Gluten-Free Apple Bread

Our gluten-free apple bread recipe is crunchy on the outside and moist on the inside. Our healthy apple cinnamon bread uses applesauce instead of oil, gluten-free flour, and is flavored with almond extract along with apple pie spice.

Never compromising flavor, our version is lower in calories yet higher in fiber! The fresh apples, a kid favorite, are added for a boost of sweetness. Enjoy for breakfast, as a snack, or warmed for an evening treat.

Created with kids in mind, this is a recipe that they can make all on their own. They follow step-by-step instructions learning how to make homemade bread along the way.

For more kid-cooking recipes, check out Kids Protein Shake, Mini Corn Dogs, and Mango Slushie.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon apple pie spice 
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 medium apple, peeled and diced

How To Make Our Recipe for Apple Bread

Start by preheating the oven to 425°F. Then, spray the bread pan with nonstick cooking spray.

Combine the wet ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, mix together the sugar, applesauce, eggs, and almond extract.

Try making a batch of No Sugar Applesauce to use in this recipe then enjoy the leftovers as a snack until it’s gone. You can also use any store-bought variety of applesauce to save time.

Ingredient Swap: 1 teaspoon almond extract can be replaced with 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.

Whisk the dry ingredients together

Set the bowl of wet ingredients aside as you whisk together the flour, baking soda, apple pie spice, and salt in a medium-sized bowl.

Ingredient Swap: 1 teaspoon cinnamon can be used instead of apple pie spice.

Combine wet and dry ingredients

Once both the wet and dry ingredients have been mixed separately, pour the dry ingredients into the bowl of wet ingredients. Stir until almost blended.

Add the diced apples and stir into the batter until just blended. Carefully pour the batter into the bread pan and top with a few diced apples.

Mix It Up: Add dried apricots, cherries, cranberries, raisins or nuts (pecans, walnuts) as the diced apples are added and stir until blended.

Bake

Bake at 425°F for 10 minutes then turn down to 350°F and bake for an additional 40-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.

How To Make Apple Muffins

Turn this apple bread into muffins by pouring the batter into a muffin tin. Then, bake at 425° for 8 minutes, turning down to 350°F and baking for an additional 7 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the muffins comes out clean. 

Recipe Tips

• Read the Recipe Thoroughly: Before you start, read the entire recipe from start to finish. This will give you a clear understanding of the steps involved and ensure you have all the necessary ingredients and equipment.
• Measure Ingredients Accurately: Use proper measuring cups and spoons for dry and wet ingredients. Level off dry ingredients like flour and sugar, and use liquid measuring cups for liquids. Precise measurements are crucial for baking.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Many recipes, especially for cakes and cookies, call for room-temperature butter, eggs, and other dairy products. Take these ingredients out of the fridge ahead of time to ensure even mixing and better texture
• Follow the Mixing Instructions: Pay attention to whether the recipe calls for mixing by hand, with a hand mixer, or a stand mixer. Overmixing can lead to tough baked goods, so mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Use the Right Bakeware: Use the type and size of baking pan or sheet specified in the recipe. Different sizes and materials can affect baking times and results.
• Preheat the Oven: Always preheat your oven to the specified temperature before placing your baked goods inside. This ensures even baking from the start.
• Rotate Pans: If you’re baking multiple items at once, consider rotating the pans halfway through the baking time to ensure even cooking.
• Invest in an Oven Thermometer: Ovens can vary in temperature accuracy. Using an oven thermometer can help you confirm that your oven is at the correct temperature.
• Don’t Open the Oven Too Soon: Avoid opening the oven door frequently while baking, especially in the early stages. Sudden temperature drops can affect the outcome.
• Check for Doneness: Use visual cues, such as golden brown edges or a toothpick coming out clean, to determine if your baked goods are done. Different recipes may have different indicators of doneness.
• Cool Properly: Allow your baked goods to cool in the pan for the recommended time before transferring them to a wire rack. Cooling too quickly can cause them to break or lose moisture.
• Practice Patience: Baking can be a precise and time-consuming process. Be patient and follow the recipe carefully for the best results.
• Keep Notes: If you make any adjustments or modifications to a recipe, keep notes so you can replicate or adjust your results in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

Storage Instructions

After the muffins have completely cooled, place them in an airtight container or sealable plastic bag. To prevent them from sticking together, consider using parchment paper between the layers if you’re stacking them. For short-term storage, like within the first few days, keeping them at room temperature is perfectly fine. However, if you anticipate keeping them for a longer period, it’s advisable to refrigerate them for up to a week.

Alternatively, you can freeze apple muffins for an extended shelf life of about three months. When freezing, make sure they’re well-sealed in an airtight container or freezer bag. Before serving, allow refrigerated or frozen muffins to come to room temperature, or gently warm them in the oven or microwave to restore their original moistness and flavor.

More Healthy Quick Bread Recipes

• Banana Zucchini Bread
• Banana Bread Recipe For Kids
• Spinach Muffins with Banana and Blueberries
• Healthy Muffins For Kids
• Cranberry Orange Almond Quick Bread