Gluten Free Soda Bread recipe (NO YEAST!) - The Gluten Free Blogger (2024)

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If you're after agluten free soda bread which is SUPER easy to make, you've come to the right place.

After posting my basic gluten free bread recipe last week, loads of people told me they were struggling to get hold of yeast - and now I've got an ABSOLUTE GAME CHANGER.

This gluten free soda bread is possibly thebest gluten free bread I have ever baked.

And to top it all, it'syeast free.

In fact, this gluten free soda bread recipe uses basic storecupboard ingredients (plus a few from the fridge) and bakes in 30 minutes, with no kneading necessary.

Gluten Free Soda Bread recipe (NO YEAST!) - The Gluten Free Blogger (1)

What is gluten free soda bread?

I'd heard of soda bread before but up until this week I'd never actually tried it.

I was sceptical of how it would taste but honestly, I am 100% converted.

Basically, soda bread is an Irish bread, traditionally made from flour, baking soda, salt and buttermilk.

The idea uses bicarbonate of soda instead of yeast as a leavening agent.

The bicarb reacts with the buttermilk to create tiny bubbles and that bread-like texture.

Of course, my gluten free soda bread recipe varies slightly from a traditional, 'gluteny' soda bread as the flour properties mean you generally need more liquid in the mix.

You'll also need the added xanthan gum to mimic some of the elasticity of the missing gluten.

But I really hope you'll agree that despite its simplicity, this gluten free soda bread is truly out of this world!

How to make this yeast free, gluten free soda bread

Making this gluten free soda bread recipe is honestly so simple I can't believe I haven't done it before.

And the fact that you don't even need yeast just makes things even quicker. No proving time necessary!

To make this gluten and yeast free soda bread recipe, you'll need:

  • 400g plain gluten free flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp caster sugar
  • ½ tsp xanthan gum
  • 2 tsp bicarbonate of soda
  • 1 large egg (lightly whisked)
  • 200ml natural yoghurt
  • 100ml milk
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • Extra gluten free flour for dusting (I used rice flour but you can use plain GF flour)
Gluten Free Soda Bread recipe (NO YEAST!) - The Gluten Free Blogger (3)

Simple storecupboard ingredients

So most of these ingredients are basics I hope you'll already have in stock.

Salt, sugar, bicarb and xanthan gum are always present in my kitchen cupboards!

I know some people are struggling to get hold of gluten free flour, but there are lots of places selling it online.

Check this post out if you're having any trouble as I have found a few stockists online.

Now traditionally soda bread uses buttermilk, but as I didn't have any at home I just made my own.

In fact, you make a simple buttermilk by adding 1 tbsp of lemon juice per 1 cup of milk, simple!

However, I wanted to use a mixture of yoghurt and milk to make the mixture a little thicker and add some moisture to my gluten free soda bread.

I also figured more people would have yoghurt, milk and lemon juice in the fridge than buttermilk!

I haven't tried a dairy or egg free version of this recipe (yet!) so wouldn't want to comment on how this would turn out with replacements.

But if you do give it a try then please let me know how you get on!

Gluten Free Soda Bread recipe (NO YEAST!) - The Gluten Free Blogger (4)

What do you eat soda bread with?

Because of its shape, this gluten and yeast free soda bread isn't the best bread for sandwiches.

For that you'll probably want something more like my gluten free loaf recipe.

This bread, however, is perfect for eating warm from the oven slathered in butter.

And that's pretty much what happened to this whole loaf!

Soda bread is also great to serve up as a side with stews or soups.

Try it with my fiery carrot, chilli and ginger soup or on the side of my gluten free roast chicken soup.

You can also toast it and top it with anything you fancy too. It's really very versatile!

Some people also add raisins or currants to their soda bread, though I'm not the biggest fan of this kind of dried fruit so I shall be steering clear. Feel free to go nuts though!

Gluten Free Soda Bread recipe (NO YEAST!) - The Gluten Free Blogger (5)

My gluten free, yeast free soda bread recipe

If you're looking for a gluten and yeast free bread recipe, then this gluten free soda bread recipe is definitely something you need to make RIGHT NOW.

It's honestly so simple that I can't believe I haven't tried it before. I'm going to be making this over and over again.

Plus I've now made this handy recipe to show you guys how to put this bread together...

If you make this recipe and love it, please do let me know bytagging me on my Instagramor using#theglutenfreeblogger. I love seeing your bakes!

And please do leave a review to let others know you loved it too! It would mean the world to me.

Gluten Free Soda Bread recipe (NO YEAST!) - The Gluten Free Blogger (6)

Yield: 1 loaf

Gluten Free Soda Bread (Yeast Free)

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

This gluten free and yeast free soda bread recipe is an easy, quick bread to make. No yeast needed and using basic household ingredients, this gluten free soda bread bakes in 30 minutes. Perfect served warm with lashings of butter!

Ingredients

  • 400g plain gluten free flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp caster sugar
  • ½ tsp xanthan gum
  • 2 tsp bicarbonate of soda
  • 1 large egg (lightly whisked)
  • 200ml natural yoghurt
  • 100ml milk
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • Extra gluten free flour for dusting (I used rice flour but you can use plain GF flour)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 190'C / Gas 5. Line a baking sheet with a piece of baking paper and set aside.
  2. Mix the yoghurt, milk and lemon juice in a bowl and stir. The lemon juice should cause the milk/yoghurt to curdle a little, which is what you're going for here!
  3. In a large mixing bowl, add the flour, salt, xanthan gum, sugar and bicarbonate of soda and mix well. Pour in the yoghurt/milk/lemon mixture and then add the egg (which should be whisked just enough to combine the yolk and white).
  4. Use a wooden spoon to bring the mixture together into a soft, sticky dough. Dust the worktop with a sprinkle of gluten free flour and turn out the dough. Dust some gluten free flour on your hands as well as and then lightly mould the dough together into a ball - if it is a little difficult to handle at first, you should find with the extra flour it starts to become more workable. Don't over-work it as you don't want to add too much extra flour to the mix.
  5. Mould the dough into a circle shape (it should hold its shape relatively well but may still spread a little, this is fine - you don't want the dough to be super stiff!) and place it on the centre of the lined baking sheet. Use a knife to score an X into the top of the dough and sprinkle with a little extra flour.
  6. Bake the dough in the centre of the hot oven for around 30 minutes. It should be lovely and golden and sound hollow when you tap the top and bottom of the loaf. Once baked, remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • This gluten free soda bread is best eaten fresh on the day of baking. It will keep for 2-3 days in an airtight container or you can slice it up and freeze it, defrosting as needed.
  • If the top of the loaf starts to catch when baking, cover it with some foil for the rest of the bake.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

16

Serving Size:

1 slice

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 138Total Fat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 13mgSodium: 162mgCarbohydrates: 27gFiber: 1gSugar: 2gProtein: 5g

Need some more gluten free baking inspiration?

If you want to have a go at some of the other gluten free bread recipes on the blog, why not give some of these a try?

They’re perfect for baking away all of your troubles.

  • Easy gluten free bake-at-home bread recipe
  • Simple gluten free flapjacks recipe
  • Gluten free fairy cakes recipe (with egg free option)
  • Basic gluten free triple chocolate brownies

If you do make this recipe please let me know! I’d love to see your photos using #theglutenfreeblogger,share them inmy Facebook groupor tag me onInstagram.

And if you have any recipe suggestions, please let me know in the comments what you’d like to see next!

Oh – anddon’t forget to sign up for my e-newsletterwhere you’ll know about all my latest posts and competitions first!

Like this Gluten Free Soda Bread recipe? Pin this recipe card below for later!

Gluten Free Soda Bread recipe (NO YEAST!) - The Gluten Free Blogger (7)
Gluten Free Soda Bread recipe (NO YEAST!) - The Gluten Free Blogger (8)
Gluten Free Soda Bread recipe (NO YEAST!) - The Gluten Free Blogger (2024)

FAQs

What is the trick to making good gluten-free bread? ›

Tips and Techniques to make better Gluten Free Bread
  1. Use psyllium husk powder.
  2. Let the dough rest (not exactly the same as a bulk proof)
  3. Mix or knead thoroughly.
  4. Use less yeast.
  5. Bake in a tin with tall sides.
  6. Bake for longer, often at a lower temperature.
  7. Create steam in the oven.
  8. Use the tangzhong or scalded flour method.
Jun 14, 2022

Why add apple cider vinegar to gluten-free bread? ›

Apple cider vinegar or another acid lightens up the dough. You can add up to 4 Tbsp of acid for 500 g gluten-free flour. Don't worry, you won't be able to taste it afterwards. To lighten up a yeast dough even more, you can add a packet of baking powder or cream of tartar baking powder to 500 g flour.

What is the biggest challenge of making gluten-free bread? ›

One of the challenges is that when gluten-free dough is thickened with additives like starches and gums, it becomes sticky. Some bakers dust sticky dough with flour, but that's problematic with gluten-free formulations.

Which gluten-free flour will rise with yeast? ›

Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour

What it is: This gluten-free flour is meant for recipes, including yeasted recipes, that already call for “gluten-free flour” or “gluten-free flour blend” (or similar wording). It has no xanthan gum, which allows bakers to customize the gums used in their gluten-free recipe.

What helps gluten free dough rise? ›

Eggs are natural leaveners that help boost the rise and volume of bread. Eggs also add moisture, flavor, and protein to gluten-free bread recipes. If you select a gluten-free bread recipe that includes eggs, you have a better chance that the resulting bread will have good color, more volume, and softer texture.

What binds gluten-free bread? ›

When making gluten-free breads, flatbreads, etc., Psyllium husk acts similarly to the way gluten would act in traditional wheat bread. It provides the binding properties and elasticity that helps the dough become workable. It gives the structure and support for the bread to rise, as well.

What does egg do in gluten-free bread? ›

Eggs are also natural leaveners that support the volume, texture, color, and shelf-life of gluten-free bread. Including oil can also result in a richer, more tasty loaf and provide a bit more moisture too.

What does cream of tartar do in gluten-free bread? ›

A: Yes, cream of tartar can be used in gluten-free bread recipes to improve dough stability and rise.

What causes holes in gluten-free bread? ›

The contributing factors to make this type of hole (cavern) are the production of steam, the elasticity of Bakers' Magic Gluten free flour and the ability of the dough to trap gasses.

What do gluten-free people eat instead of bread? ›

Most of these alternatives are entirely gluten-free, and many are also low-carb.
  • Rye bread. Share on Pinterest Rye bread is rich in fiber. ...
  • Sourdough bread. ...
  • Corn tortillas. ...
  • Gluten-free bread. ...
  • Gluten-free multiseed bread. ...
  • Sprouted bread. ...
  • Lettuce and leafy greens. ...
  • Sweet potatoes.

Is there a downside to going gluten-free? ›

If you cut all gluten out of your diet, there's a risk that you could miss out on nutritious whole grains, fiber and micronutrients. Getting enough whole grains in your diet is especially important if you're at risk for heart disease or diabetes.

What are the cons of gluten-free bread? ›

The downside to going gluten free
  • Weight gain. Many gluten free products are high in processed carbohydrates and refined sugar, and eating these products in place of whole grains can lead to weight gain. ...
  • Bad gut health. ...
  • Nutrient deficiencies. ...
  • The healthy upsides to gluten.

What is the secret of baking with gluten-free flour? ›

Gluten-free flours often contain fine starches, so they absorb more liquid than conventional flour. To address this, gluten-free recipes usually call for more liquid and produce looser batters. They may also call for a larger quantity of leavening, like baking powder, to help add volume and lighten the texture.

Why didn't my gluten free bread rise? ›

Your bread will not rise if your yeast or baking powder has expired. A dense loaf could also be the result of not measuring your ingredients accurately. Weight measurements are best (I have to update my recipes). Otherwise scoop the flour into your measuring cup and level without shaking or packing the flour down.

What is the best gluten-free flour for dough? ›

If you want to buy just one gluten-free flour, we highly recommend the Pillsbury all-purpose gluten-free flour. Not only is it our favorite gluten-free flour, and easy to use in gluten-free recipes, but it's also one of the few gluten-free flours currently on the market that is recommended for baking with yeast.

Is there a trick to baking with gluten free flour? ›

Gluten-free flours often contain fine starches, so they absorb more liquid than conventional flour. To address this, gluten-free recipes usually call for more liquid and produce looser batters. They may also call for a larger quantity of leavening, like baking powder, to help add volume and lighten the texture.

What makes gluten-free bread better? ›

They are rich in fiber

Since it is impossible to make gluten-free bread from commercially bleached wheat that is of low quality, other ingredients should be used to give the same texture and flavour. Therefore, ingredients like whole rice flour, xanthan gum and flaxseed are usually used in making gluten-free bread.

How to make gluten-free bread less dense? ›

Adding baking powder to your bread recipe in addition to the yeast can also help with oven spring making your loaf lighter. Of course make sure that your yeast and baking powder is still active and fresh. Your bread will not rise if your yeast or baking powder has expired.

How do you keep gluten-free bread from getting gummy? ›

Baking and Cooling Time

Allowing the bread to hang out in the oven for a bit might be just the thing to help it firm up and completely avoid a gummy texture. After it's cooled in the oven, remove the bread from the pan and let it finish cooling on a wire rack. Let it cool completely before cutting into it.

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