Gluten-Free Cinnamon Apple Bread

This gluten-free cinnamon apple bread always takes me back to crisp autumn days spent apple picking with my aunt. It fills the kitchen with warm scents of cinnamon and sweet apples, creating a cozy atmosphere that feels like home. The tender crumb, enriched by sour cream and a blend of spices like nutmeg and cinnamon, makes it a perfect choice for holiday breakfasts, brunch gatherings, or a comforting treat alongside a cup of coffee.

I first baked this loaf after an afternoon of apple picking, and the house smelled so inviting that my family kept coming back for seconds. Now it’s a staple every fall and a favorite for sharing with friends.

Ingredients

• Gluten free all purpose flour with xanthan gum: included to provide structure for the bread
• Baking powder and baking soda: to ensure proper rise and lightness
• Ground cinnamon and nutmeg: to give warm, cozy autumn flavors
• Unsalted butter: softened for easy creaming and richness in the crumb
• Granulated sugar: for sweetness balanced by brown sugar in the filling
• Large eggs: to bind ingredients and add moisture
• Pure vanilla extract: to enhance all the sweet spices and add aroma
• Sour cream: to keep the loaf tender and moist, preventing dryness common in gluten free breads
• Honeycrisp apples: peeled and chopped for juicy, sweet apple bites throughout
• Brown sugar: in the filling adds caramelized sweetness that complements the apples and spices

Instructions

Prepare Dry Ingredients:

In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten free all purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Make sure everything is evenly combined to create a uniform crumb and spice distribution throughout the bread.

Cream Butter and Sugar:

Using an electric mixer, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until the mixture looks pale and fluffy. This step incorporates air, which is essential for a light and tender texture.

Add Eggs and Vanilla:

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the pure vanilla extract to blend all the aromatic flavors beautifully.

Incorporate Sour Cream:

Gently fold in the sour cream using a spatula or set the mixer to low speed. This ensures that the batter stays moist and rich while contributing to a soft crumb.

Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Avoid over mixing as gluten free batters are sensitive and can become tough if handled too much.

Prepare Apple Cinnamon Filling:

In a small bowl, toss the peeled and chopped Honeycrisp apples with brown sugar and cinnamon until every piece is nicely coated. These spiced apples create lovely bursts of flavor and sweetness within the bread.

Layer and Swirl the Batter:

Pour half the batter into a lined or greased loaf pan. Spread half of the apple cinnamon filling evenly over the top. Using a knife, lightly swirl the filling into the batter to create marbled pockets. Repeat with the remaining batter and filling, finishing with another swirl on top for a beautiful patterned look.

Rest the Batter:

Let the assembled loaf rest at room temperature for 10 minutes before baking. This step hydrates the gluten free flour blend and helps the batter develop a more cohesive and tender crumb.

Bake and Cool:

Bake the loaf in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177 degrees Celsius) for 50 to 60 minutes. Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick near the center of the loaf—when it comes out clean or with only moist crumbs, the bread is ready. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 20 minutes before turning it out onto a rack to cool completely.

The sour cream is my favorite ingredient here because of how it transforms this bread into something so tender and moist. I remember once rushing to slice the bread warm from the oven and it crumbled on me, teaching me patience the hard way. Now I always wait until it fully cools and the texture is perfect every time.

Storage Tips

Store this bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or foil at room temperature for up to two days to keep it fresh. For longer storage, place sliced bread in a freezersafe bag and freeze for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, toast slices straight from the freezer or thaw at room temperature for a soft bite.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can replace the unsalted butter with refined coconut oil if you need a dairyfree option. This swap keeps the bread moist and adds a subtly tropical note. Fullfat Greek yogurt works well instead of sour cream, maintaining moisture while adding a mild tang. If Honeycrisp apples are unavailable, Pink Lady apples make a great substitute because of their firm texture and balanced sweet tart flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This cinnamon apple bread goes wonderfully with a spread of butter or cream cheese for breakfast or snack time. Toasted walnuts or pecans added to the filling provide a pleasing crunch and extra depth of flavor. Serve it alongside chai tea or a scoop of whipped mascarpone to elevate your brunch spread.

This gluten free cinnamon apple bread is one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug. Whether for a holiday breakfast, a casual brunch, or a thoughtful gift, it’s a delicious way to celebrate the flavors of fall any time you want.

Your Recipe Questions Answered

→ Why is my loaf dense and gummy inside?

Over-mixing or insufficient resting can cause a dense texture. Let the batter rest for 10 minutes before baking and avoid excessive mixing to ensure a tender crumb.

→ What causes the loaf to sink in the middle?

Underbaking, excess moisture, or expired leaveners might lead to sinking. Ensure proper baking time and fresh baking powder and soda for best results.

→ How should leftover bread be stored?

Allow to cool fully, then wrap tightly in plastic or foil. Store at room temperature up to 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days; slices can be frozen for longer storage.

→ Can I make this loaf without eggs?

Yes, substitute each egg with a flaxseed or chia seed mixture (1 tbsp ground seed plus 3 tbsp water). This may yield a slightly denser but still moist bread.

→ What are good ways to enhance the bread?

Adding toasted walnuts or pecans to the filling adds crunch, or drizzle a vanilla glaze over the cooled loaf for an elegant finishing touch.