Gluten-Free Apple Cinnamon Bread
This Gluten-Free Apple Cinnamon Bread is soft, moist, and packed with warm cinnamon spice and fresh apples. Naturally sweetened with applesauce and optional maple syrup, this easy-to-make bread is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. It’s gluten-free, with dairy-free and vegan options available, making it a delicious treat for everyone to enjoy!
Equipment
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 medium mixing bowl
- 1 whisk
- 1 spatula or wooden spoon
- 1 measuring cup set
- 1 measuring spoon set
- 1 9x5-inch loaf pan
- 1 parchment paper (optional for easy removal)
- 1 Wire cooling rack
- 1 Grater (if grating apples instead of chopping)
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour with xanthan gum
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs or flax eggs for vegan
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ⅓ cup melted coconut oil or butter
- ¼ cup maple syrup or honey optional for extra sweetness
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-Ins (Optional but Recommended!)
- 1 cup peeled and chopped or grated apples Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans optional
- ¼ cup raisins or dried cranberries optional
- ¼ cup chocolate chips optional
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Setup
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together gluten-free flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together eggs, applesauce, melted coconut oil (or butter), maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in the chopped or grated apples and any optional add-ins like nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips.
Step 5: Bake the Bread
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack.
- Allow it to cool completely before slicing. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!
Notes
- For the Best Texture: Use a high-quality gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. If your blend doesn’t contain it, add ½ teaspoon xanthan gum to the dry ingredients.
- Vegan Option: Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg).
- For Extra Sweetness: Increase maple syrup or honey to ⅓ cup if you prefer a sweeter bread.
- Storage Tips:
- Keep at room temperature for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for up to a week and warm before serving.
- Freeze slices for up to 3 months—thaw and reheat when ready to eat.
- Great Add-Ins: Try adding a streusel topping (¼ cup gluten-free flour, 2 tbsp coconut sugar, 2 tbsp melted butter, ¼ tsp cinnamon) for a crunchy twist!