Gluten-Free Baking: Xanthan, Psyllium, and Flax

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If you’re baking without gluten, adding binders is essential. At our bakery we use some combination of xanthan, psyllium, and flax in every recipe. We’ll take you through what they all do and when and how to use each.

Xanthan

 

Xanthan is the industrial strength binder. It’s the real deal and can get a bad rap because it sounds weird, but really it’s just a fermented chain of sugars.
Use xanthan for a softer bake in muffins, cookies, brownies, and cakes. (A little goes a long way—and don’t get any on your hands, it’s super gooey.)

  • 0.5–1% of flour for cakes, cookies, muffins.
  • Up to 2% for breads needing more structure.
    (Example: 200 g flour → 1–2 g xanthan.)

Psyllium

 

Psyllium is high in fiber and super beneficial for gut health. It’s the closest thing to gluten we have, and it mimics the elasticity and chew of wheat.
Use psyllium for breads, and loaves, or anything you want to have chew.

  • 3–5% of flour for breads + loaves (strong structure, chew).
  • 1–2% for muffins, brownies (lighter bakes).
    (Example: 200 g flour → 6–10 g psyllium.)

Flax

 

Flax is the more natural, everyday option. It’s not as strong as xanthan or psyllium, but it adds moisture, structure, and a subtle nutty flavor.
Use flax in cookies, bars, muffins, or anything where you want a softer crumb and don’t mind a bit of density.

  • 5–10% of flour (usually 1 Tbsp flax + 3 Tbsp water per “egg”).
  • Best for cookies, snack bars, softer muffins.
    (Example: 200 g flour → 10–20 g flax, mixed with 3–6 Tbsp water.)

Binders aren’t mutually exclusive: here’s how to use all 3 in one recipe to get the best of all worlds: Rise, structure, chew, and moisture!

Using It All Together

Binder Blend (per 100 g flour)

  • Psyllium husk powder: 3% (≈ 3 g) → gives gluten-like chew & structure
  • Xanthan gum: 0.5–1% (≈ 0.5–1 g) → smooths texture & helps rise
  • Ground flaxseed: 5% (≈ 5 g) + 3× water (≈ 15 g) → acts like an egg, adds moisture & nutrition

This combo gives you bread that’s chewy and moist, muffins that don’t crumble, and cookies that stay soft.

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