Gluten-free baking has become increasingly popular over the years as more and more people discover they have a sensitivity to gluten or have celiac disease. However, baking without gluten can be a bit tricky, and many people find it difficult to achieve the same texture and taste as traditional wheat-based baked goods. In this article, we’ll provide a guide to gluten-free baking, including tips and recipes to help you get started.

First, it’s important to understand what gluten is and why it’s used in baking. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye that gives dough its elasticity and helps it rise. In gluten-free baking, alternative ingredients must be used to provide the same texture and rise. Common gluten-free flours include rice flour, almond flour, coconut flour, and chickpea flour.

When baking with gluten-free flours, it’s important to keep in mind that they behave differently than wheat flour. They tend to be denser and absorb more liquid, so it’s important to adjust the recipe accordingly. For example, you may need to add more liquid or use a smaller amount of flour. It’s also a good idea to use a gluten-free baking mix that has been formulated specifically for baking.

Another important consideration is the use of xanthan gum or guar gum, which help to bind the ingredients together and improve texture. These are often used in gluten-free baking recipes and can be found at most health food stores.

Now let’s look at some gluten-free baking recipes to get you started.

1. Gluten-Free Banana Bread Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/3 cup melted coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup coconut sugar
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine mashed bananas and coconut oil.
3. Add baking soda, salt, and coconut sugar, and mix well.
4. Add egg and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
5. Add gluten-free flour and mix until just combined. Stir in walnuts if using.
6. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Allow bread to cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup gluten-free chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add egg and vanilla extract and beat until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together gluten-free flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until well combined.
6. Stir in chocolate chips.
7. Drop dough by rounded tablespoons onto prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until edges are lightly