If you’re wondering what you can substitute for almond flour, you’re in the right place. While this flour is an excellent alternative for those who want a traditional flour replacement, it is not optimal for some people. Below, you’ll find the top of the 12 best almond flour replacements for your recipes.
Almond flour is a gluten-free, grain-free alternative to all-purpose flour and whole wheat flour. This variety of flour is created from blanched almonds that are finely ground in a food processor until they reach a fine texture.
This flour does not contain gluten, and you can use it for gluten-free baking or make french macarons recipes and other delicious desserts that adhere to a gluten-free diet.
If you decide to make bread with almond flour, expect to use some other flour blends and an additional amount of your chosen rising agent (like baking soda) to account for the heavier weight that this flour provides.
There are a few varieties of almond flour to choose from, including those made with whole almonds and those made with skinned almonds.
There are also almond flour blends available; these typically include a gluten-free flour blend and are best as replacements for all-purpose flour. These types of almond flour tend to work well with a 1:1 ratio. However, some bakers add xanthan gum to keep the consistency closer to traditional all-purpose flour.
Coconut flour is an excellent almond flour substitute in desserts as it offers a sweeter, coconut flavor to dishes. This option will create a noticeable taste difference, so those that do not enjoy the flavor of coconut are better off using a different alternative.
Pros
Use coconut flour for bread, cookies, brownies, and more.
Cons
Coconut flour absorbs liquid more easily. When using this substitute, be prepared to alter the amount of liquid in the dish. Or, you can also create a flour blend with cassava flour for a consistency similar to almond flour.
Cooking Tip:
Use ¼ the amount required to substitute coconut flour for almond flour. You may also need an additional egg to help the mixture bind well.
Wheat flour is the most versatile option to replace almond flour as it works well in bread and other recipes that require the food to rise. This swap allows you to avoid adding additional rising agents.
This swap is not a good option for those who are gluten-free. However, those who require nut-free flour can opt for this choice.
Pros
Using wheat flour is an excellent alternative for someone who can’t find the other nut flour swaps in grocery stores as this flour is readily available. It’s also a much more budget-friendly option.
Cons
Because of the gluten present in wheat flour, you will need to adjust other ingredients like eggs. It will take some experimentation to find the correct consistency, though generally, including one less egg will work.
Cooking Tip:
Use ¾ cup of wheat flour for every cup of almond flour a recipe requires.
Sunflower seed flour is a top choice for people with nut allergies, and it’s also gluten-free. You can also use sunflower seed flour when following the paleo or keto diet. This flour provides a nutty taste, like almond flour, though the flavor will be much bolder.
Pros
Use this flour for recipes that can handle a sweeter taste, like cookies and cakes.
Cons
Unfortunately, this flour is rarely sold at grocery stores. Most likely, you will need to purchase this option online. You can also grind sunflower seeds at home though this will add time to your recipe.
Cooking Tip:
Use ¾ of the required amount when replacing the almond flour with sunflower seed flour.
Almond meal works well as a substitute for almond flour due to the similar taste. The main difference between almond meal and almond flour is the consistency, as the almond meal is grainer. It’s also still gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
Pros
Use almond meal for recipes like pancakes, muffins, and scones.
Cons
This swap is not ideal for lighter recipes, like macarons, as it will alter the texture.
Cooking Tip:
Use a 1:1 ratio when replacing the almond flour with almond meal.
Oat flour is a great option to substitute almond flour. It offers a pleasant, neutral flavor and is gluten-free (if you purchase a gluten-free option). As this flour gains popularity, it’s available in more and more grocery stores.
If you cannot locate oat flour in a store, you can add rolled oats to a blender and pulse until it reaches a similar flour consistency.
Pros
Use oat flour for bread that doesn’t need to rise and cookies.
Cons
For recipes beyond bread and cookies, you’ll need to combine this flour swap with another flour like wheat flour.
Cooking Tip:
Use ½ the required amount in recipes if using with another flour.
Standard gluten-free flour is a great alternative if you’re seeking gluten-free flour. However, each brand that sells this flour swap uses different types of flour. Some brands may opt for a combination of rice flour, tapioca flour, or buckwheat flour, creating a varying taste in recipes.
Pros
With the increase in gluten-free diets, this swap is very easy to find in grocery stores. It also is budget-friendly. Use this option for baked goods like brownies or anything with fruits and nuts.
Cons
As the ingredients in gluten-free flour are different depending on the brand, this can cause the ratio to change when used as a swap. You may need to experiment to find the ideal consistency.
Cooking Tip:
Start with ¾ the required amount and adjust as needed.
Cassava flour is another option to use as a replacement for almond flour. It’s gluten-free, nut-free, and paleo, making it an excellent choice for those with dietary restrictions. It has a subtle flavor, so it will not overpower other ingredients in recipes.
Pros
This option is more versatile than almond flour due to its ability to bind well. Not only can you use this flour for baked recipes, but it’s also a great option for thickening sauces. Use this alternative for items like bread, muffins, and cookies.
Cons
This option has a different consistency than almond flour, which may be noticeable in some recipes.
Cooking Tip:
Use ¾ of the required amount when swapping almond flour with cassava flour.
Tapioca flour is another great alternative for those who are gluten-free. It’s versatile due to its lack of flavor and aroma, making it easy to use in any recipe that calls for almond flour.
Pros
This flour swap works better than almond flour regarding binding. It’s a great option for recipes like cakes where a spongy consistency is desired.
Cons
You won’t find the almond flavor that almond flour provides. Expect to adjust the liquids in recipes when using tapioca flour, as too much liquid will create a gummy consistency.
Cooking Tip:
Start with 1/2 the required amount. You will likely need to combine this flour with another flour like coconut flour.
Traditional flour is a kitchen staple that you can use in any recipe that calls for almond flour. When substituting almond flour for regular wheat flour, you don’t have to worry about flavors competing since this option offers a bland taste. You can use it for sweet and savory dishes.
Pros
Most people already have this flour in their cupboards. If not, you can find it at any grocery store and even at some gas station marts for an affordable price.
Cons
All-purpose flour is not gluten-free, so it’s not an optimal option for those with dietary restrictions.
Cooking Tip:
To substitute almond flour for all-purpose flour, use ¾ cup of regular flour for every cup of almond flour a recipe calls for.
Cashew flour works well as a substitution for almond flour as it’s also gluten-free. Plus, it offers a similar light, nutty flavor to almond flour. Even though cashew flour is sweeter, you can also use it for savory recipes.
Pros
Use this substitute for various baked goods, including brownies, cookies, pie crusts, and a coating for fried chicken.
Cons
This flour option is challenging to find in grocery stores, so you’ll likely need to make a homemade version by blending cashews into a flour consistency. This option will add an extra step and time to your recipe.
Cooking Tip:
Use this sub in a 1:1 ratio when replacing almond flour in cookies and pies.
Hazelnut flour is another almond flour alternative that will work well. There will be a difference in flavor as hazelnut flour is slightly sweeter. However, the nutty taste will be present in dishes.
Pros
Use hazelnut flour for most recipes that call for almond flour like cookies, pie crusts, and breading for chicken.
Cons
There is a different flour weight between hazelnut flour and almond flour; you’ll need to adjust the used amount depending on the recipe. For example, cakes will require ½ the amount and the inclusion of additional flour, like cassava.
Cooking Tip:
For cookies and pies, use a 1:1 ratio.
Plantain flour is another excellent almond flour replacement for those in need of a nut-free alternative. It’s also gluten-free and offers a sweeter, banana-like flavor. The nuttiness in almond flour will not be found with this alternative.
Pros
Use this flour in all recipes that call for almond flour.
Cons
This flour is another option that is challenging to find in grocery stores. You’ll need to order this flour online before creating any recipes.
Cooking Tip:
Use a 1:1 ratio to replace almond flour with plantain flour.
Yes, you can utilize regular flour instead of almond flour. The ratios will be different as regular flour is lighter; however, they work as swaps for each other. Regular flour is not gluten-free, so it is not an ideal swap for everyone.
There are many flour substitutes that you can use instead of almond flour. Other nut flours like hazelnut flour or cashew flour are excellent options for almond flour replacements. These choices provide a similar, mildly nutty taste in recipes.
There are a few differences between coconut flour and almond flour. While they are gluten-free, low-carb options, they offer a slightly different taste. Coconut flour is a more budget-friendly option than almond flour.
Cassava flour is a better substitute in recipes that call for wheat flour, as the ratio is 1:1. Almond flour, on the other hand, requires a 1:2 ratio in wheat flour recipes which can be a turn-off for some due to cost. Otherwise, both of these options have subtle, neutral tastes. Cassava flour comes from the starchy cassava root, while almond flour comes from blanched almonds.
When selecting a replacement for almond flour, opt for nut flour options first, as they will provide a similar nutty taste and are also gluten-free. Keeping these swaps in mind will allow you to easily recreate your favorite recipes, even if you’ve run out of almond flour.
