Baking with Almond Flour

If you’re looking to cut gluten, switch to a paleo diet or sneak some nutritious superfoods into your family’s meals, almond flour might be the answer. High in protein and low in carbs, almonds are a good source of omega 3 essential fatty acids, which are great for your brain and heart health.

Almond flour works very well in cakes, muffins, pancakes and cookies. To use almond flour in your dessert recipes, try experimenting by replacing regular flour with the same amount of almond flour, but use slightly more raising agent than the recipe suggests. As almond flour is a little heavier than regular flour, the extra raising agent will help prevent your baked goods from being too dense.

Another tip is to prevent sticking by lining your pans with baking paper and buttering them. Be careful when removing your cookies and cakes from the pan as almond flour baked goods can be a little more fragile! Be sure to let them cool before slicing them.

If you buy almond flour in bulk, remember that you can extend its shelf life by storing it in the fridge or even freezing it. Simply thaw your almond flour for 30 minutes before use.

Ready to bake with almond flour? Here are some delicious treats for you to start with.
 

Fluffy Almond Flour Pancakes by The Nourishing Home

These light and fluffy grain-free pancakes come together in an instant, making them the perfect lazy Sunday morning breakfast. Almond flour pancakes can be made gluten-free and dairy-free, so they’re great for anyone with wheat or dairy allergies. To complete your meal, top your pancakes with your favourite fruit and a splash of maple syrup.

Double Chocolate Chip Cookies by Gourmande in the Kitchen

This decadent recipe calls for both cocoa powder and melted bittersweet chocolate. Deep, dark and rich, these double chocolate cookies are for true chocolate lovers. They have crackly, brownie-like tops, crisp edges and a fudgy centre. Best of all, you just need 30 minutes to bake them! And shhhh, no one will ever notice they’re gluten-free. 

Strawberry Crumble by Stephie Cooks

If you know how to mix a bunch of ingredients and scatter them into a baking pan, you’ll be able to enjoy this super simple strawberry crumble recipe. Use whatever fruit is in season – berries, peaches, pears or apples – and serve your masterpiece warm or at room temperature. To really make it a showstopper, nothing goes better with fruit crumble than a scoop of ice cream. 

Paleo Banana Bread by Elana’s Pantry

Yes, there is such a thing as a healthy banana bread recipe! This beauty contains three whole bananas and just one single tablespoon of honey for a subtle natural sweetness. Be sure to use ripe bananas to bring out their flavour. 

French Macaron Recipe by Indulge with Mimi

We saved the best for last. Who can ever resist these elegant, dainty French treats? Macarons are a French classic for good reason – the almond flour in them yields the subtlest crisp shell and that distinctive chewy texture. Master one macaron recipe and you’ll be able to experiment with different flavours and fillings.