Almond powder, also known as almond flour or almond meal, is a gluten-free, low-carb flour alternative that can be used in a variety of delicious recipes. Made from blanched, finely ground almonds, almond powder adds nutrition, flavor, and texture to both sweet and savory dishes.
What is Almond Powder?
Almond powder is made from almonds that have been blanched (skin removed) and finely ground. It comes in two main varieties:
- Almond flour - Finely ground blanched almonds that produce a flour with a fine, smooth texture.
- Almond meal - Coarsely ground blanched almonds that have a grittier texture.
Almond flour and almond meal can typically be used interchangeably, but almond flour yields better results in more delicate baked goods like cakes, cookies, and pastries. Almond meal works well for things like coatings and crusts that benefit from a heartier texture.
Key Takeaway: Almond powder comes in two main forms—almond flour and almond meal—and both can be used in recipes.
Benefits of Cooking and Baking with Almond Powder
Cooking and baking with almond powder offers several health and culinary benefits:
- Gluten-free: Almond powder contains no gluten, making it perfect for gluten-free diets.
- Nutrient-dense: Almonds are packed with healthy fats, protein, vitamins, and minerals. Using almond powder allows you to reap these nutritional benefits.
- Low-carb: With minimal carbohydrates, almond powder is ideal for low-carb and keto diets.
- Subtle flavor: Almond powder has a mild, nutty flavor that enhances dishes without overpowering them.
- Moist texture: Baked goods made with almond powder are incredibly moist with a tender crumb.
- Versatility: Almond powder works in both sweet and savory recipes, from muffins to chicken tenders.
No matter your reasons for using it, almond powder yields tasty results! Keep reading for top tips on baking and cooking with almond powder.
Tips for Cooking and Baking with Almond Powder
Cooking and baking with almond powder is a bit different than using regular all-purpose flour. Here are some key tips:
- Since almond powder is heavier and drier than wheat flour, use about 1 1⁄4 cups almond powder for every 1 cup regular flour. You may need to experiment to get the perfect ratio.
- Add extra leavening agents like baking powder or baking soda to help baked goods rise properly. Almond powder is denser than regular flour.
- Reduce liquids slightly to account for the moisture in almond powder.
- Use eggs to help bind everything together since almond powder lacks gluten.
- Opt for almond flour in delicate baked goods for best results. Almond meal works better in hearty items with crispy crusts or coatings.
With a bit of tweaking, you can use almond powder to create all sorts of delicious recipes! Keep these tips in mind for cooking and baking success.
Key Takeaway: When substituting almond powder for regular flour, use a bit more almond powder, add extra leavening, reduce liquids slightly, and use eggs to help bind the ingredients.
Irresistible Almond Powder Dessert Recipes
From cookies to pies, donuts to mug cakes, almond powder shines in all kinds of sweet treats. Here are some irresistible almond powder dessert recipes to try:
Easy Almond Powder Chocolate Chip Cookies
These easy almond flour chocolate chip cookies have a wonderfully chewy texture and rich almond flavor. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these gluten-free cookies any time.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups almond flour
- 1⁄2 tsp kosher salt
- 1⁄4 tsp baking soda
- 1⁄4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1⁄4 cup maple syrup
- 1⁄2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix together the almond flour, salt, and baking soda.
- Stir in the melted coconut oil and maple syrup.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Scoop golf ball-sized rounds of dough onto the baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-14 minutes until lightly browned.
These chewy almond flour cookies are perfect with a tall glass of cold milk!
Gluten-Free Almond Powder Carrot Cake
This carrot cake with almond flour is incredibly moist and full of spice. Topped with cream cheese frosting, it's a showstopper!
Ingredients:
- 1 3⁄4 cups almond flour
- 1 1⁄2 tsp baking powder
- 1⁄2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1⁄4 tsp nutmeg
- 1⁄4 tsp cloves
- 1⁄4 tsp salt
- 3 eggs
- 3⁄4 cup maple syrup
- 1⁄4 cup olive oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1⁄2 cup crushed pineapple
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch cake pan and line with parchment.
- In a bowl, mix together the almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, maple syrup, oil, and vanilla.
- Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Fold in the carrots and pineapple.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes.
- Allow cake to cool completely before frosting.
With its blend of spices and perfectly moist crumb, this carrot cake with almond flour is sure to be a hit!
Easy Almond Powder Donuts
These baked almond flour donuts are quick and easy to whip up with just a few ingredients. They're even topped with a sweet glaze.
Ingredients:
- 1 3⁄4 cups almond flour
- 1⁄4 cup coconut flour
- 1⁄2 tsp baking powder
- 1⁄4 tsp baking soda
- 1⁄4 tsp salt
- 3 eggs
- 1⁄3 cup maple syrup
- 1⁄4 cup melted coconut oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a donut pan with coconut oil.
- In a bowl, mix together the almond flour, coconut flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, maple syrup, coconut oil, and vanilla.
- Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Spoon batter into greased donut molds.Bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden.
- Once cooled, whisk together powdered sugar and milk to make glaze. Dip donuts into glaze.
With just a 15 minutes of prep time, you can treat yourself to freshly baked almond flour donuts!
Almond Powder Berry Crisp
This easy berry crisp is the perfect summer dessert. The almond flour topping gets deliciously crispy in the oven.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups mixed berries
- 1⁄4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1⁄2 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1⁄3 cup sliced almonds
- 1⁄4 cup coconut sugar
- 1⁄4 tsp cinnamon
- 1⁄4 cup coconut oil, melted
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease an 8-inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, toss berries with maple syrup and cornstarch. Pour into baking dish.
- In another bowl, combine almond flour, oats, sliced almonds, coconut sugar, and cinnamon. Stir in melted coconut oil until crumbly.
- Sprinkle topping evenly over berries.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until topping is toasted and berries are bubbling.
The almond flour crisp topping balances beautifully with the sweet, juicy mixed berries. This crisp is irresistible topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
Savory Almond Powder Recipes
In addition to desserts, almond powder can be used to add flavor and texture to all sorts of main dishes and snacks. Here are some savory ways to use almond powder:
Crispy Almond Powder Chicken Tenders
These crunchy baked chicken tenders get their crispy coating from almond flour and parmesan cheese. Kids and adults alike will love these!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1⁄2 cup parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1⁄2 tsp garlic powder
- 1⁄2 tsp salt
- 1⁄4 tsp pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a shallow bowl, mix together the almond flour, parmesan, and seasonings. Place eggs in another bowl.
- Dip chicken tenders in egg, then dredge in the almond flour mixture, pressing to adhere.
- Arrange on baking sheet. Bake 15-18 minutes until cooked through.
These oven-baked chicken tenders get rave reviews every time! The almond flour breading gets perfectly crispy.
Cheesy Almond Powder & Veggie Fritters
Enjoy a savory, satisfying snack with these veggie fritters made with almond flour. They're great for brunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup almond flour
- 3⁄4 cup shredded zucchini or summer squash
- 1⁄4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1⁄4 cup chopped scallions
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1⁄4 tsp each salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Wrap zucchini or squash in a paper towel and press to remove moisture.
- In a bowl, combine almond flour, zucchini or squash, feta, eggs, scallions, salt, and pepper.
- In a skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Scoop 2 tbsp rounds of batter per fritter into pan.
- Cook 3-4 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Repeat with remaining batter, adding remaining 1 tbsp oil as needed.
These cheesy veggie fritters are delightfully crispy outside and tender inside. Enjoy as a snack or vegetarian main dish.
Easy Almond Powder Pizza Crust
This gluten-free pizza crust is made entirely with almond flour. Top it with your favorite sauce and toppings!
Ingredients:
- 1 1⁄2 cups almond flour
- 1⁄4 tsp salt
- 1⁄4 tsp baking soda
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a pizza pan or baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix together the almond flour, salt, and baking soda.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, olive oil, and water.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry and mix until a sticky dough forms.
- Press dough into prepared pizza pan, building up edges slightly. Prick all over with a fork.
- Bake for 10 minutes until lightly browned. Top and bake 5 minutes more.
Now you can enjoy homemade gluten-free pizza anytime thanks to this easy almond flour pizza crust recipe!
Key Takeaway: In addition to baking, almond powder can be used to add crunch and flavor to main dishes like chicken tenders, fritters, and pizza crust.
More Wholesome Almond Powder Recipes
Keep reading for even more delicious ways to use almond powder, from muffins to waffles and more!
Fluffy Almond Powder Pancakes
These protein-packed almond flour pancakes are naturally gluten-free and deliciously fluffy.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1 tbsp coconut flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1⁄4 tsp salt
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1⁄2 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 tbsp coconut oil, melted
- 1⁄2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- In a bowl, whisk together the almond flour, coconut flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, maple syrup, milk, coconut oil, and vanilla.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry and mix just until combined.
- Heat a lightly oiled griddle or skillet over medium heat. Scoop scant 1⁄4 cupfuls of batter onto the griddle.
- Cook until bubbles appear on surface and underside is lightly browned. Flip and cook 1-2 minutes more.
These protein-packed gluten-free pancakes are fluffier than traditional versions thanks to the almond flour. Serve with your favorite fruit topping.
Savory Almond Powder Waffles
In addition to sweet breakfast foods, almond powder can be used in savory dishes like these herb and cheese waffles.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup almond flour
- 2 eggs
- 1⁄2 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1⁄4 cup chopped chives
- 1⁄2 tsp dried oregano
- 1⁄2 tsp salt
- 1⁄4 tsp pepper
- Cooking spray
Instructions:
- Preheat waffle iron to desired setting.
- In a bowl, whisk together all ingredients except cooking spray until fully combined.
- Spray waffle iron with cooking spray. Scoop batter onto iron and cook according to manufacturer’s instructions until waffles are browned and crispy.
These savory cheddar chive waffles are delicious topped with sautéed veggies, gravy, and a fried egg for breakfast or dinner. Get creative with mix-ins like cooked bacon, caramelized onions, or jalapeños.
Easy Almond Powder Dinner Rolls
With their soft, fluffy texture, these almond flour dinner rolls are perfect for serving alongside holiday meals or for making sandwiches.
Ingredients:
- 1 3⁄4 cups almond flour
- 1⁄4 cup arrowroot powder
- 1 1⁄2 tsp baking powder
- 1⁄2 tsp salt
- 2 eggs
- 1⁄4 cup melted ghee or coconut oil
- 1⁄4-1⁄3 cup warm water
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the almond flour, arrowroot, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the eggs, melted ghee or oil, and 1⁄4 cup water. Stir to combine into a shaggy dough, adding more water as needed.
- Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead briefly until smooth. Divide into 8 pieces and shape into rolls.
- Arrange rolls on prepared baking sheet. Brush tops with melted ghee or oil.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes until lightly golden brown.
These tender gluten-free rolls are perfect for sopping up gravy and sauce. Make a batch to complete your next holiday feast!