Lesson 1Sweeteners and Fats in Gluten-Free Pastry: Types of Sugar, Glucose, Butter Versus Vegetable Fats, Oils, and Their Effects on Texture and FreshnessLook at how sugars and fats affect sweetness, colour, texture, and how long things stay fresh. Learn to balance sucrose, glucose, and invert sugars with butter, oils, and special fats to manage spreading, softness, and going stale.
Granulated, superfine, and powdered sugar rolesBrown sugar, molasses, and caramel notesGlucose, invert sugar, and water activityButter vs refined vegetable fats in textureLiquid oils and their impact on crumbFat and sugar strategies for longer shelf lifeLesson 2Binders and Structure Enhancers: Xanthan Gum, Guar Gum, Psyllium Husk, Chia or Flax Gel, Egg Proteins—Usage Amounts and How They Work with Different FloursLook closely at how gums, fibres, and proteins take the place of gluten's structure. You will compare xanthan, guar, psyllium, chia, flax, and eggs, learning the right amounts, how much water they need, and how to avoid stickiness or falling apart.
How xanthan gum mimics gluten elasticityGuar gum: viscosity, synergy, and limitsPsyllium husk gels for bread structureChia and flax gels as egg replacersEgg proteins for aeration and settingAdjusting binder levels for each flour mixLesson 3Hydration and Balancing Dough or Batter: Water, Milk, Eggs Ratios for Different Gluten-Free Preparations (Batter Versus Dough)Master the balance of liquid in gluten-free doughs and batters. Compare how water, milk, eggs, and fats work with various flours and binders to control thickness, spreading, rising, and the final texture.
Hydration needs of major gluten-free floursAdjusting water for psyllium and gumsEgg quantity and batter viscosity controlMilk, buttermilk, and dairy solids impactTesting batter thickness for each productCorrecting overhydrated or dry doughsLesson 4Leavening Agents and Gluten-Free Considerations: Baking Powder, Baking Soda, Yeast—How to Ensure Certified Gluten-Free and Adjust AmountsExplore chemical and natural rising methods in gluten-free baking. Understand how baking powder, baking soda, and yeast act without gluten, how to check they are gluten-free, and how to adjust for proper rising.
Single vs double-acting baking powdersBalancing baking soda with acidityChoosing certified gluten-free leavenersYeast fermentation in gluten-free doughsImproving gas retention without glutenAdjusting leavening for batter thicknessLesson 5Starches and Their Roles: Tapioca, Potato, Cornstarch, Arrowroot—Thickening, Structure, Moisture HoldingUnderstand the jobs of key starches in gluten-free pastry. Compare tapioca, potato, cornstarch, and arrowroot for thickening, crispness, chewiness, and keeping moisture in cakes, biscuits, and custards.
Tapioca starch for chew and stretchPotato starch for tenderness and volumeCornstarch for crumb lighteningArrowroot in sauces and delicate gelsCombining starches for layered texturesPreventing starch retrogradation and stalingLesson 6Overview of Gluten-Free Flours: Rice, Buckwheat, Sorghum, Millet, Oat (Certified), and Coconut Flour PropertiesGet a clear overview of main gluten-free flours. You will compare rice, buckwheat, sorghum, millet, certified oat, and coconut flour for taste, how much they absorb, texture, and best uses in pastry.
White vs brown rice flour in pastryBuckwheat flavor, color, and ideal pairingsSorghum flour for tenderness and flavorMillet flour for mild taste and crumbCertified gluten-free oat flour in bakingCoconut flour: high absorption and limitsLesson 7Nut and Seed Flours: Almond, Hazelnut, Chestnut—Fat Content, Flavour, and Baking BehaviourStudy nut and seed flours as main building blocks for gluten-free baking. Learn how fat levels, grind size, and roasting change taste, browning, structure, and moisture, and how to mix them with starches for stable pastry results.
Almond flour types and ideal pastry usesHazelnut and chestnut flours in cakes and tartsSesame, sunflower, and pumpkin seed floursManaging fat content and oil separationRoast level, flavor intensity, and browningBlending nut flours with starches for structureLesson 8Sourcing Ingredients and Certification: Reading Labels, Allergen Information, Certified Gluten-Free Versus Naturally Gluten-Free IngredientsLearn to find safe gluten-free ingredients and check claims. You will practise reading labels, understanding allergen details, and telling certified gluten-free products from naturally gluten-free raw materials.
Understanding gluten-free certification logosReading ingredient lists for hidden glutenAllergen statements and cross-contact risksNaturally gluten-free vs certified productsSupplier questionnaires and documentationStorage practices to prevent contaminationLesson 9Flavouring Ingredients and Add-Ins: Chocolate, Fruit Purées, Nuts, Citrus, Extracts—Compatibility with Gluten-Free BasesLook into flavouring ingredients and add-ins for gluten-free pastry. Learn how chocolate, fruit purées, nuts, citrus, and extracts affect moisture, structure, and flavour release in different gluten-free bases.
Selecting gluten-free chocolates and cocoaUsing fruit purées without soggy crumbsToasting nuts for flavor and lower moistureCitrus zest, juices, and acidity balanceAlcohol-based and oil-based extractsDispersing inclusions evenly in battersLesson 10Dairy and Non-Dairy Parts: Milk, Cream, Butter, Yoghurt, and Alternatives—Impact on Hydration and TextureCompare dairy and non-dairy ingredients and their effects on structure. Learn how milk, cream, butter, yoghurt, and plant-based options influence liquid balance, mixing, flavour, and browning.
Milk types and protein content in battersCream and yogurt for richness and tangButterfat levels and lamination behaviorPlant milks and their formulation limitsVegan fats and emulsifier considerationsLactose, sugars, and Maillard browning
