Gluten-Free Cinnamon Apple Loaf

<p>This glutenfree cinnamon apple bread captures the essence of fall with its tender crumb and warm spices. It’s a cozy treat that brings back memories of family apple picking, filling the kitchen with the inviting aroma of cinnamon and fresh fruit. Perfect for breakfast or as a sweet complement to brunch, this bread offers a comforting slice of home during cooler months.</p> <p>This recipe has been my goto when I want a comforting autumn moment. Every time I bake it, the house smells like a warm hug and I can’t wait to share slices with friends.</p>

Ingredients

<ul><li><strong>Glutenfree all purpose flour:</strong> Two cups with xanthan gum for structure and tenderness</li><li><strong>Baking powder:</strong> One teaspoon to help the bread rise evenly</li><li><strong>Baking soda:</strong> Half teaspoon for additional lift and texture</li><li><strong>Salt:</strong> Half teaspoon to balance sweetness</li><li><strong>Ground cinnamon:</strong> One and a half teaspoons bringing warm spice throughout</li><li><strong>Ground nutmeg:</strong> Quarter teaspoon adding depth and a subtle nutty aroma</li><li><strong>Unsalted butter:</strong> Half cup softened to incorporate air and richness</li><li><strong>Granulated sugar:</strong> One cup for sweetness and structure</li><li><strong>Eggs:</strong> Two large for moisture and binding</li><li><strong>Vanilla extract:</strong> One teaspoon pure to enhance all flavors</li><li><strong>Sour cream:</strong> Half cup keeping the bread moist and tender</li><li><strong>Honeycrisp apples:</strong> Two peeled and chopped for fresh fruity bursts and natural sweetness</li><li><strong>Brown sugar:</strong> Quarter cup to caramelize with apples creating sweet pockets</li><li><strong>Cinnamon for filling:</strong> One teaspoon for the apple filling adding extra spice and warmth</li></ul>

Instructions

<dl><dt><strong>Prepare Dry Ingredients:</strong></dt><dd>Whisk together the glutenfree flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a large bowl. Make sure each ingredient is evenly distributed to achieve a consistent texture and flavor in the bread. This step helps prevent uneven pockets of leaveners or spices.</dd><dt><strong>Cream Butter and Sugar:</strong></dt><dd>In another mixing bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture turns pale and fluffy. This incorporates air for a tender crumb and elevates the bread’s texture.</dd><dt><strong>Add Eggs and Vanilla:</strong></dt><dd>Beat in the eggs one by one, mixing well after each addition to fully incorporate. Stir in the vanilla extract so that the aromatic notes blend seamlessly into the batter.</dd><dt><strong>Incorporate Sour Cream:</strong></dt><dd>Fold the sour cream gently into the wet mixture with a spatula or on low mixer speed. This ingredient plays a key role in keeping the bread moist and imparting a rich, tender crumb.</dd><dt><strong>Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:</strong></dt><dd>Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently only until just combined. Over mixing glutenfree batters can make the bread dense and tough, so be careful to stop when no streaks remain.</dd><dt><strong>Prepare Apple Cinnamon Filling:</strong></dt><dd>Toss the chopped Honeycrisp apples with brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl until every piece is coated. This creates delicious pockets of sweet, spiced apple throughout the bread.</dd><dt><strong>Layer and Swirl the Batter:</strong></dt><dd>Pour half the batter into a greased or parchment lined loaf pan. Add half the apple mixture evenly over the batter and use a knife to gently swirl the apples into the batter. Repeat with the remaining batter and apples for a marbled effect and a beautiful presentation.</dd><dt><strong>Rest the Batter:</strong></dt><dd>Let the assembled loaf sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before baking. This rest hydrates the glutenfree flour helping the bread develop a smooth and cohesive crumb.</dd><dt><strong>Bake and Cool:</strong></dt><dd>Bake the loaf in a preheated 350°F oven for 50 to 60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick near the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 20 minutes before transferring to a rack to cool completely. This prevents crumbling and helps the bread retain its shape.</dd></dl>

<p>The sour cream is my favorite ingredient here because it lifts the bread from ordinary to extraordinary. I remember baking this loaf for a cozy brunch with my aunt after a crisp fall morning picking apples. The first bite was soft, moist, and bursting with warm spice, making the day unforgettable.</p>

Storage Tips

<p>Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or foil to keep it fresh up to two days at room temperature. For longer storage, slice the loaf and freeze portions in an airtight container. Toast frozen slices for a quick, delicious snack.</p>

Ingredient Substitutions

<p>Use refined coconut oil to replace butter for a dairyfree option without losing moisture or richness. Swap sour cream with full fat Greek yogurt for a tangy alternative that maintains tenderness. If you do not have Honeycrisp apples, Pink Lady apples are a great substitute, offering similar crispness and a balanced sweet tart flavor.</p>

Serving Suggestions

<p>Sprinkle toasted walnuts or pecans in the apple filling for extra crunch and depth. Drizzle a simple vanilla glaze over the cooled loaf for a bakery style finish that elevates its sweetness. Pair slices with chai tea or whipped mascarpone for a cozy afternoon treat perfect for gatherings.</p>

<p>Enjoy warm slices for breakfast or as a cozy treat. It pairs beautifully with tea or whipped mascarpone.</p>

Common Questions About Recipes

→ Why did my bread turn out dense and gummy inside?

Overmixing or underbaking can cause this. Let the batter rest for 10 minutes before baking and check doneness with a toothpick to ensure a tender crumb.

→ What causes the loaf to sink in the middle?

Underbaking, excess moisture, or expired leaveners may be responsible. Make sure baking powder and soda are fresh and measure ingredients accurately.

→ How should I store leftover bread?

Cool completely, then wrap tightly and store at room temperature up to 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days. Slice and freeze for longer storage.

→ Can I make this loaf egg-free?

Yes, substitute each egg with a flaxseed or chia seed mixture (1 tbsp ground seed + 3 tbsp water). The texture will be slightly denser but maintain moisture.

→ What substitutions work well in this loaf?

You can replace butter with refined coconut oil for a dairy-free option or swap sour cream for Greek yogurt to preserve moisture and add mild tang.