Gluten free fall loaf
I don’t know what it is about oranges in fall, but they just hit differently this time of year. 🍊
This orange almond maple butter loaf might be one of my favorite things I’ve baked lately! It’s soft, moist, and full of cozy sweetness without being too heavy. It’s made with fresh orange juice and zest, creamy maple butter (the one from Trader Joe’s 🤭), a little brown sugar for depth, and crumbled almond paste that melts into these soft, nutty bites.
I used a mix of gluten-free flour and almond flour, so it’s naturally gluten-friendly and has that bakery-style crumb.
Whisk ½ cup olive oil, ½ cup maple butter, ½ cup brown sugar, 2 eggs, zest + juice of 1 orange, and almond extract. Add 1 cup gluten-free flour, ½ cup almond flour, baking powder, cinnamon + salt. Fold in almond paste chunks. Bake 350°F for 40min
**FULL RECIPE on my tiktok account**
#fallrecipe #traderjoeshaul #fallrecipes #lemon8food #lemon8challenge @Lemon8 Food
Okay, friends, let's dive a little deeper into why this gluten-free almond flour orange loaf is an absolute must-bake, especially if you're looking for that perfect cozy fall treat! If you've ever struggled with gluten-free baking, I promise you, this recipe is a game-changer. The secret truly lies in using a good quality almond flour alongside your gluten-free blend. It not only adds a wonderful nutty depth but also contributes to that incredibly moist texture we all crave in a loaf. No dry, crumbly gluten-free bakes here! One of my biggest tips for getting that vibrant orange almond maple butter flavor to shine is to use fresh oranges. Don't skimp on the zest! It carries so much of the essential oil and aroma. I love using a microplane to get really fine zest that distributes evenly throughout the batter. And that ALMOND PASTE? It melts into little pockets of pure deliciousness, making every bite extra special. If you can't find maple butter, a good quality maple syrup mixed with a little softened butter works wonderfully too – just adjust to your taste! The Trader Joe's maple butter is definitely a game changer if you can get your hands on it! For a truly bakery-style gluten-free loaf, ensure all your wet ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. This helps everything emulsify beautifully, leading to a smoother batter and a more consistent rise. When baking, keep an eye on it – ovens can vary! A good test is when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. And don't worry if the top browns quickly; you can lightly tent it with foil if needed to prevent over-browning while the inside finishes baking. The ideal baking time is around 40 minutes at 350°F, but it's always good to check your specific oven. Once it's cooled, this orange almond maple butter loaf is fantastic on its own, but sometimes I love to drizzle a simple orange glaze over the top (just powdered sugar and a touch of fresh orange juice!). It makes for such a beautiful presentation and an extra citrusy kick. It stores well in an airtight container for a few days, though I doubt it'll last that long – my family always devours it! You can also slice it and freeze individual portions for a quick treat later. Happy baking, everyone! Let me know if you try it – I'd love to hear how your gluten-free almond flour orange loaf turns out!