This gluten-free cinnamon apple bread is soft on the inside, sweet on the outside, and will bring the scent of fall to your kitchen. Contains plenty of diced apples and applesauce for moisture and flavor. A swirl of cinnamon sugar makes every slice look and taste special.
It’s easy to make, perfect for breakfast, snacks, and desserts, and no one would guess that it’s gluten-free. A win-win!
If you’ve ever tried gluten-free quick bread, you know the struggle. Bread may become hard, dry, or crumbly. This gluten-free cinnamon apple bread solves that. It’s soft, moist, and full of real apple flavor from both the diced apples and the applesauce. A swirl of cinnamon adds warmth and a bakery-style look that makes each slice feel special.
If you love cozy fall desserts like my Vegan Apple Crisp or easy treats like my Microwave Cinnamon Apples, then this recipe is for you. It’s easy to make, smells amazing while baking, and has that pleasant apple-cinnamon flavor that everyone loves.
Why you’ll love this recipe
Warm cinnamon flavor in every bite Beautiful swirls that look like they came from the bakery Freeze them for a quick breakfast later
Ingredient list for this gluten-free cinnamon apple bread
See the recipe card below for a complete list of ingredients, quantities, and instructions. Introducing the main ingredients at a glance.
Gluten-free flour: I use King Arthur because it bakes light and tender without being grainy or heavy. That’s the key to making the perfect soft bread.
Apples: I like Honeycrisp or Pink Lady for their sweetness and texture. It bakes well and the apple flavor spreads little by little with every bite.
Applesauce: A cup of unsweetened applesauce will keep your bread moist for days and add a gentle sweetness without the need for extra oil.
Cinnamon and sugar: The classic combination adds a warm flavor to the bread and creates a unique swirl in the middle.
Butter: Softened butter helps bread rise evenly and adds a buttery, bakery-style flavor. If you are dairy-free, use plant-based butter.
How to make gluten-free cinnamon apple bread
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan. I like to line the bottom with parchment paper and lightly dust the top with gluten-free flour. This will make it easier for the baked bread to peel off cleanly.
While the oven is heating, swirl the cinnamon sugar so it’s ready for later. Combine 1/4 cup sugar and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon in a small bowl. It takes less than a minute, and by preparing it in advance, you won’t have to leave the dough for too long once mixed.
Next, mix together the dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, combine gluten-free flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until pale and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. This step gives the bread a lift and a soft crumb. Beat the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract and applesauce and beat until smooth and creamy.
Once the wet ingredients are ready, gradually add the dry mixture. Stir in the flour mixture and applesauce alternately to keep the dough even and airy.
Next, add the diced apples. I like to stir in a teaspoon of flour before folding the dough. This will prevent the dough from sinking to the bottom.
Now it’s ready for assembly. Pour half of the batter into the loaf pan and sprinkle the cinnamon and sugar swirl mixture evenly on top. Add the remaining batter and swirl gently using a butter knife. Do not over mix. Adding a few cinnamon ribbons is perfect.
Bake the bread for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the top begins to brown too quickly, cover the bread loosely with foil about halfway through.
Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to complete cooling. Waiting until it cools completely will make it easier to cut neatly without falling apart.
It takes about 15 minutes to prepare the dough and swirls, 50-60 minutes to bake, and just over an hour total from start to finish.
Tips for making the best gluten-free cinnamon apple bread
Get the texture right: Gluten-free dough will thicken if left out, so don’t leave it on the counter too long after mixing. Prepare the pot before you start and place it in the oven immediately for the best fermentation.
Balances the apple flavor. : Mix two types of apples if possible. One is sweet, like Honeycrisp, and the other is tart, like Granny Smith. It gives the bread more depth and prevents the taste of the bread from becoming monotonous.
provide ideas
My favorite way to eat this is:
Toast and spread with butter or almond butter. Pair with coffee, tea, or apple cider. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.
FAQ
Yes, but textures may change. King Arthur is perfect for this recipe. For more information about gluten-free flour blends and how they work in baking, check out King Arthur Gluten-Free Baking Tips.
You can, but it adds flavor. You can also try incorporating a maple flavor by using maple icing/glaze. Spread it all over the bread while it is still hot.
Yes, just replace the butter with an equal amount of oil.
Insert a toothpick into the center. It’s ready if it comes out clean or has some crumbs on it.
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recipe card
Quantity: 12 slice
calorie: 242kcal
Device
1 x 9 x 5 inch loaf pan
1 Hand mixer or stand mixer
1 whisk
1 rubber spatula or wooden spoon
1 Measuring cup and spoon
1 paring knife and cutting board
1 butter knife or skewer
1 wire cooling rack
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch (23×13 cm) loaf pan.
In a medium bowl, combine gluten-free flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Let’s set it aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 cup of the granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add vanilla extract and stir.
Gradually add dry flour mixture to wet ingredients, alternating with applesauce. Start with the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
Gently mix in the diced apples.
In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon for the cinnamon swirl.
Pour half of the apple bread batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle the cinnamon swirl mixture evenly over the dough. Place the remaining dough on top.
Using a knife or skewer, slowly fold the cinnamon mixture into the dough to create a marble pattern.
Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean with a few moist crumbs attached.
Let the cinnamon apple bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cool, slice and enjoy. Enjoy homemade gluten-free apple bread with a cup of hot tea or coffee.
Precautions
Be sure to use a gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum for the best texture.
If the apples are very juicy, pat them dry before adding them to the dough.
Once you add the dry ingredients, don’t overmix. Bread may become denser.
Baking time varies depending on your oven. Check with a toothpick after 50 minutes. It should come out almost clean.
If you’re dairy-free, replace the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil.
Store covered at room temperature for 3 days or in the refrigerator for 1 week.
nutrition
calorie: 242kcal | carbohydrates: 39g | protein: 3g | fat: 9g | Saturated fat: 5g | fiber: 3g
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