Cozy Pumpkin Spice Bread with Maple Glaze (Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free)

Welcome autumn into your kitchen with this warmly spiced pumpkin bread that’s both gluten-free and dairy-free. This moist, tender loaf combines the earthy sweetness of pumpkin with aromatic spices and a luscious maple glaze, creating the perfect fall treat for breakfast, snack time, or dessert.

Ingredients

Makes one 9×5-inch loaf (12 slices)

For the Bread

  • 180g (1½ cups) gluten-free oat flour
  • 120g (½ cup) pumpkin purée
  • 80ml (⅓ cup) coconut oil, melted
  • 120ml (½ cup) pure maple syrup
  • 1 flax egg (15ml/1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 45ml/3 tablespoons water)
  • 5g (1 teaspoon) pumpkin spice blend
  • 5g (1 teaspoon) baking soda
  • 2g (¼ teaspoon) sea salt

For the Maple Glaze

  • 60g (¼ cup) coconut butter
  • 15ml (1 tablespoon) pure maple syrup
  • 2g (1 teaspoon) ground cinnamon
  • 30-45ml (2-3 tablespoons) warm water to thin

Optional Add-ins

  • 60g (½ cup) chopped walnuts
  • 30g (¼ cup) pepitas
  • 60g (½ cup) dairy-free chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Preparation (15 minutes)
  • Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F)
  • Line 9×5 inch loaf pan with parchment
  • Prepare flax egg, let sit 15 minutes
  • Melt coconut oil, let cool slightly
  1. Mix Wet Ingredients (5 minutes)
  • Whisk together pumpkin purée and melted coconut oil
  • Add maple syrup and prepared flax egg
  • Mix until smooth and well combined
  1. Combine Dry Ingredients (5 minutes)
  • In separate bowl, whisk oat flour, pumpkin spice, baking soda, and salt
  • Ensure even distribution of spices
  1. Make Batter (5 minutes)
  • Add dry ingredients to wet mixture
  • Fold gently until just combined
  • Stir in optional add-ins if using
  1. Bake (40-45 minutes)
  • Pour batter into prepared pan
  • Smooth top with spatula
  • Bake until toothpick comes out clean
  1. Glaze (10 minutes)
  • Warm coconut butter until melted
  • Whisk in maple syrup and cinnamon
  • Add warm water to reach desired consistency
  • Drizzle over cooled bread

Nutritional Information (per slice, without glaze)

  • Calories: 165
  • Fat: 8g
  • Carbohydrates: 21g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Sugar: 9g

Total Time

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Bake Time: 40-45 minutes
  • Cooling Time: 1 hour
  • Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Pro Tips and Tricks

  1. Perfect Texture
  • Don’t overmix the batter
  • Test doneness with toothpick
  • Cool completely before glazing
  1. Ingredient Temperature
  • Room temperature ingredients blend better
  • Let coconut oil cool before mixing
  • Use warm water for glaze consistency
  1. Storing Tips
  • Wait for glaze to set before storing
  • Keep in cool place
  • Slice when completely cool
  1. Make it Special
  • Sprinkle pepitas on top before baking
  • Add warming spices to glaze
  • Layer with parchment for storage

Variations and Substitutions

  1. Flour Options
  • Use quinoa flour blend
  • Try buckwheat flour
  • Blend gluten-free flours
  1. Sweetener Alternatives
  • Coconut sugar
  • Date syrup
  • Agave nectar
  1. Mix-In Ideas
  • Dried cranberries
  • Chopped pecans
  • Dairy-free chocolate chips
  1. Spice Variations
  • Extra cinnamon
  • Add nutmeg
  • Include ginger

Common FAQs

Q: Can I use canned pumpkin?
A: Yes, use pure pumpkin purée, not pumpkin pie filling.

Q: Why did my bread sink in the middle?
A: This can happen from opening the oven door too soon or overmixing.

Q: Can I freeze this bread?
A: Yes, freeze unglazed bread up to 3 months.

Q: How do I know when it’s done?
A: Toothpick inserted should come out clean, and top should spring back when touched.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Room Temperature Storage

  • Store unglazed bread up to 3 days
  • Keep in airtight container
  • Best eaten within 5 days

Freezer Storage

  • Wrap unglazed bread tightly
  • Freeze up to 3 months
  • Thaw overnight in refrigerator
  • Glaze before serving

Make-Ahead Options

  • Mix dry ingredients ahead
  • Prepare glaze day of serving
  • Store glazed bread in refrigerator

Reheating Tips

  • Warm individual slices lightly
  • Add fresh glaze if needed
  • Toast for extra crispness

This gluten-free and dairy-free pumpkin spice bread captures all the cozy flavors of fall while accommodating dietary restrictions. Perfect for breakfast, snack time, or dessert, it’s sure to become a seasonal favorite in your home. The maple glaze adds an extra touch of sweetness that makes this bread feel truly special.