Recipe Collection: Gluten-Free Options
Recipe Collection: Gluten-Free Options
There are a growing number of options for customers who wish to avoid gluten or eliminate it entirely from their diets. Lucky for chefs, information about different ingredients used to replace gluten has grown as well, and creating gluten-free recipes, while still not simple, is much easier than it used to be.
As with plant-based items and all allergens, it's important to avoid cross-contamination when preparing products you plan to label "______-free," as even trace amounts can trigger an allergic reaction.
![While wheat chocolate bread by Chef Julien Roy](/sites/default/files/styles/half_width_image_fallback/public/2024-06/Bread_Chef_Julien.jpg?itok=sz0n64fF)
What is Gluten?
Gluten is formed when naturally occurring proteins present in flour come together to form the stretchy networks that give baked goods their classic structure and texture. These protein networks can trap air, as in bread, or create a chewy texture like that in artisan pizza dough. Typically, the more protein a flour contains, the more gluten it can form.
Kneading promotes the creation and strengthening of gluten strands, as does a higher moisture content. This is why no-knead breads have a relatively high hydration; the water does most of the heavy lifting in terms of gluten formation, and kneading isn’t necessary. This is also why we avoid overmixing tender products such as pancakes and quickbreads. The extra agitation would promote gluten formation, yielding a dense, heavy product.
![Gluten Free Cookie Bar by Chef Dimitri Fayard](/sites/default/files/styles/half_width_image_fallback/public/2024-06/Gluten_Free_Cookie_Bar.jpg?itok=KjT9fq6Q)
These Gluten-Free Cookie Bars can be found in Van Leer's Bakery Foundations booklet.
Why do some people avoid gluten?
Gluten can trigger an immune response in people who cannot digest it, causing digestive issues, rashes, and more. Celiac disease is the best-known example of medically recognized gluten sensitivity.
While gluten has not been shown to have a negative effect on individuals who are otherwise healthy, a growing number of people opt to avoid products containing gluten and seek alternative versions of their favorite items.
Explore Our Gluten-Free Recipes
Almost all of our confectionery and ice cream recipes are gluten-free, but baking and pastry recipes can present more of a challenge. To make it easy, we've assembled gluten-free recipes for cookies, cakes, brownies, and similar treats created by Chocolate Academy™ Chefs.
Macarons are Gluten-Free!
More Gluten-Free Recipes to Explore
![Chef Babis' Gluten-Free brownies](/sites/default/files/styles/half_width_image_fallback/public/2024-06/Gluten_Free_Brownies_Chef_Babis.jpg?itok=MxTpUrbF)
Gluten-Free Brownies from Chef Babis Polykateros
Callebaut Ambassador Babis Polykateros has created the ultimate Gluten-Free Brownie Recipe.
Discover More Health-Focused Trends
![Gluten Free Brookies by Chef Megan Bell](/sites/default/files/styles/half_width_image_fallback/public/2024-06/Gluten_Free_Brookie_Cookie.jpg?itok=M9paaPHs)