Gluten Free Baking with Coconut Flour

A few posts ago, I gave you a Gluten-Free Conversion Chart. Since then, we’ve had a few inquiries about baking with coconut flour because not everyone wants to use starches.

Well, you asked, and we answered! Here’s a helpful chart for baking with coconut flour.

I think coconut flour is a bit confusing, especially in comparison to other ways of baking, so let me explain the chart a bit:

There are 2 ways to use coconut flour:

1. Use it straight all by itself

2. Use it mixed with another grain.

When you use it by itself, you will use a lot less of it than wheat flour: If a recipe calls for 1 cup of wheat flour, use only 1/3 cup coconut flour, plus enough eggs as a binder and liquid to keep the consistency of the batter or dough normal.

When you use it in a mix: If a recipe calls for 2 cups of flour, you can divide that by whatever you’d like. For the sake of this example, we’ll divide it in half. Add 1 cup of another grains flour, then the rest in coconut flour to equal what the recipe originally called for (2 cups), so 1 cup of coconut flour. When you do this, be sure to increase your liquid by the same amount as the coconut flour (in this case, 1 cup).

You will still need to be aware of binding and how well the batter or dough holds together. Use eggs, liquid sweeteners, flax seeds or xantham gum to bind.

Here’s a few things that you should know about Coconut Flour:

• Coconut flour is gluten free.
• Coconut flour is high in fiber.
• You can bake with straight coconut flour or a mix of coconut flour plus another grain.
• Whether you mix it or use it straight, coconut flour is thirsty. You will need to add plenty of liquid. The best way to do this is to watch the consistency of the batter or dough. If you think it needs more liquid, add it.
• Baked goods made of coconut flour tend to fall apart. You will have to bind them well. Products that help bind are: eggs, liquid sweeteners and flax seeds.
• If you choose to use eggs as a binding agent, a good rule of thumb to follow is 1 egg to every ounce of coconut flour used. (We realize this is a lot of eggs! There are 8 ounces in 1 cup, and most people use 6 eggs per cup of coconut flour).
• Another alternative to using eggs is flax seeds. 1 tablespoon of flax seeds soaked in 3 tablespoons water will replace 1 egg.
• Coconut flour is pretty clumpy. You’ll want to be sure that it is mixed in well. The best way to do so is to mix it in with all of the wet ingredients until it has been blended well.
• Watch your baking time! It will be less. When a wheat flour recipe takes 30-50 minutes to bake, a coconut flour recipe will only take 18-20 minutes.
• It is all about trial and error: You will have to see what works best for you.

Here’s a few questions that have been asked about coconut flour: (If you have a question, please feel free to ask. We are here to help).

• Is coconut flour gluten free?
  • Yes.
• Can you taste the coconut flavor in your baking?
  • Most people can’t.
• Do I have to use all of those eggs?
  • Yes, unless you would like to use flax seeds as an egg replacement.
• Can I mix coconut flour with rice flour?
  • Yes, you can. As of now, we don’t have a conversion chart for that, but you can always experiment.

Do you bake with coconut flour? Do you have anything to add?