Gluten-Free Flours, Tips, and Delicious Recipes
By Finn Corkum-Plaster, Dietetic Intern
Gluten-free recipes can be very similar to traditional recipes with a few easy changes! While cooking gluten-free can seem daunting it is very similar to cooking gluten-full, with a few minor tweaks. Here we will cover some flour alternatives as well as some easy gluten-free recipes.
With the holidays approaching it is important that we all can get our favorite foods with ease and comfort. We will also include some holiday recipes, some of which I have used with my family before. I am sure you will love them!
Gluten-Free Twists on Traditional Eating
There are many gluten-free flour alternatives, and it can be overwhelming with all the options. I can tell you, you are not alone. Some questions I thought of while creating this list were: Which ones are the best for what I am cooking? Which ones are even certified gluten-free?
Pre-Mixed Flour Blends
There are many brand-name alternatives of flours that you can buy in stores1. These can be easier to use because they are already pre-mixed with a certain consistency. They also typically indicate their purpose, if they are for cake, pizza dough, bread, etc.
All the flour recommendations below have been certified by the Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG) with the GFCO certification. So, no need to worry about these having any gluten in them. However, these options may not be as budget friendly. I will leave that part up to you!
King Arthur Gluten Free Measure for Measure Flour
This flour is certified gluten-free and is fortified with iron, calcium and vitamin B. It is a 1:1 substitute for wheat flour. It is best for muffins, cookies, cakes and other recipes not requiring yeast. This blend also already contains xanthan gum, a necessary binder in many flour blends. Also, this flour brand is dairy-free, sourced Non-GMO, and Kosher2.
Bob’s Red Mill White Rice Flour & Bob’s Red Mill Brown Rice Flour
Not all of Bob’s Red Mill Flour is certified gluten-free. But we do know for certain that White Rice Flour and Brown Rice Flour are gluten-free. Both flours are also certified organic and non-GMO. Likewise, both flours are not 1:1 substitutes for wheat flour.
Their White Rice Flour is best for noodles, light cookies and cakes. It can also be used like cornstarch as a soup or gravy thickener. This flour only contains organic white rice. Bob’s Red Mill Brown Rice flour has a slightly nutty flavor. This flour only contains organic brown rice. It is best used for noodles, breading, pancakes, muffins or breads3.
Cup4Cup Gluten-Free Dairy Free Wholesome Flour & Gluten-Free Dairy Free Multipurpose Flour
These flours are a great 1:1 substitute for wheat flour. They are made with non-GMO ingredients, and certified Kosher by the Orthodox Union. Also, these flour blends already have the addition of Xanthan gum.
C4C’s Wholesome flour is a great whole wheat flour that is dairy-free and has fiber, healthy fats, and protein. C4C’s Multipurpose Flour is a good replacement for wheat multipurpose flour. It can be used for pasta, bread, cakes and many other options4.
Great Value Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour
This flour is certified gluten-free and is a great 1:1 flour substitute for wheat flour. This flour blend can be used for any reason all-purpose flour would be traditionally used. Also, this blend already contains Xanthan gum and is generally considered more budget friendly. This blend does contain corn starch5.
Pamela’s Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour Mix
This flour mix is certified gluten-free. This blend is a great 1:1 substitute for all-purpose flour. It is dairy-free, nut-free, soy-free, no salt, no corn and no-leavening included. However, the facility that manufactures Pamela’s Gluten-Free flour does have equipment that processes tree nuts, coconut, eggs, soy and milk. Overall, this is a well-loved substitute for traditional all-purpose flour6.
Vegetable and Grain-Based Flours
There are also many grain and vegetable-based flours that can be easily bought from stores. Some can even be made from home! When creating a flour blend at home it is important to include whole-grain flour, starch and a binder. An example of this is oat flour with potato starch and xanthan gum is a great combination7.
Omolabake describes light blends with more starch as good for cakes, the starch adds softness. Higher protein blends are great for bread, as they have more structure. Cookies require a more balanced blend. Pancakes need a lighter blend to add fluffiness, such as oat, or cassava flour. Pizza crust requires a blend of sorghum flour, tapioca starch and xanthan gum, as described in the flour formula above7.
Buckwheat Flour
While the name may be deceiving buckwheat does not contain wheat. It is a great whole grain that is a good source of fiber and protein. It also has other nutrients such as copper, magnesium and niacin8. Buckwheat is a denser flour than wheat flour and has a nutty flavor. When using it you will get a darker dense loaf. To get a lighter loaf, try mixing it 1:4 with another type of flour to get a lighter texture.
Besan (Chickpea/Garbanzo/Gram) Flour
Besan flour comes from chickpeas/garbanzo beans. It is important to note that it can also be called gram flour. However, this is different than graham wheat9. Besan does not have wheat in it. Besan Flour is a great source of protein and nutrients. It has a slightly yellow color and is a good alternative to wheat flour, with a similar texture and weight. It should be used in a 1:3 ratio with another flour due to its nutty flavor profile10.
Also, Besan Flour has a high risk for cross-contact, so it is recommended to get a certified gluten-free product. Some brand examples are; Dakota Milling, Artesa, Anchor Ingredients, Ardent Mills, Greenstar and Tribe 9.
Rice Flour
This is a very light and fine flour. There is very little nutritional content within rice flour, besides carbohydrates. Also, there is a difference between sweet rice flour and rice flour, they have different uses. Sweet rice flour is specific to some foods such as mochi, or other sweets. Rice Flour is commonly used for making rice noodles, and foods such as dumpling wrappers.
Almond Flour
Almond flour is high in protein, fiber and healthy fats. Because of these components it helps manage a person’s blood sugar by slowing down blood sugar spikes after eating. It is a good alternative to all-purpose flour but does give its product an almond-y taste10.
Additionally, it can be made at home from blending or using a food processor with peeled almonds! Simply blend peeled almonds until you have a fine, flour-like consistency.
Almond flour can be used best for cookies, crusts, breads, cakes and muffins. It is a good 1:1 ratio with wheat flour. However, you may need an additional binder, such as an egg to help hold everything together11.
Cassava Flour (Yuka)
This flour is a great source of vitamin C and healthy starch. Starch is beneficial for digestion. Cassava flour is typically used for tapioca pearls and produces a light, fine flour. It is important to note that it is best to buy pre-made cassava flour. Eating raw cassava can lead to certain health risks12.
Cassava flour is great for breading and is a lighter flour used in blends for delicate foods. For example, fluffy pancakes or light cookies7.
Corn Flour (Masa Harina)
Corn flour has insoluble fiber which helps slow down movement in your gut, ultimately helping with diarrhea. It creates a granular flour that is great for tortillas and tamales, to name a few.
Millet Flour
Millet has a good amount of protein, carbohydrates and nutrients such as niacin and beta-carotene. Beta-carotene helps the body fight free radicals and supports your immune system13! Millet flour creates a nutty flavor and is very similar to rice flour with its airy texture. This flour can be used for light cookies or as part of a flour blend for cakes, and muffins11.
Quinoa Flour
Quinoa flour is a great source of protein, fiber and iron. It tends to create a nutty, tender and moist dough. This means that it can be used for half the amount of all-purpose flour. So, if a recipe calls for 1 Cup of wheat flour, use ½ Cup of quinoa flour10.
Coconut Flour
This is a calorie dense option with protein, healthy fats and fiber. Coconut flour is also a great source of antioxidants, iron and potassium10. It is also a very absorbent flour and typically needs ¼ of the flour required compared to wheat flour11.
Oat Flour (certified gluten-free)
Oat flour is a good source of fat, fiber and protein. It also has minerals like iron, potassium and calcium14. It can be made from home, like almond flour! You can blend or put in a food processor rolled gluten-free oats until you have a fine powder.
Oat flour will likely be slightly granular, like almond flour. Oat flour is also a bit denser than wheat flour. However, it is great for pie crusts, some breads and heartier doughs.
Savory Recipes
Pan-fried Salmon Cakes
Adapted from Salmon Cakes by Vered DeLeeuw, healthyrecipesblogs.com/salmon-cakes-recipe/. Modified by GIG to use gluten-free ingredients.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 2 (6-ounce) cans salmon, skinless and boneless
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons stone ground mustard
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic (can be fresh or canned)
- ½ teaspoon horseradish
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ Cup parsley, chopped
- ½ Cup cassava, oat or besan flour (optional)
- ¼ Cup olive oil, for frying
Instructions:
- Drain salmon cans completely and place salmon in a large bowl. Mix with a fork to disperse and un-clump.
- Add to a bowl: eggs, mayonnaise, mustard, garlic, salt, pepper, and horseradish. Mix well.
- Add parsley, mix to combine.
- Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet for roughly 3 minutes.
- Create a small ball of salmon mixture with hands, roughly the size of the palm of your hand.
- Place salmon-ball in the pan and gently flatten into a patty around ½ inch thick with a spatula.
- Cook until lightly browned and crispy, around 3 minutes each side.
- Serve hot!
Pizza Dough
Adapted from Easy Gluten Free Pizza Dough by Nicole Hunn, glutenfreeonashoestring.com/gf-pizza-dough/. Modified by GIG.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Serves: 2
Ingredients:
- 1 ¾ Cups gluten-free 1:1 flour blend, divided
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- 2 teaspoons olive oil, divided
- ½ Cup warm water (add more if needed)
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 425°F and oil a baking sheet with 1 teaspoon olive oil.
- Whisk together dry ingredients: 1 ½ Cups gluten-free flour, baking powder, salt and Italian herbs until combined.
- Add wet ingredients: remaining olive oil, warm water and vinegar. Stir gently until a slightly sticky dough forms. Gently knead a few times with hands.
- Transfer dough to a floured surface. With the remaining ¼ cup flour, roll dough with a rolling pan, on flour. Roll until around ¾ to ½ inch thick.
- Transfer rolled circle of dough to oiled sheet. With a fork, poke holes into the dough around 4 times in different areas. This helps the dough to not bubble.
- Place in oven and pre-bake for around 5-10 minutes until crust is golden.
- Remove from the oven and garnish with favorite sauce and cheese combinations. Bake for an additional 8 minutes until cheese is bubbling.
- Slice and serve hot!
Other optional flavorings: Can add in chopped rosemary, minced garlic, dried thyme. You can also use any other herb that sounds good to you!
Sweet Recipes
Lemon Pancakes with Berry Compote
Adapted from Gluten Free Pancake Recipe by Carrie Barnard, www.eatingonadime.com/gluten-free-pancakes-recipe/. Modified by GIG
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Serves: 8
Pancake Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 Cups gluten-free baking flour
- 1 ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 Lemon, juiced
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
- 1 tablespoon canola oil (per pancake)
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, whisk together dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and sugar.
- Add wet ingredients: eggs, milk, lemon juice, lemon zest and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Pour around ¼ cup of pancake mixture into frying pan. You can tell the first side is done when it starts to bubble.
- Flip and cook until each side is golden brown around 2-3 minutes each.
- Serve hot!
Berry Compote Recipe
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Serves: 8 (1 ½ Cups in total)
Ingredients:
- 2 Cups fruit of choice, can be fresh or frozen
- 2 Cups sugar of choice*
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for more zest!)
Instructions:
- Add berries and sugar into a sauce pot. Simmer over low heat for 20-30 minutes until berries are soft and have lost structure.
- Add lemon juice once berries are complete. Mix on low for 2-3 more minutes to combine
- Can serve hot on top of pancakes or chilled!
* Brown sugar will create a more maple-syrup flavor, white sugar will create a more berry-forward flavor
Pumpkin Pound Cake
Adapted from Classic Glutetn Free Pound Cake Recipe by Nicole Hunn, glutenfreeonashoestring.com/classic-gluten-free-pound-cake/#wprm-recipe-container-44636. Modified by GIG.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Serves: 1 loaf, 10 Slices
Ingredients:
- 1 Cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 Cup granulated sugar
- 3 eggs, beaten
- ¾ Cup pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1.57 Cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (containing xanthan gum)*
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¾ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 325°F. Butter up a standard loaf pan (around 9”x5”) and set aside.
- Cream butter with a hand beater or stand mixer butter on medium-high, until it is light and fluffy.
- While mixing, slowly add in sugar.
- Add in eggs around ¼ cup at a time, beating after each addition. Then add pumpkin puree, and vanilla, beat until smooth.
- Whisk together dry ingredients: flour, salt. Whisk until combined.
- Add flour mixture around ¼ cup at a time to wet ingredients. Mix with a spoon or spatula until just combined.
- The batter should be thick, soft and smooth. Using a spatula scrape batter into the buttered loaf pan. Gently tap the bottom of the pan to the counter to get rid of air bubbles.
- Place pan in the preheated oven. Rotate 25 minutes in. Bake for the remaining 25 minutes. Loaf should be golden brown, and you should be able to insert a toothpick. The toothpick should come out clean.
- Let it cool for 30 minutes, then once the pan is cool to touch, remove from pan.
*Can use any blends listed above, such as King Aurthur Gluten Free Measure for Measure Flour, Cup4Cup Multipurpose Flour, Great Value Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour, or Pamela’s Gluten-Free All-purpose Flour Mix
Creates a dense, slightly pumpkin pound cake. Perfect for someone who likes pumpkin but not too much pumpkin.
A Happy Holidays, Gluten-Free Style
While the holidays can be stressful, we fully believe that what you are eating should not be the cause. We have compiled a short list of holiday-friendly gluten-free options for you and your loved ones. We hope you enjoy them as much as we have!
Date and Roasted Broccoli Salad
Adapted Date-Brussel Sprouts from Brita Britnell, foodwithfeeling.com/date-brussel-sprouts/. Modified by GIG to use gluten-free ingredients.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total time 20 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 pound broccoli, rinsed and cut into ½-inch florets
- 12 ounces Medjool Dates, pitted and roughly chopped
- ½ Cup chopped walnuts
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 1 teaspoon salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 4 ounces goat cheese
Instructions:
- In a skillet or shallow pan, over medium heat, combine 1 tablespoon of oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Heat on low until butter is melted.
- Add in broccoli, salt and pepper until the broccoli is evenly covered.
- Sauté over medium heat, stirring occasionally for around 5-7 minutes until the broccoli begins to soften.
- Add garlic, remaining oil and butter, sauté for around 5 minutes, Stirring occasionally. Put the broccoli in a bowl to the side.
- Over medium heat, in the same skillet, sauté the dates and walnuts for 3 minutes, stirring often.
- Add the broccoli back in and toss to combine.
- Transfer to a bowl and serve warm, with a sprinkle of goat cheese on top.
Cranberry and Brie Chicken Bake
Adapted from Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken, from Olena Osipov, ifoodreal.com/chicken-stuffed-with-brie-spinach-cranberries/. Modified by GIG to use gluten-free ingredients.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total: 55 minutes
Serves: 6
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds chicken breast, boneless and skinless
- 5 ounces brie cheese, cut into ½ inch chunks
- 1 small onion, minced
- 1 large garlic clove, minced
- 1-2 tablespoon canola oil, for sauteing
- 6 ounces spinach, chopped
- ½ Cup dried cranberries
- 2 teaspoons rosemary, divided
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- Ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces, around 1-inch by 1-inch chunks.
- Using a large non-stick skillet on low-medium heat, combine oil, garlic, onion and sauté until translucent. Stir occasionally.
- Add spinach, cranberries, 1 ½ teaspoons rosemary (chopped), salt and pepper. Sauté for another minute, then remove from heat.
- Using a small oven-safe dish (around 9-inch by 9-inch) coat the bottom in ¼ of the oil-cranberry-vegetable mixture.
- Mix the rest of the oil-cranberry vegetable mixture in a bowl with the chicken chunks and brie chunks. Transfer to oven-safe dish, chicken-brie mixture may require further mixing to make sure there is an even distribution of ingredients.
- Place in oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, covered. You can make sure the chicken is done by following the asterix below*. Uncover and cook for another 5 minutes. The dish may appear very oily. This is normal, it comes from the brie. It will settle by the time you serve it.
- Garnish with additional rosemary and serve hot!
*You can check if chicken is cooked thoroughly by using a food thermometer and poking midway through the thickest piece of chicken. It should read at 165°F or above.
Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
Adapted from Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows and Candied Pecans from Jamie Silva, asassyspoon.com/sweet-potato-casserole/. Modified by GIG to use gluten-free ingredients.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Serves: 16
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes (around 6-8 medium potatoes)
- ½ Cup cold water
- ¾ Cup brown sugar, packed
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon ground clove
- Pinch of salt
- 2 cups marshmallows
Instructions:
- Place potato cubes in a sauce pot with water. Do not fill up with water.
- Bring to a boil. Cover and reduce heat, simmer for around 20 minutes or until you can insert and remove a fork easily.
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Butter or spray with cooking oil a casserole dish/deep baking oven-safe dish, set aside.
- Drain water from the pot and transfer steamed potatoes to a bowl. Let them cool slightly.
- Mash sweet potatoes with a potato masher or fork.
- Combine sweet potato, butter, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove and salt. Mix well.
- Transfer sweet potato mixture to the casserole dish and spread out evenly.
- Add an even layer of marshmallows on top.
- Bake in the oven for 15 minutes, or until the marshmallows are toasty.
- You can also sprinkle some additional cinnamon on top (optional).
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Harvest Rustic Pie
Adapted from Rustic Apple Raspberry Tart by Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Rustic Apple Raspberry Tart Recipe: How to Make It. Modified by GIG to use gluten-free ingredients.
Prep Time: 1 hour and 25 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours
Serves: 6
Ingredients:
For Crust:
- 1 1/3 Cup all-purpose gluten-free flour blend*
- ¼ Cup sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons cold butter
- 1 large egg yolk
- 3 tablespoons cold water
For Filling:
- 2 ½ Cups thin-sliced pears, (around 2 medium pears)
- 1 Cup fresh cranberries
- ½ Cup and 1 tablespoon sugar, divided
- ¾ teaspoon White Rice Flour, can use Bob’s Red Mill brand
- ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- 1 Tablespoon milk
Instructions:
- In a small bowl combine dry ingredients: flour, sugar and salt. Cut in cold butter.
- Mix butter and flour with hands until you get pea-sized crumbles.
- Slowly add egg yolk, and water. Mix gently with a fork until you have a ball. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Dust counter with flour and roll out pastry into around a 14-inch circle. Line a pizza or cookie pan with parchment, and transfer dough circle on top of parchment.
- For filling, combine pears and cranberries in a large bowl. Add 1 cup sugar, white rice flour, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. Combine gently with spatula or hands.
- Spoon over dough circle, leaving a 2-inch margin from the edge (like a pizza crust). Fold the edges over the pastry filling, leaving the center uncovered.
- Brush the pie “crust” with milk and sprinkle with remaining sugar. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the crust is golden, filling is bubbling, and cranberries have slightly deformed.
- Carefully take out of the oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool.
- Slice and enjoy hot or chilled!
*Such as King Aurthur Gluten Free Measure for Measure Flour, Cup4Cup Multipurpose Flour, Great Value Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour, or Pamela’s Gluten-Free All-purpose Flour Mix
References
- Gluten free flour in flours & meals – walmart.Com. (2026). Walmart.com. www.walmart.com/browse/food/gluten-free-flour/976759_976780_9959366_9084673_9133767
- Gluten-free measure for measure flour. (2026). King Arthur Baking Company. shop.kingarthurbaking.com/items/gluten-free-measure-for-measure-flour.
- Foods, B. R. M. N. (2024, October 19). Flours & nut meals. Bob’s Red Mill Natural Foods. www.bobsredmill.com/products/flours-meals.
- Cup4Cup. (2024). Cup4cup.Com. www.cup4cup.com/products/original-flour-blend/.
- Great value gluten free all-purpose flour, 22 oz – walmart.Com. (2026). Walmart.Com. www.walmart.com/ip/Great-Value-Gluten-Free-All-Purpose-Flour-22-oz/413125322.
- Pamela’s Gluten Free Baking Mixes. (2026). www.pamelasproducts.com. www.pamelasproducts.com/collections/gluten-free-all-purpose-flours.
- Tikare Omolabake. (2015, June 16). What is the best gluten-free flour blend (including rice-free options)? – Complete guide. Zest for Baking. zestforbaking.com/best-gluten-free-flour-mix-options-budget/
- Cleveland Clinic, a. (2025, October 31). 5 Health benefits of buckwheat. Cleveland Clinic. health.clevelandclinic.org/buckwheat-benefits
- Mayo Clinic. (2021, December 11). Gluten-free diet. Mayo Clinic; Mayo Clinic. www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/gluten-free-diet/art-20048530
- Cleveland Clinic, b. (2025, March 4). Are some flours healthier than others? Here are 8 worth trying. Cleveland Clinic. health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-use-healthy-flour-substitutes
- Ben. (2023, July 20). 18 Best gluten-free flours in 2024 – happy celiac. Happy Celiac. www.happyceliac.com/best-gluten-free-flours/
- Cleveland Clinic, c. (2025, December 24). Health benefits of cassava, aka yuca. Cleveland Clinic. health.clevelandclinic.org/cassava-benefits
- Health benefits of Millet. (n.d.). WebMD. Retrieved October 22, 2026, from www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-millet
- Healthiest flour for baking. (n.d.). WebMD. Retrieved October 22, 2026, from www.webmd.com/diet/healthiest-flour-for-baking