A question we are commonly asked: Is there a difference between almond meal and almond flour?
The answer: YES!
The Difference Between Almond Meal and Almond Flour
While almond meal is typically made from raw (unpeeled) almonds, almond flour is made from blanched (peeled) almonds.
Compared to almond meal, almond flour has a finer texture and lighter color. These differences are even more pronounced when comparing almond flour to almond meal made from leftover almond pulp (all three versions pictured below — top: almond meal from pulp, middle: almond meal from raw almonds, bottom: almond flour).
When to Use Almond Meal vs Almond Flour?
Almond meal and almond flour can typically be used interchangeably in quick breads and cookies and they are great gluten-free alternatives to traditional flours.
But for recipes where a more cake-like consistency and less pronounced almond flavor is desired, almond flour is definitely the way to go because of its lighter texture, color, and neutral flavor.
You can see an example of where we used almond meal in these 5-Ingredient Vegan Gluten Free Cookies and an example of where we used almond flour in this 1-Bowl Vegan Gluten Free Vanilla Cake.
How to Make Almond Flour
Making homemade almond flour is very simple! It requires only 1 ingredient, 1 blender, and 5 minutes.
Simply add blanched almonds to a blender and blitz until a fine, powdery flour is achieved. You know you’ve gone too far if it starts turning to almond butter instead.
Not only is it simple to make, but homemade almond flour tastes fresher and is usually more cost-effective than storebought.
Almond Flour Recipes
Now that you’ve made almond flour, it’s time to put it to use!
This nutrient-rich flour lends itself well to cookies, cakes, and so much more! We typically like to use a mix of flours in a recipe in order to achieve the ideal texture and flavor.
Here are some of our favorite recipes using almond flour as an ingredient:
- Vegan Gluten-Free Vanilla Wafers
- Fluffy 1-Bowl Sugar Cookies (Vegan + GF)
- The Perfect Vegan Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Fudgy Vegan Brownie Cookies
- Almond Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Peanut Butter Cup Cookies (V/GF)
- 5-Ingredient No-Bake Peanut Butter Thumbprints
- 1-Bowl Vegan Gluten-Free Carrot Cake
- 1-Bowl Vegan Gluten-Free Vanilla Cake
- Creamy Pumpkin Pie Bars (V + GF)
If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo #minimalistbaker on Instagram. Cheers, friends!
How to Make Almond Flour
Simple tutorial showing how to make almond flour. Great for gluten-free and grain-free baking with just 1 blender, 1 ingredient, and 5 minutes required.
Instructions
-
Add almonds to a high-speed blender and blend on high until a fine, powdery flour is achieved. We recommend turning the blender on the highest setting for 5-10 seconds. Then stop, shake the blender container, and hit the sides to shake loose any clumps that have formed on the sides. Blend again until fine and powdery — all in all about 10-15 seconds of blending. You'll know you've gone too far if it starts turning to almond butter or clumping up on the sides.
-
Check your blender for bits of nuts and continue blending, occasionally removing your blender from the base and shaking to ensure all almonds are well blended.
-
Transfer to a jar or container and store up to 1 month unrefrigerated, often longer. See notes for recipe suggestions.
Notes
*Nutrition information is a rough estimate.
*Here are some of our favorite recipes using almond flour as an ingredient:
- Vegan Gluten-Free Vanilla Wafers
- Fluffy 1-Bowl Sugar Cookies (Vegan + GF)
- The Perfect Vegan Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Fudgy Vegan Brownie Cookies
- Almond Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Peanut Butter Cup Cookies (V/GF)
- 5-Ingredient No-Bake Peanut Butter Thumbprints
- 1-Bowl Vegan Gluten-Free Carrot Cake
- 1-Bowl Vegan Gluten-Free Vanilla Cake
- Creamy Pumpkin Pie Bars (V + GF)
Nutrition Per Serving (1 of 6 quarter-cup servings)
- Calories: 214
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated fat: 1.4g
- Sodium: 7mg
- Potassium: 239mg
- Carbohydrates: 6.8g
- Fiber: 3.6g
- Sugar: 1.7g
- Protein: 7.8g
When making almond flour, does 1 lb of raw almonds make 1 lb of almond flour, or will it weigh less?
It should be the same.
Maybe this is a stupid question but do you dry the blanched almonds first before putting them into the blender? I assume you do but maybe not??? unless I’m missing it, it doesn’t say in the recipe. Help, please.
Hi Lee, it isn’t needed!
best cream for face is: 1 cup raw almond flour
2 T honey (from your area is best)
2 drops peppermint oil
First soak face with Schizandra Tea to open pores and get the benefit of a rosy complexion
Mix into a paste the ingredients listed above. Rub lightly onto face and neck. Leave on for 15 minutes,
rinse with warm water and pat dry.
Must store in refrigerator. Best used within 2 weeks, and make fresh batch to use again.
Super for oily problem skin.
I would like to see these recipes without them being vegan or gluten free, please.
One thing I learned: A coffee grinder works for nuts and spices. Easier and cheaper too.
What speed do you have your vitamix at for this?
Will it work with a dry container as well or are you using the wet one?
Thanks!!!
Hi Red, a low setting should do the trick. We recommend drying the container before use.
Hi!
Can we use a food processor instead of a blender?
Thanks in advance!
Yes! It likely will not get quite as fine, but yes it will work!
Great post, I always question myself about almon meal and flour.
Thank you!