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Golden Braided Gluten-Free Challah (Soy-Free, Dairy-Free)

Name: Golden Braided Gluten-Free Challah (Soy-Free, Dairy-Free)
Prep time: 5 h
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 5 h 35 min
Ingredients: 2½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (with xanthan gum, or add 1 tsp separately); ½ cup warm water (100–110°F); 1 packet (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast; 3 tbsp maple syrup or coconut sugar; ¼ cup light olive oil (or avocado oil); 2 large eggs (or flax eggs: 2 tbsp flax meal + 6 tbsp water); 1 tsp apple cider vinegar; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp turmeric (for golden color, optional); Pinch of coarse salt (for topping)

Category:

Bread

Difficulty: Medium

Serves:

—

Prep Time: 25 minutes (plus 1.5 hours rising)

Cook Time: 35 Minutes

Rating:

(5.00/5)

July 26, 2025 by Chef Molly

This soft and stunning braided loaf mimics the texture and beauty of traditional challah—without the gluten, soy, or dairy. Lightly sweetened and beautifully golden with a tender crumb, this bread is perfect for special occasions, French toast, or just tearing apart and enjoying warm.

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What You’ll Need:

2½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (with xanthan gum, or add 1 tsp separately)
½ cup warm water (100–110°F)
1 packet (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast
3 tbsp maple syrup or coconut sugar
¼ cup light olive oil (or avocado oil)
2 large eggs (or flax eggs: 2 tbsp flax meal + 6 tbsp water)
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp turmeric (for golden color, optional)
Pinch of coarse salt (for topping)

Prepration for:Golden Braided Gluten-Free Challah (Soy-Free, Dairy-Free)

Step 1/8

Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, combine warm water, 1 tbsp of the sweetener, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

Step 2/8

Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, oil, vinegar, remaining sweetener, and turmeric.

Step 3/8

Combine the Dough

In a large bowl, whisk together gluten-free flour and salt. Add wet ingredients and yeast mixture to the flour and mix until a sticky dough forms.

Step 4/8

. First Rise

Cover and let the dough rise in a warm spot for about 60 minutes, or until puffy.

Step 5/8

Shape the Challah

Lightly oil your hands and divide the dough into 3 sections. Roll each section into a log and braid them together. Place braided dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 6/8

Second Rise

Cover loosely with a towel and let rise another 30 minutes.

Step 7/8

Bake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly brush top with water or oil, sprinkle with coarse salt (optional). Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.

Step 8/8

Cool

Chef's Tips & Notes

Tips: For a shinier crust, use an egg wash if not avoiding eggs. Pairs beautifully with jam, nut butter, or soup!

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Golden Braided Gluten-Free Challah (Soy-Free, Dairy-Free)