Living with Parkinson’s has taught me that food isn’t just fuel—it’s part of how I manage my day, my energy, and even my sense of independence. When I first realized gluten wasn’t my friend, I thought bread was off the table forever. I mean, who doesn’t love the comfort of a warm slice of bread?
Thankfully, my mom and I worked together to come up with this gluten-free bread recipe, and it’s become one of my go-to staples. We even filmed a video making it together, and I can’t tell you how much joy it brought me. Cooking with her always feels like a gift, and it reminds me that adapting doesn’t mean giving up—it just means finding a new way forward.
This loaf is soft, hearty, and completely gluten-free. It uses oats, chia, flax, and applesauce to create a bread that’s both nourishing and easy to make. Best of all, it doesn’t taste like cardboard (if you’ve ever tried some store-bought gluten-free bread, you know what I mean).
Why I Love This Bread
- Gluten-Free & Delicious: Perfect for anyone with gluten intolerance or looking for a lighter alternative.
- Nutritious: Packed with oats, flax, chia, and applesauce for fiber, healthy fats, and natural sweetness.
- Simple to Make: No complicated steps—just mix, pour, and bake.
- Versatile: Great toasted with butter, topped with nut butter, or used for sandwiches.
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups oat flour (or ground oats)
- ¼ cup chia seeds, soaked in ½ cup water
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup applesauce
- ½ cup non-dairy milk
- 3 large eggs
- ¼ cup honey
- 3 tbsp flaxseed
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×4 loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine oat flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and flaxseed.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: Stir together the soaked chia seeds, applesauce, non-dairy milk, eggs, and honey until smooth.
- Combine: Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until well combined.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the loaf pan and bake for about 50 minutes. Depending on your oven, you may need a little extra time—check with a toothpick to be sure it’s cooked through.
- Cool & Serve: Let the bread cool completely before slicing.
Nutritional Benefits of This Loaf
I pay close attention to what I eat because I’ve learned that even small dietary choices affect my energy and focus with Parkinson’s. Here’s why I love what goes into this bread:
- Oats: High in fiber, good for digestion, and provide slow-release energy.
- Chia & Flax Seeds: Full of omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and fiber—great for heart and brain health.
- Applesauce: A natural sweetener and binder that helps keep the bread moist.
- Honey: Adds a touch of natural sweetness and antioxidants.
This bread isn’t just gluten-free—it’s nourishing in ways most store-bought breads aren’t.
Tips & Variations
- Make It Vegan: Replace eggs with extra flax “eggs” (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water per egg).
- Add Flavor: Stir in cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin spice for a seasonal twist.
- Boost Protein: Add a scoop of your favorite protein powder.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or slice and freeze for up to 3 months.
Support My Journey
If this recipe was helpful or inspiring, you can support my work through Ko-fi. Every bit of support helps me keep creating recipes, sharing my Parkinson’s journey, and hopefully making life a little easier for others walking the same path.
A Note From Me
When I first started experimenting with gluten-free baking, I wasn’t sure I’d ever find something that felt like “real bread.” This recipe changed that for me. It gave me back the simple joy of buttering a slice of warm bread or making a sandwich without worrying about how I’d feel afterward.
I hope this bread brings you that same sense of comfort. And if you try it with someone you love, may it give you the same warmth it gave me when I baked it with my mom.
Caregiver’s Corner
For caregivers, recipes like this are practical and nourishing. They’re straightforward to make, use affordable ingredients, and the bread keeps well for several days. It’s a great way to ensure your loved one has something safe and healthy on hand.
Disclaimer
I’m not a medical professional. This recipe is simply something I enjoy and wanted to share. If you have specific dietary needs or restrictions, especially with Parkinson’s or other conditions, please consult your healthcare provider before making dietary changes.
