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Legit Squishy Gluten Free Bread

Legit Squishy Gluten Free Bread


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  • Author: Helen Lois
  • Total Time: 95
  • Yield: 1 loaf (12 slices) 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

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

Scale

— 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