Cozy comforts: Baking with spelt flour
What's the story
Spelt flour is the new darling of health-conscious home bakers seeking a nutritious alternative to regular wheat flour.
This ancient grain boasts a slightly nutty flavor and is easier to digest for some people. It's packed with dietary fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals.
Incorporating spelt flour into baking not only enhances the nutritional profile of your goodies but also adds a distinct texture and flavor.
Bread
Spelt bread: A rustic delight
Baking bread with spelt flour doesn't have to be intimidating.
The secret to a beautiful loaf is simply reducing the hydration level because spelt doesn't soak up as much water as wheat.
Start with 75% of the water you'd usually use with wheat flour, and you'll find your spelt bread holds its shape while still offering a lovely, tender crumb.
Pancakes
Wholesome spelt pancakes
Kickstart your day with hearty spelt pancakes for a healthier breakfast choice.
Simply substitute spelt for all-purpose flour in your go-to pancake recipe on a one-for-one basis for a seamless transition.
You may need to add an additional tablespoon or two of liquid to maintain the right batter consistency as spelt absorbs differently.
Pasta
Nutritious spelt pasta
Homemade spelt pasta will change your dinner game!
Just like traditional pasta, it's easy to make at home. The only difference? Spelt has less gluten, so the dough might be a bit more delicate.
But that's no problem! Just roll it out with a little extra care, and you'll have tasty, healthy noodles ready to be tossed in your favorite sauce.
Cookies
Delectable spelt cookies
If you enjoy baking cookies, try swapping in spelt flour for a fun twist on your favorite treats.
When working with spelt, decrease the fat (butter or oil) by roughly 10% as it can make doughs and batters more tender and prone to spreading.
Play around with this reduction until you find the perfect balance for soft, scrumptious cookies that still hold their shape beautifully.
Cakes
Creative spinning on cakes
Using spelt in cakes opens up a whole new world of baking possibilities.
Its slightly sweet and nutty flavor pairs wonderfully with ingredients like honey, almonds, and berries.
When modifying cake recipes for spelt flour, try cutting back on sugar by about 5% - spelt's natural sweetness will add to the overall flavor, meaning you won't need as much extra sugar.