Gluten-free baking is on the rise and is no longer limited to those with celiac disease. Gluten-free diets have become increasingly popular in recent years due to the number of people experiencing sensitivity to it. This has led to a surge in gluten-free baking, which is typically made with flours that exclude wheat, rye, and barley.
Gluten-free baking can be challenging, as gluten is a protein that gives dough elasticity and allows it to rise and hold its shape. Many gluten-free recipes rely on flours made from rice, almond, coconut, tapioca, or buckwheat. However, gluten-free baking can still be delicious and satisfying. Here are a few of the best recipes for gluten-free baking.
1. Chocolate Chip Cookies
Who doesn’t love a good chocolate chip cookie? This gluten-free recipe uses almond flour instead of wheat flour to create a moist and chewy texture. It also uses brown sugar instead of white sugar for a richer flavor. Be sure to use gluten-free chocolate chips, as some brands may contain wheat as a binding agent.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups almond flour
– 1/2 tsp baking soda
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 cup gluten-free chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the almond flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate large bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until creamy.
4. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix well.
5. Slowly fold in the almond flour mixture until well combined.
6. Fold in the chocolate chips.
7. Drop rounded spoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden brown around the edges.
8. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Banana Bread
This gluten-free banana bread recipe uses a blend of gluten-free flours to create a moist and flavorful bread. It’s perfect for breakfast or as a snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour blend
– 1/2 cup almond flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1/2 tsp baking powder
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 3 ripe bananas, mashed
– 1/2 cup coconut oil
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a loaf pan with coconut oil.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, almond flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat the mashed bananas, coconut oil, eggs, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Slowly fold in the flour mixture until well combined.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.
6. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Chocolate Cake
This gluten-free chocolate cake recipe uses almond flour instead of wheat flour to create a moist and rich cake. It’s perfect for birthdays or special occasions.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup almond flour
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 3 large eggs
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9-inch round cake pan with coconut oil.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the almond flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat the eggs, honey, unsweetened applesauce, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Slowly fold in the flour mixture until well combined.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
6. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Gluten-free baking can be challenging, but with the right ingredients and recipes, it can be just as delicious as traditional baking. Give these recipes a try and see for yourself how satisfying gluten-free baking can be.
