Pumpkin bread is the ideal autumn treat and the gluten-free version is no exception. Following a gluten-free (GF) diet doesn't mean you can't enjoy delicious pumpkin bread. Once you get the hang of gluten-free baking, the possibilities are endless. With a few simple adjustments to a basic recipe, you can whip up a bread that tastes as good as the original - if not better.
The gluten-free pumpkin bread recipe below is sure to delight. It's so good that you'll be able to gift pumpkin bread to friends or family during the fall season, make it part of your Thanksgiving table, or freeze it and pull it out when guests come over. You can even bake a loaf to take to work and surprise your coworkers. Gluten-free or not, everyone is sure to enjoy this tasty treat.
Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bread Recipe
This recipe uses almond flour and xanthan gum in lieu of traditional white baking flour. But it has all the flavor and texture of traditional pumpkin bread.
Ingredients
Ready to bake a batch of delicious gluten-free pumpkin bread? Start by gathering the following ingredients:
- 1/2 cup butter (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup cane sugar
- 1 15-ounce can of pumpkin
- 2 eggs at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 teaspoons xanthan gum
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups almond flour
Step-by-Step Instructions
Once you've gathered the ingredients, follow the instructions below. In just a little over an hour, you'll have a loaf of yummy homemade, gluten-free pumpkin bread.
- Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit
- Apply a gluten-free nonstick cooking oil spray to the loaf pan.
- Mix the sugar and butter until smooth and well-blended.
- Add the pumpkin, eggs, and vanilla, then blend thoroughly.
- Stir in the xanthan gum, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the almond flour. Stir just until well blended. Do not over-blend.
- Add mixture to loaf pan and bake for one hour, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the bread comes out clean. Depending on your oven, you may need to bake ten to fifteen minutes longer.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool before slicing or transferring to a serving platter.
Variations
You don't have to stick with the basic recipe. Feel free to stir chopped nuts or dried fruit into the batter for additional flavor, or opt for one (or both) of the following health-boosting variations.
Substitute Grapeseed Oil for Butter
You can improve the health factor of your pumpkin bread by substituting grapeseed oil for butter. Grapeseed oil contains high levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids, including omega-6 fatty acids. It is cholesterol-free, and it may even actually help lower cholesterol.
Use Organic Ingredients
You can also make this bread organic by using only organic ingredients. Even if you don't opt for an all-organic version, consider using at least some organic ingredients. If you want to enjoy the freshest possible flavor, you could even purchase an organically grown pumpkin and make your own pumpkin puree instead of using store-bought pumpkin.
Also, keep in mind that if you can use a pumpkin pie spice instead of adding single ingredient spices, the bread may no longer be gluten-free. Many spice companies assign gluten-free labels to their single-ingredient spices but not to their spice blends. If you must avoid gluten, check labels carefully and only use those that are identified as gluten-free.
Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bread Nutrition
The nutrition for your gluten-free pumpkin bread will depend on the size of your slice. If you slice the loaf into ten (10) servings, you'll consume 314 calories per slice, 21 grams of fat, 27 grams of carbohydrate, and 6.5 grams of protein. You'll also consume a whopping 79% of the daily recommended allowance for vitamin A. This vitamin is important for healthy vision, growth, and development.
Looking for ways to enjoy your GF pumpkin bread? Pair it with a serving of vanilla-flavored Greek yogurt to boost your protein intake and get some calcium. Or top your pumpkin bread with sliced fruit and berries for a sweet treat. Either way, you'll find that the bread is moist and delicious and is the perfect choice for breakfast, dessert, or any snack in between.
