Vegan Irish Soda Bread

🛒 Ingredients

• 2 cups wholemeal / whole‑wheat flour
• 1 cup all‑purpose flour,, 1 tsp baking soda (bicarbonate of soda)
• 1 tsp fine salt,, 1 tbsp rolled oats (plus extra for sprinkling)
• 1 ½ cups unsweetened plant milk (oat or soy work best)
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp neutral oil or melted coconut oil (optional, for extra softness)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat: Preheat oven to 200°C / 400°F. Dust a baking tray lightly with flour or line with parchment paper.

2. 2

   Make the “buttermilk”: Stir vinegar/lemon juice into the plant milk, set aside for 2–3 minutes until it curdles and thickens slightly.

3. 3

   Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together both flours, baking soda, salt, and oats.

4. 4

   Combine: Add the oil (if using) and the curdled plant milk mixture. Stir quickly with a wooden spoon just until the ingredients come together into a shaggy, soft dough — do not overmix or knead, or the bread will turn tough.

5. 5

   Shape: Tip the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently bring it together into a round loaf about 18–20 cm wide. Place on the prepared tray.

6. 6

   Score: Cut a deep cross right across the top (all the way to the edges) — this lets heat escape and helps the bread rise evenly. Sprinkle with extra oats.

7. 7

   Bake: Bake for 35–40 minutes. The bread is done when it is deep golden, sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom, and the crust feels firm.

8. 8

   Cool: Transfer to a wire rack. Wrap in a clean tea towel while still warm to keep the crust soft, or leave uncovered for a crispier crust. Slice once fully cool.