This Gluten-free Morning Glory Bread is a sweet treat starting your day with a smile! It’s packed with yummy ingredients like carrots, apples, and nuts, making it super hearty.
I love enjoying a warm slice with my morning coffee. It’s like having breakfast and dessert all at once—who wouldn’t want that? Plus, it’s easy to make ahead for busy mornings!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Gluten-free All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of the bread. If you don’t have it, you can use a homemade blend of rice flour, almond flour, and tapioca flour. Just make sure it has a binding agent like xanthan gum since gluten is absent.
Bananas: They add moisture and sweetness. If bananas aren’t your thing, you can replace them with an equal amount of unsweetened pumpkin puree or applesauce for a different flavor.
Maple Syrup or Honey: Both sweeten the bread naturally. If you want a lower-sugar option, try using coconut sugar or stevia, but keep in mind the moisture content may vary, so adjust accordingly.
Carrots: Fresh, grated carrots bring color and nutrition. If you don’t have carrots, you can use zucchini or finely shredded apples for a similar texture and some extra sweetness.
Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts provide crunch. You can skip them or replace them with seeds, like sunflower or pumpkin seeds, for a nut-free version.
How Do You Ensure Your Bread is Moist and Not Overmixed?
The trick to avoiding dense or dry gluten-free bread is in your mixing. Always mix wet and dry ingredients separately before combining them, as done in the recipe. When you fold them together, do so gently and stop as soon as you no longer see dry flour.
- Be careful not to overmix; this can lead to a tough texture.
- If your batter looks lumpy, that’s okay! Lumps are a sign of moisture and will help keep the bread tender.
- Make sure to measure your flour correctly; adding too much may dry out the mix.
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:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ½ cup maple syrup or honey
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Mix-ins:
- 1 cup grated carrots (about 1 medium carrot)
- ½ cup raisins or dried cranberries
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- ¼ cup shredded coconut (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 50-60 minutes to bake. Plus, you’ll want to let it cool before slicing. Altogether, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 15 minutes before you can enjoy your delicious gluten-free morning glory bread!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
First, let’s get your oven ready! Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with a bit of oil or butter. Alternatively, you can line the pan with parchment paper for easier release later on.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the gluten-free all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Whisk them together until they’re well blended. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices for a better rise and flavor.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, add the mashed bananas, unsweetened applesauce, maple syrup (or honey), eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until it’s smooth and well combined. This delicious blend is what makes the bread moist and flavorful!
4. Combine the Mixtures:
Now, pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix – a few lumps are perfectly fine!
5. Add in the Goodies:
Fold in the grated carrots, raisins (or dried cranberries), chopped pecans (or walnuts), and shredded coconut if you’re using it. Mix everything together until evenly distributed. Your batter should look colorful and inviting!
6. Pour and Smooth:
Carefully pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top, making it nice and even. If you’d like, you can sprinkle some extra chopped pecans on top for a bit of crunch.
7. Bake to Perfection:
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. Keep an eye on it, and check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your bread is ready!
8. Cool Down:
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This will make it easier to remove. After that, transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing into it. Patience pays off!
9. Time to Enjoy!
Now that your gluten-free morning glory bread is ready, slice it up and enjoy it as a tasty breakfast or a delightful snack any time of day. Happy eating!
Can I Use Different Flours for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to use a gluten-free all-purpose blend that has xanthan gum or add 1 teaspoon of xanthan gum to help with the bread’s structure. Almond flour or coconut flour can be used, but you’ll need to adjust the liquid and possibly the other proportions as they behave differently.
How to Store Leftover Gluten-Free Morning Glory Bread?
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
Can I Replace the Eggs in this Recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for an egg substitute, use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce, 1/4 cup of mashed banana, or 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water (let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens) for each egg. This will help maintain moisture in the bread.
What Can I Add for Extra Flavor or Nutrients?
Feel free to experiment with add-ins! You can add shredded zucchini for extra moisture, or substitute the raisins with chopped dates or cranberries. A handful of chia seeds or hemp hearts can also boost the nutritional value!
