Description
This ‘Legit Squishy’ Gluten-Free Bread lives up to its name. Soft, airy, and flexible, it bends without breaking and has that nostalgic white bread texture. The secret lies in a specific combination of ingredients—including baking powder for lift and apple cider vinegar for structure—that eliminates the dense, crumbly texture often found in gluten-free loaves.
Ingredients
— Dry Ingredients —
3 cups (approx. 440g) gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (Cup4Cup or Better Batter works best for the ‘squishy’ factor)
1/4 cup granulated sugar (or honey)
2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) instant rapid-rise yeast
1 teaspoon baking powder (the secret ingredient for extra fluffiness)
1 teaspoon salt
— Wet Ingredients —
1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/43°C) – think warm bathwater
1/4 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
1. Prepare the Pan: Grease a standard 9×5 inch loaf pan generously with non-stick spray or butter. (For a taller loaf, you can use a smaller 8×4 pan, but 9×5 is standard).
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, whisk together the gluten-free flour, sugar, instant yeast, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: With the mixer on low, pour in the warm water, oil, eggs, and apple cider vinegar.
4. The ‘Squishy’ Beat: Increase the speed to medium-high and beat for 3–5 minutes. This is critical! Unlike wheat bread, you want to beat air into this batter to help it rise and create a fine structure. The dough will look like thick, sticky cake batter.
5. Transfer & Smooth: Scrape the dough into the prepared loaf pan. Dip a spatula or your fingers in warm water and smooth the top of the loaf into a nice dome shape.
6. Rise: Cover loosely with greased plastic wrap or a shower cap. Place in a warm, draft-free spot for 30–45 minutes. The dough should rise just above the rim of the pan. (Do not let it over-rise, or it might collapse in the oven).
7. Preheat: While the bread rises, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
8. Bake: Bake for 30–40 minutes. The top should be golden brown and the internal temperature should reach 205°F–210°F (96°C–99°C).
9. Cool (Patience required!): Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then, turn it out onto a wire rack to cool COMPLETELY before slicing. Cutting it while warm will release the steam and make the bread gummy.
Notes
Flour Choice: The ‘squishy’ texture depends heavily on the flour. Blends containing milk powder (like Cup4Cup) often yield the softest results. If you are dairy-free, ensure your blend has xanthan gum.
Yeast: Use Instant/Rapid Rise yeast for the most reliable results. If you only have Active Dry, proof it in the warm water and sugar for 5 minutes before adding.
Storage: Store airtight at room temperature for 2-3 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze the loaf.
Troubleshooting: If the bread sinks in the middle, it likely over-proofed (rose too long) or the oven wasn’t fully preheated.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 35
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 210
- Fat: 6
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Unsaturated Fat: 4
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 3
- Cholesterol: 35
