Do you long for gluten-free yeast baked goods? Who doesn’t like the smell of fresh yeast bread or rolls baking in the oven? Of course, tasting these while still warm is even more pleasing! Baking of these gluten-free breads may seem like a challenge. However, yeast bread gluten-free baking can still be done successfully and still taste yummy! I define success as a recipe that comes close to wheat in terms of flavor and texture. As anyone of us who has celiac, gluten sensitivity, or wheat allergy knows, we long for that same gluten baked bread but without the side affects from eating gluten!
What is gluten’s role in baking?
Gluten provides structure or the glue in baked goods. Various structures can be seen in a baguette made with bread flour (extra gluten) or in cakes made with cake flour (low gluten). While some foods can be reproduced without gluten more easily, others may require a shift in expectations. Chances of success improve the more you can focus on foods with structures that can be created by other means – such as binders, leavening, egg, etc.
What is the difference between a gluten-free flour and gluten-free flour blend?
Gluten-free flour is a single flour/grain such as brown rice flour or oat flour. A gluten-free flour blend is a mixture of various gluten free flours/grains (and sometimes nut flours) and starches and may also contain a binder such as xanthan or guar gum.
Some recipes call for mixing in individual flours, starches, and a binder while others call for using a gluten-free flour mixture in the right proportions of various flours and starches with or without a binder.
Can you substitute wheat flour in yeast baked goods recipes with gluten-free flour blends?
With gluten-free baked goods such as quick breads, cookies, cakes, etc., you can have some great recipes when substituting wheat flour with gluten-free flour blends that contain a binder. However, with baking gluten-free yeast baked goods, you cannot directly substitute wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend and have delicious breads.
For additional information on gluten-free baking discussion classes and other gluten-free sessions, see my events page or contact me for a free 30-minute health coaching session.