Almond meal is quickly rising to the top of the list of plant-based flours. Made primarily with almonds, it can be used as a substitute for wheat flour or alongside it to create delicious tasting baked treats. If you're searching for a dessert recipe that is sure to steal the show, keep scrolling. We'll walk you through our favorite desserts made with almond meal and what makes them taste so great.
What is Almond Meal?
Almond flour and almond meal are common gluten free ingredients used to create everything from cakes and cookies to muffins and sweet bread. And while they're often listed as the same thing and can be used interchangeably, a few slight differences set them apart.Similar to almond flour, almond meal is made from ground almonds. However, when making almond flour, the skins are usually removed before the almonds are ground. Almond meal, however, contains the skins. This gives it a slight boost of nutrients while also creating a flour with a slightly more coarse texture. This coarse texture means that while almond meal can create delicious baked desserts, it can also be used to substitute breadcrumbs when coating meat, topping vegetables, and making casseroles. Available at many grocery stores, almond meal is usually found in the baking or gluten free section. Don't have time to run to the store? Almond meal can be made at home, rather quickly.Learn more about the differences between almond meal and almond flours by reading our article "Almond Meal vs. Almond Flour: What's the Difference?" Step-by-step instructions for making almond meal can be found in our article "How to Make Almond Meal at Home."
Why Make Almond Meal Desserts?
Almond meal can be used in replace of or alongside traditional flours to make delicious desserts. Wondering why you should add this ingredient to your grocery list? Here are a few of the many reasons we love almond meal.
Almond Meal is Plant-Based
Almond meal is made from ground almonds which makes it an entirely plant-based product. Being so, it's an excellent flour option for individuals avoiding grains and tastes great with whatever flavors you combine it with. Knowing that almond meal is made from one natural ingredient allows you to feel great baking with it.
Almond Meal is Gluten Free
The grain-free nature of almond meal makes it's safe for individuals with a gluten allergy to enjoy. An essential ingredient in gluten free baking, almond meal can be used to create flour-based desserts like cakes or cupcakes. While the desserts taste almost identical to their grain-based counterpart, they're entirely gluten free.
Almond Meal is Low Carb
Because it's made with nuts instead of wheat, almond meal is an excellent low carb option for people following a specific diet. If you're eager to begin a low-carb diet like a ketogenic one, then almond-based dessert will make the transition much more manageable. Not sure where to start? Choose from one of the many recipes we've listed below.
Almond Meal Dessert Recipes
Ready to begin baking with almond meal? We're here to help. We've gathered up some of our favorite desserts made from almond meal. From rhubarb almond cake to gluten free almond flour cookies, there's sure to be a dessert on this list that you'll enjoy.
Cakes
Cakes are among the most popular dessert recipes. Not only do cakes taste delicious, but they're also an excellent way to celebrate. From birthdays to promotions, making a tasty homemade cake recipe is a great way to show those you love that you care. Now, if you're searching for something a little more elegant than the rainbow sprinkle cake that you make each year, we have you covered. The classy, almond flour cake recipes listed below are sure to steal the show and are suitable for various events.
Rhubarb Almond Cake
If you're like many, then you've likely walked through the produce section wondering what rhubarb is used for. While rhubarb is a great-tasting ingredient added to several recipes, this stalky vegetable truly shines when added to dessert. Making a dessert like this Rhubarb Almond Cake will add a bit of character to your recipe book. Plus, it's stunning to look at. To create this cake's unique taste and texture, Unbleached White All-Purpose Flour is combined with Almond Flour/Meal. And while this dessert may not be gluten free, it is sure to be the highlight of your event.
Orange Almond Flour Cake
At Bob's Red Mill, we love the flavor of fresh baked goods, and even more so when they're infused with vibrant flavors of fruit. While there's a long list of fruits and vegetables we love adding to our desserts, oranges top the cake (literally) when it comes to flavor. If you're looking to add a bit of summer to your next dessert table, then this Orange Almond Flour Cake is sure to do the trick. Made with a combination of Almond Meal, Potato Starch and Organic Coconut Sugar, the result is a light and airy texture that is melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Flourless Orange Almond Cake
When you first decide to bake a cake, you may think that flour is your only option. And while many cakes are baked with flour, flourless cakes are an option for those who cannot consume grains. By making a cake with almond meal, you can create a dessert similar in taste and texture to traditional cakes, sans grains. Ideal for individuals searching for a gluten free or low carb option, cakes like this Flourless Orange Almond Cake make for a keto-approved dessert that everyone can enjoy. Additionally, because a Gluten Free Egg Replacer is used to make this dessert, it's suitable for those following a vegan diet.
Bread
Want to create a dessert that's a little more casual than cake? Surprise all of the guests at your next party by preparing a homemade loaf of bread. By adding sweet ingredients to your bread dough, you'll create a dessert that's so good that leftovers will be scarce. Swap out wheat flour with almond meal for bread that's a bit lighter than your traditional loaf. An easy way to turn nearly any dough into a gluten free one, the desserts below will help you get started.
Almond Poppy Seed Cassava Muffins
Bread doesn't have to be formed into a loaf. In fact, one of our favorite bread-based desserts is muffins. Easy to make, the single-serving nature of muffins makes them the perfect party snack. Just one batch can serve a group of guests, and unlike cake, there's no cutting involved. To create a muffin that's sure to leave an impression, begin by making these Blueberry Almond Muffins. With the help of almond meal, this gluten-free version tastes identical to classic blueberry muffins. We recommend doubling up on the recipe when making these muffins, as guests often head back to the table for seconds.
Banana Bread with Almond Flour
What's a more classic dessert than a freshly baked loaf of banana bread? Whether you enjoy your banana bread with a plate of fresh bananas, drizzled with honey, or as a side to your morning coffee, it's the perfect sweet treat to indulge in. To create a gluten free version that tastes just as great as the classic, follow this Banana Bread with Almond Flour Recipe. In it, a mixture of Almond Meal, Tapioca Flour and Flaxseed Meal is used to create a moist and dense loaf that's nearly irresistible.
Gluten Free Zuchinni Bread
Eager to dive into a dessert guilt-free? Try adding veggies to it. While not all vegetables can be used to create a sweet treat, zucchini can. The next time you feel like baking a loaf of bread for dessert, make this Gluten Free Zuchinni Bread. Loaded with wholesome ingredients like zucchini and bananas, it uses a combination of Almond Meal and Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour to ensure that it remains a gluten free dessert option. Top it off with a dollop of honey orange yogurt sauce, and you'll create a treat that's the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors.We hope that this list of almond meal desserts inspires you to preheat the oven and start baking. Whether you're whipping up a fluffy cake recipe or a batch of muffins, we're confident that these recipes will help make your dessert dreams come true. From everyone at Bob's Red Mill, we wish you the best on your baking journey.Have a delicious dessert made from almond meal that you'd like to share? We'd love to know what you are cooking in the kitchen. Share your favorite almond meal treats with us in the comments below!