Apple Bread with Crumb Topping

I wish I could claim credit for this recipe, but my husband is the genius creator. This past Saturday I was taking a nap and when I woke up, he’d baked this bread. I love being married to man that can cook and likes to experiment with recipes. Sometimes, they don’t work out, but most of the time, he produces something delicious.

Apple Bread Ingredients:

2 cups gluten-free all-purpose baking flour {we use Bob’s Red Mill}

1 cup raisins

2 teaspoons baking powder

2 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon xanthan gum

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 cup coconut oil, melted

olive oil baking spray to coat the pan

2/3 agave nectar

2/3 cup rice milk

1 1/2 cups applesauce

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/2 cup walnuts, chopped

Crumb Topping Ingredients {Optional}:

1/2 cup gluten-free all-purpose baking flour

1/2 cup brown sugar

2 tablespoons of vegan butter, cut into small squares

Apple Bread Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees and spray a loaf pan with the olive oil baking spray.

2. In a small bowl, mix the raisins with two tablespoons of the baking flour and set aside. {This keeps them from all falling to the bottom of the bread when it’s baking.}

3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the rest of the flour, baking powder, baking soda, xanthan gum, salt, and cinnamon.

4. Add the coconut oil, agave nectar, rice milk, applesauce and vanilla to the dry ingredients. Stir until the batter is smooth.

5. Using a spatula, gently fold in the flour covered raisins and walnuts.

6. Fill the pan 2/3 full with the batter. Top with crumb topping {optional – see directions below}.

7. Bake on center rack for 45 minutes, rotating 180 degrees after 30 minutes. Use a toothpick to test if it’s done. If the toothpick comes out clean, it’s done.

8. Let the apple bread cool in the loaf pan for 20 minutes.

9. Run a butter knife around the edges of the bread, cover the pan with a cutting board or large plate, gently flip. Remove the pan and gently turn the bread back over.

You can serve this warm or room temperature. Wait until it cools before covering and storing.

Crumb Topping Directions {Optional}:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the baking flour, brown sugar, and vegan butter.

2. Using a fork, mix and mash together.

3. Add to the top of the batter in the loaf pan, using your hands to crumble it.