Gluten-Free Vanilla Baking

Gluten-free flours taste milder than wheat, so vanilla comes through more clearly. That's good news, and a reason to use a vanilla you really like.

Which vanilla to use

• Madagascar Bourbon: the classic, all-round choice for cookies, cakes and muffins.
• Vanilla powder adds flavor without adding liquid, which helps in gluten-free doughs where hydration matters.
• Tahitian vanilla: floral and fruity, for fruit tarts, custards and panna cotta.
• Ugandan vanilla: bold and cocoa-forward, for chocolate and coffee bakes.

Recipes to start with

Coconut Snow Smoothie5 min · Easy Chocolate Crème Brûlée Milkshake5 min · Easy Classic Iced Black Tea10 min · Easy Passion Fruit Lemonade5 min · Easy Gluten-Free Brown Butter Vanilla Cake1 hr 5 min · Medium Gluten-Free Bourbon Vanilla Cheesecake10 hr 30 min · Medium Gluten-Free Citrus Vanilla Cookies27 min · Easy Gluten-Free Salted Caramel Vanilla Crème Brûlée3 hr 55 min · Medium Gluten-Free Cardamom Vanilla Ice Cream8 hr 35 min · Medium Iced Americano5 min · Easy Gluten-Free Berry Vanilla Muffins37 min · Easy Gluten-Free Chai Vanilla Panna Cotta4 hr 25 min · Easy Gluten-Free Maple Vanilla Pudding2 hr 25 min · Easy Gluten-Free Almond Vanilla Scones38 min · Easy Blackberry Fruit Jellies2 hr 35 min · Advanced Double Espresso2 min · Easy Hazelnut Steamer8 min · Easy Banana Cream Frappé5 min · Easy Apple Crisp Latte5 min · Easy Traditional Matcha5 min · Easy Crème Brûlée Cocoa10 min · Easy Vanilla Chai5 min · Easy Cinnamon Hard Candy1 hr 20 min · Advanced Pumpkin Mocha5 min · Easy

All gluten-free recipes

Tips

• Let gluten-free batters rest 20 to 30 minutes before baking so the flours can hydrate.
• Weigh your flour blend; gluten-free flours vary a lot by the cup.
• Gluten-free bakes dry out faster. Store them airtight, or freeze and thaw as needed.
• Our recipe labels describe the recipe, not your ingredients. If you have to avoid gluten strictly, check every label, including your vanilla.

Questions

Does vanilla contain gluten?

Vanilla beans contain no gluten, and extract is made from beans and alcohol. If you have to avoid gluten strictly, check each ingredient's label for how it was made and packed.

Are the custards and ice creams gluten-free too?

Many are, because they never used flour. Look for the Gluten-Free tag on each recipe.

Can I use vanilla powder instead of extract?

Yes. Powder adds no liquid and holds up to heat, which suits shortbread, crisp cookies and dry mixes.

The vanilla we'd use

Madagascar Vanilla Beans, Grade A, 5 Beans Madagascar Vanilla Extract, 2 oz Bottle Uganda Vanilla Beans, Grade A, 5 Beans Tahitian Vanilla Extract, 2 oz Bottle

Explore more

Recipe collections: Dairy-Free & Vegan Vanilla Baking · Vanilla Custards, Puddings & Crème Brûlée · Vanilla Cookies & Bars · Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream · Vanilla Cakes & Cheesecakes · Holiday & Fall Vanilla Baking

Vanilla guides: Make Your Own Vanilla Extract · Find Your Vanilla Origin · Vanilla for Baking · Make Your Own Vanilla Extract · Oak-Aged Vanilla Extract

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