Soft, Fluffy Buckwheat Bread (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
This super easy buckwheat bread is incredibly soft, fluffy and tender, and tastes delicious with a texture and look that’s uncannily similar to whole wheat bread! It’s the most popular bread recipe on the blog, and thousands of readers bake and love it! Totally gluten-free and dairy-free too, but you wouldn’t even know!
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The Fluffiest Buckwheat Bread
Many buckwheat flour bread recipes tend to turn out dry and dense, and I was set on developing a gluten-free brown bread recipe that resembled whole wheat bread in appearance and taste. I also wanted to make sure that it was also soft and fluffy – everything a good loaf of gluten-free bread should be.
I am insanely happy that I’ve got this gorgeous buckwheat bread to share with you. With a beautifully brown crust, a perfect rise, and the coveted holes in the bread, this loaf is tender and moist, you would never guess that it’s both gluten-free and dairy-free!
I first published this post in 2021, and since then this buckwheat bread has consistently been our popular bread recipe on the blog!
Baking with Buckwheat Flour
If you’ve never cooked with buckwheat before, it’s basically a highly-nutritous grain-like seed that’s a psuedocereal and totally gluten-free, despite the word “wheat” in its name.
Making it at home is actually way simpler than it sounds and much cheaper than if you buy it pre-made. If you’re up to it, have 5 minutes to spare and a high-speed blender on hand, I’ve got a quick tutorial for homemade buckwheat flour to get your started!
Why This Recipe Works:
- Simple Ingredients: The main ingredients required for this buckwheat bread recipe are easily accessible at the local grocery store (look at the natural food section or gluten-free section).
- Easy to Make: I’ve never been a fan of complicated recipes, and this buckwheat bread recipe is no different from the other simple bread recipes on the blog. Just 5 minutes of hands-on time is all you need, and then let it rise for 30 minutes before baking.
- Soft and Fluffy: I’m not kidding when I say this recipe is tender. It’s a foolproof recipe that will always give you a soft, fluffy loaf!
- Totally Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free: The best part is that this recipe is 100% gluten-free and dairy-free, which means that even those with Celiac disease or gluten or lactose intolerances can enjoy without issues!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Here’s a visual overview of the ingredients required for making this buckwheat bread recipe.
(For exact measurements, please scroll down to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.)
Ingredient Notes/Substitutions:
- Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour: I highly recommend that you use a good quality gluten-free flour blend that is made of lighter flours and starches such as rice flour, corn starch, or tapioca starch and that includes xanthan gum. I do NOT recommend using flour blends that include heavier flours such as garbanzo bean flour which tend to result in a denser final texture.
- Xanthan Gum: Xanthan gum acts as a replacement for gluten in many gluten-free recipes, and is necessary for binding the ingredients together. If your gluten-free flour blend does not include it, make sure you add this in.
- Buckwheat Flour: Since this is a buckwheat bread recipe, buckwheat flour is essential. You can either make your own 5-minute homemade buckwheat flour, or buy it online. If you would like to make this bread with another type of whole grain flour such as millet flour, amaranth flour, or quinoa flour, feel free to replace the buckwheat flour in a 1:1 ratio of the flour you wish to replace it with.
- Psyllium Husk Powder: In this gluten-free brown bread recipe, the psyllium husk powder helps to better bind the ingredients as well as give the bread a whole wheat flavor. I do NOT recommend that you swap out the psyllium husk powder with any other ingredient.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: The apple cider vinegar reacts with the baking powder in this buckwheat bread recipe to help the bread rise even more. If you don’t have ACV on hand, you can also use white vinegar or wine vinegar in equal quantities.
- Warm Water: I use water in this case because I find it easiest. But you can also use warm non-dairy milk such as almond milk or cashew milk if you want to add more flavor. If you are not lactose-intolerant, go ahead and use warm dairy milk instead. Make sure that the temperature is between 105F to 110F (the yeast requires the warmth to be activated, but if the water or milk is too hot, it will kill the yeast).
- Eggs: Eggs give the bread more rise and taste. I personally haven’t tried making this bread with an egg-replacer, so I don’t know how that will go. However, if you do try it, I’d love to hear your thoughts!
How to Make Gluten-Free Buckwheat Bread:
Grease and Preheat: Grease a 9″x4″ nonstick metal loaf pan with oil and preheat the oven to 350F. Arrange the oven rack to the middle position.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the gluten-free all-purpose flour, xanthan gum (if using), buckwheat flour, psyllium husk, baking powder, salt, instant yeast, and sugar together.
Add Wet Ingredients: Add the vegetable oil, apple cider vinegar, warm water, and mix well until combined. Add the beaten eggs and mix for another minute until you get a dough that resembles thick cake batter (the dough will be sticky and wet, but that’s perfectly fine).
Transfer Dough to Pan: Transfer the dough to the prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top with a wet spatula.
Let Dough Rise: Cover the pan with a kitchen towel and let it rise for the next 30 minutes in a warm, draft-free place until it has roughly doubled in size.
Cool Completely Before Slicing: Let the loaf cool for at least 10 minutes in the pan, before removing and cooling fully on a wire rack. Once cooled, Use a serrated knife to slice once the bread is totally cool and enjoy!
Dish by Dish Tips/Tricks:
- Cool Completely: Allow the gluten-free buckwheat bread to cool completely before slicing into it as the bread will continue cooking with the residual heat in the loaf even after you remove it from the oven. When the bread is just baked, the crust will be hard, but after cooling down, it will be soft and easy to slice into.
- Use a Serrated Knife: Make sure you use a serrated bread knife with ridged edges to slice the bread as a smooth-edged knife will cause the bread to be flattened.
- Storing: To store the bread, place the cooled loaf in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Freezing: To freeze, let the gluten-free buckwheat flour bread cool completely and then wrap in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Before using, let the loaf thaw completely overnight in the refrigerator before slicing and toasting.
Other Homemade Gluten-Free Bread Recipes You’ll Love:
- Soft Fluffy Gluten-Free Bread (Dairy-Free)
- Soft Fluffy Dinner Rolls (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
- Rosemary Focaccia Bread (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
- Easy Gluten-Free Pizza Crust (Dairy-Free)
- Gluten-Free No Knead Bread (Dairy-Free)
More Bread Recipes to Bake:
P.S. If you try this recipe, I’d love for you to leave a star rating below, and/or a review in the comment section further down the page. I always appreciate your feedback. Be sure to check out my entire Recipe Index for all the recipes on the blog. You can also follow me on Pinterest, Facebook or Instagram! Sign up for my Email List to get fresh recipes in your inbox each week!
Soft, Fluffy Buckwheat Bread (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This super easy buckwheat bread is incredibly soft, fluffy and tender, and tastes delicious with a texture and look that’s uncannily similar to whole wheat bread! Totally gluten-free and dairy-free too, but you wouldn’t even know! We love making avocado toast with it, or spreading plenty of jam or honey all over. No matter how you eat it, it’s sure to be a favorite!
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon xanthan gum (leave this out if your flour blend already includes it)
- 1/2 cup buckwheat flour
- 1/4 cup psyllium husk powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (approx. 105 to 110F)
- 2 large eggs, beaten (room temperature)
Instructions
- Grease and Preheat: Grease a 9″x4″ nonstick metal loaf pan with oil and preheat the oven to 350F. Arrange the oven rack to the middle position.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the gluten-free all-purpose flour, xanthan gum (if using), buckwheat flour, psyllium husk, baking powder, salt, instant yeast, and sugar together.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the vegetable oil, apple cider vinegar, warm water, and mix well until combined. Add the beaten eggs and mix for another minute until you get a dough that resembles thick cake batter (the dough will be sticky and wet, but that’s perfectly fine).
- Transfer Dough to Pan: Transfer the dough to the prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top with a wet spatula.
- Let Dough Rise: Cover the pan with a kitchen towel and let it rise for the next 30 minutes in a warm, draft-free place until it has roughly doubled in size.
- Bake: Bake for 40 to 50 minutes until the bread is dark brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cool Completely: Let the loaf cool for at least 10 minutes in the pan, before removing and cooling fully on a wire rack.
- Slice and Enjoy: Use a serrated knife to slice once the bread is totally cool and enjoy!
Notes
Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour: I highly recommend that you use a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that is made of lighter flours and starches such as rice flour, corn starch, or tapioca starch and that includes xanthan gum. I do NOT recommend using flour blends that include heavier flours such as garbanzo bean flour which tend to result in a denser final texture.
Xanthan Gum: Xanthan gum acts as a replacement for gluten in many gluten-free recipes, and is necessary for binding the ingredients together. If your gluten-free flour blend does not include it, make sure you add this in.
Buckwheat Flour: Since this is a buckwheat bread recipe, buckwheat flour is essential. You can either make your own 5-minute homemade buckwheat flour, or buy it online. If you would like to make this bread with another type of whole grain flour such as millet flour, amaranth flour, or quinoa flour, feel free to replace the buckwheat flour in a 1:1 ratio of the flour you wish to replace it with.
Psyllium Husk Powder: In this recipe, the psyllium husk powder helps to better bind the ingredients as well as give the bread a whole wheat flavor. I do NOT recommend that you swap out the psyllium husk powder with any other ingredient.
Apple Cider Vinegar: The apple cider vinegar reacts with the baking powder in this recipe to help the bread rise even more. If you don’t have ACV on hand, you can also use white vinegar or wine vinegar in equal quantities.
Warm Water: I use water in this case because I find it easiest. But you can also use warm non-dairy milk such as almond milk or cashew milk if you want to add more flavor. If you are not lactose-intolerant, go ahead and use warm dairy milk instead. Make sure that the temperature is between 105 – 110F (the yeast requires the warmth to be activated, but if the liquid is too hot it may kill the yeast).
Eggs: Eggs give the bread more rise and taste. I personally haven’t tried making this bread with an egg-replacer, so I don’t know how that will go. However, if you do try it, I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Cool Completely: Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing into it as the bread will continue cooking with the residual heat in the loaf even after you remove it from the oven. When the bread is just baked, the crust will be hard, but after cooling down, it will be soft and easy to slice into.
Use a Serrated Knife: Make sure you use a serrated bread knife with ridged edges to slice the bread as a smooth-edged knife will cause the bread to be flattened.
Storing/Freezing: To store the bread, place the cooled loaf in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to a week. To freeze, let the loaf cool completely and then wrap in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Before using, let the loaf thaw completely overnight in the refrigerator before slicing and toasting.
- Prep Time: 35 mins
- Cook Time: 45 mins
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
…also can I substitute coconut oil or olive oil instead of vegetable oil?
Yep! Go ahead and substitute the vegetable oil with olive oil!
Hi,
I’m looking forward to trying this recipe! I’m hoping I can give some to my baby. She’s 7 months old. She can’t have sugar or salt. Is it ok to leave these ingredients out of the recipe? Or will it affect the bread?
Thanks! 🙏
Hi Hannah! A bit of sugar is required as the food for the yeast to feed on so it will create air bubbles and make the dough rise. You can reduce the amount of sugar, but I won’t leave it out completely. As for the salt go ahead and leave it out.
Thanks. How much would you reduce it by?
Hi Hannah, you can use 1 tablespoon of sugar instead of 2!
This is a favorite bread! It’s so good!! My only adjustment is a lot less water. After making it a few times and adjusted down the amount of water, I came to the perfect amount (1-cup). The first time I followed the recipe exactly and added 1 1/2 and it was very very thin (so had to add more flour). I then tried 1 1/3 and still way to wet. This last time, I used 1 cup and it was perfect amount. So I would say start with 1 cup and adjust up by adding a tablespoon at a time until you get to the thick pancake batter. I’ve had 2 other friends recommend the same water adjustment. Love the bread! Have you noticed the same water adjustment?
Hi Karrie! Glad you love this bread 🙂 My own experience shows that depending on the type of GF flour blend used (each GF flour blend is different, and different GF flours absorb moisture differently), and the season you’re in as well as the humidity where you live, you may need more or less moisture. So it’s great that you start off with 1 cup of water and then add more accordingly until you get a shaggy bread dough. Happy baking, and hope to see you around the blog again sometime soon!
xx,
felicia
Hi Felicia – I was wondering if it was possible to use all buckwheat? I will be grinding my own and prefer not to use any AP flour. Thank you so much.
Hi Sue, if you use all buckwheat flour, the bread will definitely become denser than the one in my photos/recipe, so definitely won’t be soft and fluffy.
I’m so sorry, Felicia-my mistake! I misread the (1) in front of the gluten free flour measurement. I was only adding 3/4 cup of GF flour instead of 1 3/4 cups. Tried it again (using the correct amount) and it was perfect!!! Your bread is the easiest and best one I’ve made! Thanks for an award winning bread!
Oh that’s great to know that it turned out well! And that you loved it so much! Happy baking Karrie, and hope to see you around the blog again sometime soon!