Baking gluten-free doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor, texture, or the joy of homemade bread and treats. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can make delicious gluten-free breads, cakes, muffins, cookies, and more that rival traditional baked goods. Whether you’re gluten-sensitive, gluten-intolerant, or simply experimenting with a gluten-free lifestyle, these homemade recipes will help you create satisfying, flavorful gluten-free baked goods that are soft, fluffy, and perfectly golden.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best gluten-free breads and baked goods you can make at home, along with essential tips for baking gluten-free.

Gluten-Free Artisan Bread

Gluten-free artisan bread can be just as flavorful and texturally satisfying as traditional bread, thanks to the right combination of flours, binders, and techniques. A rustic, hearty loaf with a chewy texture and a crisp crust is entirely possible!

Key Ingredients:

• Gluten-Free Flour Blend: Use a blend of gluten-free flours like rice flour, sorghum flour, and potato starch for the best texture. Some blends also include xanthan gum or guar gum for elasticity.
• Psyllium Husk: This ingredient helps create a more elastic dough, making your gluten-free bread less crumbly.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Adding a small amount helps with leavening and improves the texture of the bread.

Recipe Idea:
To make gluten-free artisan bread, combine gluten-free all-purpose flour, yeast, salt, sugar, warm water, and a bit of olive oil. Let the dough rise for about an hour, shape it into a loaf, and bake it on a pizza stone or baking sheet for a crispy crust and chewy interior.

Gluten-Free Banana Bread

Banana bread is one of the easiest and most popular gluten-free baked goods to make. The natural sweetness and moisture from ripe bananas ensure a tender, flavorful loaf.

Key Ingredients:

• Gluten-Free Flour: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, or a mix of rice flour and almond flour for extra moisture.
• Bananas: Make sure the bananas are ripe—they’ll provide natural sweetness and moisture.
• Eggs or Egg Replacer: Eggs help bind the loaf together, but for a vegan option, substitute with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water).

Recipe Idea:
Mash overripe bananas and mix with sugar, vanilla extract, and your wet ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together your gluten-free flour, baking soda, and salt. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, then pour the batter into a loaf pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 55–60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Gluten-Free Pizza Dough

Making gluten-free pizza dough at home allows you to enjoy a crispy, chewy crust without the gluten. A good gluten-free pizza dough is easy to work with and holds up well to toppings.

Key Ingredients:

• Gluten-Free Flour: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend with a good mix of starches and flours (rice flour, potato starch, and tapioca flour are common).
• Xanthan Gum: This helps provide elasticity and structure to the dough, giving it a more pizza-like texture.
• Yeast: To make the dough rise, just like traditional pizza dough.
• Olive Oil: Adds flavor and moisture to the dough.

Recipe Idea:
Combine gluten-free flour, yeast, olive oil, water, and a bit of salt to make a dough. Let it rise for about an hour until doubled in size. Roll it out onto parchment paper, add your favorite toppings, and bake at 450°F (230°C) for about 10–15 minutes for a crispy crust.

Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies

Who says you can’t enjoy warm, gooey chocolate chip cookies when you’re gluten-free? These gluten-free chocolate chip cookies are soft and chewy on the inside, with a slightly crisp edge.

Key Ingredients:

• Gluten-Free Flour: A good gluten-free all-purpose flour blend will work best for texture. You can also experiment with almond flour for a slightly different flavor and texture.
• Butter or Dairy-Free Substitute: For the richest flavor, use unsalted butter, or a plant-based alternative for dairy-free cookies.
• Chocolate Chips: Use dairy-free chocolate chips if you’re vegan or avoiding dairy.

Recipe Idea:
Cream together butter and sugar, then add an egg (or egg substitute) and vanilla. Whisk in your gluten-free flour, baking soda, and salt, then fold in chocolate chips. Scoop dough onto a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until golden brown around the edges.

Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnamon rolls are a beloved breakfast treat that can be easily adapted to a gluten-free version. Soft, pillowy dough rolled with a cinnamon-sugar filling, all topped off with sweet icing—what’s not to love?

Key Ingredients:

• Gluten-Free Flour: Use a high-quality gluten-free flour blend, preferably one that contains xanthan gum.
• Yeast: For the soft, fluffy texture.
• Milk Substitute: Almond milk, oat milk, or any plant-based milk work well in cinnamon rolls.
• Cinnamon and Sugar: For the filling.

Recipe Idea:
Make a yeast-based dough by combining gluten-free flour, sugar, salt, yeast, and plant-based milk. Once the dough rises, roll it out into a rectangle, spread butter and cinnamon-sugar mixture over it, and roll it into a log. Cut into individual rolls and let them rise. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25–30 minutes, then drizzle with icing made from powdered sugar, vanilla, and a bit of plant-based milk.

Gluten-Free Muffins

Muffins are a great option for gluten-free baking because they are simple to make and offer endless flavor variations. Whether you prefer blueberry, banana nut, or chocolate chip, gluten-free muffins can be moist, light, and fluffy.

Key Ingredients:

• Gluten-Free Flour: A blend of rice flour, potato starch, and tapioca flour works well for gluten-free muffins.
• Eggs or Egg Replacer: Helps bind the batter and add moisture.
• Baking Powder: Ensures the muffins rise and stay light.

Recipe Idea:
For blueberry muffins, mix gluten-free flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar in one bowl. In another bowl, whisk together plant-based milk, eggs (or egg replacer), and melted butter or oil. Fold in the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, then gently mix in blueberries. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18–22 minutes, until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

Gluten-Free Scones

Scones are another delightful treat that you can make gluten-free without sacrificing flavor or texture. These can be served with clotted cream and jam or enjoyed on their own.

Key Ingredients:

• Gluten-Free Flour: A gluten-free flour blend is best for scones, but you can also mix your own (rice flour, tapioca starch, and almond flour).
• Butter or Vegan Butter: Butter is key to creating a flaky texture in scones.
• Plant-Based Milk: For moisture and richness.

Recipe Idea:
To make gluten-free scones, combine gluten-free flour, baking powder, and sugar. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add plant-based milk to form a dough. Fold in your favorite add-ins like dried fruit, nuts, or chocolate chips, then shape the dough into a round and cut it into wedges. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes until golden.

Gluten-Free Pound Cake

Pound cake is a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that can be gluten-free with a few simple substitutions. It’s perfect for afternoon tea, picnics, or just as a light treat.

Key Ingredients:

• Gluten-Free Flour: A gluten-free all-purpose flour blend works best for pound cakes.
• Butter or Plant-Based Butter: For a rich, buttery flavor.
• Eggs: Essential for the structure and moisture of the cake.

Recipe Idea:
Cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, and then add gluten-free flour, baking powder, and vanilla extract. Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50–60 minutes until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.

Conclusion

Baking gluten-free doesn’t have to mean compromising on flavor, texture, or indulgence. From crusty artisan loaves to fluffy muffins, gooey cookies, and decadent cakes, there’s a wealth of delicious gluten-free baked goods you can make at home. By using the right flours, binders, and techniques, you can create mouthwatering gluten-free treats that satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. Whether you’re baking for yourself or for a crowd, these recipes will make sure everyone enjoys the best of gluten-free baking.