Picture this: crisp, juicy apples, plucked straight from the tree, sliced up and dried to perfection. Now imagine those apple slices, finely ground into a fine powder. Voila! You have apple flour.
It’s a unique and delicious alternative to traditional wheat flour that brings a subtle sweetness and fruity flavor to all kinds of dishes, from baked goods to savory meals.
So, whether you’re a health-conscious foodie or just looking to add some pizzazz to your cooking, apple flour is an ingredient you won’t want to miss out on!
What is apple flour?
Apple flour (apple pomace flour/dried apple pomace) is a type of flour made from dried and ground apples.
To make it commercially, apples are washed, peeled, and cored, and then sliced or diced. The fruit is then dried using either hot air or freeze-drying methods until all the moisture is removed. Once dry, the apples are ground into a fine powder. Commercial apple flour can be made using several different varieties of apples.
What’s the difference between apple flour and regular flour?
The main difference between apple flour and regular flour is that regular flour is made from enriched wheat, while apple flour is made from 100% apples!
That means that regular flour has a neutral taste and apple flour has a subtly sweet and fruity flavor. And, unlike regular flour, apple flour is packed with nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, making it a healthier option that tastes amazing!
For more, see our full comparison of apple flour vs. all-purpose flour.
Benefits of apple flour
Apple flour is a nutrient-dense ingredient that offers a range of health benefits. It’s high in dietary fiber, which helps promote healthy digestion and can help regulate blood sugar levels. It’s also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and calcium.
Plus, apple flour is lower in calories and carbohydrates than regular wheat flour, which may support weight loss.
When it comes to special dietary needs, apple flour is completely gluten-free and allergen-free, making it a great choice for people with celiac disease, gluten sensitivities, or other common food allergies. And because it’s made from fruit, it’s also paleo-friendly!
Not only is apple flour a healthy alternative to regular flour, but it has a subtly sweet and fruity flavor that can add a unique twist to your recipes! It can also add a lightness and tenderness to your baked goods that you won’t find with other flours.
Apple flour nutrition facts
| Flour (¼ cup) | Calories | Carbs | Fiber | Sugar | Fat | Protein | Glycemic Index |
| Apple flour | 100 | 20 g | 4 g | 20 g | 1 g | 0 g | Raw apples = 36 +/- 2 (likely higher) |
| All-purpose flour | 120 | 24 g | 1 g | 0 g | 0.5 g | 4 g | 85 |
How to bake and cook with apple flour
Apple flour is great for making muffins, cakes, and other baked goods, but it can also be used in savory dishes like stews and sauces as a thickening agent.
It can be used as a substitute for a portion of regular flour in many recipes, but due to its sweet flavor, it’s better to replace just 25% of all-purpose flour and use it in combination with more substantial flours – try blending it with oat flour or all-purpose flour.
One advantage of apple flour is that it absorbs moisture differently than regular flour, which can result in moister baked goods. And since it’s naturally sweet, you don’t need to add as much processed sugar or sweeteners to your recipes!
Popular apple flour baked goods and dishes
Apple flour is mostly used to add flavor and nutrients to baked goods and breakfast goods. Here are some popular ideas:
- Muffins
- Cakes
- Pancakes and waffles
- Cookies
- Bread
- Granola bars
- Pie crusts
- Crumbles and crisps
- Additive to smoothies and oatmeal
- Thickener in stews, soups, sauces and gravies
How to make apple flour at home
With just a few simple steps, you can make your own homemade apple flour:
- Wash, core, and thinly slice apples.
- Arrange the apple slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Place the baking sheet in the oven at the lowest temperature and let the apples dry for 4-8 hours, or until they are completely dry and crispy.
- Once the apple slices are completely dry, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely.
- Place the cooled apple slices in a food processor or blender and pulse until they are finely ground into a powder.
How to store apple flour
Apple flour has a very long shelf life of 12-24 months when stored properly. It’s very important to keep apple flour away from moisture, heat, and light to prevent spoilage and maintain its quality.
Keep store-bought apple flour in a cool, dry place such as a pantry or cupboard, and make sure the package is tightly sealed after each use.
Homemade apple flour should also be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place where it can last for several months.
What are the best substitutes for apple flour?
Sweet potato flour is the best substitute for apple flour because it has a similar texture and consistency, and it also adds a slightly sweet flavor to baked goods like apple flour. Sweet potato flour is also a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it a healthy sub for apple flour.
If you want something that has a more neutral flavor than apple flour and is easy to work with, go with cake flour, which is also more budget-friendly and widely available.
FAQs
Apple flour is used as a gluten-free alternative to traditional flour, adding a subtly sweet and fruit flavor to a variety of recipes, including baked goods, oatmeal, and sauces, and can be used as a substitute for a portion (25%) of regular flour.
Just like apples, apple flour is a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it a healthy addition to your diet. It also has a lower glycemic index than regular flour and is gluten-free.
Apple flour has a subtly sweet, fruity flavor due to the natural sugars found in apples, but it is not as sweet as refined sugar or artificial sweeteners. The level of sweetness will also depend on the variety of apple used and how much apple flour is used.
