bread in which bread soda (baking soda) is used as a raising agent rather than yeast…Other ingredients can be added such as raisins, egg or various forms of nuts.
History of Irish Soda Bread
Next, I had to learn the history of Irish soda bread, and its connection to St Patrick’s Day, or St. Paddy’s Day as it is often called.
The history of Irish Soda Bread begins in the 1830s when baking soda was first introduced to Ireland.
Gluten Free Quick Bread
Irish Soda Bread as we know it here in America, is essentially a quick bread made with inexpensive baking soda, instead of the more costly yeast.
Dairy Free Irish Soda Bread Recipe
Irish Soda Bread is typically made with buttermilk. Why is this?
The acid in the buttermilk reacts with the baking soda to create a chemical reaction that makes the bread rise.
Irish Soda Bread without Buttermilk
In order to make a dairy free Irish Soda Bread I use apple cider vinegar rather than buttermilk, resulting in this recipe for Irish soda bread without buttermilk.
How to Make Irish Soda Bread
Since it’s a quick bread, this recipe is quite simple to throw together.
It’s also customizable when it comes to add-ins. You can make Irish Soda Bread with raisins, that’s how I make mine, or try walnuts, cranberries, and the like.
Irish Soda Bread Gluten Free Recipe
Pro tip? When it comes to the dough stick to the exact ingredients in the recipe.
Almond Flour Bread Recipe for St. Paddy’s Day
I just made a couple of batches of this easy almond flour bread recipe for friends and neighbors.
This reminded me how important it is to let the bread cool for the full hour listed. The perfect crumb forms as the bread cools.
Gluten Free Irish Soda Bread Recipe
This is a healthy recipe for bread with almond flour, which is how I make my Irish Soda Bread gluten-free.
Leave out the raisins (this removes 5g of carbs per serving) and it will be close to a 1:1 keto bread.
Keto Irish Soda Bread
If you want to make a Keto Irish Soda Bread you can experiment with using zero carb sweeteners.
I haven’t tried that, so if you do, please let me know if it works.
Keto Bread Recipe
For awesome low carb bread recipes without sweeteners, try my Blueberry Lemon Keto Bread or Keto Bread which is perfect for sandwiches.
How to Store Gluten-Free Bread
To store this gluten free Irish Soda bread, cool on the counter overnight, wrap in a paper towel, seal in a plastic bag, and refrigerate for up to one week.
Low-Carb Recipes for St. Patrick’s Day
If you’re looking for food for St. Patrick’s Day, I serve this classic St. Patrick’s Day Soda Bread along with my Green Eggs recipe.
My low carb Keto Mint Chip Smoothie is another healthy St. Paddy’s Day recipe that you’ll love!
Gluten-Free Bread Recipes
Here are some of my other easy low-carb gluten-free bread recipes. Did you know that every recipe on my site is gluten free? And all the recipes in my three cookbooks are too!
Pumpkin Bread Recipe Simple
My Gluten Free Pumpkin Bread is a paleo recipe that’s a cinch to make and absolutely delicious.
Didn’t think you could find pumpkin bread with almond flour? Guess again!
When you make this healthy pumpkin bread recipe, you’ll be blown away by the autumnal smell of magical spices and fresh healthy pumpkin bread wafting through your home.
Gluten Free Banana Bread Recipe Simple
This Gluten Free Banana Bread recipe that’s simple is one of my favorites, and it’s one of yours too!
Did you know this low carb banana bread recipe is one of the most popular on my website? It’s been shared over fifty thousand times!
I knew when I was diagnosed with celiac disease in 1998 that I’d need to create a gluten free banana bread recipe for my family and this one is a winner!
Low Carb Paleo Bread with Almond Flour
My Paleo Bread recipe is just a bit lighter and fluffier than my other breads and has a wonderfully nutty flavor from the flax meal.
This low carb bread with almond flour has an amazing sweet buttery taste and is another one of my popular and versatile gluten free bread recipes.
Your Favorite Gluten-Free Bread Recipe
I’m taking requests. If you did not see your favorite low carb bread recipe here, leave a comment and let me know what you’re looking for!
This post is an oldie but goodie from the archives, I first shared this Gluten-Free Irish Soda Bread recipe in March 2011.
HannH says
Thank you for this recipe. My family knows I have lupus and need to follow a very clean dietbut don’t really help me out for fear of losing flavor when I visit for dinner, which is a load of you-know-what. I came for brunch last Saturday and brought this recipe. At first I said I bought it at a local bakery for them. They started eating it with their egg dish and loved it. (I would never do this with anyone allergic to nuts. They are “hale and hearty, allergic to nothing, no supposed health problems”. Their description.) They loved it. This is a win for me in so many ways, because they would now consider coming to dinner at my place. Thank you!!
By the way, might you have a rugelach recipe? My mother wants to know what grain free rugelach tastes like!
Elana says
HannH, that is one fantastic story! Love it! I am testing a rugulach recipe for my next book :-)
James says
Oh wow! I had low expectations for this, mainly because I never loved traditional Irish Soda Bread back when I could eat gluten. My son requested some, so I looked it up on your site. It is so unbelievably delicious, I kinda want to make it every day.
Elana says
James, thanks for letting me know this bread is unbelievably delicious!
Maggie says
Thank you Elana.. You are a true inspiration and have fabulous taste buds.
I have all your books and I have outfitted new pals or their children who have had to replace old favorite dishes with new diet restrictions.
All the recipients have loved your books
Keep on imagining new delicious dishes we all can enjoy safely.
Please Stay safe and be well.
With love,
Maggie
Elana says
Maggie, thanks for your amazingly kind words and all of your support. I’m so glad that we are on this delicious healing path together. Sending you and yours big hugs :-)
Eleni says
This was delicious! Tender crumb, crisp, golden exterior, just enough fruit. Thank you for such a great recipe. I wish I’d taken a picture – it is a beautiful quick bread. Of course, it’s all devoured now by gf and non gf family alike. Happy, Healthy St. Patrick’s Day!
Elana says
Eleni, thanks for letting me know this was delicious and a great recipe. Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
Debbie says
Do you have nutritional info on this bread, especially carb count? Would be very helpful.
Elana says
Debbie, for more on that go here:
https://elanaspantry.com/nutrition-information/
Have a fantastic day!
Elana
David says
I’ve made this twice now, and it is excellent. Thanks for sharing this recipe.
Elana says
David, thanks for letting me know this bread is excellent!
Elfa says
I’ve enjoyed all the recipes that I’ve tried from your Almond cookbook. But I have noticed that the breads are very dry and hard to swallow. I have to get very small bites and have a glass of water to drink it down in case bread gets stuck.I wonder if anyone has had the same experience and how can I remedy the problem.
Today I am going to make the Zucchini bread.
Elana says
Thanks for sharing this Elfa!
Esmeralda says
Hi Elana, thank you for all the sharing you do. So much appreciated! Question: do you have a soda bread recipe with a substitute for the almond flour? My husband needs to eat according to FODMAP diet. Mainly the fructans are the culprit. Dried fruit are a big ‘nono’ for him. But I could make the soda bread without the raisins. I’m looking forward to your suggestions. Thank you. Greetings from The Netherlands!
Esmeralda
Elana says
Esmerelda, thanks for your comment. I test each recipe a couple of dozen times to perfect it. Without testing I have no way to know what works :-)
Marjorie says
Quick question – we are just shy of the right amount of almond flour by about 1/3 cup – and it’s snowing hard here right now…. Any chance I could supplement the recipe with Tapioca Flour or Potato Flour? I know it’s not how it should be done but just wondering what your opinion is?
Thanks!!!
Elana says
Marjorie, thanks for your comment. I haven’t tried that so not sure. In fact, I went on a grain-free diet a couple of decades ago and those aren’t ingredients I’ve ever used.
Marjorie says
Thanks for the answer – I’m just going to have to make a quick trip to the grocery store – I need caraway seeds too….
Elana says
You’re welcome Marjorie!
Marjorie Wax says
Wow – this was so easy to make and everyone loved it – thank you so much for your generous support to the gluten free community!
Elana says
Marjorie, thanks for letting me know everyone loved this!
Muhammad says
Thank you very much for these great recipe!
Elana says
Muhammad, you’re welcome!
Mary Janke says
Hi Elana. I’m half Irish, the better half, lol, but imagine my surprise when someone the other day mentioned that Irish Soda Bread had it’s beginning with the native Americans!! Just thought you should know this and if it’s true then it’s something to be mentioned. Apparently given to the Irish at famine time. What a great gift from one people to another. Life saving gift, no doubt. The potato famine was a horrific time for the Irish. My mum went to live in NZ, when her large Irish family emigrated when she was 5, but Irish soda bread was something she made till she was in her 80s and I still make it today. Love Irish soda bread, plain, or with sultanas and slathered with butter. ❤
Elana says
Thanks Mary!