Gluten-free baking can open up a world of delicious possibilities, whether you’re avoiding gluten due to dietary restrictions or simply exploring new flavors. From sweet treats like cookies and cakes to savory favorites like breads and quiches, gluten-free baking can be just as satisfying and indulgent as traditional baking. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can enjoy gluten-free versions of your favorite baked goods without sacrificing taste or texture. Here are some sweet and savory gluten-free baking recipes to inspire you.
1. Gluten-Free Banana Bread
This moist and flavorful gluten-free banana bread is a delicious way to use up ripe bananas. It’s perfect for breakfast, as a snack, or a dessert.
Ingredients:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup coconut oil (melted) or butter
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan and line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix the mashed bananas, eggs, coconut oil, honey, and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the banana bread cool before slicing and serving.
2. Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
These gluten-free chocolate chip cookies are chewy on the inside and crispy on the outside, just like the classic version. They’re quick to make and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar (or brown sugar)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup gluten-free chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, coconut sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until a dough forms.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Gluten-Free Savory Cheese Biscuits
These cheesy, gluten-free biscuits are soft, fluffy, and full of flavor. They’re perfect for serving with soups, stews, or as a side for any meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking powder, salt, and garlic powder.
- Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Slowly add the buttermilk and stir until a soft dough forms.
- Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown.
- Serve warm, brushed with melted butter if desired.
4. Gluten-Free Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins
These bright and zesty gluten-free lemon poppy seed muffins are perfect for breakfast or a light snack. They’re soft, fluffy, and bursting with lemon flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup coconut oil (melted) or vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, almond flour, poppy seeds, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, coconut oil, honey, almond milk, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the muffins cool for a few minutes before removing them from the tin and serving.
5. Gluten-Free Focaccia Bread
This gluten-free focaccia bread is soft, chewy, and perfect for dipping in olive oil or serving alongside your favorite soup or salad. It’s topped with herbs and olive oil for a fragrant, savory flavor.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or dried)
- Coarse sea salt for topping
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour and salt.
- Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the flour, and mix until a sticky dough forms.
- Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet and use your fingers to press it out into a flat, even layer.
- Drizzle the top with olive oil and sprinkle with fresh rosemary and coarse sea salt.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the focaccia is golden brown.
- Let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.
6. Gluten-Free Apple Crisp
This gluten-free apple crisp is the perfect cozy dessert. It features tender, spiced apples topped with a crunchy oat and almond flour crumble.
Ingredients:
- 5-6 apples, peeled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1/2 cup gluten-free rolled oats
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup coconut oil (melted) or vegan butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
- In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and maple syrup. Spread the apple mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- In another bowl, mix together the oats, almond flour, melted coconut oil, and brown sugar (if using) to form the crumble topping.
- Sprinkle the crumble mixture evenly over the apples.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the apples are tender.
- Serve warm, optionally with a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream.
Conclusion: Sweet and Savory Gluten-Free Delights
Gluten-free baking doesn’t mean giving up on delicious breads, muffins, cookies, or savory treats. With these easy-to-follow recipes, you can enjoy all the sweet and savory delights that make baking so comforting. Whether you’re making cookies for a snack or baking bread for a meal, these gluten-free recipes deliver on taste, texture, and satisfaction, perfect for any occasion.