Vegan Gluten Free Bread Recipe (2024)

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Is This Gluten Free Vegan Bread Recipe Healthy?

Healthy looks different for everyone. However, as far as bread goes, we think this recipe is pretty darn good!

Unlike store-bought options that are often full of sugar, preservatives, and other undesirable ingredients, this homemade vegan bread uses just a handful of simple items and way less sugar. You get all the soft taste and subtle flavor you love and none of the junk you don’t!

Basic Ingredients and Simple Substitutions

We’re willing to bet that you already have most of what you need for this bread on hand. If not, it’s all super easy to find at your local grocery store! Here’s what you’ll need:

• Non-Dairy Milk – Any plain, unsweetened non-dairy milk such as almond milk, cashew milk, oat milk, or hemp milk can be used.
• Dry Active Yeast – If needed, instant yeast can be used instead, but you’ll still need to proof it due to the mixing method!
• Sugar – A small amount of plain granulated sugar helps sweeten the batter.
• Gluten-Free Flour – We use gluten free all-purpose flour. However, it’s important to note that it does not contain xanthan gum, which impacts the rise of whatever you’re baking!

Ingredient Swap: If preferred, you can also make your own gluten-free flour blend or use gluten free bread flour. (See the recipe card below for details.)

• Light Olive Oil – Don’t replace this with extra virgin olive oil! The flavor will be too strong.
• Apple Cider Vinegar – This changes the pH level of the batter, contributing to a fluffy loaf and a tender crumb.
• Water – It might seem silly to list, but warm water is crucial to the success of your bread loaf!
• Baking Staples – Baking powder, xanthan gum, and salt combine to enhance the texture and flavor of the bread.

How to Make Easy Vegan Gluten Free Bread

If you’ve ever been too intimidated to attempt homemade bread, this recipe is the one for you! The dough does all the heavy lifting on its own. Then, all you have to do is pop it in the oven and enjoy. Here’s how it’s done:

1. Proof the Yeast. Whisk the yeast, part of the milk, and sugar in a small bowl. Set it aside to bubble.
2. Combine the Dry Ingredients. In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, stir or sift the dry ingredients until smooth.

3. Add the Wet Ingredients. Add the yeast mixture to the bowl of dry ingredients along with the oil and apple cider vinegar. Mix well. Then, add part of the water, and mix until a soft, sticky dough forms. It should look and feel similar to pizza dough!

Note: If the bread dough seems too dry, slowly mix in extra water as needed. Just be careful not to add too much! You shouldn’t need to add any more than ⅓ to ½ cup.

4. Knead. Using a dough hook, knead the dough for 5 minutes at medium speed.
5. Allow the Dough to Rise. Transfer the dough to a parchment paper-lined bread pan, using wet hands to spread it out evenly. Cover the pan with a cotton towel, and place it in a warm, dry place until the dough has doubled in size. This should take about 70-90 minutes, depending on your climate! See the tips below for troubleshooting help.

Pro-Tip: If preferred, you can allow the dough to rise in the mixing bowl, then transfer to prepared baking pan before baking.

6. Score the Bread. Use a serrated knife to gently score the top of the loaf. Then, dust the top with more flour.
7. Bake. Transfer the prepared loaf pan to a preheated oven, and bake until the bread has risen and is light golden brown.

6. Cool. Set the bread aside to cool before slicing. Don’t skip this step!
7. Enjoy! Slice, and serve it as toast with peanut butter or sunflower seed butter, as sandwich bread, or any way your heart desires.

Artisan Loaf Method:

If you’re looking for an artisan bread-like texture, try making this recipe using gluten-free bread flour and a Dutch oven instead! It has a crusty outside and soft center you want and takes less time to rise than the original recipe, thanks to King Arthur Gluten-Free Bread Flour made with gluten-free wheat starch!

Believe it or not, King Arthur’s wheat starch is completely gluten-free and can be used to give baked goods an incredible taste and texture, similar to yeast – just without the gluten!

If you’re unfamiliar, gluten-free wheat starch is similar to cornstarch in that it is very fine and powdery and can be used as a thickener in baking recipes. You can read more about wheat starch and how it has been made gluten-free on King Arthur’s website and find specifics on their allergen program site.

When making gluten-free vegan bread with gluten-free bread flour, follow the same prep/mixing instructions (through step five) in the recipe card below.

Note: You will only need to knead the dough for a minute or so.

1. Transfer the prepared dough to a bowl, cover it, and let it rise for about 45 minutes or until puffy and almost doubled in size.
2. Once the dough is almost done rising, preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, place parchment paper inside a small Dutch oven. Cover it with the lid, and place it in the oven while it is preheating.
3. While the oven is preheating, transfer the dough from the bowl onto a floured surface, and gently shape it into a round loaf/ball. Dust the top of the dough with flour, and score the top with a serrated knife.
4. Using oven mitts, carefully remove the hot Dutch oven dish from the oven. Remove the lid, and place the round dough inside on top of the parchment paper. Cover with the lid, and place the Dutch oven back in the oven for 30 minutes.
5. Remove the lid, and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes or until the internal temperature is between 205 to 212 degrees Fahrenheit. The outside will be a nice golden brown. Let the bread completely cool on the counter for at least 30 minutes before slicing, and enjoy!

Note: This recipe makes a smaller artisan loaf, around 8 slices (see photo above).

Baking Tips

• Use a stand mixer. We highly recommend using a stand mixer to combine all the ingredients. The bread will not turn out as well if you do it all by hand!
• Use fresh ingredients. Double-check that all your ingredients, especially the baking powder, are fresh. This has a significant impact on the rise and flavor of vegan gluten free bread.
• Use the right flour. It’s best to use an all-purpose gluten-free flour without any thickeners (xanthan gum or guar gum) and control the amount by adding it separately to the recipe. 1:1 gluten free baking flours do not work for this bread.
• Measure Correctly – Each brand of all-purpose gluten-free flour will weigh differently per cup, so be sure to measure the flour in grams versus cups.
• Keep a close eye on your oven. Depending on the flour you use, the climate, your elevation, and your particular oven, your bread may take more or less time to bake. So, be sure to keep a close eye on your oven, and be careful not to let it burn!

Common Questions About This Vegan Gluten Free Bread Recipe