8 Ways To Make Your Favorite Desserts Gluten-Free
1. Use Gluten-Free Flour Alternatives
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2. Check Ingredients Carefully
Be mindful of ingredients that might contain hidden gluten, such as certain extracts, flavorings, or processed foods. Choose gluten-free versions or whole ingredients to avoid any accidental gluten intake.
3. Opt for Gluten-Free Oats
While oats are naturally gluten-free, they can be cross-contaminated during processing. Look for oats specifically labeled as gluten-free to ensure they haven't come into contact with gluten-containing grains.
4. Use Alternative Binders
Replace wheat-based thickeners like regular flour or breadcrumbs with cornstarch, arrowroot powder, tapioca starch, or xanthan gum to achieve similar binding or thickening effects in your desserts.
5. Experiment with Nut-Based Crusts
Instead of traditional pastry crusts made with wheat flour, try crusts made from ground nuts like almonds, pecans, or walnuts. These can add a delicious flavor and texture to pies and cheesecakes.
6. Explore Gluten-Free Sweeteners
Use natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, agave nectar, or stevia instead of processed sugars that might contain traces of gluten due to manufacturing processes.
7. Utilize Gluten-Free Flavorings
Double-check the ingredients in flavorings, toppings, and sauces, opting for gluten-free versions of chocolate chips, sprinkles, caramel, and other toppings that might contain gluten.
8. Be Mindful of Cross-Contamination
When preparing gluten-free desserts, ensure that all utensils, cutting boards, baking sheets, and mixing bowls are thoroughly cleaned or dedicated solely to gluten-free ingredients to avoid cross-contamination.
