The BEST Coconut Flour Recipes (5 Star rated!) - The Big Man's World ® (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to baking with coconut flour? ›

Use a 1:4 ratio when substituting coconut flour with all-purpose flour. This means that for every 1 cup of regular flour, you only use ¼ cup of coconut flour. Following this ratio will help make your low-carb baked goods come out the way you hope.

Coconut flour might help improve digestion due to its high fiber content. It is significantly higher in fiber than wheat flour and contains both soluble and insoluble fiber. Foods high in fiber promote good digestion and the growth of healthy bacteria in your gut.

Because coconut flour is also lower in carbohydrates and higher in protein than all-purpose flour, it's better at promoting healthy blood sugar regulation. What's more, older research shows that adding coconut flour to baked goods lowers their glycemic index (GI).

If storing for a short period, say a couple of weeks, an airtight container in a cool and dry will work just fine. When stored at room temperature or below, coconut flour can last up to two months. Refrigeration is recommended if you plan on storing your coconut flour for longer than two months.

A good rule of thumb is 1/4 to 1/3 cup of coconut flour for 1 cup of regular flour. When flour absorbs water, the starches gelatinize, but when coconut flour absorbs liquid it becomes soggy, resulting in a heavier, denser baked good.

Most research suggests that coconut flour will last for about two years when stored properly. The best way to store coconut flour is in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Some brands of coconut flour claim that their product will last for up to three years when stored properly.

Coconut flour is derived from natural sources and contains a high amount of antioxidants. To gain most of its benefits, consume one teaspoon of coconut flour daily.

Coconut flour appears to have a low glycaemic index of 51 which means it should cause less of a spike in blood sugar levels than wheat flour, which has a glycaemic index of 69. This is because coconut flour is high in fat and fibre, which work to slow down the release of sugar in the bloodstream.

Coconut flour

Unlike grain flours, coconut flour contains a substantial amount of fat. This fat is primarily saturated and largely comprised of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which may reduce inflammation and support healthy metabolism ( 1 , 2 ).

Coconut flour, on the other hand, is lower in fat and higher in fiber compared to almond flour. It is also a good source of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), a type of healthy fat that is easily digested and used for energy by the body.

What is the healthiest flour to eat? ›

While all-purpose flour is a useful kitchen ingredient, other flours, such as coconut flour, almond flour, and chickpea flour are more nutritious and may offer more health benefits.

Coconut flour is extremely high in fiber, which means it absorbs a lot of liquid during baking. This makes it critical to follow the recipe exactly without making additional substitutions. Dough will often be much thicker than expected when baking with coconut flour.

Replacing wheat flour with coconut flour

Cakes and muffins, which need to be light and fluffy, will be very different than something more dense, like cookies. But when working with coconut flour, you always need to decrease the flour and increase the eggs and baking powder.

Coconut flour has a slightly sweet and nutty flavor, with a hint of coconut aroma. It has a more absorbent texture and tends to create denser, moister baked goods compared to almond flour. Due to its absorbency, coconut flour often requires more liquid in recipes to prevent dryness.

To give baked goods more rise and structure when using coconut flour, try adding whey protein powder or psyllium husk powder; vinegar and baking soda can also help add more rise. When storing coconut flour, it's best to keep it airtight and freeze it since coconut flour absorbs moisture.