This Gluten-Free Honey Spelt Bread is a delicious, hearty, and naturally sweet loaf made with certified gluten-free spelt flour. The bread is naturally sweetened with honey, creating a moist, nutty loaf that’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, or as a side for soups and salads. It’s an easy-to-follow recipe, making it ideal for beginners, and is a great alternative for those avoiding gluten.
Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water and honey. Sprinkle yeast over the liquid and stir. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together gluten-free spelt flour, psyllium husk, and salt.Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture along with olive oil (or butter).
Mix the dough: Use a spatula or stand mixer to combine the wet and dry ingredients until a sticky dough forms. If the dough is too wet, add a little more flour; if it’s too dry, add more water or milk.
First rise: Transfer the dough to a greased bowl and cover with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Shape the dough: Punch down the dough and transfer it to a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan. Shape it to fit the pan and smooth the top.
Second rise: Cover the pan and let the dough rise again for 30 minutes to 1 hour, until it rises just above the edge of the pan.
Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
For a denser loaf: Reduce the yeast by half for a firmer, denser texture.
Sweetener variations: Feel free to substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a different flavor profile.
Flour alternatives: If you don’t have gluten-free spelt flour, a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend can be used, though the texture may vary slightly.
Make it nutty: Add a handful of seeds or nuts to the dough for extra crunch and flavor.
Don’t skip the psyllium husk or xanthan gum: These ingredients are crucial for the structure of gluten-free bread, helping it rise and maintain a soft texture.