Gluten-Free Flour Mix Recipe | Frugal Farm Wife (2024)

FAQs

What is the trick to baking with gluten-free flour? ›

Gluten-free flours often contain fine starches, so they absorb more liquid than conventional flour. To address this, gluten-free recipes usually call for more liquid and produce looser batters. They may also call for a larger quantity of leavening, like baking powder, to help add volume and lighten the texture.

2) When adding xanthan gum to a recipe that doesn't already call for it (and baking with a gluten-free flour that doesn't include it), use about 1/4 teaspoon per cup of flour. Blend it evenly into your dry ingredients before mixing.

Brown rice flour is about as close to a 1:1 substitute for all-purpose flour as it gets since it provides structure and a “wheat-like” flavor.

In addition to to the Sorghum and Tapioca Flours, the Gluten Free All Purpose Flour has Garbanzo Bean Flour, Potato Flour, and Fava Bean Flour for protein and body. There is no Xanthan Gum in this mixture.

If the original recipe calls for 260 grams of all-purpose flour, substitute with 260 grams of your blend. Beat the batter more. Because gluten-free flours provide less structure than all-purpose, the batter or dough you make with them may require more beating than that which you are accustomed.

2 teaspoons of baking powder per cup of gluten-free flour is necessary to ensure proper leavening. Baking soda and buttermilk can be used to leaven instead of baking powder, but 1-1/8 teaspoon of cream of tartar should be added for each 1/2 teaspoon baking soda used.

And actually, adding too much xanthan gum can compromise the texture of your baked goods, making them too sticky and gummy. If you've ever had a recipe that simply won't bake through no matter what you try, we recommend checking the amount of xanthan gum you're using – that could potentially be the culprit.

Xanthan gum is safe when up to 15 grams per day are taken. It can cause some side effects such as intestinal gas (flatulence) and bloating. People who are exposed to xanthan gum powder might experience flu-like symptoms, nose and throat irritation, and lung problems.

Xanthan Gum adds thickness and viscosity to gluten-free breads and other baked goods. Without xanthan gum, your gluten-free baked goods would be dry, crumbly and flat. Because xanthan gum is gluten-free and vegan, it's the preferred thickener for those home bakers with food allergies.

Buckwheat Flour

Though buckwheat has the word “wheat” in the name, it doesn't contain gluten. It's a complete, plant-based protein with lots of fiber, vitamins and minerals, and, like oat flour made from whole oats, it's low on the glycemic index, which helps slow digestion and control blood sugar levels.

What gluten free flour thickens best? ›

White rice flour: fine wheat substitute

It works very well as a thickening agent because it prevents liquid separation – it is particularly good for soups, gravies and sauces but can also work for cakes, cookies and crackers.

Sourdough is not gluten free, but we know that many people with IBS, gluten intolerance, or gluten sensitivity can tolerate sourdough bread. This is because the methods used to make sourdough break down some of the gluten in the flour so it is easier to digest. Think of sourdough as low-gluten rather than gluten-free.

Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour

It has no xanthan gum, which allows bakers to customize the gums used in their gluten-free recipe.

This gluten free flour blend can replace regular all purpose flour in a variety of recipes—just add xanthan gum or guar gum (check the guide on the package).

Gluten-free goods tend to brown faster and take longer to cook through. So they need to be baked at a slightly lower temperature, for a slightly longer time. Every recipe is different, but in general, try lowering the temperature by 25 degrees and baking the item for 15 minutes longer.

Don't overmix: Overmixing can cause gluten-free baked goods to become tough and dry.

Xanthan Gum

It serves many roles in gluten-free baking. Because gluten-free flours have less protein than wheat flours and are not capable of forming the same network required to stretch and surround starch granules, they need reinforcement. Xanthan gum strengthens these networks and also makes them more elastic.

One of the most common gluten-free baking tips is “let your batter rest”. Letting the batter rest gives the gluten-free flours and starches more time to absorb the moisture. In theory, it will turn your dry, crumbly cakes into delicious, moist masterpieces.