Easy Vegan Wheaten Bread (Traditional Irish Recipe)

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If you’ve ever walked into an Irish kitchen and smelled freshly baked bread, there’s a good chance it was wheaten bread. Cozy, wholesome, and slightly sweet, this classic loaf feels like a warm hug — and the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make vegan.

This vegan wheaten bread recipe is perfect for those days when you want homemade bread without yeast, fancy equipment, or hours of waiting. No kneading. No rising. Just one bowl, simple pantry ingredients, and a golden loaf in under an hour. Honestly, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll make once and then wonder how you ever lived without it.

Whether you’re new to baking, eating plant-based, or just craving something hearty to slather with vegan butter and jam, this easy wheaten bread checks all the boxes. It’s rustic, foolproof, and tastes just as good toasted the next day (if it lasts that long).

Let’s get baking!

What Is Wheaten Bread?

Wheaten bread is a traditional Irish quick bread made with whole wheat flour and baking soda instead of yeast. That means no kneading, no rising, and no waiting around while your dough does…whatever mysterious dough things.

It’s hearty without being heavy, slightly sweet, and perfect for everyday eating. Think: thick slices with butter, dunked into soup, or toasted the next morning with jam. If brown soda bread feels a bit intense, wheaten bread is its softer, friendlier cousin.

Is Wheaten Bread Vegan?

Traditionally, wheaten bread is made with buttermilk, which—sadly—is not vegan. The good news? It’s ridiculously easy to swap.

To make vegan wheaten bread, all you need is:

• Dairy-free milk (soy, oat, or almond all work beautifully)
• A splash of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar

Together, they mimic vegan “buttermilk” and give the bread the tang and rise it needs. The result? A loaf that’s just as tender and flavorful as the original, without a single drop of dairy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is wonderfully low-effort and pantry-friendly. You probably have most of this on hand already.

• Whole wheat flour – the star of wheaten bread
• All-purpose flour – optional, but helps keep the loaf lighter
• Baking soda – the leavening magic
• Salt – don’t skip it, promise
• Brown sugar or maple syrup – for subtle sweetness
• Dairy-free milk – soy, oat, or almond
• Lemon juice or apple cider vinegar – to create vegan buttermilk

Tip: Soy milk gives the most classic texture, but oat milk adds a lovely natural sweetness.

Kitchen Tools Required

Nothing fancy here — this is a very weeknight bread situation.

• A large mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Baking sheet or loaf tin
• Parchment paper

If you’ve got a bowl and an oven, you’re golden.

Vegan Wheaten Bread Recipe (Easy No-Yeast Irish Bread)

If you’ve ever wanted to bake homemade bread but didn’t want to deal with yeast, kneading, or long wait times, this vegan wheaten bread recipe is about to be your new best friend. Made with simple pantry ingredients and ready in under an hour, this traditional Irish quick bread is hearty, cozy, and naturally easy to make dairy-free. Perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike.

Ingredients

This recipe keeps things simple — no fancy ingredients, just good, wholesome basics.

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (for a lighter texture)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or maple syrup)

Wet Ingredients

• 1¾ cups dairy-free milk (soy works best, oat or almond also great)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice or apple cider vinegar

Instructions

1. Preheat & Prepare

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf tin. This dough comes together quickly, so have everything ready to go.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and sugar until evenly combined.

3. Make Vegan Buttermilk

In a measuring jug, mix the dairy-free milk with the lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 1–2 minutes until it slightly curdles.

4. Combine

Pour the milk mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until just combined.

The dough should be soft and slightly sticky. Avoid overmixing — that’s the secret to tender wheaten bread.

5. Shape & Score

Turn the dough out onto your prepared baking sheet and gently shape into a round loaf, or transfer directly to a loaf tin. Use a sharp knife to cut a deep cross on top of the dough.

6. Bake

Bake for 35–45 minutes, until golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

If the top browns too quickly, loosely tent with foil during the last 10 minutes.

7. Cool

Transfer to a wire rack and let cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing. This helps the bread set properly and improves texture.

How to Know When Wheaten Bread Is Done

Wheaten bread won’t look dramatically tall like yeast bread, so don’t judge it by height alone. Instead, look for these signs:

• A deep golden-brown crust
• The loaf feels light for its size
• It sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom

If you’re unsure, it’s better to give it an extra few minutes than underbake — this bread loves a good crust.

Serving Suggestions

This is an any-time bread, and that’s what makes it so lovable.

• Warm with vegan butter and jam
• Served alongside soups, stews, or chili
• Toasted for breakfast with nut butter
• Lightly sweetened with maple syrup for a cozy treat

It also happens to make excellent toast the next day.

Storage & Freezing Tips

Wheaten bread is best the day it’s baked, but it stores surprisingly well.

• Room temperature: Wrap tightly and store for up to 2 days
• Refrigerator: Keeps up to 5 days (toast before eating)
• Freezer: Slice first, then freeze up to 3 months

Pro tip: freeze individual slices so you can pop one straight into the toaster on busy mornings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

A few small things make a big difference with quick breads:

• Overmixing the dough → dense, heavy loaf
• Adding too much flour → dry bread (slightly sticky dough is correct)
• Skipping the acid → no rise, flat loaf
• Slicing too soon → gummy texture

When in doubt, be gentle and don’t rush it.

Variations & Add-Ins

Once you’ve mastered the classic version, try one of these easy twists:

• Seeded wheaten bread: Add sunflower, pumpkin, or flax seeds
• Extra-sweet version: Increase sugar slightly or use maple syrup
• 100% whole wheat: More rustic, slightly denser
• Savory version: Add oats on top or mix in herbs

This recipe is incredibly forgiving and great for experimenting.

FAQs About Vegan Wheaten Bread

Is wheaten bread vegan?

Traditional wheaten bread is not vegan because it’s usually made with buttermilk. However, it’s very easy to make vegan by using dairy-free milk mixed with lemon juice or apple cider vinegar. This simple swap creates a vegan “buttermilk” that works exactly the same.

Is wheaten bread the same as brown soda bread?

No, wheaten bread and brown soda bread are similar but not the same. Wheaten bread is slightly sweeter and softer, while brown soda bread is more dense and savory. Wheaten bread typically includes a small amount of sugar and sometimes white flour for a lighter crumb.

What is the best dairy-free milk for wheaten bread?

Soy milk is the best dairy-free milk for wheaten bread because it curdles well and provides structure similar to traditional buttermilk. Oat milk also works well and adds a subtle sweetness, while almond milk creates a slightly lighter texture.

Why didn’t my wheaten bread rise?

Wheaten bread may not rise if the baking soda is old, the acid (lemon juice or vinegar) is missing, or the dough is overmixed. Make sure your baking soda is fresh and gently stir the dough until just combined for the best rise.

Can I make wheaten bread without all-purpose flour?

Yes, wheaten bread can be made using only whole wheat flour. The texture will be more rustic and slightly denser, but still delicious. Using a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour simply makes the loaf softer and lighter.

How long does vegan wheaten bread last?

Vegan wheaten bread keeps for up to two days at room temperature when wrapped tightly. It will last up to five days in the refrigerator and can be frozen for up to three months when sliced and stored in an airtight container.

Can wheaten bread be frozen?

Yes, wheaten bread freezes very well. For best results, slice the loaf before freezing so you can toast individual slices as needed. Wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lisa, Slow Living Enthusiast

Hi, I’m Lisa. I write about slow living, nervous system care, and creating calm, intentional routines for everyday life. After spending 10 years living in Europe, I learned firsthand the art of savoring moments, embracing simplicity, and letting life unfold at a more human pace. My mission is to help you soften the edges of modern life and create space for a more intentional way of living.