Delicious Gluten-Free Honey Quinoa Bread: Easy & Dairy-Free Quick Bread Recipe

Welcome to your new favorite bread recipe! This Honey Quinoa Bread is incredibly simple to prepare, making it a perfect choice for bakers of all skill levels. It’s generously studded with and topped with nutrient-rich quinoa flakes, offering a delightful boost of plant-based protein, unique flavor, and satisfying texture in every slice. As a quinoa quick bread, it requires no yeast and bakes up beautifully in under an hour, meaning you can enjoy fresh, homemade bread whenever the craving strikes. This recipe is also completely gluten-free and dairy-free, making it an excellent option for those with dietary sensitivities or anyone looking for a healthier alternative. Enjoy it toasted, spread with jam, or as a wholesome snack.

Why I Love Quick Breads (and You Will Too!)

For those who share my passion for baking bread, the world of quick breads offers an incredibly rewarding and convenient experience. Unlike traditional yeast breads that demand proofing and multiple rises, quick breads rely on leavening agents like baking powder or baking soda to achieve their lift. This means you can whip up a fresh loaf with minimal waiting time, making them ideal for last-minute breakfasts, impromptu brunches, or simply when you need a comforting treat without the fuss.

I’ve developed a deep appreciation for the versatility and ease of these breads. Some of my personal favorites include this wholesome low-carb almond flour bread, the delightfully textured coconut flaxseed bread, and the ever-popular coconut flour bread. Each offers a unique flavor profile and a satisfying bake.

However, the recipe that has truly captured the hearts of many on this blog is my easy honey oat bread recipe. Its widespread popularity inspired me to create a similar version, but with an important twist: an alternative to oats. While oats are naturally gluten-free, the reality is that many commercially available oats are processed in facilities that also handle wheat, leading to a high risk of cross-contamination. For individuals with Celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivities, even certified gluten-free oats can sometimes pose a problem, as some react to oat protein in a similar way they react to gluten.

This challenge led me on a quest for the perfect oat substitute. After extensive research and experimentation, I discovered that quinoa flakes are an exceptional alternative, especially in baked goods. They not only mimic the appearance and texture of oats but also bring their own incredible nutritional benefits to the table, making them the star ingredient in this delicious Honey Quinoa Bread.

What Are Quinoa Flakes and Why Use Them?

If the term “quinoa flakes” is new to you, don’t worry – you’re in good company! Many people are familiar with whole quinoa grains, but the flaked version is a lesser-known gem in the world of healthy baking. Essentially, quinoa flakes are created by taking whole quinoa seeds and rolling them flat through a machine, much like how oat groats are processed into rolled oats. This simple mechanical process makes them quicker to cook and integrate into recipes, while preserving all the inherent goodness of quinoa.

The benefits of quinoa flakes are numerous and mirror those of the whole grain. They are naturally gluten-free, making them a safe and nutritious choice for those avoiding gluten. Furthermore, quinoa is celebrated as a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids necessary for human health, a rarity in the plant kingdom. This makes quinoa flakes an excellent source of plant-based protein, perfect for boosting the nutritional profile of your baked goods. They are also incredibly rich in fiber, which supports digestive health and helps you feel full and satisfied.

Beyond their nutritional prowess, quinoa flakes contribute wonderfully to the texture of this bread. They add a delicate chewiness and a subtle nutty flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness of honey. Plus, their small, flat shape integrates beautifully into the batter and creates an appealing texture on top of the loaf, reminiscent of traditional oat bread but with an even healthier twist. Incorporating quinoa flakes is a fantastic way to elevate your baking with a superfood ingredient.

Essential Ingredients for this Honey Quinoa Quick Bread:

Creating this wholesome and delicious gluten-free, dairy-free Honey Quinoa Bread requires a thoughtful selection of ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and structure. Gather these items to begin your baking journey:

Ingredient Notes and Helpful Substitutions:

Understanding each ingredient’s role can help you bake with confidence and even make informed substitutions if needed. Here’s a detailed look at the components of our Gluten-Free Honey Quinoa Bread:

• Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour Blend: The type of gluten-free flour blend you use is critical for the final texture of your bread. I highly recommend opting for a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that primarily consists of lighter flours and starches. Think rice flour (brown or white), tapioca starch, potato starch, or corn starch. These lighter components contribute to a soft, tender crumb. Avoid blends that are heavy in ingredients like garbanzo bean flour or other legume flours, as these can result in a significantly denser, sometimes gummy texture that won’t give you the desired airy loaf.
• Xanthan Gum: This ingredient is a true MVP in gluten-free baking. It effectively replaces the elasticity and binding properties that gluten provides in traditional flours. It helps prevent the bread from crumbling and gives it a more cohesive structure. Check your chosen gluten-free flour blend’s label; if it already contains xanthan gum, you can omit the extra amount listed. If not, it’s crucial to add it in for the best results. A little goes a long way! Xanthan gum
• Quinoa Flakes: As discussed, quinoa flakes are flattened quinoa seeds, offering a similar appearance and texture to rolled oats. They are a fantastic source of complete protein and fiber. While they’re becoming more common, they might not be available at every grocery store; check health food stores or online retailers. They add a lovely chewiness inside the bread and a beautiful, rustic topping.
• Coconut Yogurt: To ensure this recipe remains delightfully dairy-free, I’ve chosen plain coconut yogurt. Its tanginess adds depth of flavor, while its moisture content contributes to a tender crumb. Feel free to use other unsweetened non-dairy yogurts, such as almond or soy yogurt, if coconut isn’t your preference. If you don’t have issues with lactose, regular dairy yogurt can be used in the same quantity.
• Egg: The egg acts as a vital binder and provides structure to the bread. It also contributes to the rich flavor and golden-brown crust. I haven’t experimented with an egg substitute for this particular recipe, so I cannot guarantee the results if you opt to omit it. For successful baking, sticking to the egg is recommended here.
• Coconut Oil: I specifically recommend using refined coconut oil for this recipe. Refined coconut oil has a neutral flavor and aroma, which ensures the taste of your Honey Quinoa Bread isn’t overwhelmed by a strong coconut essence. In contrast, extra virgin coconut oil retains a distinct coconut flavor. If you prefer, vegan butter can be used as a direct 1:1 substitute. For those who consume dairy, regular unsalted butter, melted, will also work perfectly.
• Honey: Honey is our chosen natural sweetener, imparting a gentle sweetness and unique flavor that pairs beautifully with the quinoa. It also adds moisture, helping to keep the bread soft. If you wish to experiment, other liquid sweeteners like agave nectar or maple syrup can be used. Just be aware that substituting will slightly alter the overall taste profile of the bread.
• Water: Water is used to achieve the correct consistency for the batter, adding essential moisture to prevent a dry loaf. For an extra layer of flavor and richness, you could easily substitute water with a non-dairy milk such as almond milk, cashew milk, or soy milk. If dairy is not a concern, regular cow’s milk can also be used.
• Baking Powder and Salt: These are your essential leavening agent and flavor enhancer. Baking powder is responsible for the bread’s rise, giving it a light and airy texture characteristic of a quick bread. Salt balances the sweetness and brings out the flavors of all the other ingredients.

How to Bake this Easy Honey Quinoa Bread: A Step-by-Step Guide

Baking this Gluten-Free Honey Quinoa Bread is a straightforward process, designed for ease and delicious results. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a warm, fragrant loaf ready to enjoy in no time!

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, generously grease a 9×4-inch metal loaf pan. This ensures your bread won’t stick and will release easily after baking. Position your oven rack to the center for even baking.

2. Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine all your dry ingredients. Sift together the gluten-free all-purpose flour, xanthan gum (if your blend doesn’t already contain it), 1 cup of the quinoa flakes, baking powder, and salt. Sifting helps to aerate the flour and remove any lumps, ensuring a lighter texture in your bread. Whisk these ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined and evenly distributed.

3. Prepare Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat the egg, plain coconut yogurt, melted refined coconut oil, water, and honey together. Whisk these wet ingredients until they are completely smooth and well blended. This ensures that the moisture and flavors are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

4. Combine to Form Batter

Gradually add the wet ingredients into the bowl containing the dry ingredients. Stir gently until the batter is just combined. It’s crucial not to overmix at this stage; overmixing gluten-free batters can often lead to a tough or dense bread. The batter will be quite thick and will need to be scooped into the pan, rather than poured. A few lumps are perfectly fine!

5. Transfer Batter to Loaf Pan

Carefully transfer the thick batter into your prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to gently spread the batter evenly across the pan and smooth out the top. This helps ensure even baking and a beautiful, flat top on your finished Honey Quinoa Bread.

6. Sprinkle with Extra Quinoa Flakes

For an extra boost of flavor, texture, and visual appeal, take the remaining 2 tablespoons of quinoa flakes and sprinkle them evenly over the top of the batter in the loaf pan. This will create a lovely, crunchy crust once baked.

7. Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 40 to 45 minutes. The baking time can vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it. The bread is ready when the top is beautifully golden brown, and a wooden toothpick or skewer inserted into the center comes out clean, with no wet batter clinging to it. This indicates it’s fully cooked through.

8. Cool Completely Before Slicing

Once baked, remove the bread from the oven. Let the quinoa bread cool in the loaf pan for at least 10 minutes. This allows it to firm up and prevents it from crumbling when you remove it. After 10 minutes, carefully invert the pan to remove the loaf and transfer it to a wire cooling rack. Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing. Slicing too early can result in a gummy texture, so patience is key for the perfect slice of homemade bread!

Dish by Dish Tips for Perfect Honey Quinoa Bread

Achieving a perfectly tender and flavorful loaf of gluten-free quick bread is easy with a few key considerations. Here are my top tips to ensure your Honey Quinoa Bread turns out beautifully every time:

• Do Not Overmix the Batter: This is arguably the most crucial tip for any quick bread, especially gluten-free ones. Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix only until they are just incorporated. Overmixing can develop the starches in gluten-free flour, leading to a dense, tough, or even gummy texture. A few small lumps are much better than a perfectly smooth, overmixed batter.
• Proper Pan Preparation: Ensure your loaf pan is thoroughly greased. For extra assurance, you can also line the bottom with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the longer sides to easily lift the bread out once it’s cooled slightly.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ingredients like yogurt and egg mix more smoothly and create a more uniform batter when they are at room temperature. This helps emulsify the fat and liquids better, leading to a finer crumb.
• Check for Doneness Accurately: Ovens can vary. Always rely on the toothpick test (inserted into the center of the loaf) rather than just the baking time. If it comes out clean, your bread is done. If it has wet batter, continue baking for a few more minutes and re-test.
• Cool Completely: As mentioned in the instructions, resist the urge to slice into your warm bread immediately. Cooling allows the internal structure of the bread to set and prevents it from becoming crumbly or gummy. It also helps the flavors to fully develop.

Honey Quinoa Bread FAQs:

Here are answers to some common questions you might have about making and enjoying your Gluten-Free Honey Quinoa Bread:

Other Gluten-Free Quick Breads You’ll Love:

If you’re enjoying the simplicity and deliciousness of this Honey Quinoa Bread, you’re in for a treat with these other easy-to-make, wholesome quick bread recipes from the blog:

• Easy Honey Oat Bread (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free) – The inspiration behind this quinoa version!
• Low Carb Almond Flour Bread (Gluten-Free, Paleo) – A great option for low-carb diets.
• Low Carb Coconut Flour Bread (Gluten-Free, Paleo) – Another excellent grain-free choice.
• Coconut Flaxseed Bread (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free) – Packed with healthy fats and fiber.
• Gluten-Free Naan Bread (No-Yeast, Dairy-Free) – A versatile flatbread for savory meals.
• Gluten-Free Irish Soda Bread (Dairy-Free, Vegan) – A rustic, traditional quick bread.

More Delicious Bread Recipes to Bake and Enjoy:

For more baking inspiration beyond quick breads, explore these other fantastic bread recipes that cater to various tastes and dietary needs:

P.S. If you try this incredible Honey Quinoa Bread recipe, I’d absolutely love for you to leave a star rating below and/or a review in the comment section further down the page. Your feedback is invaluable and always appreciated! Be sure to check out my entire Recipe Index for a treasure trove of delicious recipes on the blog. You can also follow me on Pinterest, Facebook or Instagram to stay updated with my latest culinary creations! And don’t forget to sign up for my Email List to get fresh, mouth-watering recipes delivered directly to your inbox each week!

Print