Growing up, cornbread was one of my favorite side dishes, especially alongside chili. My mom would serve it with butter and maple syrup and I would go nuts. It’s no wonder – I’ve always loved carbs.
In the past few years I’ve attempted vegan cornbread with success. However, I had yet to crack the code on vegan, gluten free cornbread.
Without eggs, gluten free baked goods tend not to rise and miss that crumbly texture necessary in cakes and quick breads.
However, recently I hopped on the aquafaba bandwagon and things have changed. Unless you’ve been napping for the last year, you’ve likely heard of aquafaba – the starchy brine left behind in a can of chickpeas (or other beans, such as white and kidney beans).
The brine has the protein and wizardry necessary to mock an egg and even whip up and bake into things like meringues and pavlova! It’s kind of amazing.
While I haven’t perfected my meringue or played around much with aquafaba as a stand alone ingredient (yet), I have been loving it as an egg substitute in gluten free baking.
This recipe is easy, requiring just 10 basic ingredients. Plus, it’s extremely simple if you know how to turn on a hand mixer and whip up egg whites.
Aquafaba behaves the exact same as egg whites, creating a stable base and binding agent for this fluffy, perfect cornbread.
I know some of you may be tempted to sub out the organic cane sugar for a more natural sweetener, but I would beg you not to do so.
The texture and flavor of the cornbread is compromised when things like coconut sugar or maple syrup are subbed in and I know this by experience. The only thing that might work is subbing stevia for 1/4 cup of the sugar. Otherwise, I hope you’ll try it and love it as is!
I hope you all LOVE this cornbread! It’s:
Fluffy Tender Crumbly Perfectly sweet Easy to make & Ideal for fall + winter!
This is the perfect hearty comfort food to have on hand this fall and winter to pair alongside dishes like 1-Pot Vegan Chili, Vegan ‘Pulled Pork’ Sandwich, and Vegan Sloppy Joe’s! In my opinion, it’s almost undetectably vegan and gluten free so everyone can enjoy (but no one will be able tell the difference). If not gluten free, try my Best Vegan Cornbread for 2!
If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a picture #minimalistbaker on Instagram. Cheers, friends!
5.0 from 2 reviews
The Best Vegan Gluten Free Cornbread
Print Friendly Version
Prep time
15 mins
Cook time
30 mins
Total time
45 mins
The BEST vegan gluten free cornbread made with 10 ingredients! Fluffy, crumbly, perfectly sweet, SO delicious! Pair with chili for the ultimate fall and winter treat.
Recipe type: Side Cuisine: Vegan, Gluten Free Serves: 10
CORNBREAD
1/3 cup (80 ml) chickpea brine, whipped until fluffy and soft peaks form (aka aquafaba) 1/2 cup (100 g) organic cane sugar* (sub up to 1/4 cup with 1 packet or tsp of stevia extract) 3/4 cup (180 ml) unsweetened almond milk 1 tsp apple cider vinegar 1/4 cup (60 ml) grape seed or canola oil 1 cup (160 g) all purpose gluten free flour* 1 cup + 2 Tbsp (150 g) fine cornmeal 1 1/2 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp baking soda 1/4 tsp salt
FOR SERVING optional
Vegan Butter Maple Syrup Chili
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (176 C) and lightly grease a standard 9-inch round cake pan or 8x8-inch baking dish and dust with gluten free flour. Shake out excess and set aside. (I also think you could use an 9-inch cast iron skillet, but it wouldn't come out as easily and will likely have to be served directly from the pan). In a liquid measuring cup, measure out non-dairy milk and add vinegar or lemon juice. Set aside. Add chickpea brine to a medium mixing bowl and begin whipping until loose peaks form. Then add sugar in a little at a time and beat until the texture is glossy and white and semi-firm peaks form. Add dry ingredients to a large mixing bowl and whisk to combine. Then add almond milk mixture and whisk once more. Lastly, add the whipped chickpea brine (with sugar) and gently whisk/fold in until a thick but pourable batter is formed. The batter should be thick but pourable. Add more almond flour if too wet, or almond milk if too thick. I added 1 Tbsp more cornmeal and 2 Tbsp more light gluten free flour blend. Add batter to prepared cake pan and bake on a center rack for 25-35 minutes, or until the edges are light golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out completely clean. Let cool completely in the pan - set on a wire rack to speed cooling process. To remove, run a dull knife around the edge of the cake pan to loosen, then slice and serve. Alternatively, place a plate on top and quickly invert. It will be upside down so flip onto another serving platter to get it right side up. Serve with vegan butter and maple syrup. Pairs extremely well with hearty dishes like Vegan Lentil Chili. Store covered at room temperature for 2-3 days, or in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Freeze up to 1 month.
*For the gluten free flour I tried Fork and Bean's Light Gluten Free Blend and loved it! However, I'm also pretty confident that the Bob's Red Mill 1:1 GF Blend would work here, as well as my DIY Gluten Free Blend!* Some of you may be tempted to sub out the organic cane sugar for a more natural sweetener, but I would suggest not doing so. The texture and flavor of the cornbread is compromised when things like coconut sugar or maple syrup are subbed in and I know this by experience. The only thing that might work is subbing stevia for 1/4 cup of the sugar (as noted). Otherwise, I hope you’ll try it and love it as is!*Nutrition information is a rough estimate for 1 of 10 servings without toppings.
Serving size: 1 slice of 10 Calories: 201 Fat: 6.7 g Saturated fat: 0.6 g Carbohydrates: 33.9 g Sugar: 10.2 g Sodium: 78 mg Fiber: 1.9 g Protein: 2.5 g
3.5.3208
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