Authentic Vegan Irish Soda Bread Recipe for Perfect Loaves

This tender, slightly sweet vegan Irish soda bread tastes just like my grandmother’s—made without eggs or dairy.

Traditional vegan Irish soda bread

St. Patrick’s Day was always a family affair in my Irish household. Every March 17, my grandmother and mother spent the morning preparing corned beef and cabbage, roasted vegetables, and a rustic loaf of Irish soda bread.

When I stopped using eggs and dairy, I adapted my grandmother’s recipe with just a few simple swaps: plant-based milk and applesauce instead of eggs. The result is a moist, soft soda bread with the same comforting flavor and texture as the original.

This vegan soda bread is versatile—serve it for breakfast, as a snack with tea, or alongside a hearty dinner.

Also try this vegan Cranberry Orange Bread

What is Irish soda bread?

Irish soda bread is a quick bread from Ireland that uses baking soda as its leavening agent instead of yeast. Traditional recipes include flour, buttermilk, baking soda, salt, and often raisins or currants. Its texture is rustic—somewhere between a quick bread and a soft scone.

This vegan version keeps the same basic structure and flavor. With plant-based milk, nondairy yogurt, and applesauce as an egg substitute, the loaf remains tender, mildly tangy, and delicious.

Dairy-free Irish soda bread ingredients

Flour – Use all-purpose, whole wheat, or spelt flour, or a blend. For gluten-free, choose a 1:1 all-purpose gluten-free flour (avoid almond or coconut flour here).

Raisins or currants – Optional but traditional. If omitted, increase sugar slightly or add other dried fruit like chopped dates or figs.

Sugar – Granulated sugar or packed coconut sugar both work; xylitol is an option for sugar-free baking. I haven’t tested liquid sweeteners in this loaf.

Plant-based yogurt – Acts like buttermilk. Coconut, soy, or almond yogurt, or vegan sour cream, adds tang and structure.

Dairy-free milk – Any plant milk such as soy, almond, oat, or coconut will do.

Applesauce – Replaces the eggs in the traditional recipe and keeps the bread moist.

Baking soda – Essential for rise and a subtle tang; combined with yogurt it replicates the buttermilk reaction.

Caraway seeds – Optional, for a hint of licorice-like flavor; fennel seeds can substitute.

Other – Baking powder, salt, and a small amount of neutral oil (or melted vegan butter) round out the ingredients.

Oil-free options

You can replace oil with melted vegan butter, or use two extra tablespoons of nondairy yogurt, mashed banana, or applesauce. An oil-free loaf will be denser and more sponge-like—fine for everyday eating but less rich for special occasions.

Recipe variations

Cranberry Orange: Swap raisins for dried cranberries, add the zest of one orange, and replace 1/3 cup nondairy milk with orange juice.

Banana: Add ground cinnamon and replace the applesauce and half the yogurt with mashed ripe banana.

Cheddar-style: Stir in 1/2 cup shredded vegan cheese and optional chopped chives or nutritional yeast for savory depth.

Herbed: Add 1–2 teaspoons dried rosemary, thyme, sage, or oregano for a savory loaf.

Muffins: Halve the recipe and bake in a greased muffin tin for about 15 minutes or until cooked through.

Vegan soda bread recipe video

Watch the step-by-step video to see how easy it is to make this Irish quick bread.

How to make vegan Irish soda bread

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round pan and set aside.

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, caraway seeds (if using), and raisins or currants.

In a separate bowl, combine nondairy milk, plant-based yogurt, applesauce, and oil (or melted vegan butter). Add the wet ingredients to the dry and stir until just combined—do not overmix.

Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake on the center rack for about 40 minutes, until the top is lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.

Cool slightly, slice, and serve warm with vegan butter. Store leftovers loosely covered at room temperature for up to four days, or freeze slices in an airtight container for up to three months—place parchment between slices to prevent sticking.

Easy vegan bread recipes

Chocolate Banana Bread

Strawberry Bread

Vegan Lemon Bread

Apple Bread

Vegan Cornbread

Carrot Bread

Chocolate Zucchini Bread

Peanut Butter Bread

Vegan Pumpkin Bread

Banana Bread Donuts

Vegan Gingerbread