In this article, we’re discussing the taste, texture and uses of coconut flour. Can you bake with it? Can you replace all-purpose flour with it? Keep reading to find out.
Let’s get started…
What Does Coconut Flour Taste Like?
Some flours have flavors that give them away in baked goods. Breads made with whole wheat flour taste grainier than breads made with white flour, and rye flour has a nuttier, earthier flavor than whole wheat. Coconut flour is totally different as it has a hint of coconut flavor.
While coconut flour does taste like coconut, it’s rather mild, so it won’t make your vegan muffins taste coconut-flavored. For reference, almond flour has a more intense flavor than coconut flour.
Coconut Flour Texture
Coconut flour is a somewhat heavy flour, yet it’s also fluffy. This is perhaps owing to the crumbly nature of coconut flour. It’s not quite as refined as all-purpose flour.
Because coconut flour is crumbly, it may not be the flour you want to use as a thickener in sauces. However, if you don’t mind the graininess, you can definitely use it this way.
Related Article: What Does Cilantro Taste Like?
Can You Use Coconut Flour Instead of All Purpose Flour?
As a rule, you should not use coconut flour exactly like all-purpose flour, as in simply swapping all-purpose flour out for coconut flour. Coconut flour is highly absorbent and has a different texture that requires adjustments to the ingredient list in a recipe.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t use coconut flour instead of all-purpose flour in your baking. The amount of coconut flour you need will probably be different, and you’ll likely need to add more moisture to keep what you’re making from turning out dry.
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Is Coconut Flour Better Than Wheat Flour?
In terms of deciding whether you want to use coconut flour or wheat flour, knowing that coconut flour is a totally different animal is helpful. Some people prefer coconut flour because it’s gluten-free (whole wheat flour is not).
Coconut flour is dense like wheat flour, but it’s not better—just different. If you’re making a health-conscious dessert, you may want to opt for coconut flour simply because it’ll taste lighter and sweeter.
Read Also: What Does Coconut Butter Taste Like?
Does Coconut Flour Go Bad?
Technically, coconut flour has a sell-by date and can go “bad.” But so can other flours. Usually, what this means is that coconut flour will start tasting stale.
To keep coconut flour fresh for the longest amount of time, it’s recommended that you store it in a tightly sealed container and put it in the fridge.
What Is Coconut Flour Used For?
Vegan cakes, muffins and breads can all be made with coconut flour. Basically, if you can make something with white or wheat flour, you can make it with coconut flour, too.
This video demonstrates the making of vegan banana bread using coconut flour instead of white flour. Here’s what you’ll need to make this yummy bread:
- Ripe bananas
- Coconut flour
- Cinnamon
- Chia seeds
- Ginger powder
- Flax
- Coconut sugar
- Coconut oil
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Liquid sweetener
Further Reading: What Does Coconut Sugar Taste Like?
Are you lacking vegan fudge brownies in your life? This decadent recipe calls for ground flaxseed, coconut oil, cane sugar, baking soda, cocoa powder, vanilla and coconut flour.
Wrap Up
Coconut flour is a mild but distinctive flour that tastes vaguely coconuty. However, your baked goods shouldn’t taste too much like coconut—you’ll need shredded coconut for that. Make sure to find specific recipes when you bake with coconut flour as you’ll need different wet to dry ingredient ratios than with all-purpose flour. Then try some fudgy vegan brownies, fluffy pancakes or super moist banana bread with coconut flour.
Related Article: What Does Coconut Taste Like?
Hey, I’m Joey. I’ve been cooking since I was a little kid and love everything about it. You can find my writing about food, kitchen appliances (such as blenders) and much more. Thanks for stopping by!
