In addition to answering the question “What can I make with almond flour?”, below I will find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about cooking and baking with almond flour and almond meal, also referred to as grain-free baking.
If you have been following Foolproof Living for a while, you know that I have been very intentional about sharing recipes made with unrefined sugars. This was a decision that I made back in 2016, simply because I wanted to learn to bake in a healthier way.
The problem was that I had very little idea about baking without the use of conventional ingredients like all-purpose flour and granulated sugar. So I bought a few cookbooks related to the subject and started baking. Along the way, I have also been introduced to baking with almond flour.
Now after five years of recipe testing, almond flour (aka ground almonds) is one of my favorite flours to bake with. I also think that it is a great alternative to baked goods made with all-purpose flour. Not to mention, almond flour desserts are just as delicious yet healthier compared to sweets made with other flours.
Below, I am sharing a few of my favorite recipes made with almond flour that I make over and over again, and know for sure, that are “foolproof”. Feel free to click on the name of the dish or the photo to get the recipe.
In between the recipes you will also find the answers to some of the questions I had when I first started baking with almond flour.
What is Almond Flour?
Almond flour is basically blanched almonds ground in a blender or food processor until they are pulverized. The only ingredient in almond flour is almonds.
What is the difference between almond meal and almond flour?
There are two differences between almond meal and almond flour. The first one is its texture. Almond flour is a more coarse grind than almond meal.
The second difference is that almond meal is made with grinding almonds with the skin on, whilst almond flour is made with blanched (skins removed) almonds.
The good thing is that unless otherwise noted, you can use almond flour and almond meal interchangeably in all of the recipes below.
What to Make with Almond Flour
DIY Almond Flour – How To Make Almond Flour At Home
I heard from so many of my readers that they would love to healthy baked goods more often using these almond flour desserts, but they found supermarket almond flour to be too expensive to use on a regular basis. As a food blogger, who tests recipes over and over again, I can totally relate.
That is why I wrote a whole post on how to make your own almond flour or meal at home. In that blog post, you will find my two methods to make almond flour cheaper: The first method is using a food processor and the second one is using a high-powered blender like Vitamix.
This basic almond flour recipe is the one I use and test my recipes.
Recipes Using Almond Flour (Healthy Almond Flour Recipes)
Almond Flour Chocolate Cake (Maple Sweetened)
Is Almond Flour Healthy?
Before I answer this question, please know that I am a firm believer that the word “healthy” means different things to different people, so please take my response here with a grain of salt and listen to your doctor’s advice before mine. However, it is a fact that almond flour is low in carbs, high in fiber and plant protein, and it is gluten-free flour.
Additionally, if you are experimenting with Whole30-friendly or paleo baking, it is the perfect flour to use.
Though the reason why I love using almond flour in baking and think that it is a healthier alternative is because of its high-fat content. Almonds are a rich source of unsaturated fatty acids, which are the good kind. (source)
Due to its high-fat content, in the Almond Flour Chocolate Cake recipe above I was able to omit using any other fat (like butter, coconut oil, EVOO, etc.). The fat that came from the almond flour was enough to substitute any other fat and gave me a chocolatey and moist chocolate cake in the end.
Now, I have to warn you, this formula doesn’t work in every recipe, but I have been playing around with decreasing the amount of fat I use in my recipes and have found success often. If you are into experimenting, I recommend starting with my chocolate cake recipe and then playing around with some of your go-to recipes.
Almond Flour Cookies
These almond flour cookies are yet another great example of baking with almond flour without the need of adding a lot of oil. Due to its high-fat content, you can easily get away with using only 1/4 cup of oil to make delicious cookies.
Made with only 6 ingredients, these gluten-free almond flour cookies are an easy-to-make dessert. They come together in one bowl and take just about 30 minutes from start to finish. I added some chocolate chips, but you can easily make it without if that is what you prefer.
Almond Flour Brownies
Can’t get enough of chocolate? Then try my next-level Almond Flour Chocolate Brownies recipe. It is the top choice for those looking for desserts with almond flour.
It is made in one bowl with only 6 ingredients. Plus, I have a few tricks to take it to a whole other level, especially for those who just can’t get enough chocolate.
Almond Flour Gingerbread Cookies
Need more cookies with almond flour? I thought so.
These Almond Flour Gingerbread Cookies are my favorite Christmas cookies. They are lightly sweetened with coconut sugar and flavored with some warm spices like cinnamon and ginger.
And if you are a fan of cookies made with nut butters, try my Almond Flour Peanut Butter Cookies and Almond Flour Almond Butter Cookies.
Though I have to warn you. They are addictive so bake them at your own risk.
Paleo Zucchini Bread with Almond Flour
Come summertime, when fresh zucchini is in season (and is everywhere), I make this paleo zucchini bread with almond flour. It is minimally sweetened with coconut sugar. And if you prefer, you can also make Almond Flour Zucchini Muffins using this recipe.
And during the fall, when pumpkin is in abundance, I make my paleo pumpkin bread with almond flour.
I like these recipes because they come together rather quickly and freeze well. I usually make a batch over the weekend and enjoy a slice with my morning coffee throughout the week.
Naturally-Sweetened Apple Almond Muffins
Almond Flour Carrot Cake
If you are in need of a carrot cake recipe using almond flour (or almond meal) that is paleo-friendly and gluten-free, try this Almond Flour Carrot Cake recipe.
Sweetened with coconut sugar and fresh pineapples, it is perfect for all your spring gatherings. I spread it with vegan cream cheese frosting, but you can also use my maple cream cheese frosting as well.
Almond Flour Apple Cake
If you are a fan of fruity almond flour desserts, this almond flour apple cake recipe is a great one to try. Lightly sweetened with fresh apple slices and a little bit of maple syrup, it is the perfect gluten free coffee cake recipe, especially during the fall when apples are in abundance.
Can I use almond flour and almond meal interchangeably?
I hate to say it, but it depends on the recipe. While you can use them interchangeably in most almond flour dessert recipes, there are some that would not work. A good example is macarons. If you have ever tried your hand at baking macarons, you know that almond flour has to be very coarse, so, therefore, almond meal would not be a substitute.
The best way to know is to read the recipe. Luckily nowadays, most recipe testers specify it in their recipes. The recipe for Almond Ricotta Cake is one that you can use either or. And if you need an almond flour cake recipe from scratch, this is a great recipe to start with.
Speaking of cake recipes, you might also like my Almond Flour Lemon Cake recipe that is based on my go-to Almond Flour Cake. You can use almond meal and almond flour interchangeably in both of these recipes.
Almond Flour Bread – Gluten-Free & Low-Carb
This almond flour bread is a great example of a recipe where you can use almond flour and almond meal interchangeably.
Based on my years of experience of baking with almond flour, I found that (unless otherwise is mentioned in the recipe) you can use almond flour and almond meal interchangeably when baking quick breads and muffins. Like I did with the almond flour banana bread recipe below.
Almond Flour Banana Bread
You cannot talk about recipes with almond flour and not feature a banana bread recipe. Am I right?
This easy-to-make gluten-free and refined sugar-free almond flour banana bread recipe is sweetened with coconut sugar and ripened bananas. I topped it off with chocolate chips but it is optional. It is incredibly moist and deliciously addictive.
Vegan Cranberry Almond Tart
What is the best way to store almond flour?
If I am planning to use it right away, I store my almond flour in an airtight jar in my pantry. With that being said, you can freeze almond flour. If there is a sale or promotion going on in the market, I usually buy more than I need and store it in my freezer (up to 4 months). Since it is more expensive than most other flours, it makes it cost-effective to purchase more to use later in my baking.
If you decide to freeze your almond flour, it is best to take it out of the freezer and let it thaw on the counter overnight.
And if you need a vegan almond flour recipe, this Vegan Cranberry Almond tart is the best. Just sayin’.
Flourless Blueberry Muffins
Can I use almond flour along with other types of flours in my baking?
You sure can. As a matter of fact, most recipes use almond flour along with other healthier flours like coconut and oat flours. The Flourless Blueberry Muffins (Almond Flour Blueberry Muffins Recipe) you see above is one of my favorite muffins of all times and it is made with mixing together almond flour with coconut flour.
Easy Banana Nut Muffins
These almond flour banana muffins are another good example of using almond flour with another flour in a recipe.
The combination of almond flour mixed in with coconut flour produces a soft and moist muffin recipe that is naturally sweetened with ripe bananas and coconut sugar.
Flourless Chocolate Cupcakes – AKA Almond Flour Chocolate Cupcakes
Can I use almond flour interchangeably with other flours like coconut, oat, or all-purpose flours?
Again, it depends on the recipe. Each one of these flours has their own characteristics and it is really hard to give you an exact ratio. I found baking with coconut flour is the hardest as it absorbs liquid more than any other flours, whereas oat flour has been a much easier one to work with.
I have been experimenting with adding/removing and substituting almond flour in my favorite recipes with other flours, and sadly have not been able to find success in a formula that works for every recipe.
Gluten-Free Strawberry Cake
I just can’t imagine a better dessert made with almond flour. This Almond Flour Strawberry Cake is my go-to birthday cake. You can easily make it in two 6-inch cake pans or in one 9-inch cake pan.
Most of the time, I use my maple whipped cream on top (and in between) and decorate it with whatever fresh fruit is in season.
Almond Flour Crust used in Strawberry Mascarpone Tart
Did you know you can make an almond flour pie crust that you can use for your favorite tart recipes? This Strawberry Mascarpone Tart uses an easy to make an almond meal pie crust that you can make both with almond flour and almond meal. It is my go-to almond flour crust recipe I use for all my baking needs.
Almond Flour Paleo Pumpkin Muffins
Gluten-Free Blueberry Muffins with Almond Flour
Have you got 10 minutes, two bowls, and a whisk? If so, these almond flour blueberry muffins will take you to the blueberry muffin heaven.
These delicious Gluten-Free Blueberry Muffins with Almond Flour are sweetened with maple syrup and packed with juicy blueberries. The little pockets of warm, fresh blueberries and bright lemon flavor will keep you going back for more.
Almond Flour Pancakes
Did you know you can still make delicious fluffy pancakes using almond flour or almond meal? This almond flour pancakes recipe is simply delicious and so easy to make.
Sweetened with a ripe banana, all of the ingredients come together in a blender and the batter is ready in less than 30 seconds. These delicious gluten and dairy-free almond flour pancakes are so delicious to make on a weekend morning for the whole family!
FAQs
Yes, it is. Almond flour (and almond meal) are made by pulverizing whole almonds so it is basically eating almonds but in a powdered form.
You can use almond flour in dessert recipes such as cakes, cookies, and tarts. You can also use it as a coating in place of breadcrumbs in savory recipes and as a thickening agent in savory sauces.
I hope amongst some of my favorite healthy baked recipes you were able to find some almond flour dessert recipes you can make for your family. I plan on updating this post as I share newer almond flour recipes so feel free to check back to get more inspiration.
Almond Flour Cookies – A reader favorite almond flour recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups (240gr) almond flour
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ cup coconut oil melted and cooled
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ½ cup vegan/paleo semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 12-14 whole almonds as garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 350 F degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set it aside.
- Mix together almond flour, salt, and baking soda in a bowl.
- Stir in the oil and maple syrup into the batter.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Using a tablespoon-size measuring spoon, scoop the dough onto the prepared sheet pan. Gently press down to flatten. If preffered, place an almond in the center of each cookie.
- Bake for 12-14 minutes until it is lightly browned on top. Serve.
Long
That’a amazing list. Thank you for all the tips! And love your site.
Aysegul Sanford
Thanks so much for coming by.
Adinahkranzler
Looking to make almond flour bread but don’t eat bananas. Can I use applesauce instead and how much or if you have a recipe without them
Thanks
Aysegul Sanford
Hello Adinah,
Honestly, I have never tried making this bread with applesauce so it is hard to say whether it will work or not. However, if I was trying I would start with Using an equal amount of applesauce for bananas and make changes to the recipe from there.
I am sorry that I am not a big help. It is just hard to say without actually trying the recipe.
Thanks for coming by.
Lisa
Wowza!!! There are so many tasty looking things on this page! Definitely saving this page. I’m also looking for healthy almond flour recipes. We can’t wait to try some more of these, especially the muffins and cookies!!!
Aysegul Sanford
YAY! This is music to my ears Lisa. Thank you so much for coming by.
Cheers!
Samantha
Dear Ice,
I have already 5 of these recipes and they turned out perfectly. But I have to say that your cookies are my favorite of all of these recipes. They disappear in an our of coming out of the oven.
Love your recipes. Please keep more almond flour recipes coming.
Thank you.
Sam
Aysegul Sanford
Hi Samantha,
This note makes me so happy. Thanks so much for stopping by and letting me know.
PS: Those almond flour cookies are a favorite in our house too 🙂
Cheers!
Trudie
Why is it that when I bake with almond flour it is very salty
Aysegul Sanford
Hi Trudie,
Quite honestly, I have never had that issue when I am baking with almond flour.
What is the brand are you using? Is the only ingredient in it almond flour?
Also the type of salt you are using might be the issue… I use Diamond kosher salt in my recipes.
If you would provide a little more information I’d be more than happy to help.
Libby
Which would be better to make a crust for a 10 inch cheese cheesecake Almond Flour or Almond Meal my concern is that the crust needs to be sturdy once it is out of the spring form pan.
Aysegul Sanford
Hi Libby, I think they would both work well if you use the recipe I used in this recipe.
Debby
I have to tell you I tried the Almond Flour pancakes and LOVED them. The banana gives a nice subtle flavor profile. I do have to say though, I use cast iron to cook with, and it took a few tries to get the temp right, and I had to thin the batter out a bit more than I thought I would for it to cook right. BUT these are so flavorful and since nuts roast up so well on thier own, even slightly overcooked they were still very good. Thank you for helping on my dietary journey to healthier eating.
Aysegul Sanford
Hi Debby,
These are super helpful tips. So happy to hear that you liked those pancakes. They are a favorite in our house as well.
Thank you!
ByteAngel
Have you tried making a yeast dough bread or pizza crust with Almond flour?
Aysegul Sanford
I have not tried using yeast. However, I did make almond flour bread before, but to be honest, I wasn’t too thrilled with it so I am still working on it.
Cj
Almond flour is not a coarser grind than meal. I think you’ve got a typo. The best almond flour for cakes is a superfine grind.
vicky rios
hi, I Almond flour Amish Friendship bread and my bread didn’t rise like the regular flour bread. What doI need to do so it will rise? my email is harleigh3648@gmail.com
Aysegul Sanford
Hi there,
It is really hard for me to tell you what went wrong without seeing the recipe. Though I know that almond flour is heavier compared to other flours so unless you use eggs and baking soda, it won’t rise.
Just as a reference, I am currently working on a recipe myself and it uses 5 eggs + 1 teaspoon baking soda for 2 cups of almond flour. It is not published yet as I need to work on it a little more, but just wanted to share just to give you an idea.
Hope this helps.
Karyn
THANK YOU for your for help & so graceously answering all these questions!
A particular greatfulness for the time you’re putting in working to perfect recipes & then sharing them! ❤️
Aysegul Sanford
YAY! SO happy that you found it helpful Karyn.
Patti
Thank you so much for these wonderful recipes! I am on an elimination diet for severe allergies and want to learn new ways of baking. Is it possible to substitute xylitol in the chocolate cupcakes? Or any other sweetener that will not affect blood sugar too much? Thank you!
Aysegul Sanford
Sadly, I have no experience with baking with xylitol, but I read in this website that you can use 1:1 in baking. Though she is comparing it to granulated sugar, which is less sweeter than maple syrup. So I would probably start with a little less than 3/4 of a cup of Xylitol and adjust it from there.
I am sorry that I haven’t been able to provide you with exact measurements, but I hope this helps.
Joe Sangston
WOULD LIKE TO HAVE A RECIPE FOR BREAD USING ALMOND FLOUR
Joe
my email is bettyredd1942@yahoo.com
Aysegul Sanford
I am working on it. Thanks Joe.
Deb
I just happened upon your site and I love all of the helpful information. I would love your pancake recipe. Also, how about bagels? Still in search for a healthy fluffy one using almond flour. Thanks again for all the great information.
Aysegul Sanford
Hi Deb,
Thanks for your kind words.
I am in the process of creating a book of recipes made with almond flours. Almond flour bread is amongst them, but I didn’t look into making bagels. However, I will.
Stay tuned for me in the next few months 🙂
Kristi
Just wondering if I can use cacao powder instead of cocoa powder? I like cacao a lot better. Also any maple syrup? Thank you. Trying the. Chocolate flourless cupcakes tomorrow.
Aysegul Sanford
Hi Kristi,
Quite honestly, I was not aware that they were different things. However, a quick Google research revealed that they are not much different and can be used interchangeably. Though I have never made any of my recipes with cacao powder before.
Next time I go to the store I will be sure to get some and try.
I hope this helps.
Beverly
Can you email me a almond flou pie crust recepie
Aysegul Sanford
Hi Beverly,
I used the crust that I used in this strawberry mascarpone tart recipe.
I’ll email this to you as well.
Sue Roth
I just want to make dinner rolls, pie crust and pancakes with almond flour. Do you have any suggestions where I might look for those items. I keep seeing all these wonderful and tasty looking recipes for nice desserts but my husband can’t eat like he used to and he just wants a few simple things that he misses. I have read so much about how different almond flour is. It is expensive too so I just want to find a few tried and true recipes before I waste a lot of money trying myself.
Aysegul Sanford
I am sorry that your husband cannot eat like he used to. The good thing is that there are so many recipes that are healthier without the cardboard taste. Baked goods with almond flour are surely up there. They taste good and are easy to make. I agree with you on that almond flour is expensive. Have you tried making it at home? I wrote a detailed post about how to make almond flour at home. (https://foolproofliving.com/how-to-make-almond-flour/) While you still need to buy almonds, I find that making homemade almond flour is at least 50% cheaper than buying it at the supermarket.
In terms of you pancake request, I am in the process of working on that recipe and plan on publishing it in the next few weeks.
Thanks for stopping by Sue.
Laura Uehara
I am really into doing almond flour and spinach for healthy choices in pancakes, muffins and waffles for my son. So you have an recipe tried and tried for suggestions? I have been taking some online and tweaking them but am new to cooking, baking and all things kitchen, so I would love tips or your best of recipes when including blended /pureed spinach.
Aysegul Sanford
Hi Laura,
Will you please clarify your question? Do you need a pancake recipe with spinach and almond flour?
I am asking because I have been working on perfecting almond flour pancakes and I am so close to sharing it here. Though it is a sweeter recipe that a savory one.
Would you be open to that?
Traci | Vanilla And Bean
You’ve packed this post with SO much helpful information on almond flour Ayse, and SO much inspiration. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and delicious recipes with us! xo
Aysegul Sanford
My dearest friend.. Thank you! you are truly the sweetest. Cheers!
Linda
Do I have to cookie almond flour pie crust before I put the fruit filling in to cook or can fruit be added before crust baked?
Aysegul Sanford
Hi Linda,
Which recipe are you referring to and what do you mean by “cookie almond flour crust”?
It would be great if you could please elaborate.
Thanks.
Megan
Thanks for this info and all these recipes! Does almond flour give an almond flavor to the finished baked good?
Aysegul Sanford
Hi Megan, I am so glad to hear that you liked them and found the information useful. The answer to your question is yes and no. It really depends on the recipe. For example, if you try the almond flour chocolate cake, the answer is very much yes, because I think it has a chocolate-y marzipan (almond paste) taste. However, if you try another recipe that is mixed in with another flour and fruit, the taste of almond flour is less noticeable. However, as I hope you will understand, this kind of taste related stuff depends on each individual and his/her tastebuds. These are my opinion.
I hope this was helpful. Please do not hesitate to reach out if I may answer any other questions.
Diane
Hi my name is Diane. I was recently diagnosed w with IBS and my Doctor has put me on a Low FODMAP Diet. I was looking for a recipe to make Banana Bread with the Almond Refined Flour I just purchased. I have looked at many recipes and most have honey as an ingredient. I cannot have honey. Can I use table sugar to replace the honey?
I love all your Almond Flour recipes, and with the holiday’s coming I plan to experiment.
Thank you,
Diane from Minnesota
Aysegul Sanford
Hi Diane,
I am not familiar with IBS, but I am glad you are taking your doctor’s advice.
The answer to your question is yes. However, the amounts change from one recipe to another. It is hard for me to say that you can use 1 to 1 (granulated sugar to honey) without reading the recipe. As a general rule, 1 cup of honey is sweeter than 1 cup of sugar.
I am not familiar with your diagnosis and FODMAP diet, but I wonder if you can try coconut sugar or maple syrup. In the past, I found success in using 1 cup of maple syrup in place of 3/4 cup of honey.
Again, this amount might change from one recipe to another, but I think it would be a great substitution.
I hope this helps. All the best of luck with trying out my almond flour recipes.
As always, let me know if I can help in any way or answer any questions you may have.
Cheers!
Ice
Monica
Really helpful. So glad I now know the difference between almond meal and flour. I want to try the chocolate cake for sure.
Zerrin
Such an informative post! Thank you my friend for answering all questions about baking with almond flour in my mind. Need to try your almond flour chocolate cake asap!!
Aysegul Sanford
I hope you do and I know you will love it. Thanks for stopping by. ❤️