Tips for Gluten-Free Holiday Baking

Related To:

gluten-free brownies

Wheat flours are an obvious no-no for gluten-free baking, but gluten is also commonly found in other baking staples like some brands of oats, as well as candies and leavening agents, so it's important to read labels carefully. It's also helpful to experiment with recipes ahead of time and find a good standard all-purpose gluten-free baking flour, like Bob's Red Mill or Trader Joe's brand.

If you follow a gluten-free diet or are just cooking for guests who do, here are some holiday sweets.

Gluten-Free Chocolate Chunk Brownies (recipe below)
Gluten-Free Chocolate Chunk Brownies

Makes 16
Nonstick cooking spray
½ cup all-purpose gluten free baking mix
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
¼ teaspoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon kosher salt
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
½ cup unsweetened applesauce
1 cup sugar
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
½ cup plus 2 tablespoons semi-sweet chocolate chunks

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9x9-inch square baking dish with cooking spray and set aside. Combine baking mix, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a bowl and set aside. Place melted butter in a large bowl, whisk in applesauce, sugar, canola oil and vanilla. Whisk in eggs one at a time. Fold in cocoa mixture until just combined, then fold in ½ cup chocolate chunks. Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining chocolate chunks and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center. Let cool for at least 20 minutes before cutting into squares.

Nutrition Info Per Piece: Calories: 171; Total Fat: 9 grams; Saturated Fat: 4 grams; Total Carbohydrate: 21 grams; Sugars: 19 grams; Protein: 2 grams; Sodium:  64 milligrams; Cholesterol: 31 milligrams; Fiber: 1 gram

Dana Angelo White, MS, RD, ATC, is a registered dietitian, certified athletic trainer and owner of Dana White Nutrition, Inc., which specializes in culinary and sports nutrition. See Dana's full bio »

Next Up

All-Purpose Gluten-Free Flour Mix

Make your own gluten-free flour mix at home and use it in your favorite recipes.

How to Pick a Gluten-Free Cereal

If gluten-free cereal is on your shopping list, check out these tips before your next trip to the store.

Gluten-Free 101

From pantry must-haves to ingredients to watch out for, here are the basics of going without gluten.

Gluten-Free Glossary

A glossary of gluten-free flours.

Gluten-Free Girl's Spaghetti and Meatballs

Some will swear by the stale bread soaked in milk method, but we think these gluten-free meatballs are at the top of the heap. Get the recipe from Food Network.

Gluten-Free Times Three Shopping List

Here's what you'll need to make the recipes from this episode of Rachael Ray's 3 in the Bag.

I’m a Nutritionist and Celiac – Here Are Tips to Make Eating Gluten-Free Easier (And Tastier)

Over the years, I’ve learned how to enjoy all the carbo-licious foods, without the gluten.

Kraft Mac & Cheese Microwaveable Cups Now Come Gluten-Free

You don’t have to miss the flavor of that nostalgic blue box.

The 3 Best Gluten-Free Flours for Baking and Cooking

We tested different brands in a variety of recipes to find the best (and most versatile) gluten-free flours.