Irish Guinness Brown Bread (Eggless, Dairy-Free) Recipe
Introduction
Irish Guinness Brown Bread is a hearty, eggless, and dairy-free loaf packed with wholesome ingredients and a deep, rich flavor from Guinness beer. Perfect for breakfast or alongside a warm stew, this bread is easy to make and wonderfully satisfying.

Ingredients
- 360 g wholewheat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 60 g walnuts (roughly chopped)
- 50 g rolled oats (plus extra for topping)
- 40 g sunflower seeds (plus extra for topping)
- 40 g pumpkin seeds (plus extra for topping)
- 60 g molasses
- 25 g dark brown sugar
- 30 g vegan butter (melted)
- 120 ml vegan buttermilk (half batch)
- 240 ml Guinness beer
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to fan-forced 160°C (320°F) or conventional 180°C (356°F). Lightly grease an 8-8.5-inch (1 pound) loaf tin and line it with parchment paper to help lift the bread out once baked.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, mix the wholewheat flour, baking soda, and sea salt. Add the walnuts, rolled oats, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds, stirring to combine evenly.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the molasses, dark brown sugar, and melted vegan butter. Then whisk in the vegan buttermilk followed by the Guinness beer until smooth.
- Step 4: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Fold gently with a rubber spatula just until combined—avoid overmixing.
- Step 5: Transfer the dough to the prepared loaf pan. Optionally, place a thin strip of vegan butter on top to encourage a crackled crust as it bakes.
- Step 6: Bake for 50-55 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick or knife into the center; it should come out clean. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes. If the crust or bottom feels damp, return the bread to the oven for 5 minutes without the pan. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips & Variations
- For a nuttier flavor, toast the walnuts and seeds lightly before adding them to the dough.
- Substitute the Guinness with any dark stout or non-alcoholic malt beverage if preferred.
- Add a tablespoon of chia or flax seeds for extra fiber and nutrition.
- Sprinkle additional oats and seeds on top before baking for a rustic, textured crust.
Storage
Store the bread wrapped in a clean tea towel or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the bread sliced in an airtight bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, toast slices directly or warm in a preheated oven for 5-7 minutes.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of vegan buttermilk?
Yes, regular milk with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar added can be used to make buttermilk if you are not avoiding dairy. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Is it necessary to add the Guinness beer?
While Guinness adds a distinct flavor and depth to the bread, you can substitute with another dark beer, stout, or a malt beverage. For a non-alcoholic option, use strong brewed tea or malt extract mixed with water.
PrintIrish Guinness Brown Bread (Eggless, Dairy-Free) Recipe
This Irish Guinness Brown Bread is a hearty, eggless, and dairy-free loaf perfect for those seeking a wholesome and flavorful bread. Infused with Guinness stout, molasses, and studded with nuts and seeds, this bread boasts a dense, moist texture with a rich, slightly sweet taste. Ideal for pairing with soups, stews, or simply enjoying with vegan butter.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 360 g wholewheat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 60 g walnuts, roughly chopped
- 50 g rolled oats (plus extra for topping)
- 40 g sunflower seeds (plus extra for topping)
- 40 g pumpkin seeds (plus extra for topping)
Wet Ingredients
- 60 g molasses
- 25 g dark brown sugar
- 30 g vegan butter, melted
- 120 ml vegan buttermilk
- 240 ml Guinness stout
Instructions
- Prepare: Preheat your oven to fan-forced 160°C (320°F) or conventional 180°C (356°F). Lightly grease an 8-8.5 inch (1-pound) loaf tin and line it with a parchment paper sling to easily lift the bread once baked.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the wholewheat flour, baking soda, and sea salt. Stir in the walnuts, rolled oats, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds until well distributed.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the molasses, dark brown sugar, and melted vegan butter. Gradually whisk in the vegan buttermilk and Guinness stout until smooth and fully combined.
- Make bread dough: Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Fold gently using a rubber spatula until just combined, being careful not to overmix to maintain a tender crumb.
- Assemble: Transfer the dough into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top. Optionally, spread a thin strip of vegan butter over the surface to encourage a crackled crust during baking.
- Bake: Place the loaf in the oven and bake for 50-55 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick or knife into the center; it should come out clean. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes. If the bottom or edges feel damp, return the bread to the oven for an additional 5 minutes without the pan. Finally, remove from the pan and cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
- You can substitute the Guinness stout with another dark beer or strong black coffee if preferable.
- For vegan buttermilk, mix plant-based milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let sit for 5 minutes before use.
- Adding a strip of vegan butter on top helps create a traditional crack on the surface of the bread during baking.
- Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze slices for longer storage.
Keywords: Irish brown bread, Guinness bread, vegan bread, dairy-free bread, eggless bread, wholewheat bread, nutty bread, seed bread, molasses bread

