If you're new to a gluten free diet, you may be wondering how you can make your favorite baked treats gluten free. Luckily, several gluten free flours on the market can help you recreate some of your favorite grain-based desserts, the most popular flour being almond flour. A widely loved flour, almond flour can be used in everything from soups to muffins.
So, how can you begin using this tasty flour in your weekly meals? By learning a little more about almond flour and all that you can combine it with, you can quickly take your gluten free cooking skills to the next level.
A Gluten Free Diet
To better understand what makes almond flour gluten free, let's look at what a gluten free diet entails. With everyone from athletes to celebrities raving about a gluten free diet, there's a lot of buzz surrounding it. While a gluten free diet isn't for everyone, following one can be healthy when done correctly. Necessary for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, gluten free eating can relieve individuals of unwanted gastrointestinal symptoms like bloating, constipation and diarrhea.
So, what is a gluten free diet? A gluten free diet excludes any foods that contain gluten—a protein found in wheat and many grains. Fruits, vegetables, meat and eggs can all be enjoyed on a gluten free diet. Nuts and seeds are also suitable and can be eaten whole, chopped or ground into gluten free flours. Focusing on whole foods made with real and natural ingredients and steering clear from processed foods is key to living a healthy gluten free lifestyle.
Types of Gluten Free Foods
As the gluten free diet has become more popular, finding gluten free substitutes for many ingredients has become more accessible. Gluten free packaged goods and menu items can now be found nearly everywhere, making it much easier to live a gluten free lifestyle than before. With the many gluten free ingredients on shelves today, like our Gluten Free All Purpose Baking Flour, nearly any meal can be turned into a gluten free one.
Savory dishes like these 5 Ingredient Almond Chicken Tenders can be made free of gluten by swapping gluten free almond flour in for the crust. And sweet baked goods like these Cherry Almond Tea Cake Cookies can be made with almond flour and almond paste, making them easy to enjoy by nearly everyone. While there are several gluten free flours, almond flour plays a vital role in many gluten free recipes. It provides a similar texture and taste to that of wheat flour without causing gastrointestinal upset.
Is Almond Flour Gluten Free?
Almond flour, made from ground almonds, is naturally gluten free. At Bob’s Red Mill, we offer two kinds of almond flour: our Super-Fine Almond Flour, which is made from blanched skinless almonds, and Super-Fine Natural Almond Flour, which includes the skins. The color and flavor of Natural Almond flour is darker and a little nuttier, but for most recipes, our almond flours can be used interchangeably.
Though almond flour is naturally gluten free, if you are baking for someone with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, it's crucial to purchase almond flour that is certified gluten free. Many almond flours are made in the same factory as gluten-containing flours like wheat flour, and may be contaminated in the process. By purchasing a certified gluten free flour, you can ensure no gluten is present in your baked goods. Like gluten-full flours, almond flour can be used to make just about anything! Pancakes, scones, pasta and bread are a few popular dishes that can be made with almond flour.
Is Almond Flour Suitable for Everyone?
Almond flour makes an excellent gluten free substitute for traditional flour in many recipes. However, because it is nut-based, it's not suitable for everyone. Individuals with a tree nut allergy should not consume almond flour and instead opt for gluten free flours like sorghum flour and oat flour.
Gluten Free Almond Flour Recipes
Ready to begin baking with almond flour? To help you get started on your baking journey, the Bob's Red Mill team dove into our online recipe book and chose some of our favorite almond flour recipes for you to recreate. From gluten free flour cookies to monkey bread, there's something on this list that everyone will love.
Gluten Free Almond Flour Cookies
If you're searching for an almond flour recipe that will warm everyone's mouths and hearts this holiday season, start by making these Gluten Free Almond Flour Cookies. Light, crisp and ideal for pairing with a warm cup of coffee or tea, they'll make the perfect dessert to enjoy after mealtime. And because they're made with a mixture of almond flour and gluten free oat flour, they're entirely gluten free and can be enjoyed by nearly everyone. With slight hints of brown sugar and cinnamon, they're truly irresistible.
Flourless Orange Almond Cake
When going gluten free, the first things people often give up are fluffy desserts like almond flour blueberry muffins, bread and cake. While these desserts often contain gluten, they can easily be made gluten free with just a few minor tweaks. By using one of the best gluten free flour like almond flour, you can create a delicious gluten free cake that has a similar taste to a traditional cake.
Now, when making your next gluten free cake, we recommend stepping a bit outside of your flavor comfort zone. Instead of making a traditional cake of chocolate or vanilla flavor, brighten things up and create this Flourless Orange Almond Cake instead. While this cake may be free of traditional flour, it does contain almond flour, a gluten free alternative that works to give it that fluffy, cake-like texture we all know and love.
To create this masterpiece of a dessert, almond flour and gluten free egg replacer are used to replicate the ingredient-bonding qualities that gluten provides. Almond extract, orange zest and orange liqueur create a sweet, citrusy flavor that is almost too good to be true. Vegan, gluten free and one of a kind, this cake is sure to be a dessert that everyone will love.
Grain Free Holiday Donuts
Donuts are a widely loved breakfast treat that both children and adults enjoy. Unfortunately, because typical donuts are often laden with gluten and sugar, they've earned themselves an unhealthy reputation in the nutrition world. However, contrary to popular belief, donuts can be a pretty nutritious breakfast option when made with healthy and wholesome ingredients.
Take these Grain Free Holiday Donuts, for example. Made with a mixture of almond flour, organic coconut flour and plant-based milk, they're naturally gluten free and low in carbs. Though they do contain sugar, it's not nearly as much as traditional donut recipes, which helps balance things if you decide to apply icing on top. So whether you enjoy these holiday donuts as is, topped with a bit of coconut cream or dipped in chocolate, they're sure to become a new family favorite.
Pear Almond Galette
Feel like this list of gluten free baked goods isn't extravagant enough? Then, we have just the recipe to change your mind. Loaded with fruit-filled goodness and almond flavor, this Pear Almond Galette will look great when placed on the dessert table. However, the taste is what will truly steal the show.
Now, if you haven't made a galette before, this dessert may sound a bit intimidating. But don't let the name fool you. Relatively simple to make, delicate poached pears are combined with homemade almond paste creating a winning flavor and texture. Made with almond flour and gluten free pie crust mix, every part of this galette is gluten free and safe for individuals with celiac disease to enjoy.
Gluten Free Monkey Bread
Searching for a low-mess dessert option that children will go crazy about? This Gluten Free Monkey Bread is just that. As the name suggests, this breakfast sweet or dessert is so good, you'll want to make it over and over again.
Looking for the best gluten free flour for bread? Look no further, as this delicious treat is made with a combination of almond flour, white rice flour, and potato starch to give this monkey bread an irresistible texture and flavor that you have to try for yourself. Make this to serve at your next family gathering, or surprise the kids with it as a weekend treat. Its soft, buttery and cinnamon goodness is best served straight from the pan.
While almond flour isn't the only gluten free flour available, its great taste and unique texture make it one of the most popular. Scroll through the recipes above for inspiration when making your next almond flour treat. We're confident it will be delicious! From everyone at Bob's Red Mill, we hope your day is full of flavor!
