This easy flaxseed bread makes a tender, moist loaf with a light crumb. Mildly sweet and subtly spiced with cinnamon, it’s a fuss-free quick bread perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. The recipe is gluten-free, dairy-free and yeast-free—ideal when you want homemade bread without the wait.
Homemade Bread is the Best
I love baking bread at home and have tried many different loaves over the years.
Yeast breads are wonderful: watching dough rise and pulling a fresh loaf from the oven is a little bit of magic. I enjoy soft gluten-free yeast breads as much as anyone—there’s something special about a pillowy, freshly baked slice.
Quick breads are lifesavers: when I don’t have time for rising, a quick bread is perfect for breakfast or tea. They’re fast, satisfying, and still deliver that homemade comfort. Since I’ve been baking with flaxseed meal a lot lately, I decided to try a loaf version of my favorite flax muffin batter—and this flaxseed bread was the result.
What is Flaxseed?
Flaxseed, also called linseed, is grown both for its fiber and as a nutritious food. Ground into a meal, it adds fiber and healthy unsaturated fats to recipes and works well in baked goods.
To keep flaxmeal fresh and flavorful, I recommend grinding whole flax seeds at home just before using them in baking.
Why Grind Flaxseed Meal at Home
Pre-ground flaxseed meal is convenient, but it can go rancid quickly. Grinding whole flax seeds right before baking preserves flavor and nutrition. A high-speed blender or coffee grinder will make fine flax meal in minutes—sift it if you want a very smooth texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday pantry items—nothing fancy required.
- Quick to Make: Because it uses baking powder instead of yeast, you can mix and bake this loaf in about an hour with no rising time.
- Tender & Delicious: The crumb is moist and tender with a mild sweetness and a touch of cinnamon—great for breakfast or snacking.
- Diet-Friendly: This loaf is gluten-free and dairy-free, so it suits many dietary needs while still tasting like homemade bread.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Below is a quick visual overview of the ingredients for this flaxseed bread. Exact measurements are in the printable recipe card further down.
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- Oil: Sunflower oil is neutral, but you can use any neutral vegetable oil, avocado oil, or melted coconut oil. If dairy is acceptable, melted butter or ghee works too.
- Sugar: White granulated sugar is used here, but brown sugar or coconut sugar are fine alternatives. For a low-glycemic option, use a 1:1 granular monkfruit or similar sweetener.
- Eggs: Eggs provide structure and help the loaf rise. You can replace 4 whole eggs with 8 egg whites if you prefer fewer yolks. I haven’t tested this recipe with vegan egg replacements—if you try aquafaba or a commercial egg replacer, results may vary.
- Milk: Non-dairy milks like almond, cashew, rice, soy, or coconut milk all work. Regular dairy milk can be used if desired.
- Gluten-Free Flour: For a light texture, choose a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend made from lighter starches (rice, tapioca, potato starch). Avoid heavy single-bean flours for this recipe. If you can tolerate gluten, regular all-purpose or whole wheat flour can be substituted.
- Flaxseed Meal: Freshly ground flaxseed meal (golden or brown) gives the best flavor. Golden is lighter and milder; brown has a nuttier taste.
- Leavening: Baking powder provides the rise in this yeast-free loaf. If you require gluten-free baking powder, be sure to use a certified product.
- Cinnamon: Adds warmth and complements the flax flavor—omit if you prefer a plain loaf.
How to Make This Easy Flaxseed Bread (Step by Step)
1. Preheat and Grease
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8″ x 4″ metal loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Beat Oil and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the oil and sugar until combined.
3. Add Eggs and Milk
Add the eggs and milk, then whisk until the mixture is pale yellow and smooth.
4. Whisk Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, flaxseed meal, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until evenly combined.
5. Combine Wet and Dry
Sift or add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined into a homogeneous, somewhat liquid batter.
6. Transfer Batter to Pan
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top lightly.
7. Bake Until Golden Brown
Bake for 50–55 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cool Completely Before Slicing
Let the loaf cool in the pan for at least 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack and cool completely before slicing to ensure the crumb sets.
Tips & Tricks
- Use a metal loaf pan for even browning. Glass pans tend to brown less on the sides and bottom.
- Savory variation: Omit cinnamon and sugar, add an extra 1/2 cup flour and fold in herbs, spices, or seeds for a savory quick bread.
- Muffin option: This batter also works for muffins—reduce baking time and watch closely.
Recipe FAQs
Store cooled slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Yes. Wrap the cooled loaf tightly or place it in a freezer-safe container and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before slicing.
Other Flaxseed Recipes
- Homemade Flaxseed Meal
- Flaxseed Coconut Bread
- Flax Almond Bread
- Banana Flaxseed Waffles
More Quick Breads You’ll Love
- Almond Flour Zucchini Bread
- Lemon Poppy Seed Bread
- Corn Flour Bread
- Honey Oat Quick Bread
Bread Recipes to Bake
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Almond Flour Zucchini Bread (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
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Easy Almond Flour Cornbread (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
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Almond Flour Pizza Crust (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
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Fluffy Almond Flour Biscuits (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
P.S. If you try this recipe, please consider leaving a rating or a review. I appreciate feedback and hope you enjoy baking and sharing this simple flaxseed loaf.