How do I know when it is done?

Use the timing as a guide, then check the center with the recipe's doneness cue, such as a clean toothpick, set edges, bubbling filling, or a gently springy top.

Can I change the flavor?

Yes. Keep changes small the first time, such as adding citrus zest, spice, chocolate, nuts, or a simple glaze that matches the recipe.

What should beginners watch most closely?

Measure carefully, avoid overmixing batters or doughs, and let the bake cool long enough before slicing, glazing, or storing.

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Healthy Baking

Healthy Vegan Beetroot and Walnut Loaf with Citrus Glaze Recipe

Name: Healthy Vegan Beetroot and Walnut Loaf with Citrus Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 70 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour; 1 cup rolled oats; 1 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 1/4 cups grated raw beetroot (about 1 medium beetroot); 3/4 cup unsweetened applesauce; 1/2 cup coconut sugar or brown sugar; 1/4 cup neutral oil (such as sunflower or canola); 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any plant-based milk); 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 3/4 cup chopped walnuts; For the citrus glaze:; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tbsp fresh orange juice; 1 tsp lemon juice

By Beginnerbakes Test KitchenReviewed by Beginnerbakes Editorial TeamPublished Apr 3, 2026 · Updated Jul 11, 2026

American 70 mins beginner-friendlyeasystep-by-stepno-fusshealthy bakingvegan-optionsdairy-freewhole-grainnuttyfruitfrostingmorning-bakelow-sugarparty

This healthy vegan beetroot and walnut loaf is moist and colorful, combining earthy beetroot and crunchy walnuts with a tangy citrus glaze. A beginner-friendly, whole-grain, low sugar, and dairy-free recipe perfect for healthy baking, morning snacks, or parties.

Healthy Vegan Beetroot and Walnut Loaf with Citrus Glaze Recipe

Prep 15 min

Cook 55 min

Total 70 min

Servings 8

Difficulty easy

Cuisine American

Ingredients

Servings 8

1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1 cup rolled oats
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/4 cups grated raw beetroot (about 1 medium beetroot)
3/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup coconut sugar or brown sugar
1/4 cup neutral oil (such as sunflower or canola)
1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp vanilla extract
3/4 cup chopped walnuts
For the citrus glaze
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tbsp fresh orange juice
1 tsp lemon juice

BeginnerBakes beetroot walnut loaf ingredients

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, rolled oats, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Stir well to evenly distribute the leavening agents.
In a separate bowl, mix the grated beetroot, applesauce, coconut sugar, oil, almond milk, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, gently fold together until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the loaf tender.
Fold in the chopped walnuts evenly through the batter.
Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with the back of a spoon.
Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
While the loaf bakes, prepare the citrus glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth.
Once baking is complete, remove the loaf from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack.
When the loaf is completely cool, drizzle the citrus glaze evenly over the top.
Slice and serve. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.

BeginnerBakes beetroot walnut loaf batter spread in pan

Tips

Equipment Needed

Use the pan or baking dish listed in the recipe, plus mixing bowls, measuring tools, a spatula, and a cooling rack if the recipe bakes in the oven. Line pans with parchment or liners when the batter is delicate so beginners can release the bake cleanly.

Ingredient Prep Notes

Measure the dry and wet ingredients before mixing so the batter or dough comes together smoothly. Keep butter, eggs, dairy, fruit, or chocolate at the temperature described in the recipe because small prep details affect rise and texture.

Oven Note

Preheat fully before baking and use the center rack unless the recipe says otherwise. Start checking near the low end of the baking time and rely on the listed doneness cues instead of color alone.

Easy Upgrade Ideas

Keep upgrades simple: add a light glaze, a sprinkle of spice, citrus zest, chopped nuts, chocolate, or a beginner-friendly topping that matches the base flavor. Add decorative finishes only after the bake cools when frosting, glaze, or drizzle needs to set neatly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Healthy Vegan Beetroot and Walnut Loaf with Citrus Glaze Recipe ahead?: Yes. Bake it ahead, cool it fully, and store it as directed so the texture stays as close to fresh as possible.
How do I know when it is done?: Use the timing as a guide, then check the center with the recipe's doneness cue, such as a clean toothpick, set edges, bubbling filling, or a gently springy top.
Can I change the flavor?: Yes. Keep changes small the first time, such as adding citrus zest, spice, chocolate, nuts, or a simple glaze that matches the recipe.
What should beginners watch most closely?: Measure carefully, avoid overmixing batters or doughs, and let the bake cool long enough before slicing, glazing, or storing.

Ingredient Replacements

whole wheat flour: Use whole wheat pastry flour for a nuttier bake or a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend if needed, checking texture before baking.
rolled oats: Use a similar baking ingredient and adjust moisture gradually so the batter or dough keeps the same texture.
tsp baking soda: Use a similar baking ingredient and adjust moisture gradually so the batter or dough keeps the same texture.
tsp baking powder: Use a similar baking ingredient and adjust moisture gradually so the batter or dough keeps the same texture.
tsp salt: Use a similar baking ingredient and adjust moisture gradually so the batter or dough keeps the same texture.

Storage and Reheating

Cool leftovers before storing. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze when the ingredients are freezer-friendly.

Read related air fryer guides and cooking tips.

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Healthy Vegan Beetroot and Walnut Loaf with Citrus Glaze Recipe

Recipe Details

Ingredients

Instructions