Fall is almost here ready or not! About this time of year I start thinking about warm spices, pumpkin and comforting quick breads. I can’t imagine many things better than a mini spice loaf with pumpkin and Turkish figs made with healthy, delicious whole grains for that hearty texture. It is a perfect mix of late Summer and Fall.

A slice of this loaf is perfect with a cup of coffee or tea.

Quinoa is a complete protein and a whole grain that is gluten free. Quinoa flakes are a great substitute for oats too.

Dried Turkish Figs are bigger than Mission Figs and lighter in color. Their flavor is absolutely delicious, and they are naturally sweet and jammy in texture. They make a great snack straight up, but are so good in baking. I actually prefer these to Mission Figs.

Figs are rich in minerals and fiber, and dried Turkish Figs are a convenient way to enjoy them year round.

This mini loaf will give you about 6 thick slices! It is moist and keeps very well wrapped tightly in the refrigerator for several days. Let’s bake!

Gluten Free Spice Loaf with Turkish Figs

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.

Grease a mini loaf pan.

Ingredients:

1 Egg

1/3 Cup of Quinoa Flakes (I love these g/f ones from Nuts.com)

1/4 Cup of Canned Pumpkin

2 Tablespoons of Quinoa Flour

2 Tablespoons of plain Greek yogurt

2 Tablespoons of olive oil

2 Tablespoons of maple syrup

1/2 Cup of Turkish figs (I get these delicious organic ones from Nuts.com)

1 Teaspoon of ground flax

1/2 Teaspoon of ground cinnamon

1/4 Teaspoon of ground allspice

1/4 Teaspoon of vanilla extract

1/4 Teaspoon of baking soda

1/8 Teaspoon of salt

Directions:

Coarsely chop your figs and remove the stems. Whisk together your egg, maple syrup, pumpkin, yogurt, vanilla and olive oil. Add the flax, cinnamon and allspice and whisk. In a separate small bowl, stir together the quinoa flour, salt and baking soda. Whisk this into the batter. Then, stir in the quinoa flakes. Fold in approximately 2/3rds of the chopped turkish figs, reserving the rest for the top.

Spoon the batter into your prepared pan. Arrange the remaining chopped figs on top of the loaf. Bake the loaf in your preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes until the middle of the loaf springs back when pressed. Cool on a wire rack for 30 minutes. Then, run a knife around the pan before turning out to cool completely.