The wonders of almond flour are many. It’s got protein, a gentle nutty-sweet flavor, and only one ingredient (almonds, or course!). It’s grain-free, paleo, and gluten-free.
But almond flour’s assets can also work against it in recipes. Since it’s made from nuts, it’s much higher in fat than flours made from grain, and that extra fat can lead to dense baked goods. Its lack of gluten means you need to use it with binders to keep cakes and cookies from falling apart.
Translation: Instead of swapping almond flour 1:1 in recipes calling for all-purpose flour, use almond flour in recipes specially formulated for almond flour. Luckily, we’ve rounded up all of our favorite ones for you. Every recipe below is gluten-free. Many of them are low in sugar. Why not tap into that bag of almond flour and get to a cozy afternoon of guilt-free baking?
Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
This loaf is moist and substantial. Almond flour lends a nuttiness to this one-bowl recipe. And chocolate chips lend…chocolate! You can even omit the sugar and use just maple syrup for a loaf that’s still plenty sweet. Everyone will love it.
Flourless Lemon Almond Cake
A longtime favorite of Simply Recipes readers, this beguiling recipe has long-ago roots in Sephardic Spain. Lemon zest scents its tender crumb, and there’s not a lick of dairy, making this a splendid cake for times when you’re serving people with food sensitivities.
Gluten-Free Dinner Rolls
Appealing homemade gluten-free bread is a Holy Grail for gluten-free households. Here are dinner rolls made with almond flour and tapioca flour (making them grain-free as well). These get their lift from baking powder, not yeast, so they come together quickly.
Almond Flour Apple Tart
If you’re looking for a paleo, gluten-free dessert that’s 100 percent wholesome, you’re in luck. This tart isn’t only pretty; it’s made with an almond flour dough that’s impossible to overhandle. The author recommends Bob’s Red Mill Superfine Almond Flour.
Mexican Wedding Cookies
This recipe, a classic holiday cookie, traditionally calls for all-purpose flour. But many readers have swapped almond flour 1:1 for the AP flour to make these gluten-free, and they report raving reviews from friends and family.
Almond Flour Waffles
People! These waffles are so easy, and such a delight. Crispy and light, they trounce those frozen gluten-free waffles you pay so much for at the store. If fact, why not make a batch and freeze them?
Grain-Free Honey Apple Cake
This cake is kosher for Passover, but you can enjoy it any time of year. Particularly in the fall, when you can showcase your favorite baking apples.
Flourless Mini Chocolate Olive Oil Cakes
A low-sugar dessert made with olive oil and almond flour, these rich little chocolate cakes are easy to whip up for a special occasion.
Spicy Paleo Pumpkin Muffins
Almond flour adds proteins to these savory muffins. Bake them for grab-and-go breakfasts, or for dinner sides.
Amaretti Cookies
Beloved in Italy, these appealing little cookies are made with egg whites and are a bit like macaroons.