This quick and easy one-bowl chickpea flour bread is high-fiber, high-protein, gluten-free, yeast-free, and uses baking soda for a fluffy loaf, perfect for toasting and sandwiches!
Since sharing a recipe for chickpea bread using dried chickpeas, I’ve received TONS of YouTube comments asking for a chickpea flour version. Ask, and ye shall receive! This simple chickpea flour bread recipe requires no yeast, oil, sugar, or rising time. Instead, nutty chickpea flour + baking powder and baking soda create a high-fiber, high-protein bread that’s well risen, tender, and perfect for toast and sandwiches!
You might also enjoy crispy chickpea crackers, chickpea flour gluten-free tortillas, or other nutritious, gluten-free bread recipes like lentil protein bread or quinoa bread.
The Ingredients
- Chickpea flour: (aka garbanzo bean flour or besan. Gram flour also works) It’s available in most large grocery stores/Asian markets or homemade (method in FAQs). Make sure it’s fresh, though, or it may taste bitter/stale.
- Psyllium husk powder: This is essential for binding (don’t omit). If using whole husk, grind into a fine powder (measure after grinding).
- Ground flaxseed: To further bind.
- Leavening agents: Baking powder and baking soda provide rise without yeast.
- Acid: Apple cider vinegar or lemon juice work to activate the baking soda.
- Salt: Note, chickpeas need more seasoning than you think.
- Water
For the full ingredients list, measurements, complete recipe method, and nutritional information, read the recipe card below.
Recipe Variations
- Split pea flour: Similar to when making chickpea tofu, a blend of chickpea flour and split pea flour makes a more robust flavor.
- Flavor boosters: i.e., nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cumin, turmeric, cayenne pepper, black pepper, Italian seasoning, rosemary, thyme, or fresh parsley, cilantro, or scallions.
- Mix-ins: Olives, sun-dried tomatoes, roasted garlic, sauteed or caramelized onions, preserved lemon peel, dairy-free cheese (feta or shreds), etc. Pat dry and don’t add too much, or it won’t bind.
- Toppings: Brush or spritz with water and sprinkle with seeds (sesame seeds, poppy seeds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, etc.), everything bagel seasoning, etc.
How to Make Chickpea Flour Bread
- Whisk the psyllium husk powder and water in a large bowl, vigorously, to avoid lumps. Set it aside to thicken/gel. Then, preheat the oven to 180°C (360°F).
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine the chickpea flour, ground flaxseed, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Pour the vinegar directly over the baking powder and baking soda.
- Add the psyllium gel, then use clean hands to knead it into a dough.
It will be very sticky to begin with, but that’s normal. Wet hands will help.
- Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet and shape into a flat loaf, smoothing the surface with wet hands to prevent cracks.
- Score the top with a knife, optionally sprinkling it with whole flaxseeds/other seeds.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-55 minutes, then remove it from the oven and let it cool completely on a cooling rack before slicing. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
This tender garbanzo flour bread is delicious raw, toasted, or as a sandwich with:
- Vegan Butter
- Scrambled tofu or vegan egg salad
- Sauteed mushrooms
- To make avocado toast
- Vegan cream cheese or vegan ricotta cheese
- Hummus or garlic white bean dip with fresh or grilled vegetables
- Vegan bologna
- Chickpea ‘tuna’ salad
- Roasted cherry tomatoes with balsamic
Storage Instructions
Store: Let cool, then store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. Heat to restore texture.
Freezer: Store the loaf whole or sliced (parchment between slices to avoid sticking) in a Ziplock for up to 3 months.
Thaw: Defrost slices in a toaster OR thaw larger amounts at room temperature for several hours.
FAQs
How to make chickpea flour?
Grind dried chickpeas using a high-speed blender or food miller until floury, then strain it and re-process larger pieces.
Is chickpea flour bread healthy?
Chickpea flour, the primary ingredient in garbanzo bread, is unrefined, high in fiber and protein, and rich in several nutrients (including folate, iron, magnesium, and more) and antioxidants.
Why is the bread gummy inside?
You may have under-baked it, cut it too soon, or used too many wet mix-ins.
How else can I use chickpea flour?
Chickpea flour is a versatile favorite for vegan, gluten-free cooking. I’ve used it for gluten-free gnocchi, German spaetzle, gluten-free tortillas, and as an egg replacement in breakfast tomatoes, a vegan frittata, and savory vegetable muffins.
It can also be used for pakoras/onion bhaji, socca, pancakes, batter, and more.
Recipe Notes
- Measure the ingredients: I develop and test my recipes using metric measurements for the most reliable results. Using cups often leads to inconsistent results.
- Use psyllium husk powder: NOT whole psyllium husk, or the dough won’t bind properly and may cause gumminess.
- To adjust the shape: You could make a single loaf, a baguette, or mini loaves. Adjust baking time as needed.
- Cool before slicing: This allows the garbanzo bread to fully set, ready to slice.
More Gluten-Free Bread Recipes
- Keto flaxseed bread
- Oatmeal seed bread
- Gluten-free seeded bread
- Red lentil bread rolls
- Gluten-free Pita Bread
- Gluten-free Naan Bread
If you try this chickpea flour bread recipe, I’d love a comment and ★★★★★ recipe rating below. Also, please don’t forget to tag me in recreations on Instagram or Facebook with @elavegan and #elavegan—I love seeing them.
Chickpea Flour Bread
Video
Ingredients
- 40 g (4 Tbsp) psyllium husk powder
- 420 ml (1¾ cups) water
- 300 g (3 cups) chickpea flour
- 30 g (¼ cup) ground flaxseed
- ¾ tsp salt
- 1 ¼ tsp baking powder
- ¾ tsp baking soda
- 20 ml (1½ Tbsp) apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice)
Instructions
- You can watch the video for visual instructions.First, pour the water into a large bowl. Add the psyllium husk powder and immediately whisk vigorously so no lumps form. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens into a gel. Then preheat the oven to 180°C (360°F).Alternatively, you can add the psyllium husk powder to the bowl first, then pour in the water and whisk right away.
- In a separate bowl, combine the chickpea flour, ground flaxseed, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Pour the apple cider vinegar directly over the baking powder and baking soda.
- Add the psyllium gel to the dry ingredients. Then knead everything together with clean hands until a dough forms.It will be very sticky at first, but that’s normal. Lightly wetting your hands with water helps.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the dough on top and shape it into a flat loaf.Keep wetting your hands slightly and smooth the surface of the loaf.
- Score the top with a knife. If you like, sprinkle whole flaxseeds or seeds of choice on top.
- Bake for 50 to 55 minutes. Remove from the oven and let the bread cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- Please use a kitchen scale and measure everything in grams. I develop and test my recipes using metric measurements, and using cups often leads to inconsistent results. This is especially important for psyllium. Many people use 4 tablespoons of whole psyllium husk instead of psyllium husk powder, which makes a huge difference (it would be only about half the weight). The dough won’t bind properly and the bread can turn out gummy.
- If you only have whole psyllium husks, you can grind them into powder. Measure the tablespoons after grinding, not before. Still, using a scale is always the most precise method.
Nutrition information is an estimate and has been calculated automatically
„Simple and Delicious Vegan“ Cookbook by ElaVeganCLICK HERE to order!If you are using Pinterest, feel free to pin the following photo:
it’s brilliant. I have a bread I can slice and toast, great recipe.
So glad you love it!! 🙂
Great and healthy bread recipe
Thank you so much 😊💛 So glad you like the recipe!
Das war sehr gut! Es ist wunderbar, gutes fundraisers Brot zu haben. This is my attempt using my high school and college German from nearly 50 years ago..
Das hast du super geschrieben 😊💛
Und es freut mich sehr, dass dir das Brot so gut geschmeckt hat!
Hi Ela,
I tried this recipe and it turned out perfectly. Do you have any tips to make it cinnamon raisin?
Thank you so much for sharing your recipe.
Hi Nathalie 😊
So happy it turned out perfectly for you!I haven’t tried a cinnamon raisin version yet, but it’s on my to do list! 😊
Wonderful! I am excited that I found your site. I want to try several of your recipes. Thank you again for sharing them.
Thank you so much, that really means a lot 😊💛
I’m so happy you found my site! I hope you enjoy trying the recipes, and I’d love to hear what you think once you do 💛
Hi Ela,
So I tried your bread recipe with 1cup of raisins, 2 TBSP cinnamon and 2 TBSP sugar. I reduced the water and used only 1 1/2 cup with the psyllium powder. I cooked it for 1hr and 10 minutes. It turned out amazing!!!! Next time I will omit the sugar as the raisins are sweet enough 😊
Next I will try your GF nan bread. Can’t wait.
Hi Nathalie 😊💛
Wow, that sounds absolutely delicious 😍 Raisins and cinnamon must make it so cozy and flavorful. Love that you adjusted the water too, and great tip about skipping the sugar next time since the raisins add plenty of sweetness 😊
So happy it turned out amazing for you!
And yay, I hope you love the GF naan bread just as much 💛
I was wondering the same, turned out good but next time I will try the cinnamon Raisin version if I can figure it out lol.
Sooooo goooood!!!!!!! Thank you for this easy recipe!! I’ve made it twice, and will make it again, and again, and again.. 🙂
That makes me so happy to hear, Monique! 😊💛
So glad you’re enjoying it so much, and love that you’ve already made it twice! Thanks for your lovely feedback, it means a lot. 💛🙂
hello. can I use just flaxseed husk and not use psyllium husk?
thanks
Hello Rudina. Psyllium is the key ingredient that gives the bread structure. Without it the texture will change.
The closest alternatives are:
• ground chia seeds (about double the amount)
• ground flaxseeds (about double the amount)
However, the bread will be more dense and less fluffy.
I love this bread. Thank you
Question. Your cook book is it gluten free too?
I’m celiac
So glad you love it! Yes, all recipes are gluten-free. 🙂
This turned out perfect! Wish I could upload a picture. I used fresh milled chickpea flour too! It’s beautiful! Thank you.
So happy it turned out perfect, Teena! 😊 Fresh milled chickpea flour sounds amazing too. I’m glad it worked so well for you. Thanks so much for trying the recipe and for your lovely feedback! 💛
This happened with the buckwheat bread too – my bread is dark (purple in color) and was really wet, also never rose. I used all weighing (grams etc) for measurements and I don’t know what I’m doing wrong. It tastes and acts like bead. I find the other recipe to be quite dense. I’m at sea level as well. Thoughts?
The purple color is caused by the psyllium husk brand. Some brands react with ingredients like baking soda and can turn the dough purple or dark during baking. It’s completely normal and doesn’t affect the taste. If you’d like to keep the lighter color, you could try using a different brand of psyllium husk next time.
If the bread was very wet and didn’t rise, it could be that the psyllium didn’t gel properly or absorbed a different amount of liquid. Psyllium can vary quite a lot between brands. Try a different psyllium brand and make sure it’s psyllium husk powder, not whole husks. I link my favorite brand in the ingredient list of the recipe.
Also make sure to let the gel rest long enough so the psyllium can fully absorb the liquid before adding it to the dry ingredients. That usually helps the texture and structure a lot.
I will try the other powder (I did use powder). And I let it rest for like 10 minutes after mixing. Should I let it sit longer?
10 minutes is usually fine. You could try letting it rest a little longer next time, but I don’t think that was the main issue.
Most likely it’s the psyllium brand. Trying a different psyllium husk powder should hopefully help.
Also make sure the chickpea flour is finely ground, and that the baking soda and baking powder are fresh, since that can affect how well the bread rises. 😊
Good to know! I’ll give it a go! 🩷