If you’re craving a bread that feels like a warm hug fresh from the Irish countryside yet fits perfectly into a dairy-free lifestyle, this Moist Dairy-Free Irish Soda Bread Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s wonderfully tender and delightfully quick to make thanks to simple, wholesome ingredients that come together in one rustic loaf packed with flavor. The gentle tang of apple cider vinegar mixed with the cozy notes of caraway seeds and a touch of orange zest creates an utterly addictive bread that’s perfect straight from the oven or slathered with vegan butter on your morning toast. Whether you’re new to dairy-free baking or a longtime soda bread fan, this recipe promises a soft crumb and a golden crust every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start, gather a handful of pantry staples that might already be in your kitchen. Each ingredient plays a vital role—from the tangy apple cider vinegar creating that tender crumb to the orange zest adding a subtle citrus brightness. These simple components ensure your bread will rise beautifully while keeping it moist and flavorful.
- Soy milk: I prefer Silk Unsweetened for a neutral base that lets the other flavors shine while ensuring moisture without dairy.
- Apple cider vinegar: It works magic curdling the soy milk, acting as your buttermilk substitute for a tender crumb.
- Flour: King Arthur flour always gives me the perfect consistent crumb every time I bake soda bread.
- Sugar: Balances the savory notes while feeding the baking soda for lift, without making it sweet.
- Baking soda: The star leavening agent that reacts instantly with vinegar to make that signature soda bread rise.
- Caraway seeds: They bring a warm, slightly anise-like flavor, truly authentic to traditional Irish soda bread.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and is essential for depth in bread baking.
- Orange zest: Adds a whisper of bright citrus that elevates the flavor profile unexpectedly but beautifully.
- Raisins: Soaking them beforehand makes them plump and juicy, creating delightful little bursts of sweetness.
- Oats: Sprinkle on top for a rustic touch and gentle texture contrast.
- Vegan butter: Miyoko’s Creamery is my go-to for a rich, salty crust with that buttery finish without using any dairy.
How to Make Moist Dairy-Free Irish Soda Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare your buttermilk substitute
Start by mixing 1 1/4 cups of soy milk with 1 1/2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a small bowl. Let this sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until it curdles and thickens slightly. This mixture mimics the tang and acidity of traditional buttermilk, which is crucial for activating the baking soda and tenderizing the bread crumb.
Step 2: Combine dry ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, sift together 2 1/4 cups of flour, 3 tablespoons of sugar, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 3/4 teaspoon caraway seeds, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon orange zest. This dry mix forms the base of your bread, with each component contributing flavor, lift, and that unmistakable Irish soda bread character.
Step 3: Soften and prep the raisins
While your dry ingredients rest, soak 1/4 cup raisins in warm water for about 10 minutes. This simple step plumps them up so they bake into juicy pockets of sweetness inside the bread without drying out.
Step 4: Mix wet and dry
Add the curdled soy milk mixture and 1 1/2 tablespoons of vegan butter (softened ideally) into the dry ingredients. Toss the soaked raisins in, making sure to drain them well first. Stir everything together gently but thoroughly until just combined—you want a sticky, slightly shaggy dough. Don’t overmix here; the magic of soda bread is in keeping it light and tender.
Step 5: Shape and prepare to bake
Turn your dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently shape it into a round loaf about 7 inches wide. Transfer it to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, cut a deep cross on the top. This not only helps the bread bake evenly but also carries a bit of tradition and charm.
Step 6: Add topping and bake
Sprinkle 1 1/2 teaspoons of oats over the top for that inviting rustic crust, then pop your loaf into a preheated 375°F oven. Bake for about 40-45 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. To check the doneness, the loaf should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom—a sign it’s perfectly cooked inside.
How to Serve Moist Dairy-Free Irish Soda Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Serving this bread with a slather of vegan butter warmed just slightly lets it melt nicely, bringing out the rich, salty crust. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like chives or parsley can brighten the slices beautifully, perfect for breakfast or afternoon tea.
Side Dishes
Moist Dairy-Free Irish Soda Bread Recipe pairs wonderfully with hearty, warming soups and stews—think creamy vegetable chowder or a robust lentil stew. It soaks up flavors without falling apart and adds a lovely texture contrast to your bowl.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist at gatherings, slice the loaf thinly and toast the slices lightly, then top with mashed avocado and a sprinkle of chili flakes or a smear of vegan cream cheese with smoked paprika. It’s a crowd-pleaser that adds a new dimension to classic Irish soda bread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, wrap your bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh and moist for up to 3 days, perfect for snacking or quick sandwiches.
Freezing
This Moist Dairy-Free Irish Soda Bread Recipe freezes beautifully. Slice it first for easier thawing, then freeze in a ziplock bag or airtight container. When you’re ready, just pull out the slices and toast or warm as needed.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, heat slices in a toaster or oven at 350°F for just 5-7 minutes. A touch of vegan butter melted on top after heating makes the bread taste like it just came out of your own oven.
FAQs
Can I substitute soy milk with another plant milk?
Absolutely! While soy milk works best for its neutral flavor and slightly creamy texture, oat or almond milk can work too. Just make sure to use unsweetened varieties to keep the balance right.
What can I use instead of apple cider vinegar?
If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, white vinegar or lemon juice are fine substitutes to help curdle the soy milk. The acid is what triggers the baking soda to work its magic in the bread.
Why is this recipe dairy-free but still moist?
The key to moisture is the combination of the soy milk with vinegar and vegan butter. These ingredients mimic the moisture and richness that dairy usually provides, creating a soft crumb without sacrificing flavor.
Can I add nuts or seeds to this bread?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds can add bite and nutrition. Just fold them in along with the raisins to incorporate them evenly.
How long does it take to bake Irish soda bread?
This recipe takes about 40 to 45 minutes in the oven, which allows the loaf to develop a crispy golden crust while staying soft and moist inside.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a bread that’s simple, nostalgic, and totally dairy-free without losing out on moist texture or rich flavor, this Moist Dairy-Free Irish Soda Bread Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s quick to whip up, utterly delicious, and perfect for cozy mornings or sharing with loved ones. Give it a try—I promise it will become a staple you won’t want to live without!
Print
Moist Dairy-Free Irish Soda Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Moist Dairy Free Irish Soda Bread is a wonderfully soft and flavorful loaf, perfect for those seeking a dairy-free yet traditional Irish treat. Made with soy milk and vegan butter, it offers a tender crumb and a slightly sweet, tangy flavor enhanced with caraway seeds, orange zest, and plump raisins. Ideal for breakfast, tea time, or alongside hearty soups, this soda bread requires no yeast or rising time, making it a quick and simple bread to prepare at home.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups soy milk (Silk Unsweetened recommended)
- 1 1/2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (let sit for 5–10 minutes until it curdles)
- 1 1/2 tbsp vegan butter (Miyoko’s Creamery recommended)
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups flour (King Arthur flour recommended)
- 3 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 3/4 tsp caraway seeds
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp orange zest
- 1/4 cup raisins (soaked in warm water for 10 minutes)
- 1 1/2 tsp oats
Instructions
- Prepare the vegan buttermilk: Combine the soy milk with apple cider vinegar in a small bowl and allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes until it curdles slightly. This mixture acts as a dairy-free buttermilk substitute.
- Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the soda bread.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, caraway seeds, salt, and orange zest until evenly combined.
- Add raisins and oats: Drain the soaked raisins and add them along with the oats into the dry mixture. Stir gently to distribute.
- Incorporate wet ingredients: Pour the vegan buttermilk mixture and vegan butter into the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly until just combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can cause a tough bread.
- Shape the dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times to bring it together. Shape it into a round loaf approximately 7 inches in diameter.
- Score the loaf: Place the shaped dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Use a sharp knife to cut a deep cross (about 1/2 inch deep) on the top surface, which helps even cooking and is traditional for Irish soda bread.
- Bake the bread: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool before serving: Remove the bread from the oven, transfer to a wire rack, and allow it to cool completely before slicing to ensure the crumb sets properly.
Notes
- Soaking the raisins in warm water makes them plumper and juicier in the bread.
- Do not overmix the dough to keep the texture light and moist.
- The vinegar and soy milk mixture acts as a vegan buttermilk, essential for the soda bread’s rise and texture.
- For a nuttier crust, you can increase the oats or lightly toast them before adding.
- Storage: Keep wrapped in plastic or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze sliced pieces for up to 1 month.
