Gluten-Free, Yeast-Free Bread Recipe: Light & Homemade

This yeast-free, gluten-free bread recipe takes five minutes to mix, so you’ll have fresh bread in under an hour. Essentially, it’s an easy gluten-free soda bread.

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If you’re struggling to find yeast, especially in the UK at the moment, this yeast-free gluten-free bread is a quick and reliable alternative. It uses a soda bread approach and still delivers a tasty loaf with minimal effort.

Since launching my gluten-free bread mix a few weeks ago, many customers have asked for a yeast-free option because yeast is hard to source. This recipe is the solution: a simple soda bread method that works well with the mix.

I’ll also be creating dairy-free and egg-free variations, so watch this space for updates.

What you’ll need

The key ingredient is a packet of Free From Fairy gluten-free bread mix. This mix represents more than ten years of recipe development to create a tasty, reliable gluten-free loaf.

The original mix was designed to be used with yeast, but with yeast short in supply, this soda bread adaptation works perfectly.

In addition to the bread mix, you’ll need: sugar, lemon juice (or vinegar), bicarbonate of soda, milk and an egg.

Method – make the soda bread

It’s straightforward:

1. Empty the gluten-free bread mix into a large mixing bowl. Add the bicarbonate of soda and sugar, then mix thoroughly.

2. In a jug combine the milk, lemon juice and egg. Whisk lightly with a fork, then pour into the dry ingredients.

3. Stir until you have a smooth, sticky dough. Leave it to rest for 5 minutes so the bicarbonate can activate and the dough can thicken.

Shaping the loaf

The dough will be sticky, so you’ll need some extra gluten-free flour for handling.

Scatter gluten-free flour onto a baking tray and tip the dough onto it. Dust the dough with more flour and gently turn it in the flour until you can shape it into a round. Use a sharp knife to cut a cross about 1cm deep across the top.

That’s it—now bake the loaf and enjoy.

Baking and timing

Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan). Bake the shaped loaf for about 40 minutes until it is golden and sounds hollow when tapped on the base. Total time from start to finish is around 50 minutes, including the 5-minute rest.

Is baking bread good for mental health?

Many people find baking calming. The simple, mindful tasks involved in making bread—measuring, mixing, shaping—help bring attention into the present moment. That focused presence can be soothing and grounding when life feels uncertain.

Baking connects you to the here and now. It’s a practical activity with a clear, satisfying outcome: warm bread to share or enjoy alone.

Variations and ideas

This base recipe is versatile. Add-ins such as cheese, sundried tomatoes, herbs, or spices work well—turn it into a savoury loaf or keep it plain for sandwiches and toast. There are also vegan and dairy-free soda bread recipes that use plant milk and egg replacers if you need those alternatives.

Other gluten-free soda bread recipes

If you enjoy this loaf, consider trying other soda bread variations like cheese and sundried tomato soda bread or a fully vegan soda bread adapted for dairy- and egg-free diets. Use this base to experiment with flavours you love.

Recipe