Apples in Abundance: Celebrating the Flavors of Fall

As the leaves begin to turn and a crispness fills the air, the fall season ushers in a bounty of nature’s finest: apples! Everywhere you look, from the sprawling orchards where you can pick your own, to the neatly stacked shelves of local grocery stores, and the overflowing baskets at vibrant farmer’s markets, apples are truly in abundance.

There’s something inherently magical about this time of year, as the sweet and tart aroma of fresh apples signals the perfect opportunity to bake and create an array of apple-infused delights. Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely weekend or simply looking for a wholesome treat, apples provide endless culinary inspiration. Their natural sweetness, firm texture, and ability to hold moisture make them a superstar ingredient in countless recipes, especially baked goods like this irresistible apple bread.

Embrace the season and make the most of this versatile fruit. With so many varieties available, from the crisp sweetness of Fuji and Gala to the tartness of Granny Smith or the rich flavor of Honeycrisp, you can tailor your apple bakes to your exact preference. This time of year is undeniably the best for indulging in all things apple!

Our Favorite Gluten-Free Apple Recipes:

• Easy Homemade Applesauce (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
• Tender Apple Muffins (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
• Apple Tart (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
• Apple Fritters (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
• Apple Crumble (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
• Moist Apple Cake (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)

Delicious Gluten-Free Apple Bread: A Year-Round Favorite

Among our cherished apple recipes, we absolutely cannot overlook this incredibly easy and utterly delicious gluten-free apple bread. It’s a quintessential bake for apple season, but its comforting flavors are so good, you’ll want to make it all year round!

This versatile loaf is perfect for a satisfying breakfast to start your day, a wholesome snack to curb your hunger anytime, or even as a delightful light dessert. For an extra touch of indulgence, feel free to add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream – the combination of warm apple bread and cold creaminess is simply divine!

Why This Gluten-Free Apple Bread Recipe is a Must-Try:

• Simple, Accessible Ingredients: You won’t need to hunt down any exotic or hard-to-find items for this recipe. All the core ingredients for this gluten-free apple bread are readily available at your local grocery store. We believe that delicious baking should be hassle-free, and this recipe delivers on that promise.
• Effortlessly Easy to Make: Don’t be intimidated by baking! Preparing the apple-infused batter and the tempting crumble topping is incredibly straightforward. The cinnamon glaze comes together in a cinch, making this a perfect quick bread for bakers of all skill levels. You’ll find yourself baking this flavorful cinnamon apple bread on repeat – it’s that simple and satisfying!
• Dietary-Friendly & Universally Enjoyable: One of the best aspects of this quick bread recipe is its complete inclusivity. It’s 100% gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan. This means individuals with Celiac disease, gluten sensitivities, or lactose intolerances can savor every bite without a worry. We even skip the eggs, as the naturally moist grated apples do an amazing job of binding the ingredients and keeping the bread wonderfully tender.

Gather Your Ingredients for This Delicious Apple Bread:

Here’s a helpful visual overview of the essential ingredients you’ll need to create this fantastic gluten-free apple bread. Each component plays a key role in achieving that perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and tender texture.

(For the precise measurements and quantities, please make sure to scroll down to the comprehensive printable recipe card located at the very bottom of this post.)

Detailed Recipe Notes & Smart Substitutions:

To ensure your gluten-free apple bread turns out perfectly every time, here are some important notes and flexible substitution options for various ingredients:

• White Sugar: While classic white sugar provides a clean sweetness, you can easily opt for cane sugar for a slightly more complex flavor. For those managing blood sugar levels, granulated monkfruit sweetener is an excellent 1:1 sugar substitute that boasts a zero glycemic index, ensuring your delicious treat doesn’t spike blood sugar.
• Ground Cinnamon: The star spice of this apple bread is undoubtedly ground cinnamon, lending a comforting warmth and signature flavor. If you’re looking to enhance the autumnal feel, pumpkin pie spice can be used as a fantastic alternative, offering a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
• Butter: To maintain the dairy-free and vegan integrity of this recipe, I specifically used unsalted dairy-free butter. This ensures a rich, buttery flavor without any dairy. Alternatively, coconut oil is another great vegan option that adds a subtle tropical note. If dairy isn’t an issue for you, feel free to use regular unsalted butter.
• Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla extract is highly recommended. It deepens the overall flavor profile of the bread, adding a subtle warmth that complements the apples and cinnamon beautifully. Don’t skip this simple addition for maximum deliciousness!
• Gluten-Free Flour: The type of gluten-free flour you use significantly impacts the final texture. For the best, lightest results, I strongly recommend a gluten-free measure-for-measure flour blend (often labeled as a 1:1 substitute for regular flour). Look for blends composed primarily of lighter flours and starches, such as rice flour, tapioca starch, corn starch, or potato starch. Avoid blends heavy in bean flours (like garbanzo bean flour), as these tend to produce a denser, sometimes gummy texture in quick breads.
• Xanthan Gum: This ingredient is crucial in gluten-free baking as it mimics the binding properties of gluten, providing structure and preventing crumbling. If your chosen gluten-free flour blend already contains xanthan gum, you can omit adding it separately. If not, it’s a must-add! For those who cannot tolerate xanthan gum, psyllium husk powder can be used in equal amounts as an effective binder.
• Baking Powder: As the primary leavening agent, baking powder is essential for helping the bread rise and achieve a light, airy texture. Ensure it’s fresh and active for optimal results. If you have Celiac disease or severe gluten intolerance, always choose a certified gluten-free baking powder to avoid cross-contamination.
• Almond Milk: I prefer using an unsweetened version of my homemade almond milk, but any unsweetened non-dairy milk will work wonderfully. Popular choices include rice milk, cashew milk, tigernut milk, coconut milk, or oat milk. Each may impart a subtle flavor difference, so choose your favorite! If you don’t require a dairy-free recipe, regular cow’s milk can be used.
• Apples: The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability to various apple types. Feel free to use any fresh apples you have on hand – Fuji, Granny Smith, Gala, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady are all excellent choices. For optimal texture and moisture, make sure to peel and core your apples, then grate them finely using a box grater. The finer the grate, the more seamlessly they integrate into the bread.
• Brown Sugar (for Crumble): Light brown sugar gives the crumble topping a lovely caramel note and moist texture. You can also use dark brown sugar for a more pronounced molasses flavor, or coconut sugar for a less refined sugar option. For those monitoring sugar intake, granulated monkfruit sweetener works well here too, maintaining the 1:1 substitution ratio.
• Powdered Sugar (for Glaze): Also known as confectioners’ sugar, powdered sugar is finely processed, which is essential for creating a perfectly smooth and lump-free glaze. If you’re diabetic or insulin-resistant, powdered monkfruit sweetener is a fantastic zero-glycemic alternative that will achieve the same silky texture for your glaze.

How to Make Gluten-Free Apple Bread: A Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Loaf Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a standard 9″x5″ loaf pan with parchment paper, ensuring some overhang on the sides for easy removal. This step prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Set the prepared pan aside.

2. Combine Sugar and Cinnamon

In a spacious mixing bowl, add the white sugar and ground cinnamon. Whisk these two dry ingredients together thoroughly until they are well combined. This ensures the cinnamon is evenly distributed throughout the bread batter.

3. Incorporate Melted Butter & Vanilla

Pour the melted dairy-free butter and vanilla extract into the sugar and cinnamon mixture. Continue to whisk vigorously until the ingredients come together to form a moist, crumbly paste. This ensures a rich flavor base for your apple bread.

4. Mix in Dry Ingredients

To the bowl, add the gluten-free measure-for-measure flour, xanthan gum (if your flour blend doesn’t already contain it), baking powder, and salt. Whisk all these dry ingredients together thoroughly until they are uniformly combined and no lumps remain, creating a cohesive flour mixture.

5. Add Milk to Form Batter

Gently pour in the unsweetened almond milk. Using your whisk, mix until all the ingredients are just combined and you have a thick, consistent batter. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the bread’s tenderness.

6. Fold in Grated Apples

Now, gently add the freshly grated apples to the wet ingredients. Using a spatula, fold the apples into the batter until they are thoroughly combined. Ensure the apples are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. Set this flavorful apple bread batter aside.

7. Prepare Crumble Topping: Mix Flour & Brown Sugar

In a separate large bowl, combine the gluten-free measure-for-measure flour and light brown sugar. Use a fork or a whisk to thoroughly blend these two ingredients together until they are evenly mixed. This forms the base for your delightful crumble.

8. Form the Crumble Topping

Add the softened dairy-free butter and ground cinnamon to the flour and brown sugar mixture. Using your fork, blend all the ingredients together until a beautiful, crumbly topping forms. The mixture should resemble coarse crumbs – perfect for adding texture and flavor to your bread.

9. Layer Batter and Crumble

Pour approximately half of the apple bread batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Then, generously sprinkle half of the crumble topping over this layer. Follow with the remaining apple bread batter, spreading it carefully. Finally, top with the rest of the delicious crumble mixture, ensuring it’s evenly distributed over the top.

10. Bake to Golden Perfection

Carefully transfer the loaf pan to your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 45-50 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the very center of the bread comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and the crumble fragrant. Keep an eye on it to prevent over-browning.

11. Whip Up the Cinnamon Glaze

While your bread cools, prepare the irresistible cinnamon glaze. In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and almond milk all at once. Whisk the ingredients together vigorously until you achieve a perfectly smooth and pourable glaze.

(Chef’s Tip: If the glaze appears a bit too thick for drizzling, add another teaspoon of almond milk at a time, mixing well after each addition, until you reach your desired consistency. You want it thick enough to cling, but thin enough to flow.)

12. Cool Down Before Drizzling

Allow the freshly baked gluten-free apple cinnamon bread to cool in its pan for at least 20 minutes. This crucial step allows the bread to set and firm up, preventing it from crumbling when removed. After cooling slightly, carefully lift the bread out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

13. Drizzle with Cinnamon Glaze

Once the apple loaf has cooled completely (or is just warm, if you prefer a slightly melted glaze), generously drizzle the prepared cinnamon glaze over the entire top of the bread in an attractive zig-zag pattern. Allow a few minutes for the glaze to set and harden slightly before slicing.

14. Slice and Savor!

With the glaze set, your perfect gluten-free apple cinnamon bread is ready! Slice into thick, indulgent pieces and enjoy it while it’s still warm for the ultimate comforting experience. This bread is also delicious at room temperature, making it ideal for storing and enjoying later.

Dish by Dish Pro Tips & Creative Variations:

Beyond the classic loaf, this versatile gluten-free apple bread recipe can be adapted to create other delightful treats:

• Transform into Muffins: If you’re a fan of individual portions or quick grab-and-go snacks, this recipe works wonderfully as muffins. Simply divide the batter evenly among the cups of a regular muffin pan, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. Muffins bake faster and are perfect for breakfast on busy mornings!
• Bake Mini Loaves for Gifting: Mini loaves make charming gifts for neighbors, friends, or holiday gatherings. Divide the apple bread batter among four mini loaf pans. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean. These smaller versions are also great for portion control or for freezing individually for later enjoyment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gluten-Free Apple Bread:

More Delicious Gluten-Free Quick Breads to Explore:

• Honey Oat Bread (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
• Banana Bread (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
• Moist Pumpkin Bread (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
• Sweet Potato Bread (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)

Other Gluten-Free Apple Recipes You’ll Absolutely Love:

Must-Try Gluten-Free Fall Recipes:

P.S. If you try this recipe, I’d love for you to leave a star rating below, and/or a review in the comment section further down the page. I always appreciate your feedback. Be sure to check out my entire Recipe Index for all the recipes on the blog. You can also follow me on Pinterest, Facebook or Instagram! Sign up for my Email List to get fresh recipes in your inbox each week!

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Gluten-Free Apple Bread Recipe (Vegan)

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5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 1 review

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  Author: Felicia Lim
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  Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
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  Yield: 12 servings
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  Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This delicious gluten-free apple bread recipe is flavored with cinnamon, interlaced with grated apples, and drizzled in a cinnamon glaze. It makes a lovely breakfast or sweet snack for the fall or anytime! Totally dairy-free and vegan too!

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Ingredients

Units

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For the Apple Bread Batter:

• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/3 cup unsalted dairy-free butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups gluten-free measure-for-measure flour
• 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum (omit if your gluten-free flour blend already includes it)
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 2 apples, peeled, cored and grated (about 1 1/2 cups grated)

For the Crumble Topping:

• 1/2 cup gluten-free measure-for-measure flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted dairy-free butter, softened
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Cinnamon Glaze:

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened almond milk

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Line: Preheat the oven to 350F. Prepare a 9″x5″ loaf pan with parchment paper and set aside.
2. Mix Sugar with Cinnamon: In a mixing bowl, add the white sugar and ground cinnamon. Whisk together until combined.
3. Add Butter and Vanilla: Add the melted dairy-free butter and vanilla extract on top. Whisk until a crumbly paste has formed.
4. Add Dry Ingredients: Add the gluten-free measure-for-measure flour, xanthan gum (if using), baking powder and salt. Whisk again until combined.
5. Add Milk and Whisk to Get Batter: Pour in the milk and mix with the whisk until you have a thick batter.
6. Stir in Grated Apples: Now add the grated apples. Fold this together until thoroughly combined. Set the apple bread batter aside.
7. Mix Flour and Brown Sugar: In another mixing bowl add the gluten-free measure-for-measure flour and light brown sugar. Use a fork to blend the two ingredients together.
8. Mix in Butter and Cinnamon to Get Crumble: Add the softened butter and cinnamon to the bowl and use the fork to blend together again until a crumbly topping is formed.
9. Transfer Batter to Loaf Pan: Pour half of the apple bread batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle with half of the crumble topping. Pour the rest of the batter on top, and finish with the rest of the crumble topping.
10. Bake Until Ready: Bake in the oven for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
11. Prepare Cinnamon Glaze: In a bowl, add the powdered sugar, ground cinnamon, vanilla and almond milk all at once. Whisk the ingredients together until smooth. If the glaze is a bit too thick, add in another teaspoon of almond milk or until your desired consistency is reached.
12. Cool Before Removing: Let the apple loaf cake cool for at least 20 minutes in the pan before removing from the pan.
13. Drizzle Glaze: Drizzle the cinnamon glaze in a zig-zag pattern all over the top of the apple loaf, then let the glaze set.
14. Slice and Enjoy: Cut and enjoy while warm or store for later!

Notes

White Sugar: I used white sugar, but you can also use cane sugar if you prefer. Alternatively, if you are diabetic or insulin-resistant, I highly recommend using granulated monkfruit sweetener (a 1:1 sugar substitute that is zero glycemic index and will not raise your blood sugar).

Ground Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon imparts a lovely taste to this gluten-free apple bread. Alternatively, you may also use pumpkin pie spice if you like.

Butter: I used unsalted dairy-free butter to keep the recipe dairy-free. You can also use coconut oil if you prefer. Alternatively, if you are not lactose-intolerant, go ahead and use regular butter instead.

Vanilla Extract: Adding vanilla extract gives the bread extra flavor, so I recommend adding it in.

Gluten-Free Flour: For best results, make sure to use a gluten-free measure-for-measure flour (1:1 flour that replaces regular flour in equal proportions) that is made up of lighter flours/starches (such as rice flour, tapioca starch, corn starch or potato starch) for a lighter final texture. I do NOT recommend using a gluten-free flour blend that is made up of heavier flours (such as garbanzo bean flour) as that will result in a denser final texture.

Xanthan Gum: Xanthan gum is the replacement for gluten in gluten-free flours and helps to bind the ingredients together. If your gluten-free flour blend doesn’t already include xanthan gum, make sure to include it. If you can’t take xanthan gum, you can replace it with psyllium husk powder in equal amounts.

Baking Powder: Since baking powder is the only leavening agent used for helping the batter rise, make sure to add it in. If you are Celiac or gluten-intolerant, make sure to use certified gluten-free baking powder.

Almond Milk: I like using an unsweetened version of my homemade almond milk, but you can also use another unsweetened non-dairy milk (such as rice milk, cashew milk, tigernut milk, coconut milk or oat milk). Alternatively, if you are not lactose-intolerant, go ahead and use regular milk instead.

Apples: Feel free to use any type of apples you have on hand. Just make sure to peel and core them before grating them finely on your box grater.

Brown Sugar: I used light brown sugar, but you can also use dark brown sugar or coconut sugar if you prefer. Alternatively, if you are diabetic or insulin-resistant, I highly recommend using granulated monkfruit sweetener (a 1:1 sugar substitute that is zero glycemic index and will not raise your blood sugar).

Powdered Sugar: Powdered sugar (also known as confectioners’ sugar) is very finely processed sugar and will dissolve easily to get a smooth glaze. If you are diabetic or insulin-resistant, I highly recommend using powdered monkfruit sweetener (a 1:1 powdered sugar substitute that is zero glycemic index and will not raise your blood sugar).

Storing/Freezing: To store, cover the gluten-free apple bread in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving. To freeze, wrap the apple cinnamon bread in various layers of plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Let the apple bread thaw completely overnight in the refrigerator before slicing and eating.

• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 50 mins
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American