🌾 Grains & Starches

Can You Substitute Almond Flour for Cornstarch? Guide

Learn how to substitute almond flour for cornstarch in your recipes. Get proper ratios, techniques, and tips for successful substitutions.

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Quick Answer

Yes, you can substitute almond flour for cornstarch, but use 2:1 ratio (2 cups almond flour = 1 cup cornstarch). Almond flour provides thickening but with different properties than cornstarch.

Best Substitutes

Cornstarch

1:2 (1 cup almond flour = 1/2 cup cornstarch)

Pure starch that provides excellent thickening properties. Much more effective than almond flour for thickening sauces and gravies.

Best for:

thickening saucesgraviespuddingswhen you need clear thickeninggluten-free thickening

Cornstarch is much more effective for thickening than almond flour. Use half the amount of cornstarch compared to almond flour.

Almond Flour

2:1 (2 cups almond flour = 1 cup cornstarch)

Ground almonds that provide some thickening properties but with different characteristics than cornstarch.

Best for:

gluten-free bakingwhen you want nutty flavorthickening with flavorgrain-free cooking

Almond flour provides some thickening but is much less effective than cornstarch. Use twice the amount of almond flour compared to cornstarch.

Cooking Tips

  • 💡Almond flour provides thickening but with different properties than cornstarch
  • 💡For clear thickening, use cornstarch instead of almond flour
  • 💡Almond flour adds flavor and nutrition when used for thickening
  • 💡Mix almond flour with cold liquid before adding to hot liquids
  • 💡Almond flour may create a grainy texture in some applications
  • 💡For best results, use almond flour in recipes where flavor is desired
  • 💡Store almond flour in refrigerator or freezer to prevent rancidity

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use almond flour instead of cornstarch for thickening?

Yes, but almond flour is much less effective for thickening than cornstarch. Use 2 cups almond flour for every 1 cup cornstarch, and expect different texture and flavor.

What's the ratio for almond flour to cornstarch?

Use 2:1 ratio - 2 cups almond flour equals 1 cup cornstarch. Almond flour is much less effective for thickening, so you need twice as much.

Why doesn't almond flour thicken as well as cornstarch?

Almond flour contains protein and fat, while cornstarch is pure starch. Starch is much more effective for thickening than protein and fat.

Can I use almond flour in pudding recipes?

Yes, but almond flour will create a different texture and flavor than cornstarch. The pudding will be more grainy and have a nutty flavor.

What's the best use for almond flour instead of cornstarch?

Almond flour works best in recipes where you want both thickening and flavor, such as in gluten-free baking or when making nut-based sauces.

Summary

Learn how to substitute almond flour for cornstarch in your recipes. Get proper ratios, techniques, and tips for successful substitutions.