Healthy Gluten-Free Apple Bread – Naturally Sweet and Full of Flavor!

There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of freshly baked apple cinnamon bread filling your kitchen.

This Gluten-Free Apple Cinnamon Bread is a deliciously moist and flavorful treat that’s perfect for any time of the day.

Whether you’re enjoying it as a warm breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a light dessert, this bread is packed with natural sweetness from fresh apples and a warm, cozy cinnamon spice blend.

For those following a gluten-free diet, finding the perfect baked goods can be a challenge.

Many gluten-free recipes tend to be dry or crumbly, but this one is soft, tender, and bursting with flavor.

Plus, it’s easy to make with simple, wholesome ingredients.

Even if you’re not strictly gluten-free, you’ll love how this bread delivers on both taste and texture!

Why You’ll Love This Gluten-Free Apple Cinnamon Bread

There are countless reasons to fall in love with this homemade gluten-free apple cinnamon bread. Here’s why it’s a must-bake:

1. Moist, Soft, and Flavorful

This bread is incredibly soft with the perfect balance of sweetness and spice.

The combination of fresh apples and cinnamon gives it that classic fall-inspired warmth in every bite.

2. Simple and Easy to Make

You don’t need any fancy equipment or baking skills to make this recipe. Just mix, bake, and enjoy!

3. Naturally Sweetened with Apples

Thanks to fresh apples and an optional touch of maple syrup or honey, this bread has just the right amount of sweetness without refined sugars.

4. Gluten-Free Without Compromising Texture

Unlike many gluten-free baked goods that turn out dry or dense, this bread stays light and fluffy while holding its shape beautifully.

5. Versatile and Customizable

Enjoy it plain or add nuts, raisins, or even chocolate chips for a fun twist. Plus, there are easy ingredient swaps for dairy-free or vegan options.

Ingredients Needed

Before we dive into the baking process, let’s go over the ingredients you’ll need for this gluten-free apple cinnamon bread.

Dry Ingredients

• Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour – A high-quality blend with xanthan gum works best.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda – Helps the bread rise properly.
• Ground Cinnamon & Nutmeg – The warm spice blend that enhances the apple flavor.
• Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall taste.

Wet Ingredients

• Eggs – Provide structure and moisture (can be substituted for a flax egg for a vegan option).
• Unsweetened Applesauce – Adds natural sweetness and moisture to the bread.
• Coconut Oil or Melted Butter – Keeps the bread soft and rich.
• Maple Syrup or Honey – Optional, but adds an extra hint of sweetness.
• Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor of the bread.

Add-Ins (Optional but Recommended!)

• Fresh Apples (Chopped or Grated) – The star ingredient that adds moisture and texture.
• Chopped Nuts (Walnuts or Pecans) – For a crunchy contrast.
• Raisins or Dried Cranberries – Adds a hint of chewiness and natural sweetness.
• Chocolate Chips – If you love a touch of indulgence in every bite.

Now that you have everything ready, let’s move on to the next step: choosing the best gluten-free flour for a perfect texture!

Choosing the Right Gluten-Free Flour

One of the biggest challenges in gluten-free baking is finding the right flour blend. The texture and taste of your Gluten-Free Apple Cinnamon Bread heavily depend on using a good-quality flour substitute. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Use a High-Quality Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour Blend

For the best results, choose a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum or guar gum.

These help mimic the elasticity of gluten, preventing the bread from becoming too crumbly. Some great store-bought options include:

• King Arthur Measure for Measure Flour
• Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 Gluten-Free Baking Flour
• Cup4Cup Gluten-Free Flour

2. Avoid Single-Flour Substitutes

While almond, coconut, or oat flour can be great for certain recipes, they don’t work well as a 1:1 replacement in this bread.

A blend of different gluten-free flours is essential for achieving the right texture.

3. If Your Flour Blend Doesn’t Contain Xanthan Gum, Add It Separately

Most gluten-free baking flour blends already contain xanthan gum, but if yours doesn’t, add ½ teaspoon per cup of flour to help with structure and moisture retention.

Now that you have the right flour, let’s move on to the step-by-step baking process!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepping the Ingredients

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
• Measure your gluten-free flour correctly by spooning it into a measuring cup and leveling it off—don’t scoop directly from the bag, as this can lead to excess flour.
• Peel and chop or grate the apples. Chopped apples create juicy apple bites, while grated apples blend into the batter for a smoother texture.

Step 2: Mixing the Dry Ingredients

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
• If adding nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips, toss them in with the dry ingredients to prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the loaf.

Step 3: Mixing the Wet Ingredients

• In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, applesauce, melted coconut oil (or butter), maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract until smooth.
• Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Do not overmix—this ensures a soft and tender texture.
• Fold in the chopped or grated apples.

Step 4: Baking the Bread

• Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top with a spatula.
• If desired, sprinkle extra cinnamon sugar or chopped nuts on top for a crunchy finish.
• Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 5: Cooling and Serving

• Let the bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
• Allow it to cool completely before slicing—this helps it set properly and prevents crumbling.
• Serve warm or at room temperature with butter, nut butter, or a drizzle of honey for extra deliciousness!

Now that your bread is baked to perfection, let’s go over the best ways to store and enjoy it!

Serving and Storage Tips

How to Serve Gluten-Free Apple Cinnamon Bread

This Gluten-Free Apple Cinnamon Bread is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in several ways:

• Warm with Butter or Nut Butter – Spread some butter, almond butter, or peanut butter on a warm slice for extra richness.
• Drizzled with Honey or Maple Syrup – A little extra sweetness enhances the natural apple flavors.
• Toasted with a Cup of Coffee or Tea – Lightly toast a slice for a crispy edge, perfect with your morning drink.
• With a Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream – If serving as a dessert, pairing it with ice cream or whipped cream makes it extra indulgent.

How to Store Apple Cinnamon Bread

To keep your bread fresh and moist for as long as possible, follow these storage methods:

Room Temperature (Best for up to 3 Days)

• Store in an airtight container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap.
• Keep at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Refrigerator (Best for up to 1 Week)

• If you need to store it longer, keep it in an airtight container in the fridge.
• Let it come to room temperature or warm it slightly before serving.

Freezer (Best for up to 3 Months)

• Slice the bread before freezing for easy grab-and-go servings.
• Wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe bag.
• To enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm in a toaster or microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I Make This Bread Without Eggs?

Yes! You can substitute eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg) or unsweetened applesauce (¼ cup per egg). The texture may be slightly denser but still delicious.

2. What’s the Best Apple Variety to Use?

For the best flavor and texture, choose sweet-tart apples like:

• Honeycrisp
• Granny Smith (for a more tart flavor)
• Fuji
• Pink Lady

These hold up well in baking and add natural sweetness.

3. How Do I Prevent My Gluten-Free Bread from Being Dry?

• Use the right gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum.
• Don’t overmix the batter—stir until just combined.
• Make sure to measure flour correctly (spoon and level method).
• Use applesauce and fresh apples for added moisture.

4. Can I Make This Bread Vegan?

Absolutely! To make it vegan:

• Use flax eggs instead of regular eggs.
• Swap butter for coconut oil or dairy-free butter.
• Use maple syrup instead of honey.

5. Can I Add a Streusel Topping?

Yes! For a delicious crunchy topping, mix:

• ¼ cup gluten-free flour
• 2 tablespoons coconut sugar or brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons melted butter or coconut oil
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon

Sprinkle over the batter before baking for an extra-special touch.

Final Thoughts

This Gluten-Free Apple Cinnamon Bread is the perfect balance of sweet, spiced, and moist, making it a great treat for any occasion.

Whether you’re gluten-free or just looking for a healthier homemade bread, this recipe is easy to make and full of wholesome ingredients.

Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out in the comments! Do you have a favorite way to enjoy apple cinnamon bread?

I’d love to hear your thoughts and any customizations you made.

Happy baking!