Gluten-Free Brioche Loaf
Rich, buttery, and impossibly tender brioche made gluten-free. Enriched with butter and eggs for a golden, pillowy crumb that melts in your mouth.
1 hr 5 min
Total Time
12
Servings
medium
Difficulty
25 min
Prep Time
40 min
Cook Time
1 hr 5 min
Total Time
Ingredients
- 3 cups gluten-free 1-to-1 baking flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon xanthan gum (omit if flour blend contains it)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened, cut into pieces)
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup whole milk (warm, 110°F / 43°C)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg yolk (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream (for egg wash)
Instructions
- 1
In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, salt, and xanthan gum.
- 2
Add the warm milk and mix on low until just combined.
- 3
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on medium after each addition until incorporated.
- 4
Add the softened butter a few pieces at a time, mixing on medium until each addition is absorbed. The dough will be very soft and sticky.
- 5
Add the vanilla extract and mix for 2 more minutes on medium to develop structure.
- 6
Transfer the dough to a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan. Smooth the top with a wet spatula.
- 7
Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours until the dough crowns about 1 inch above the rim.
- 8
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Whisk together the egg yolk and heavy cream for the egg wash.
- 9
Gently brush the top of the loaf with egg wash.
- 10
Bake for 35-40 minutes until deep golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C). Tent with foil if browning too quickly.
Tips & Notes
- •Softened butter is critical — it should be pliable but not melted. Leave it out for 30-45 minutes before starting.
- •The dough will be much stickier than traditional brioche. This is normal for GF — trust the process.
- •An egg wash gives brioche its signature golden, glossy crust. Don't skip it.
- •This bread is best eaten within 2 days. After that, it makes exceptional French toast.
- •For individual brioche buns, divide the dough into a greased muffin tin and reduce bake time to 20-25 minutes.
Recipe Variations
- →Chocolate Chip Brioche: Fold in 3/4 cup chocolate chips before transferring to the pan.
- →Cinnamon Sugar Brioche: Swirl a mixture of 1/4 cup sugar and 2 teaspoons cinnamon through the dough.
- →Savory Brioche: Omit sugar and vanilla, add 1/2 cup grated Gruyère and 2 tablespoons fresh herbs.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving
245
Calories
5g
Protein
30g
Carbs
12g
Fat
1g
Fiber