This Gluten-free Morning Glory Bread is a delightful way to start your day! Packed with tasty fruits and nuts, it’s both moist and healthy.
The best part? You can enjoy a slice without worrying about gluten. I love having it toasted with a little butter for breakfast—so comforting!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Gluten-free all-purpose flour: This is the base of the bread. Ensure it’s a blend that includes xanthan gum for a better rise. If you’re out, you can make your own using equal parts almond flour and coconut flour, though it may alter the texture slightly.
Bananas: Ripe bananas add moisture and natural sweetness. If you don’t have any, unsweetened pumpkin puree or applesauce can substitute well, but adjust sugar accordingly since they are less sweet.
Grated apple: The apple adds flavor and moisture. If apples aren’t on hand, a pear or even shredded zucchini can work. Just remember to squeeze out excess moisture from zucchini!
Brown sugar: While this adds a rich flavor, you can substitute coconut sugar for a low-glycemic option. For a sugar-free option, try using mashed dates or monk fruit sweetener, but this may change the final texture a bit.
Walnuts or pecans: They add crunch and a nutty flavor. If anyone has nut allergies, you could skip them or use sunflower seeds instead for a similar texture.
How Do I Get My Bread to Rise and Stay Moist?
Achieving a good rise and moist texture can be tricky, especially with gluten-free recipes. Here are some tips:
- Make sure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh; expired leavening agents don’t provide the needed rise.
- Don’t overmix! Mix just until combined to keep your bread light and fluffy.
- Using mashed bananas and applesauce helps add moisture; avoid overbaking to prevent dryness.
- Check the bread a few minutes early to ensure it doesn’t dry out. If it starts browning too quickly, cover it with foil.
How to Make Gluten-Free Morning Glory Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 medium apple, peeled and grated
- 1 cup grated carrots
- ½ cup brown sugar or coconut sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Mix-Ins (Optional):
- ½ cup walnuts or pecans, chopped
- ½ cup raisins or dried cranberries
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 50-60 minutes to bake. After baking, let it cool for about 10 minutes in the pan. You’ll have a warm, fragrant loaf ready to enjoy in under 1.5 hours!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. This will make it easy to remove your bread later!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. Make sure everything is well combined so your bread rises evenly.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, mix together the mashed bananas, grated apple, grated carrots, brown sugar, eggs, applesauce, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is mixed nicely.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until it’s just combined; don’t over-mix! We want a nice, fluffy bread.
5. Add Nuts and Fruits:
If you’re using nuts and dried fruit, now’s the time to fold them gently into the mixture. This adds delicious texture and flavor!
6. Pour into the Pan:
Carefully pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. You can sprinkle some extra chopped nuts on top for a nice touch.
7. Bake the Bread:
Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. To check if it’s ready, insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, your bread is done!
8. Cool Before Serving:
Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents it from getting soggy.
9. Slice and Enjoy:
Once cool, slice the bread and serve it up. This delicious gluten-free Morning Glory Bread makes the perfect breakfast or snack!
Enjoy your homemade bread full of tasty goodness! It’s a great way to start your day!
Can I Use Different Types of Gluten-Free Flour?
Absolutely! You can use a different brand of gluten-free all-purpose flour, but make sure it contains xanthan gum or add about 1/2 teaspoon of xanthan gum to help with the texture. You can also experiment with a blend of almond flour or coconut flour, adjusting the liquid slightly if needed, as these flours behave differently.
Can I Substitute the Brown Sugar with Something Else?
Yes, you can substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar for a healthier option. If you prefer, you can also use honey or maple syrup, but reduce the amount of applesauce slightly to maintain the right consistency. Just remember, using liquid sweeteners may result in a moister bread!
How to Store Leftover Morning Glory Bread?
Store the leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like it to last longer, you can freeze it! Wrap individual slices or the whole loaf in plastic wrap and then in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To enjoy, just thaw at room temperature or pop a slice in the toaster!
Can I Add More Fruits or Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add in extras like shredded zucchini, crushed pineapple (drained), or even nuts for added nutrition and flavor. Just be cautious about not adding too much moisture, which can affect the baking result. If you add extra fruits or veggies, consider reducing the amount of applesauce slightly.
