If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, irresistibly tasty treat, this Gluten Free Apple Bread Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Imagine a slice of moist, tender bread bursting with warm apple flavors and cozy spices, topped with a perfectly crumbly, buttery topping that adds just the right amount of crunch. It’s the perfect snack, breakfast, or even dessert that everyone will love, whether gluten-free or not. Sharing this recipe feels like passing along a little slice of fall in every bite, and I promise, you’ll be coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might sound simple, but each one plays a starring role in building a bread that’s bursting with flavor and delicious texture. From the velvety butter to the crisp apples captured in the apple butter, every item is handpicked to make this bread absolutely perfect.
- Gluten free flour blend: The foundation of the bread, providing structure and a tender crumb.
- Xanthan gum: Helps mimic the elasticity of gluten for a soft bread texture, omit if your flour blend has it.
- Cornstarch: Adds a lightness to the bread that keeps each slice fluffy.
- Apple pie spice: The secret to that signature warm, comforting Apple flavor.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the loaf just right, balancing the tang from the apple butter.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture while helping create a tender crumb.
- Eggs: Bind everything together and give the bread a lovely rise.
- Buttermilk: Adds tang and tenderness to the bread, making it extra moist.
- Apple butter: The star at the heart of this recipe, packed with deep apple flavor that makes each bite special.
- Baking powder and baking soda: The lifting agents that help your bread rise perfectly.
- Brown sugar: For that irresistibly caramelized crumbly topping.
- Cinnamon and kosher salt: Highlights the sweetness and spices the loaf perfectly.
- Unsalted butter for topping: Adds a buttery crunch to the crumble, making the top simply crave-worthy.
How to Make Gluten Free Apple Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crumble Topping (Optional but Worth It)
Begin by making the crumble topping, which delivers that delightful contrast in texture. Combine gluten free flour, xanthan gum if needed, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt, making sure to break up any lumps in the sugar so everything integrates smoothly. Mix in melted butter until the mixture forms a thick, crumbly consistency. Pop it into the fridge for about 15 minutes to firm up while you move on to the batter—this chilling step ensures the crumble bakes up crisp and golden.
Step 2: Mix the Quick Bread Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together your gluten free flour, xanthan gum if your blend requires it, cornstarch, salt, baking powder, baking soda, apple pie spice, and granulated sugar for a well-blended dry mix. Creating a well in the center, add room temperature butter, beaten eggs, buttermilk, and luscious apple butter. The batter will be thick and rich — that’s exactly what you want for a dense, moist bread packed with flavor.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan, then scrape your batter into it, pressing the batter into every corner to prevent gaps. Smooth the surface with a wet spatula or damp fingers for an even loaf. Score the top with a knife to help it rise nicely in the oven. Sprinkle the chilled crumble topping evenly over the loaf and gently press it in to stick. Bake at 350°F for about 50 minutes, rotating the pan halfway to get that perfect, even golden crust. You’ll know it’s done when the crust is golden and a toothpick inserted comes out with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it.
Step 4: Cool and Slice
Let your gorgeous loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slicing it warm might be tempting, but letting it cool fully helps those moist crumbs hold together better and reveals the full richness of the apple flavor in every slice.
How to Serve Gluten Free Apple Bread Recipe
Garnishes
While this bread stands deliciously on its own, brightening it up with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey can make each serving feel festive. For cozy gatherings, a small pat of butter or cream cheese spread will amp up the indulgence and keep the warm vibes going strong.
Side Dishes
This Gluten Free Apple Bread Recipe pairs beautifully with hot beverages like chai tea or spiced coffee, turning your kitchen into a warm haven on a chilly day. For brunch, serve it alongside scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad to balance the bread’s rich sweetness with bright and fresh flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the loaf! Turn slices into mini dessert sandwiches by spreading with mascarpone and adding thin slices of fresh apple and a touch of cinnamon. For a crowd-pleaser, cube the bread, toast lightly, and serve with a warm caramel dip for a fun and shareable appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover slices tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to keep the bread moist and fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature. Refrigeration is usually unnecessary and can dry out the loaf, but if your kitchen is warm, refrigerate and bring slices to room temperature before serving.
Freezing
This bread freezes like a dream! Wrap the whole loaf or individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months, so you can enjoy that comforting Gluten Free Apple Bread Recipe on demand throughout the season.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, let frozen slices thaw at room temperature or gently warm them in a toaster oven or microwave. A quick reheat revives that freshly baked texture and enhances the aroma of those beautiful apple spices, making every bite feel like it just came from the oven.
FAQs
Can I use regular flour instead of gluten free flour?
Absolutely! You can swap in all-purpose wheat flour for the gluten free blend if gluten is not a concern, but keep in mind the texture and moisture may vary slightly. The bread will still be delicious.
What is the best substitute if I don’t have apple butter?
If you don’t have apple butter on hand, you can substitute with unsweetened applesauce, but reduce the amount of buttermilk slightly to keep the batter from getting too wet. The bread will still have lovely apple flavor, just a bit less intense.
Is the crumble topping necessary?
The crumble topping adds a wonderful texture and extra flavor, but it’s completely optional. The bread itself is moist and flavorful without it, so feel free to skip it for a simpler loaf or if you want less sugar.
Can I make this bread dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the butter for a dairy-free alternative and use a plant-based milk combined with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice instead of buttermilk to keep the texture tender and moist.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
You’ll want to see a golden, domed top and test with a toothpick inserted in the center; it should come out with just a few moist crumbs attached, but not wet batter. This ensures the bread is cooked through but still tender.
Final Thoughts
You absolutely must try this Gluten Free Apple Bread Recipe because it brings warmth, comfort, and a touch of sweetness to any moment you bake it. It’s easy to make, wonderful to share, and a perfect way to celebrate apples in all their cozy glory. Trust me, once this bread is in your kitchen, it will quickly become a beloved staple and a go-to recipe for every season.
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Gluten Free Apple Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Gluten Free Apple Bread is a moist, tender quick bread bursting with fresh apple flavor and warm spices. Featuring a crunchy, buttery crumble topping, this loaf offers a perfect balance of sweetness and texture, ideal for breakfast or an afternoon snack. Made with a gluten free flour blend and apple butter, it’s a delicious, cozy treat everyone can enjoy.
Ingredients
For the Crumble Topping (optional)
- ½ cup (70 g) all purpose gluten free flour blend (Better Batter recommended)
- ¼ teaspoon xanthan gum (omit if blend already contains it)
- 3 tablespoons (40 g) packed light brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 ½ tablespoons (35 g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
For the Quick Bread Batter
- 2 cups (280 g) all purpose gluten free flour blend (Better Batter recommended)
- 1 teaspoon xanthan gum (omit if blend already contains it)
- ¼ cup (36 g) cornstarch (or more Cup4Cup if that is your blend)
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons apple pie spice (see recipe notes)
- ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons (84 g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 2 large eggs (100 g weighed out of shell), at room temperature, beaten
- ⅔ cup (5 ⅓ fl oz) buttermilk, at room temperature
- 5 ounces apple butter, homemade or store bought, at room temperature
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a standard 9-inch by 5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Make the Crumble Topping: In a medium bowl, combine the gluten free flour blend, xanthan gum, light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt. Mix thoroughly, breaking up any clumps of brown sugar. Add the melted and cooled unsalted butter and mix until fully incorporated into a thick crumble mixture. Place this bowl in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes until the topping firms up slightly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients for Bread: In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten free flour blend, xanthan gum, cornstarch, kosher salt, baking powder, baking soda, apple pie spice, and granulated sugar ensuring even distribution of all dry components.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Add in the softened butter, beaten eggs, room temperature buttermilk, and apple butter. Mix everything together thoroughly until a thick, uniform batter forms.
- Transfer Batter to Pan: Scrape the batter into the prepared loaf pan, pressing it firmly into all corners. With wet fingers or a wet spatula, smooth the surface to create an even layer. Using a small sharp knife, score a shallow ¼-inch deep line lengthwise down the center of the batter.
- Apply Crumble Topping: Remove the chilled crumble topping from the refrigerator. Break it into small pieces using a fork and sprinkle evenly over the top of the batter. Gently press the topping pieces onto the batter to help them stick.
- Bake: Place the loaf pan in the center of the preheated oven. Bake for about 50 minutes or until the top is domed and golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. To ensure even cooking, rotate the pan halfway through baking.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the loaf from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, turn out the bread onto a wire cooling rack to cool completely before slicing. Serve once cooled.
Notes
- Apple Pie Spice: If unavailable, combine 1 tsp ground cinnamon, ¼ tsp ground nutmeg, ¼ tsp ground ginger, and a pinch of ground cloves or allspice.
- Buttermilk Substitute: Use regular milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar added; let sit for 5 minutes before use.
- Ensure all wet ingredients are at room temperature to help the batter combine evenly and bake well.
- The crumble topping is optional but adds a delightful texture and flavor contrast.
- Use a gluten free all purpose flour blend that contains or omits xanthan gum accordingly as noted.
- For best results, measure ingredients by weight where possible for accuracy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Quick Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
