Delicious Gluten-Free Baking with Almond Flour

If you are someone who cannot consume gluten, you know how challenging it can be to satisfy your cravings for baked goods. Traditional wheat flour is a no-go for people with gluten intolerance, celiac disease, or even those who are just trying to adopt a healthier lifestyle. However, a delicious solution to this problem is almond flour.

Almond flour is a popular gluten-free alternative to wheat flour made from ground up blanched almonds. It has a nutty flavor and a light, airy texture that makes it a versatile and delicious ingredient in many baked goods.

Why Choose Almond Flour?

The first question you might have is why almond flour is a suitable alternative to wheat flour. Here are some reasons:

• Gluten-Free: For those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease, almond flour is the best flour to use. It is completely gluten-free and doesn’t contain any harmful proteins that can cause a reaction.
• Nutrient-rich: Almond flour is a fantastic source of nutrients such as vitamin E, magnesium, and fiber. It contains more protein than traditional wheat flour, making it a better choice for those looking to incorporate more protein into their diet.
• Low-carb: Almond flour is low in carbs, making it a great option for those following a low-carb or keto-based diet.
• Versatile: Almond flour can be used in a variety of baked goods, both sweet and savory. It can be used alone or in combination with other gluten-free flours to create the perfect baking mix.

Tips for Baking with Almond Flour

Almond flour can be a bit tricky to work with, especially if you’re not used to baking with it. Here are some tips to help you create perfect gluten-free baked goods every time:

1. Buy high-quality almond flour: The quality of your almond flour will greatly affect the outcome of your baked goods. Look for a finely ground almond flour that is made from blanched almonds. Avoid any almond flour that is made from unblanched almonds, as it will have a grittier texture.
2. Measure your ingredients carefully: When baking with almond flour, it’s important to measure your ingredients carefully. Almond flour can be more dense than traditional wheat flour, so making sure you have the correct amount is vital for the success of your baked goods.
3. Add a binding agent: Almond flour lacks the gluten that traditional wheat flour has, which makes it difficult to bind ingredients together. Adding a binding agent such as xanthan gum will give your baked goods a better texture and ensure all the ingredients stick together. The general rule of thumb is to add 1/4 teaspoon of xanthan gum per cup of almond flour.
4. Add a moisture-rich ingredient: When using almond flour in baking, it’s important to add a moisture-rich ingredient such as eggs or applesauce. This will help keep your baked goods moist and prevent them from becoming dry or crumbly.
5. Don’t overmix: Overmixing your batter when using almond flour can result in dense or flat baked goods. Be sure to mix your ingredients just until they are combined, and avoid overmixing at all costs.

Gluten-Free Almond Flour Recipes

Now that we’ve covered the basics of baking with almond flour let’s take a look at some delicious gluten-free recipes you can try:

1. Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Cookies

Who can resist a chocolate chip cookie? These gluten-free cookies are made with almond flour and are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups almond flour
• 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the almond flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the honey, melted coconut oil, egg, and vanilla extract together.
4. Combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients until you have a thick and sticky dough.
5. Fold in the chocolate chips.
6. Scoop heaping tablespoons of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.

2. Almond Flour Banana Bread

Banana bread is a classic favorite for breakfast or a mid-day snack. This gluten-free version uses almond flour and makes for a delicious and easy treat.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups almond flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/4 cup honey
• 3 eggs
• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together the mashed bananas, honey, eggs, coconut oil, and vanilla extract.
4. Combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients until everything is well combined.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before removing and slicing.

3. Almond Flour Pizza Crust

Pizza night can still be enjoyed even if you can’t consume gluten. This almond flour pizza crust is versatile and easy to make.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups almond flour
• 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the almond flour, salt, garlic powder, dried oregano, and dried basil.
3. Add the eggs and olive oil to the mixing bowl and mix until everything is well combined.
4. Using your hands, form the dough into a ball.
5. Roll out the dough onto a piece of parchment paper until it is around 1/4 inch thick.
6. Transfer the parchment paper with the dough onto a baking sheet.
7. Bake the crust for 10-12 minutes until it begins to turn golden brown.
8. Remove the crust from the oven and add your favorite pizza toppings.
9. Return the pizza to the oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes until everything is melted and bubbly.

Conclusion

Baking with almond flour is a fantastic way for people with gluten intolerance to enjoy delicious baked goods. It’s versatile, easy to work with, and packed with nutrients. With the tips and recipes we’ve shared, you’ll be able to create the perfect gluten-free treats every time.