Healthy Apple Bread (Vegan, Gluten-Free)
Bake the ultimate healthy apple bread this fall! Moist, tender, perfectly spiced, and filled with chunks of apple, this loaf is vegan, gluten-free, and naturally sweetened. Perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert this fall.
Apple bread is one of my favorite seasonal recipes to make in the fall, right up there with my apple cider muffins, healthy apple crisp, and air fryer apples.
There’s just nothing like a warm, spiced bread in the fall. Picture this: it’s a crisp morning, the leaves are falling, your favorite candle is lit, and a fresh loaf of apple bread is baking in the oven (with apples you picked from the orchard, naturally). That first slice? Pure fall magic.
This healthy apple bread really is the best. Made with oat flour for a nutrient boost, it’s loaded with tender chunks of apple and fall spices. Even though it’s vegan and gluten-free, it’s still perfectly moist and tender, with it’s natural sweetness coming from maple syrup.
Why I Love This Apple Bread Recipe
- Packed with tender chunks of apple in every bite for a burst of sweetness
- Perfectly spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg & allspice for that cozy autumn flavor
- Made with oat flour for a wholesome, nutrient-rich base
- Mix it all together in one bowl = less clean-up
- Vegan, gluten-free, and naturally sweetened with maple syrup
Honorable mention: while it’s baking in the oven, your whole house will smell like the best fall candle!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what makes this apple bread both healthy and delicious:
- Apple: You only need one apple! Honeycrisp is my favorite variety to bake with, but any apple will work.
- Oat Flour: Use store-bought, or make your own oat flour by blending oats until a fine flour forms (use certified gluten free oats for gluten allergies).
- Unsweetened Applesauce: Adds moisture and helps bind the ingredients together.
- Coconut Sugar: Another natural sweetener. Sub for date sugar, brown sugar, or regular sugar.
- Maple Syrup: For natural sweetness and a subtle maple flavor.
- Coconut Oil: Be sure to use refined coconut oil so there’s no coconut flavor.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: This reacts with the leavening agents to help the loaf rise.
- Baking Powder + Baking Soda: For lift and fluffiness.
- Spices: A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and a pinch of salt.
How To Make Healthy Apple Bread
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Mix wet ingredients: Whisk together applesauce, coconut sugar, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and apple cider vinegar.
- Add dry ingredients: Mix in the oat flour, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt until just combined. Fold in the diced apple.
- Bake: Transfer the batter to the loaf pan. Bake 55-60 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool for another 15–20 minutes. It continues to cook on the inside as it cools, so be patient for the best tender crumb. Slice and enjoy!
Megan’s Tips for the Best Apple Bread
- Picking your apple: I love Honeycrisp for their sweetness, but Fuji or Pink Lady work too.
- Don’t overmix: Stir the batter until just combined to keep the crumb tender—a few flour spots is fine!
- Check for doneness: Insert a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s ready.
- Cool before slicing: Trust me, I know it’s tempting, but the loaf will continue to set as it cools, so give it at least 20–30 minutes before cutting. Patience pays off with a tender crumb!
Enjoying Apple Bread
I love popping a slice in the microwave for 10 seconds then adding a spoonful of almond butter on top. My dad swears by toasting it in a pan on the stove and layering some vegan butter melted on top.
- As breakfast: serve it with a warm mug of my pumpkin spice chai latte.
- Gift idea: This apple bread makes the perfect fall gift! Wrap a freshly baked loaf with some twine and gift it to friends, neighbors, or teachers.
Apple Bread FAQs
What apples are best for apple bread?
I find that sweet-crisp varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Pink Lady work best since they’re firm and hold their shape without becoming mushy. Tart apples like Granny Smith adds a nice balance if you prefer a bread that’s less sweet.
How do I store apple bread?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
Baking this cozy apple bread is like a little fall tradition for me. Each slice is tender, perfectly spiced, and filled with apple goodness. I hope it brings the same warmth and comfort to your kitchen as it does to mine!
got more apples? Try These Apple Favorites!
If you make this recipe, please be sure to leave a comment and ★★★★★ star rating below letting me know how you liked it! This helps others find my recipes. I appreciate your support, as always. xo, Megan
Healthy Apple Bread (Vegan, Gluten-Free)
Ingredients
- ¾ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ½ cup coconut sugar
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup melted coconut oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 cups oat flour, use certified gluten free if needed
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ½ tsp allspice, optional
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup diced apples, peeled
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Mix wet ingredients:Â Whisk together applesauce, coconut sugar, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and apple cider vinegar.
- Add dry ingredients:Â Mix in the oat flour, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt until just combined. Fold in the diced apple.
- Bake:Â Transfer the batter to the lined loaf pan. Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool for another 15–20 minutes. It continues to cook on the inside as it cools, so be patient for the best tender crumb.
- Slice and enjoy! Serve warm topped with your favorite nut butter or vegan butter.
Equipment
Notes
- Picking your apple: I love Honeycrisp for their sweetness, but Fuji or Pink Lady work great.
- Don’t overmix: Mix the batter until it’s just combined to keep the crumb tender—a few flour spots is fine!
- Check for doneness: Insert a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s ready.
- Cool before slicing: Trust me, I know it’s tempting, but the loaf will continue to set as it cools, so give it at least 20–30 minutes before cutting. Patience pays off with a tender crumb!
Baking sweet and easy breads is always something I look forward to enjoying at work and at home. When they come out near to perfect or perfect, I usually make that recipe again and others from the same blogger. I throughly enjoy Megan’s content, talking to her about vegan food, and sharing when I try our her recipes. This recipe for me came out perfect in October. I couldn’t get over how tasty it was and of course how easy with clean ingredients. I could easily see myself making this bread again. #happyholidays
I’m so happy this apple bread has become a repeat recipe for you! I always love our chats too 🙂 thanks for sharing, Lauren!
Hi! Is it possible to make it without the diced apples?
Thanks!
Hi! I haven’t tried making it without the apples, but it may change the texture a bit since they add moisture and sweetness. If you give it a try, I’d love to hear how it turns out!
Could I omit the sugar and just use honey?
Unfortunately that won’t work because it would be substituting a liquid for a dry ingredient! You could swap the coconut sugar for another granulated sweetener, such as regular sugar or brown sugar.
I would like to make this bread but I am not vegan. Would I use one egg instead of flaxseeds. I do follow a diabetic diet. I have made your healthy crisp apple and the others I love them. They are so tasty. Thank you
Hi Lynn, I haven’t tried it with eggs but since I used 2 flax eggs, I would use 2 regular eggs. I hope it turns out great! Let me know. I’m glad you enjoyed my other recipes 🥰