Best Spelt Flour Substitute for Your Recipes (2024)

Ever stumbled upon a recipe calling for spelt flour, only to find your pantry doesn't have it? Well, I've been there, and it feels like hitting a brick wall.

But, you know what? It turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to me in the baking world! It led me down this fantastic rabbit hole of ancient grain exploration, and I can't wait to bring you along for the ride.

First off, let's have a little chit-chat about spelt flour. What makes it tick? Why is it a favorite in some bakes? Let's unravel the mystery around its nutritional profile and see why so many bakers have a soft spot for it.

And did you know? You can mix up spelt with your regular all-purpose flour, and voila, you get an awesome blend that's just right in taste and texture. It's like a match made in baking heaven!

But hey, spelt isn't for everyone. Maybe you're on a gluten-free diet, or perhaps you're just feeling a bit adventurous. No worries, I've got you covered!

We're going to dive into some rad alternatives like almond meal, coconut flour, and oat bran flour. These babies will cater to all your dietary whims while keeping your baking game strong.

So, buckle up! By the time you've finished reading this post, you'll be a spelt substitution pro, ready to bravely venture into the world of ancient grains and take your recipes to a whole new level of delicious!

What is Spelt Flour?

Spelt flour is a nutrient-rich ancient grain, boasting an abundance of fiber, vitamins, and minerals that lends its own unique flavor to cakes, muffins, and cookies when used as a 1:1 substitute for all-purpose flour.

Spelt flour lends a pleasing grainy taste to baked treats and can be swapped in place of all-purpose flour when baking cakes, muffins, or cookies.

Nutritional Profile

Compared to regular wheat flour, spelt flour boasts higher levels of protein and dietary fiber. Additionally, it contains essential nutrients such as iron, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, vitamin B6, niacin (B3), thiamine (B1), and riboflavin (B2) among others.

Common Uses in Baking

• Cakes: The nutty flavor profile of spelt works well with fruit-based cakes or chocolate recipes.
• Muffins: Replace half the amount of all-purpose flour with spelt to create healthier muffins that still maintain their fluffy texture.
• Cookies: Use spelt instead of traditional flours when making oatmeal raisin or peanut butter cookies for added depth in taste without sacrificing consistency. King Arthur Baking Company.
• Bread: The high protein content helps give breads structure while maintaining moisture; try using it alongside whole-wheat or rye flours for an interesting twist on classic loaves like sourdough.

Spelt flour is a nutritious and versatile ingredient that can be used in many baking recipes, but it's important to understand how to properly substitute it for all-purpose flour. Combining the two flours in the correct proportions can result in scrumptious treats with an ideal texture.

Best Spelt Flour Substitutes

There are many excellent substitutes for spelt flour available today that cater to various dietary needs or preferences. These alternatives include almond meal, coconut flour, oat bran flour, einkorn (another ancient grain), quinoa (a gluten-free option), brown rice (also gluten-free), barley flours, white rice flours, amaranth, whole-wheat flours, and plain wheat flours.

1. Almond Meal

Almond meal, made from ground almonds, is an excellent alternative to spelt flour for those looking for a low-carb and gluten-free option. Its distinct flavor and texture make it an ideal choice for baking treats like cakes, cookies, and bread.

For every cup of spelt flour, substitute with ¼ to ⅓ cup of almond meal. Because of its density and high-fat content, you typically need less almond meal than grain-based flour.

Related: 10+ Best Almond Meal Substitutes for Your Baking Needs

2. Coconut Flour

Coconut flour, derived from dried coconut meat, is another popular substitute due to its high fiber content and natural sweetness. This versatile ingredient works well in baked goods but requires additional liquid when used as a replacement since it absorbs moisture quickly.

To substitute coconut flour for spelt flour, use about ¼ to ⅓ cup of coconut flour for every cup of spelt flour in the recipe. Due to its high absorbency, you'll also need to add extra liquid to the recipe. A good rule of thumb is to add an equal amount of extra liquid as coconut flour. For example, if you add ¼ cup of coconut flour, add an additional ¼ cup of liquid.

Additionally, since coconut flour doesn't contain gluten, you may need to add extra eggs or other binding agents to give your baked goods structure and prevent them from falling apart.

Best for gluten-free baking, particularly in recipes for pancakes, muffins, cakes, and cookies.

3. Oat Bran Flour

If you prefer using whole grains without straying too far from the taste of spelt flour, oat bran flour can be an ideal choice. Rich in nutrients like protein and soluble fiber, this mild-tasting substitute can be used interchangeably with spelt in most recipes.

When substituting oat bran flour for spelt flour, you can generally use a 1:1 ratio. However, oat bran flour can make baked goods denser and moister due to its high fiber content, so you may need to adjust the amount of liquid in your recipe. Start by adding a little less liquid than the recipe calls for, then add more if needed to get the right consistency.

Like other non-wheat flours, oat bran flour doesn't contain gluten. If you're using it in a recipe that requires gluten for structure, like bread, you may want to combine it with a gluten-containing flour or add a gluten substitute like xanthan gum or guar gum.

Best for bread, muffins, and cookies.

4. Whole Wheat Flour

Whole wheat flour is a type of flour made from grinding whole wheat kernels (also known as wheat berries) into a powder. This process includes the bran (the grain's outer layer), the germ (the nutrient-rich core), and the endosperm (the starchy middle layer).

As a result, whole wheat flour retains all the nutrients and fiber of the wheat kernel, making it a healthier choice compared to more refined flours.

You can replace spelt flour with whole wheat flour on a 1:1 basis, but you might want to add a bit more liquid to your recipe because of whole wheat's higher absorption rate.

Best for bread, pasta, cookies, muffins, pancakes, and pizza dough.

5. All-Purpose Flour

All-purpose flour is a versatile type of white flour made from a blend of hard and soft wheat. To substitute spelt flour with all-purpose flour, you can typically use a 1:1 ratio.

However, because spelt has a higher protein content, dishes made with all-purpose flour might be slightly softer and less chewy.

Best for just about anything.

6. Buckwheat Flour

Buckwheat flour is a gluten-free flour made from ground buckwheat, a plant related to rhubarb. It has a robust, earthy flavor and is rich in fiber and nutrients.

When I substitute spelt flour with buckwheat flour, I start with half of the spelt flour, as buckwheat has a stronger flavor and different texture. So, if a recipe calls for 1 cup of spelt flour, I use ½ cup spelt flour and ½ cup buckwheat flour.

Best for pancakes, muffins, quick breads, soba noodles and blinis.

Ancient Grain Substitutes of Spelt Flour

1. Einkorn Flour

Einkorn flour, an ancient grain similar to spelt, is a fantastic alternative for those looking to maintain the unique flavor profile of spelt while making adjustments in their recipes. With its lower water requirement during baking, einkorn makes it easy to swap without compromising taste quality.

When substituting einkorn flour for spelt flour in your recipes, start with a 1:1 ratio and adjust as needed based on the consistency of your dough or batter. Since einkorn absorbs less water than spelt, you may need to slightly reduce the liquid content in your recipe.

Best for bread, pancakes, waffles, cookies, muffins, pasta, pizza dough, cakes and pastries.

2. Kamut Wheat Flour

When looking for a spelt flour substitute, Kamut wheat flour is an excellent option to consider. Also known as Khorasan wheat or sometimes referred to as Oriental Wheat, this milled variety contains gluten like spelt but offers unique flavors and textures when used in recipes.

Kamut flour's texture is somewhat denser than all-purpose flour but lighter than whole-wheat flours. This makes it ideal for those who want the nutritional benefits of ancient grains without compromising on taste or texture.

Best for breads, muffins, and other baked goods.

Tips & Tricks When Substituting Spelt Flour

From my own adventures in the kitchen, I've picked up a few handy tips when it comes to substituting spelt flour with other alternatives:

1. Start Small: Don't go all in at once! When you're trying a new substitute, start by replacing just a portion of the spelt flour. This way, you can see how the new flour behaves and adjust the recipe as needed.
2. Mind the Liquids: Different flours absorb liquid at different rates. If you're using a flour that's more absorbent than spelt (like coconut or whole wheat), you might need to add a bit more liquid to keep your dough or batter from getting too dry.
3. Tweak as You Go: If your first attempt doesn't turn out perfectly, don't despair! Baking is as much an art as it is a science. It might take a few tries to get the ratios just right.
4. Flavor Matters: Remember, different flours bring different flavors to the table. Something like buckwheat or rye will have a stronger, more distinctive flavor than spelt. Make sure the substitute you choose complements the other flavors in your recipe.
5. Consider the Texture: Spelt flour gives baked goods a light, slightly crumbly texture. If you're using a substitute that's denser (like whole wheat) or lighter (like rice flour), your final product will have a different texture.
6. Gluten Content: Spelt flour contains gluten, so if you're substituting with a gluten-free flour, you may need to add a binder like xanthan gum to give your baked goods the right structure.

Spelt Flour Substitute FAQs

Beyond Spelt: Wrapping Up Our Exploration of Flour Alternatives

Understanding spelt flour is important for those who want to bake with a healthier alternative. Spelt flour has a unique nutritional profile and can be used in various baked goods.

If you're looking for alternatives to spelt flour, popular substitutes include almond meal, coconut flour, and oat bran flour. Additionally, einkorn and kamut wheat flours are ancient grain options that offer similar flavor profiles.

If you're interested in trying new recipes using spelt or other alternative flours, check out Also The Crumbs Please blog for delicious inspiration!

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