Gluten-Free Cinnamon Apple Bread

This glutenfree cinnamon apple bread is a cozy celebration of fall flavors wrapped into a tender, moist loaf. Filled with sweet, spiced apples and a hint of nutmeg alongside the warmth of cinnamon, it’s a perfect companion for chilly mornings or leisurely weekend brunches. Thanks to its simple ingredients and straightforward method, this bread delivers comforting homemade goodness without fuss.

I first baked this loaf during a favorite autumn weekend with my family, and the way the cinnamon and apples filled the kitchen made it an instant seasonal staple. Now it’s the bread I reach for every time I want to bring a little warmth and sweetness to the table.

Ingredients

• Glutenfree all purpose flour: Two cups containing xanthan gum to help bind and give structure to the bread choose a reputable brand for consistent results
• Baking powder: One teaspoon to provide lift and lightness
• Baking soda: Half a teaspoon to react with the sour cream and help the bread rise properly
• Salt: Half a teaspoon to balance the sweetness and enhance the other flavors
• Ground cinnamon: One and a half teaspoons for a warm, inviting spice note essential to the bread’s character
• Ground nutmeg: Quarter teaspoon which adds a subtle depth and complexity to the spice blend
• Unsalted butter: Half a cup softened to room temperature to incorporate air when creamed with sugar, creating a tender crumb
• Granulated sugar: One cup to sweeten the batter evenly and feed the butter’s creaming process
• Large eggs: Two at room temperature for best emulsification and moisture retention
• Pure vanilla extract: One teaspoon to add aromatic warmth and round out the flavor profile
• Sour cream: Half a cup which keeps the bread moist and gives it a slight tang that complements the sweetness beautifully
• Honeycrisp apples: Two peeled and chopped into uniform quarter inch cubes for even baking and sweet cinnamon pockets
• Brown sugar: Quarter cup to coat the apples, adding caramel notes and extra sweetness in each bite
• Ground cinnamon for apples: One teaspoon mixed with the apples to enhance their natural flavor with that classic cinnamon apple pairing

Instructions

Prepare Dry Ingredients:

Start by whisking together all the dry ingredients in a large bowl glutenfree flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This step ensures the leaveners and spices are evenly distributed, which is key to a uniform rise and consistent flavor throughout the bread.

Cream Butter and Sugar:

In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed. Beat until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy, which usually takes around three to five minutes. This process traps air and sets the stage for a soft, tender crumb.

Add Eggs and Vanilla:

Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed butter and sugar. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next to prevent curdling. Then stir in the vanilla extract to evenly distribute its rich aroma throughout the batter.

Incorporate Sour Cream:

Carefully fold in the sour cream using a spatula or mixer on low speed. This ingredient adds moisture and richness to the bread, making each slice luscious and tender.

Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:

Gradually add the dry mixture in batches to the wet mixture, stirring gently just until combined. Avoid over mixing because glutenfree flours are prone to becoming gummy or tough if handled too aggressively.

Prepare Apple Cinnamon Filling:

Toss the chopped Honeycrisp apples with the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl until every piece is lightly coated. This step ensures the apples will be sweet and spiced evenly, creating little bursts of flavor within the bread.

Layer and Swirl the Batter:

Pour half of the batter into your prepared loaf pan lined with parchment or greased. Spread half of the apple mixture on top and use a knife to swirl gently through the batter. Repeat with the remaining batter and apple mixture, finishing with a beautiful apple swirl on top for an attractive and flavorful pattern.

Rest the Batter:

Let the assembled loaf sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before baking. This resting period hydrates the glutenfree flour fully, improving the bread’s texture and crumb cohesion.

Bake and Cool:

Bake the loaf in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 177 degrees Celsius for 50 to 60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick near the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 20 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling before slicing is crucial to prevent crumbling.

For me, the combination of cinnamon and apples is what makes this bread so special. It reminds me of a crisp fall morning with a cup of warm tea. The apples retain just the right amount of bite, and that fragrant swirl of cinnamon throughout is a comforting touch that always feels like home.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use refined coconut oil in place of butter for a dairy free version that still maintains moistness and adds a subtle tropical hint. Swap sour cream with full fat Greek yogurt to keep the bread moist with a mild tang that pairs perfectly with the spices and apples. Choose Pink Lady apples instead of Honeycrisp when unavailable; they have a similar firmness and sweet tart balance that complement the loaf well.

Storage Tips

Cool the bread completely before wrapping tightly in plastic wrap or foil to maintain freshness. Store at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate for up to five days without losing texture. Freeze sliced portions in airtight bags for up to two months, then toast or warm before serving to revive freshness.

Serving Suggestions

Try adding toasted walnuts or pecans to the apple filling for an extra layer of crunch and flavor complexity. Drizzle a simple vanilla glaze or cream cheese frosting on top for a more decadent treat perfect for brunch or special occasions. Pair slices with a cup of spiced chai, coffee, or a dollop of whipped mascarpone for an elegant serving experience.

Let the loaf cool completely before slicing to ensure clean slices. Serve slightly warm or toasted for best texture.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ Why does the bread become dense or gummy inside?

Density or gumminess can result from over-mixing, underbaking, or insufficient resting time of the batter. Gently combine ingredients and allow the batter to rest for 10 minutes before baking to achieve a better crumb.

→ What causes the loaf to sink in the middle?

Sinking often occurs from underbaking, excessive moisture, or expired leaveners. Ensure accurate measuring of baking powder and soda, and check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center.

→ How should I store leftover bread?

Cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Keep at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze sliced portions and toast when needed.

→ Can the eggs be replaced for dietary needs?

Yes, substituting each egg with a flaxseed or chia seed mixture (1 tbsp ground seed plus 3 tbsp water) works well, though the loaf may be slightly denser but still moist.

→ What apples work best in this loaf?

Honeycrisp apples provide sweetness and crisp texture, but Pink Lady apples are also excellent alternatives that hold up well during baking.