Gluten Free Orange Cardamom Bread (Printer-friendly)
Moist gluten-free loaf with vibrant orange zest and warm cardamom, tender crumb and optional almond topping.
# What You Need:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (with xanthan gum)
02 - 1 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1½ teaspoons baking powder
04 - ½ teaspoon baking soda
05 - ½ teaspoon sea salt
06 - 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
07 - 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
→ Wet Ingredients
08 - 2 large eggs
09 - ¾ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
10 - ½ cup neutral oil (sunflower or canola)
11 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Optional Topping
12 - 2 tablespoons sliced almonds
13 - 1 tablespoon coarse sugar
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the long sides for easy removal.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, sea salt, ground cardamom, and grated orange zest until evenly distributed.
03 - In a separate bowl, beat the eggs thoroughly. Whisk in the freshly squeezed orange juice, neutral oil, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
04 - Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the dry ingredients. Fold gently with a spatula until just combined, being careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of the bread.
05 - Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Sprinkle evenly with sliced almonds and coarse sugar if desired.
06 - Bake on the center rack for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
07 - Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then use the parchment overhang to lift it out onto a wire cooling rack. Let cool completely before slicing into 8 to 10 even pieces.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The combination of bright orange zest and warm cardamom creates a fragrance that fills your entire home and makes everyone wander into the kitchen asking what is baking.
- It uses a simple one bowl method for the wet ingredients so you can have it in the oven in under twenty minutes even on a sleepy weekend morning.
02 -
- Gluten free batter looks thicker and stickier than traditional batter so do not be tempted to add extra liquid because that will throw off the texture and prevent a proper rise.
- Every gluten free flour blend behaves differently so if your first loaf spreads too much or sinks in the middle try a different brand and keep notes until you find one that works reliably.
03 -
- Toast whole cardamom pods in a dry skillet for two minutes then grind them fresh and your bread will have a depth of flavor that surprises even experienced bakers.
- Dust the sliced almonds with a tiny pinch of flour before scattering them on top so they do not sink into the batter during baking and stay visible on that beautiful golden crust.