Gluten-Free Apple Cinnamon Loaf

Ingredients

• 2 cups certified gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (containing rice flour, tapioca starch, and potato starch) 2 cups certified gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (containing rice flour, tapioca starch, and potato starch)
• 1 tsp xanthan gum (omit if your GF flour blend already contains it) 1 tsp xanthan gum (omit if your GF flour blend already contains it)
• 1 tsp certified gluten-free baking powder 1 tsp certified gluten-free baking powder
• 0.5 tsp salt 0.5 tsp salt
• 1 cup warm milk (dairy or non-dairy) 1 cup warm milk (dairy or non-dairy)
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 3 tbsp melted unsalted butter or neutral oil (like avocado or light olive oil) 3 tbsp melted unsalted butter or neutral oil (like avocado or light olive oil)
• 1 cup diced peeled apples (such as Honeycrisp or Gala) 1 cup diced peeled apples (such as Honeycrisp or Gala)
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 0.25 tsp ground nutmeg 0.25 tsp ground nutmeg

Instructions

1. 1

   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the certified gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, xanthan gum (if using), certified gluten-free baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Ensure all the dry ingredients are thoroughly combined, creating a uniform mixture for about 1 minute.

2. 2

   In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the warm milk, room temperature eggs, and melted butter or oil until well emulsified. Continue whisking for about 30 seconds until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.

3. 3

   Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix. The batter will be thick and slightly sticky, which is normal for gluten-free doughs. Gently fold in the diced apples until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

4. 4

   Lightly grease and flour a standard loaf pan with gluten-free flour or line it with parchment paper. Spoon the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly with the back of your spoon. You can wet your hands slightly to help smooth the top of the batter if it's too sticky to handle.

5. 5

   Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 55-65 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean and the top is a deep golden brown. The aroma of cinnamon and apple should fill your kitchen. Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes before carefully transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing, about 1-2 hours.

Nutrition (per serving)

Tips & Notes

• If your GF flour blend already lists xanthan gum in its ingredients, skip any additional xanthan gum or the texture will become gummy.
• Tapioca thickens sauces and gravies at a lower temperature than cornstarch; add it near the end of cooking.
• Check that your baking powder is labeled gluten-free — some brands use grain-based fillers — look for certified gluten-free on the label.