At G.F. Bakers, it’s a major point of pride for us to provide the highest-quality gluten free baking products, from chocolate brownies and gluten free desserts options to gluten free bread mixes and numerous others. Mrs. Hewitt’s recipes are second to none for those requiring gluten alternatives, with rich and delicious flavors in every product we sell.

For some who are new to the gluten-free lifestyle or have begun baking for at least one person with a gluten intolerance, you may be wondering which direction to go in. In addition to our fantastic products to help you get started, this two-part blog series will dig into several ways many gluten free baking products vary from traditional baking products, plus some tips and tricks we can offer as you learn more about the wide world of gluten free baking.

Baking Time Factors

While the baking time you follow will depend in large part on the specific recipe, it’s good to know in general that the pan type used is also an important consideration here. Many gluten free manufacturers provide specific advice on the pan to use – when this is the case, we highly recommend following it specifically. Because oven temperature vary, this is also a significant factor, something you should understand or test in advance in your kitchen.

In addition, one tip we offer to our clients is to always place gluten free items in the center of a pre-heated oven for even baking. These recipes often require longer baking times at lower temperatures than traditional recipes might, meaning you risk burning or other issues if heat application is not even.

Shelf Life and Freshness

Gluten free grains and starches do have a limited shelf life, so it’s important to buy in quantities you know can be stored properly. Utilize your fridge and freezer regularly here. When baking, transfer finished goods to a wire rack as quickly as you can for proper cooling and freshness.

Flavor Additions

If you’re cooking for someone (including yourself) who is just transitioning into gluten free recipes, you might consider vanilla or various spices added to your recipes. For those just adjusting to the new flavors of gluten free, this can be helpful.

Altitude and Leavening Factors

For our local Utah customers, or any in high-altitude locations, it’s important to note that less liquid is required and either a higher temperature or a longer baking time must generally be observed. This will take some trial and error based on the recipes you use – one tip we have is dissolving leaveners in liquid before adding it to your dough, which may help with the rise of the dough itself.

For more on successful baking tips for gluten free chefs, or to learn about any of our gluten free baking products, speak to the staff at GF Bakers today.