Coconut flour is a gluten-free alternative to all-purpose flour. If you find yourself using a recipe that calls for coconut flour and you don’t have any on hand, you’ll be happy to know there are some great coconut flour substitutes available.
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What is Coconut Flour?
It’s a fine powder (flour) made from drying coconut meat then grounding it. A mild coconut flavor and aroma will be noticeable in most dishes when using this flour. As compared to wheat flour, it holds more liquid and is a bit thicker.
Is Coconut Flour Gluten-Free?
Yes! Made from coconut meat, it’s a great gluten-free flour option that’s readily available at most supermarkets.
Best Coconut Flour Substitutes
1. Almond Flour
This is one of the best substitutes for coconut flour. It’s made from almonds that have been blanched, skinned, and ground. As it’s not as absorbent as coconut flour, you’d need to reduce the amount of liquid in the recipe. Use 3 cups of almond flour to substitute for 1 cup of coconut flour.
2. Chickpea Flour
Commonly referred to as garbanzo flour, this substitute is made with chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans. It’s packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber and contains more protein than coconut flour.
3. Cassava Flour
For a substitute that absorbs flavor then look no further! Cassava flour is made from the yuca root and will therefore give your foods a subtle earthy flavor. Though gluten-free, cassava flour is high in carbohydrates and has a higher glycemic index than coconut flour. Use in a 4 to 1 ratio.
4. Rice Flour
Both white and brown grains of rice are milled to produce flour. If you like a nuttier flavor, go for brown rice. Rice flour has a soft consistency and is very easy to digest. For every 1 cup of coconut flour, substitute with 3 cups of rice flour.
5. Soy Flour
Soy flour is a nutritious substitute made from ground soybeans. Don’t worry, your food won’t taste like soybean. When using as a substitute to coconut flour, use double the amount of flour and increase the quantity of your wet ingredients.
6. Hazelnut Flour
This vegan, gluten-free option is packed with nutrients and can work wonders. Made from ground hazelnuts, expect a nutty flavor when you use it. Use double the amount of hazelnut flour when substituting. However, note that this type of flour can be harder to find and more expensive than other substitutes.
7. Flaxseed Meal
If you’re looking for a plant-based option this is perfect! It’s made of flaxseed which is high in omega 3, antioxidants, and fiber. Using this substitute can be tricky because you will need three times the amount of coconut flour. Follow a recipe to stay on track with the best ratios.
8. Wheat Flour
Unlike coconut flour, wheat flour is made from grains. If you don’t have a preference then wheat flour can be used as a substitute. It’s less absorbent so you’ll need fewer liquids as you would for a recipe that calls for coconut flour. For every ¼ – ⅓ cup of flour, use 1 cup of wheat flour as a substitute.
9. Oat Flour
This is definitely one of the easiest and most affordable swaps because you can also make it by grounding oats at home. Due to its mild flavor, it works well for both sweet and savory dishes. When substituting, use 5 times the amount of oat flour for coconut flour.
10. Corn Starch
Though not a popular option as compared to other substitutes, corn starch can in fact be used in place of coconut flour. For every 1 cup of coconut flour use 2 cups of cornstarch.
11. All-Purpose Flour
If one of your main reasons for using coconut flour is because it’s gluten-free, all-purpose flour won’t be an ideal substitute as it contains gluten. If that’s not a concern then feel free to swap. For every ¼ cup of coconut flour, use 1 cup of all-purpose flour.
What is the Best Keto Coconut Flour Substitute?
The ketogenic diet, keto for short, is a low-carb and high-fat diet. Even on this diet, there’s a suitable substitute for you! It’s almond flour. Almond flour contains approximately 5 grams of carbohydrates in every 2 tablespoons. Like coconut flour, it’s low-carb and grain-free making it a great keto-friendly option.
What is the Best Substitute for Coconut Flour in Baking?
When it comes to substituting coconut flour in baked goods, almond flour comes out at the top of the list. Due to its sweet and nutty flavor, it works well as a substitute in almost any recipe.
Keep in mind that it’s not as absorbent as coconut flour so you have to reduce the amount of liquid. If you’re unsure, try finding a recipe that includes the substitution and gives you the exact measurements for each ingredient.
How to Make Coconut Flour
Making coconut flour at home takes time but it’s an easy process. Start by blending coconut meat with some water. Strain the mixture to separate the coconut milk from the pulp. Save the coconut milk to use in other recipes but the pulp is what you will need to make the flour.
Spread the pulp on a tray with parchment paper or a silicone mat and place in the oven on low heat for approximately 14 minutes or until there’s no moisture. After cooling, blend the pulp until you have a fine powder. There you have it, your very own homemade coconut flour!
Popular Recipes Using Coconut Flour
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Best Coconut Flour Substitute
Ingredients
- Almond flour
- Optional chickpea flour or other substitute
Instructions
- Replace coconut flour with other substitutes according to the recipe
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