This well-tested homemade gluten-free 1:1 flour blend uses basic ingredients found at most grocery stores. It is ideal for gluten-free cookies, cakes, and more!
This post may include affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
When I began my celiac, and therefore gluten-free journey, years ago there were very few commercially available flour blends.
While that has changed, I do get many complaints from readers that they do not like what is available in their area. The overwhelming complaint is that they are "too grainy".
This recipe solves that problem.
📖Why My Recipe Works
- Reduced Brown Rice Flour- I have test flours without brown rice flour but they lack flavor. But too much brown rice flour and the bakes have that telltale grainy texture. This recipe uses a small amount to balance the protein and starch needed.
- Budget Friendly- If you don't do a lot of baking, buying cup 4 cup flour is your best bet. But combining individual flours is best for dedicated home bakers.
- Non-Yeasted Recipes- This is an all-purpose flour for cookies, cakes, and quick bread. Basically, anything that doesn't require yeast. Yeasted breads should use flour specifically formulated for baking bread and contain psyllium husk.
🧾Ingredient Notes
- White Rice Flour - Look for a version that is finely ground if you can find it. It will give your baked goods a finer crumb.
- Arrowroot Starch- Adds elasticity and structure without any noticeable taste. It also freezes well which is great for cookies.
- Superfine Brown Rice Flour- Look for a version that is finely ground if you can find it. I use a small amount compared to most recipes.
- Tapioca Starch - Also called tapioca flour. This ingredient provides elasticity. You can also use modified tapioca starch (Expandex).
- Nonfat Dry Milk Powder- OPTIONAL, please avoid if you are dairy-free. However, it provides protein and protein equals structure. And it helps the bakes achieve a golden brown color.
- Xanthan Gum- his recipe calls for a small amount of xanthan gum. HOWEVER, I don't add it because it can yield inconsistent results. Instead, I add based on the recipe (see details below).
There are a wide variety of gluten-free flours. Here are the ones I tested but ultimately decided against using in this recipe:
- Chickpea Flour- This is a great flour to work with but isn't great with sweeter bakes
- Buckwheat Flour - I like the flavor but bitterness is often a complaint and isn't compatible with a typical white flour.
- Almond Flour- I use almond flour with starches like in my almond flour blackberry muffins. But it is expensive to use in everyday recipes.
- Sorghum Flour- Too hard to find and usually too coarse to work with.
Tapicoa Starach vs Cassava Flour
Tapioca starch and cassava flour are both derived from the cassava plant but are not the same.
Tapioca starch, also known as tapioca flour, is the starch extracted from the cassava root.
Cassava flour, on the other hand, is made from the whole root of the cassava plant. It includes the fiber from the root which means it acts differently in baking.
💭How Much Xanthan Gum Should I Add?
Most sources recommend that you add ยผ teaspoon a ยฝ teaspoon per cup of flour. However, I typically recommend ยฝ teaspoon per 1 ยฝ cups with the flour blend because of the tapioca starch.
I use a slightly higher ratio in recipes like my gluten-free pie crust or my homemade gluten-free pasta. But less in gluten-free cookie recipes. Always check the recipes for recommendations
⏲️How to Use this Gluten-Free Flour Recipe
This recipe can be used as the base in my gluten-free self-rising flour or any recipe that calls for 1:1 GF flour. This includes gluten-free cakes, muffins, and cookies.
You can use this recipe in some quick breads (like my gluten-free zucchini bread) and rolls, like my gluten-free unleavened flatbreads and my gluten-free crescent rolls.
🌡️How to Store Homemade Gluten-Free Flour
Store your flower in an airtight container in a cool and dry place. It will last up to three months. Always stir your flour before using.
How to Measure Gluten-Free Flour
You need to use a scale to make the initial blend. However, I realize that most basic recipes in the US are measured by volume.
When measuring flour by volume, use the scoop and transfer method instead of dipping your measuring cup into the flour. Hold the cup over the bin and use a spoon to scoop up the flour, then pour it into the cup.
To level off the excess flour, use a flat edge, like the back of a butter knife. This process ensures you don't add too much flour making the bake dry.
Easy Gluten-Free Recipes
Expert Tips
Converting regular baking recipes to gluten-free is not as simple as swapping out flour. Here are my top tips for converting recipes:
- Add extra liquid. Just a splash more will help the dough hydrate.
- For recipes with a lot of butter or oil, reduce by 1-2 Tablespoons.
- Swap in cream cheese or sour cream for added richness.
- Rest the batter for 10 to 30 minutes. This helps the flour hydrate and the bake to become moist.
- Separate the eggs and fold in whipped egg whites for structure. I do this in my gluten-free banana cake and my gluten-free waffles.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment. And be sure to check out more seasonal gluten-free recipes.
๐ Recipe Card
Gluten-Free All Purpose Flour Recipe
Ingredients
- 400 grams fine white rice flour
- 200 grams arrowroot starch
- 125 grams fine brown rice flour
- 100 grams tapioca starch also called tapioca flour
- 100 grams nonfat dry milk powder optional
- 28 grams xanthan gum see notes before adding
Instructions
- Whisk together all the ingredients. I recommended not adding the xantham gum and adding per the recipe.400 grams fine white rice flour, 125 grams fine brown rice flour, 200 grams arrowroot starch, 100 grams tapioca starch, 28 grams xanthan gum, 100 grams nonfat dry milk powder
- Store in an airtight container in a dark cool place. The GF flour will keep for several months. Stir before measuring out for recipes.
Notes
- This recipe can be used in any of my gluten-free baking recipes that don't have yeast. For yeast recipes (i.e. bread recipes) the specific flour and additives should be used.
- I recommend holding off on adding the xanthan gum and adding per the recipe instructions for the best results.
Nutrition
This recipe was developed based the America's Test Kitchen Gluten-Free Flour Blend.
Comments
No Comments