Are you a fan of baking with almond flour? Have you ever wondered how to make your own blanched almond flour at home?
Look no further! In this article, we’ll explore the simple process of blanching almonds to create a light and fluffy flour that’s perfect for all your favorite desserts.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to create your own homemade blanched almond flour.
So, let’s get started!
How Do You Blanch Almond Flour?
Blanching almonds is the process of removing the skin from the almond. This can be done easily at home with just a few simple steps.
To blanch almonds, start by placing them in boiling water for about a minute. Then, remove them from the water and rinse them with cold water. The skin should easily slide off of the almond.
Once you have blanched your almonds, you can then turn them into almond flour. To do this, simply process the blanched almonds in a food processor or blender until they are finely ground. Be sure to pulse the almonds for only a few seconds at a time to avoid turning them into almond butter.
If you are making macarons or other delicate baked goods, you may want to sift your almond flour to ensure it is as fine as possible.
Blanched almond flour is often preferred over unblanched almond flour in baking because it creates a lighter and fluffier texture. It also adds a consistent appearance to your dishes because the almonds are lighter and more uniform.
What Is Blanched Almond Flour?
Blanched almond flour is a type of almond flour that has been made from almonds with the skin removed. The skin of an almond is typically a red-brown color and has a different texture than the nut itself. When the skin is removed, the resulting flour has a smooth and delicate texture, making it an ideal ingredient for baking.
Blanched almond flour is made purely from almonds and is a natural and healthy alternative to wheat flour. It is gluten-free, low in carbohydrates, high in fiber, and a rich source of protein. Additionally, it is rich in vitamins and minerals, including iron, riboflavin, magnesium, potassium, calcium, and vitamin E.
Compared to unblanched almond flour, blanched almond flour is lighter in color and provides a consistent appearance to dishes. It is best used for cakes, muffins, and recipes where you want no almond flavor whatsoever. Blanched almond flour is also more expensive than unblanched almond flour due to the extra work required to remove the skin.
Benefits Of Using Blanched Almond Flour In Baking
Blanched almond flour is a popular alternative to wheat flour in baking and cooking. It has several benefits that make it a great choice for those looking to incorporate healthier ingredients into their diet.
One of the main benefits of using blanched almond flour in baking is its texture. The skinless almonds used to make blanched almond flour create a smoother, finer texture that is ideal for cakes, muffins, and other delicate baked goods. This texture is not achievable with unblanched almond flour, which has a coarser texture due to the skin being left on.
Blanched almond flour is also more uniform in color and appearance, making it an excellent choice for creating visually appealing dishes. Because the skin has been removed from the almonds, the resulting flour is light in color and does not have any dark specks or spots that could affect the appearance of your baked goods.
Another benefit of using blanched almond flour is its nutritional value. Almonds are high in fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals, including iron, riboflavin, magnesium, potassium, calcium, and vitamin E. Blanched almond flour retains all of these nutrients, making it a healthy choice for those looking to add more nutrients to their diet.
Lastly, blanched almond flour is gluten-free, making it an excellent option for those with celiac disease or a gluten intolerance. It can be used as a 1:1 replacement for wheat flour in most recipes, making it easy to incorporate into your favorite baked goods.
How To Blanch Almonds For Almond Flour
Blanching almonds for almond flour is a simple process that can be done in just a few steps. Here’s how to do it:
1. Bring a pot of water to a boil: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil.
2. Add the almonds: Once the water is boiling, add the almonds to the pot and cook for about 30 seconds.
3. Cool the almonds: Use a strainer to remove the almonds from the pot and rinse them under cold water to cool them down.
4. Remove the skin: Use your fingers to remove the skin from each almond. The skin should come off easily.
5. Dry the almonds: Spread the skinless almonds in one layer on a large cookie sheet and let them dry in a cool, dark place like your oven or pantry.
6. Process the almonds: Once the almonds are dry, you can process them in a food processor or blender until they are finely ground.
By following these simple steps, you can easily blanch your own almonds at home and turn them into almond flour for all of your baking needs.
How To Make Blanched Almond Flour
Making your own blanched almond flour is a simple process that requires only one ingredient and a food processor or blender. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Begin by blanching your almonds using one of the methods described above. Once the skin has been removed, you can move on to making the flour.
2. Add the blanched almonds to your food processor or blender. It’s best to process only one cup of almonds at a time to ensure an even texture.
3. Pulse the almonds for 10-15 seconds at a time, shaking the blender or food processor in between pulses to ensure that all of the nuts are close to the blade.
4. Continue pulsing and pausing until the almonds are finely ground into a powdery flour. Be careful not to over-process, as this can turn the almonds into almond butter.
5. If you want an extra-fine texture, you can sift your almond flour through a fine mesh strainer to remove any larger bits.
6. Store your homemade almond flour in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one month, or in the freezer for up to three months.
By following these simple steps, you can make your own blanched almond flour at home that is fresher and more cost-effective than store-bought varieties. Plus, you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing exactly what’s in your food and how it was made.
Storing And Using Blanched Almond Flour In Recipes
Once you have made your own homemade blanched almond flour, it’s important to store it properly to ensure its freshness and quality. Blanched almond flour can be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place at room temperature for up to three to four weeks. For longer storage, you can keep it in the fridge for up to three months or freeze it for up to a year.
When using blanched almond flour in recipes, it’s important to note that it is not the same as almond meal, which is made from whole almonds with their skin intact. While almond meal can be used interchangeably with almond flour in some recipes, the texture and appearance will be slightly different.
Blanched almond flour is perfect for creating light and fluffy baked goods such as cakes, muffins, and macarons. It is also a great gluten-free alternative to wheat flour in many recipes.
When substituting blanched almond flour for wheat flour, keep in mind that the texture and consistency of your baked goods may be slightly different. Almond flour tends to create denser and moister baked goods than wheat flour, so you may need to adjust your recipe accordingly.
Tips And Tricks For Successful Almond Flour Baking
Baking with almond flour can be a bit different from traditional wheat flour, but with the right tips and tricks, you can achieve delicious results every time.
1. Measure carefully: Almond flour is denser than wheat flour, so it’s important to measure it carefully. Use a kitchen scale to weigh your flour for the best accuracy.
2. Mix with other flours: Almond flour can be a bit heavy on its own, so it’s often best to mix it with other flours like coconut flour or tapioca flour. This will give your baked goods a lighter texture and help them rise properly.
3. Add extra moisture: Because almond flour doesn’t contain gluten, which helps bind ingredients together, you may need to add extra moisture to your recipes. This can be done by adding more eggs, butter or oil to your recipe.
4. Watch the baking time: Almond flour browns more quickly than wheat flour, so keep an eye on your baked goods in the oven. You may need to reduce the baking time or cover your dish with foil to prevent over-browning.
By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to bake with almond flour like a pro in no time!
