User Post: Gluten-Free & Vegan Apple Cinnamon Whole Grain Quick Bread


Growing up in a big family has taught me a lot of things. I am the oldest of three siblings and one of 17 cousins. I have aunts and uncles galore, and family friends who might as well be aunts and uncles.

I've learned that being a first child can also earn you the title of mini mom. And when your grandma gives you that look, you best cut that crap out [whatever it is you're doing] -- and cut it out quickly. I've also learned that family members who double as best friends is an actual, very real possibility. And sometimes, ever so often, you're better off to keep your mouth shut rather than offer up your opinion. (Psst ... Just keep it to yourself.)

Another thing I've learned? When you bring food, bring extra.

Apparently, I forgot that lesson when I made this Whole Grain Peanut Butter & Banana Quick Bread the other day and didn't think to make another one before we hit the road for Pittsburgh. So, when I walked in the house and it was instantly gobbled up, I knew it was necessary to whip up another one. FAST.

Instead of making the same bread, I decided to try something new. Feeling inspired by the kinda-fall weather that has been floating around outside, I decided to make something with apples and cinnamon.

And I came up with this little beauty ...

Apple Cinnamon Whole Grain Quick Bread (gluten-free + vegan)

(Print me!)

Ingredients

  • 245 grams (about 1-1/2 cups) Whole Grain Gluten-Free Flour Mix

  • 1 teaspoon gluten-free baking powder

  • 1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda

  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

  • 1-1/4 cup diced apples (peeled or unpeeled -- your choice!)

  • 1/2 Tablespoon safflower oil

  • 2 Tablespoons vegan brown sugar

  • 1 Tablespoon vegan granulated sugar

  • 2 Tablespoons of ground flaxseed meal mixed with 6 Tablespoons warm water

  • 1/2 cup natural, unsweetened applesauce

  • 1/2 cup vegan granulated sugar

  • 1/4 cup almond milk

  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg

Topping:

  • 2 Tablespoons vegan brown sugar

  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • 1 teaspoon safflower oil


Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9 x 5 loaf pan by brushing with safflower or canola oil. (You can use something like this.)

In a medium bowl, mix together the whole grain flour, baking powder, baking soda and sea salt until well combined. Set aside.

In a small saucepan on low-medium heat, warm 1/2 Tablespoon of safflower oil. Add apples, 2 Tablespoons vegan brown sugar and 1 Tablespoon vegan granulated sugar, stirring frequently for 5-6 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool completely; drain excess juice and set aside.

Mix together the flaxseed meal and water in a small bowl and allow it to sit for a few minutes.

In a standing mixer (or using a hand mixer), "cream" the applesauce and 1/2 cup vegan granulated sugar until fluffy. Add the flaxseed meal and water combination, then almond milk, mixing until well combined. Slowly add the flour mixture, stirring until ingredients are mixed thoroughly. Stir in cinnamon, nutmeg and cooled apples, and then pour batter into prepared pan.

Prepare topping by mashing together all ingredients in a small bowl with a fork. Sprinkle on top of batter.

Place bread in oven, baking on lower rack of oven (to keep top of bread from burning) for 50 minutes to 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (be sure to test the cake and not the center strip where the topping will collect and remain a bit soft). NOTE: If bread begins to brown too quickly, then loosely place a sheet of foil on top for the duration of baking time.

When finished, remove bread from oven and allow to cool in pan for 25 to 30 minutes. Then, flip bread onto a baking rack, allowing it to completely cool before slicing and serving.






OMG. This bread is like fresh apple pie rolled into one nice and neat yummy quick bread. It smelled like heaven throughout the house as this apple cinnamon deliciousness baked in the oven. And don't worry about the strip in the center that looks a bit hollow and dark (see photo above). That's just the topping that makes this bread rock and roll!

Remember: If you're visiting friends and family, and plan to bring this bread -- then bring extra.


Find more recipes, gluten-free information and healthy living tips at The G-Spot.