One of the easiest (only three ingredients!) and cheapest gluten-free flour mixes you can make. Homemade so you can make large batches, this is a fabulous all-purpose flour you can use in most baked goods. I substitute it 1:1 for regular wheat flour and it turns out beautifully every time.
This post contains affiliate links.
Why I Love This Homemade Gluten Free Flour Blend
It’s almost baking season! With the holidays coming up my baking is ramping up and so I feel it’s best we start with the basics and make sure you have an allergy-friendly, all-purpose, gluten-free baking flour to get you through this busy baking season!
I feel like gluten-free has such a bad rep. People tried eating something gluten-free ten years ago and had a bad experience and now they assume all things gluten-free are dense, dried out shells of baked goods.
I think people tend to forget that baking with wheat probably had its own learning curve too–we just weren’t around for it! And, thankfully–gluten-free baking is getting better and better every day. (That’s not to say I still don’t buy some packaged stuff and want to gag–hence why I do so much of my own baking!)
I have been using this gluten-free flour blend for over six years now, and I have ZERO reason to stray. It performs every single time–whether in bars, brownies, cookies or cakes. It’s moist, it’s not gritty and best of all, I can substitute it 1:1 for regular flour. Meaning, that if the regular recipe calls for 1 cup of flour, I simply measure out 1 cup of my flour blend.
I often feed non-gluten-free people my baked goods, and I frequently get a “THAT’S gluten free??!!”. So, I think this flour blend really does pass the test.
Why making your own gluten-free flour is worth it
I like making a homemade flour blend because I find this helps with the cost. It really is a bummer having to buy THREE flours to replace regular wheat flour. That’s just the way it is to get that same texture and performance. So, I try to do it as cheaply as possible. I see some gluten-free flour recipes that call for 4-6 ingredients and I just can’t do it!
I also like that I can make a large quantity, so that I have plenty on hand. There’s nothing more annoying than having to make a new blend every time you want to bake and have a craving you need to take care of.
I keep my flours in glass jars with airtight lids (as seen in the pictures). I feel this helps them last longer and stay more fresh.
The nice thing with gluten-free exploding is that people have found that there are TONS of gluten-free flour substitutes: sorghum, buckwheat, millet, chick pea, coconut, fava and so on and so on. The problem I find with these is that they’re often harder to find, and often more expensive.
Can you sub out brown rice flour for white rice flour in your gluten-free flour blend?
Yes, I have found that both brown rice and white rice flour are quite interchangeable. I usually buy white as it’s the cheaper of the two, sometimes a bit “softer” in texture and often easier to find.
Where can I find the ingredients for homemade gluten-free flour?
Speaking of finding them, here are the stores I often buy the ingredients to the my gluten-free flour recipe to:
- Sprouts
- Whole Foods
- Walmart (sometimes)
- Winco
- Smiths
- Maceys
- Natural Grocer
- Amazon
How to mix your gluten-free flour blend
When making it, I measure out all of the ingredients into a large bowl, then I whisk them all to help distribute them evenly. Then, to also ensure it’s well-distributed, I put the lid on the bowl and shake it. Be sure to tap it heavily on the counter before opening it, or else you’ll have a cloud of flour everywhere! It never hurts to re-shake it (with the lid on) before using it just to be safe.
How do you measure gluten-free flour?
An important tip! When you are measuring gluten-free flour (and it’s counter-parts when making gluten-free flour) REMEMBER to take a large spoon and gently dump the flour into the measuring cup. Then, once it’s overflowing, take a knife and scrape off the excess, so you have a nice, clean, and even line with the measuring cup. You do not want to scoop or pack in the flour, as this will make the flour the wrong ratio and you won’t get the soft, just-like-wheat texture. See the video above on how to properly measure gluten-free flour.
I hope this helps you enjoy some of your old favorites and get back to baking!
**PLEASE NOTE: Gluten-free flour does not rise like regular flour. So, you’ll notice all of my recipes call for an ingredient, xanthan gum, which helps give the rise and airy-ness that regular flour typically has. I prefer to not include this in my blend, as each type of recipe needs its own amount and to ensure I’m getting the proper amount. If you’re unsure about swapping out gluten free flour for regular wheat flour, the rule of thumb is one teaspoon of xanthan gum for 1 cup of gluten free flour.**
What is this gluten-free flour recipe made of?
This recipe is fantastic because it only has three ingredients. You only need:
- White rice flour or brown rice flour (I prefer white, but brown can work too)
- Potato starch (not potato flour)
- Tapioca flour/starch
Is potato starch the same as potato flour?
No. Potato starch and potato flour are not the same thing.
Is tapioca flour the same as tapioca starch?
Tapioca flour and tapioca starch are commonly used interchangeably.
Is there anything you shouldn’t make with this gluten-free flour?
While this DIY gluten-free flour blend is great for pancakes, muffins, brownies, bars, cakes and cookies I find that you need more specific ingredients when it comes to bread making. Be sure to find specific bread recipes and follow the instructions instead of replacing it with this blend. For example, my gluten free dairy free homemade bread requires a certain box mix, and my gluten free vegan breadsticks require yet another store bought blend.
What can you make with this gluten free flour?
Here are a few of our favorite gluten-free baking recipes, and ones that have raving reviews:
- The BEST gluten free vegan brownies
- Allergy friendly chocolate cupcakes
- Gluten free vegan chocolate sheet cake
- Gluten free baked chocolate donuts
- 20+ Allergy friendly muffin recipes
- Gluten free sugar cookies

The BEST Homemade Gluten-free Flour Mix
One of the easiest (only three ingredients!) and cheapest gluten-free flour mixes you can make. Homemade so you can make large batches, this is a fabulous all-purpose flour you can use in any baked good. I substitute it 1:1 for regular wheat flour and it turns out beautifully.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Taking a large spoon, gently pour the ingredients into the specified measuring cups. Pour more than needed, making a domed measuring cup. Take the back of a knife, and scrape the excess off, leaving a clean, even line with the measuring cup.
- Measure each ingredient and pour into a large bowl.
- Whisk the ingredients to evenly distribute.
- Afterwards, put a lid on the bowl and shake to finish distributing it well.
- Tap the bowl on the counter before opening it, to ensure it has settled and you don't get a cloud of flour when you open it.
- This can keep in your fridge for several months, if air-tight (although mine never lasts that long!)
- If your flour has sat for a while, you'll want to re-whisk it to make sure the ingredients have not settled too much before using it in a recipe.
- Once this recipe is made, it can be swapped 1:1 with regular flour--keeping in mind you'll still need a leavening agent like xanthan gum (which all of my recipes include).
Taken from the baking genius, Cybele Pascal, in her cookbook “The Allergen-Free Baker’s Handbook”
Marilyn
Iโm STILL looking for a good GF flour blend with NO potato starch/flour or corn starch.
Thanks
Megan Lavin
You’ll want to find a keto blend, as they are grain free.
Bonnie
Hi, I’m so looking forward to trying this recipe. Thank you for posting. I just wondered if you had a copy of this recipe in grams, just to find better accuracy as I use the metric system (from Australia), with digital scales? Thank you so much in advance!
Megan Lavin
I don’t–but def plan to add it soon. Happy baking.
Chris
Can you use any other flour besides rice flour and achieve the same results?
Megan Lavin
Hi Chris, Because we can have rice, I’ve never tried it with anything else. I figured if it ain’t broke–don’t fix it. If you cannot have rice, you’ll want to look into paleo recipes. Best of luck! Hopefully my savory/dinner recipes will work better for you.
Marilyn
Iโve learned that xanthan gum is a derivative of corn (which I need to avoid anyway.) Personally Iโve developed a dislike for it too. Guar gum works the same as xanthan gum and doesnโt leave the slink feeling in my mouth nor the strange aftertaste that xanthan gum leaves behind.
Cheryl
How much Guar gum do you add per cup of GF flour?
Marilyn
Itโs hard to give a rule of thumb answer to this because it depends on what youโre making. Most GF flour blend recipes call for xanthan gum so I substitute that amount of guar gum. If the recipe doesnโt call for xanthan or guar gum and you feel it needs it, Iโd add a scant teaspoon to 3 cups flour.
Patricia
Hi, do you happen to have the weights of ingredients? Baking is such a science, my measuring cups probably aren’t the same as yours, any insight would be appreciated, thank you!
Megan Lavin
Hi Patricia–good for you wanting to be exact. I find that with pancakes however, that they’re pretty forgiving. As long as you spoon and level when you measure, little differences should be fine in pancakes. Enjoy!
Cathy
By chance, do you have the nutritional breakdown of this flour recipe?
Megan Lavin
Hi, Cathy. I’m sorry, I do not.
Marilyn
i have hunted everywhere for a good GF bread flour recipe. I need a recipe that does NOT contain potatoes, gluten, oats, and corn. I have lots of GF flour recipes but all contain something in the above list. I do not tolerate those ingredients well. Do you have a recipe that will work??
Megan Lavin
Hey Marilyn, I can totally appreciate why that would be frustrating, because those are staples in the glute free community. All of my recipes that use flour, use potato starch. If I were you, I’d look into paleo or keto bread recipes, as those should be grain and gluten free. Best of luck to you!
Marilyn
I found this website where thereโs a choice of five recipes. While they all contain potato starch, Iโve requested a substitute for it. The author claims to give subs. Sure hope so!
Sarah
Just want to say you arenโt alone – my son canโt have wheat or potato and itโs so hard! I hope you found something that will work. I hope we both do!!
Phoebe
Hello! I made a bread mix that fits your needs (I hope!-the recipe calls for eggs, are eggs okay?). My brand is called Other Foods. I have 2 mixes, Sandwich Bread Mix (no almond flour) and Almond Bread Mix (low carb). You can find them on my website or on amazon. Sorry if this post is not cool- shameless self-promotion(!!) But I cannot eat potato, gluten, soy, corn, or oats and it’s so hard to find!
Thanks,
Phoebe
Other Foods
Jaimie
According to Nicole at Gluten Free on a Shoestring, you can sub arrowroot for the potato starch. Iโve not done it, but it might be worth a try!
Megan Lavin
Thanks Jaimie!
Keturah
https://www.adayinthekitchen.com/soft-gluten-free-sandwich-bread/
this is really good if you’re still hunting! ๐ just be careful, like all recipes you check the volume of the measurement compared to your country. For example, an American’s Tablespoon is 14.8ml whereas, in Australia it’s 20ml. Just check for accuracy. We also weigh flours in this recipe for consistency and accuracy too. The only thing I can see you can’t have in it is xanthan gum (from corn). My family is going to try it with guar gum next which does the same thing and see if it turns out the same. – we need corn free too! Hope this is useful. ๐
Saabira Quadri
Hi,
Thanks for sharing this amazing recipe of gluten free flour blend! .I’m definitely going to bookmark this. I am most likely going to use this to make bread, pasta, baked goods. Keep sharing more with us. I enjoyed reading it.
Megan Lavin
You’re so welcome. Just as a reminder–it’s best in baked goods like: muffins, cookies, cakes, cupcakes and bars. If you’re wanting a gluten free bread recipe, I’d use this one: https://thereislifeafterwheat.com/2014/10/sandwich-bread-2/
I have not tested this flour in homemade pastas, so if you try it, please report back!
Eduardo Reis
Thank you so much for sharing this flour recipe. Now I need to go after a bread recipe to check the amount of xantam gum.
Could you link here some of your recipes for bread using this flour?
Megan Lavin
Hi Eduardo! This isn’t the best flour for bread. It is best for pancakes, bars, muffins and cookies. Bread recipes are quite more complex. I’d recommend this one: https://thereislifeafterwheat.com/2014/10/sandwich-bread-2/
Indrani
Hi! Do you have a substitute for potato starch? I cannot have potatoes, corn, oats, arrowroot apart from being gluten & dairy free?
Megan Lavin
I’m sorry, I don’t. This is the flour I use for everything. I would think some paleo bloggers or strictly gluten free bloggers who can do nuts would have recipes with coconut or almond flours. Best of luck! My dinner recipes should work for you, but unfortunately not my baking.
Pam
I tried Bob’s Red Mill and sadly immediately had a reaction. Do you recommend any other product lines that are free from milk,egg, wheat, peanut, potato and treenut? Almost everything has potato starch.
Thanks!
Megan Lavin
Hi. I’ve never had to look out for potato starch, so that’s not in my wheelhouse for knowing who avoids it. I’m sorry you had a reaction. I hope you can find something that works for you. Perhaps cassava or coconut flour? I don’t have any recipes that work for those, but know they exist.
Crystal tran
Hi, could I use cassava flour instead of rice flour to make the gluten free all purpose flour from your recipe? My kids canโt have rice.
Thank you
Megan Lavin
Hi. Gluten free flours are all quite different–they absorb different amounts of liquid and have different textures to them. I would never recommend swapping out gluten free flours unless the recipe specifically calls for it. You’d have better turn out and luck finding recipes that specifically call for cassava flours. Best of luck!
Marilyn
It would be wonderful to have a three ingredient GF flour but without oats, potatoes, corn. Potato starch is not an option. What can I use?
Alene
I cannot eat rice either. So I’m constantly looking for blends that don’t have rice flours in them. You might look at paleo recipes, because they are free from grains, including rice. Also, Better Batter has a rice free blend called Artisan flour. I’ve made a loaf of bread with it, and it was good!
Also Cup4Cup has a grain free blend, but it’s too expensive. Bob’s Red Mill has their Baking Flour in a red bag, I believe, and I’ve used it for a few things. I hope this helps.
Megan Lavin
Thanks Alene for sharing your knowledge!
Jude
Whatโs the best substitute for potato flour? All the potato flour I see has preservatives In it which i try to avoid. Would arrowroot or tapioca be ok? Thanks.
Megan Lavin
Hi. I’ve only ever used potato starch. Different flours and starches all absorb liquids differently, which is why I’ve never strayed. If you try it, let me know how it turns out!
Carmen
Hi, would you have a hand made gluten free blend for bread? Yeast is ok. I noticed yours is for muffins and cakes, we are not much of sweet eaters. Thank you.
Megan Lavin
Hi, I have not made homemade gluten free bread, because we also can’t have eggs and they all seem to have eggs in the recipe. My friend swears this is a great recipe: https://thereislifeafterwheat.com/2014/10/sandwich-bread-2/
Jay
Hi , could you please give the gluten free flour mix ingredients by weight (grams) for more accuracy?
Megan Lavin
On my to do list ๐
Jay
Yeah thanks Megan. Can’t wait to try out your GF recepies. Pls give me the measurements in grams. Thanks
Chrissie Scutchfield
What are your favorite brands of white rice flour, xanthan gum, potato starch and tapioca starch to purchase?
Megan Lavin
Hi! If you click on each item in the recipe, it will take you to the ones I purchase. I enjoy Bob’s Red Mill.
Nicole
Hi there! I’m new to gluten free baking and love the idea of this recipe being a cup for cup substitute of wheat flour. I am a little confused though and hope you can provide some clarity. You say you use this flour as a 1:1 replacement, but then say “keeping in mind you’ll still need a leavening agent like xanthan gum.” If I’m using one of my old recipies and using your flour blend as a replacement, how would I know how much xanthan gum to use? Hoping you can give some clarity. Thanks!
Megan Lavin
Hi Nicole! It can be confusing at first. When I say this is a replacement, I mean that it will taste/be similar to regular flour. But, you cannot use it to replace flour, unless it also has xanthan gum in it to help it raise. You’ll notice in all of my recipes that I call for xanthan gum in varying amounts depending on the recipe, which is why I don’t like to include it in the general flour recipe. I hope this helps!
Emily Beckett
I also have this same question, unfortunately I didn’t feel your response answered it very well. When we are doing “regular” baking, how do we know how much xantham gum to add to a recipe when using this flour blend? Is it maybe so much per cup of flour or something? How did you come up with the amounts that you added to your recipes?
Megan Lavin
Hi Emily. I’m sorry that you still felt unanswered. I developed this blend specifically for my recipes, so when using it in other recipes that I haven’t tested it’s hard to just throw out a measurement. I typically use around 1/2 to 1 tsp for one batch of cookies or one single layer cake. I’d start there. I hope this helps.
Raelene
Hi
Is potato starch the same as potato flour.
Megan Lavin
Hi, as mentioned in the recipe potato starch is not the same as potato flour.
Maddi
Is there something that can replace the potato starch as my baby is allergic?
Megan Lavin
I’m sorry, no. That is a crucial part of the recipe. You might do well finding bloggers who use almond flour. We can’t because of nut allergies, but many use it and it looks like it works well.
April
Hello โ Iโve read through the comments but am still confused by the needed xanthan gum. If I make the recipe as is, will adding 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum be sufficient? Or, does each individual recipe need a different amount of xanthan?
Looking forward to testing this recipe!
Megan Lavin
April, when doubling a recipe, you double everything in the recipe. So, if you’re making a double batch of this gluten free flour, then the recipe would be as follows:
8 cups rice flour
2 and 2/3 cups potato starch
1 and 1/3 cup tapioca starch
No where in this recipe is xanthan mentioned, because I add that on an individual basis in each of my recipes depending on what it is. Click through each of my baking recipes and each recipe will have a certain amount of xanthan called for. I hope that clarifies things.
TERESA
HI!
OKAY, SO MAKING THIS AP GLUTEN FLOUR //
MY ONLY QUESTION IS WHAT IS THE RATIO AND AMOUNT OF THE XANTHUM GUM TO MAKE THIS FLOUR IN BULK?
AS YOUR RECIPES TO BAKE SAY 1/2 TEASPOON XANTHUM GUM.
BUT WHEN MAKING THIS INTO A BULK DRY GOOD.
WHAT IS THE MEASURE OF THE XANTHUM GUM FOR THE FLOUR RECIPE?
LIVING KINDLY,
TERESA
<3 <3
allergyawesomeness@gmail.com
Hi! Just multiply it for however big of a batch you’re doing. The biggest batch I’ve done is by timesing it by three, so that way I can use it up without it sitting too long. Enjoy!
Pam
Hello. I just found your blog post. It sounds great but you use bobs red mill and you have linked that this is peanut and tree nut free but bobs red mill is made on tree nut lines. So this appears that it would not be tree nut free. Have you experienced any issues. Are you or family members allergic to tree nuts? I cannot find any gluten free tree nut free brands of flour. Please let me know your thoughts and experiences. Thank you so very much.
allergyawesomeness@gmail.com
Hi Pam. Both of my boys are highly allergic to all tree nuts and peanuts. We’ve used Bob’s for almost eight years and never had a problem. When I personally called them (I’d recommend you do this) and spoke to them. I felt comfortable with their cleaning protocols in between their runs. It’s a totally personal call, and one you have to feel comfortable with. Good luck deciding.
Pam
Thank you. Maybe I have to give it a try. I am always worried about that.
Pam
I tried Bob’s Red Mill and sadly immediately had a reaction. Do you recommend any other product lines that are free from milk,egg, wheat, peanut, potato and treenut? Almost everything has potato starch.
Thanks!
Heather
Hi Pam, I’m currently seeking out gluten-free and nut-free ingredients. Bob’s Red Mill is what I use but I don’t personally have the allergies. I was trying to make a cookie free of trace particles. I did come across this Tiger nut flour which is not even a nut. I have not used it yet but I read your comment and though I would share, this is definitely a frustrating process trying to find ALL ingredients as 100% nut free, soy free and gluten free. Good luck! https://amzn.to/3kCWAnG
Kimberly
Ah. Silly me. I found the answer to my own question by simply clicking on your very-well annotated recipe! Thank you! I understand that Bob’s Red Mill’s “finley ground Tapioca Flour” is also known as Tapioca Starch. All good. Thank you! (and sorry for over-commenting!)
allergyawesomeness@gmail.com
No prob, Kimberly. Glad you figured it out.
Kimberly Alcantara
What is the difference between Tapioca Flour and Tapioca Starch? I know that Bob’s Red Mill sells a Tapioca flour — is that suitable for the GF blend recipe that you’ve posted here? Thank you!!
Crystal J
Does this have to be refrigerated? I have it in a sealed flour container. I originally didnโt see the part about refrigerating.
allergyawesomeness@gmail.com
I liked to keep it in my refrigerator, but you certainly don’t have to, as long as it’s air tight.
CD
Thanks for the recipe. My daughter has Celiac and Oral Allergy Syndrome. After tending to her in the hospital I started having reactions to many foods and developed eczema. I wonder why this seems to be happening to so many families …
Sjean
One thing it doesnโt mention is how much of th Zan gum you use.
Thanks
allergyawesomeness@gmail.com
I don’t put xanthan gum in my blend, that way I can adjust it depending on each individual recipe. If you click on any of my recipes, they’ll include xanthan as an ingredient ๐
Nancy freedman
I have a sensitivity to tapioca everything. What can I substitute for it, and how much?
allergyawesomeness@gmail.com
I’ve only ever made my blend with tapioca. My guess would be to substitute it with another starch like corn. Best of luck!
Brittany Don
I am SO excited to use this! I use Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 blend or Trader Joe’s all purpose blend, but I have so much rice flour in my house, it kills me not to just make my own. Hoping this will work for the spinach pancakes I make (great way to get a FEW servings of veg into a kid in the morning!). Thanks so much!
allergyawesomeness@gmail.com
Yay Brittany! That’s the worst to have unused flours sitting around. Glad this will help you use up the rice flour. Happy pancake making!
Alicia
What is the recipe for bread mentioned? I canโt seem to find it anywhere
allergyawesomeness@gmail.com
Hi Alicia. I’m not sure what you’re talking about. I don’t see bread mentioned anywhere. Can you please help clarify? I’d love to help you, but am unclear what you need. I do not have a sandwich type bread recipe on my site. I have yet to find one I like, and one that is worth the time and money (so many ingredients are needed). I prefer to purchase Little Northern Bakehouse bread: https://amzn.to/34L8UYW (amazon affiliate link)
Alicia
I am just realizing I commented on the wrong blog lol I was doing a massive search and was deciding between a couple recipes. Whoops sorry! But thanks for replying!
Andrea Hicks
Okay, so if someone is allergic to potatoes, could I sub a different starch? (allergic to wheat, corn, oat, potato, quinoa, spelt)
allergyawesomeness@gmail.com
Hi! I’ve only ever subbed out potato for corn starch, so I haven’t tried anything that you mentioned you’re not allergic to. I would assume so, though I can’t say for sure as I haven’t personally tested it. If you do try it, I’d love to hear how it goes. Best of luck!
Brittany Don
How did the corn in place of potato starch work? I have some on hand, but only want to sub if it worked as well. Thanks!
allergyawesomeness@gmail.com
Hi Brittany. I’ve only tried it a few times when I’ve been in a pinch, and it’s been so long I can’t remember what recipe exactly I tried it on. I would think it’d be fine, but understand if you don’t want to chance it. If you try it with corn, I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Alisa Fleming
This is the blend I’ve been using for years for GF sweets – it’s timeless!
allergyawesomeness@gmail.com
It really is! Everyone should be using it!
Elizabeth DiBurro
This flour blend sounds so simple! I look forward to trying it in my next recipe!
Thank you. ๐
allergyawesomeness@gmail.com
Thanks so much Elizabeth! Happy baking ๐
Celeste
Everyone needs a go-to flour blend they can make at home. Love the simplicity of this one, makes it so easy to keep some on hand!
allergyawesomeness@gmail.com
Thanks Celeste! Yes, everyone needs one they can make at home–agreed.
Dee
Is there a good substitute for the rice flour? Maybe a nut flour or cassava? I am allergic to corn, wheat, oats, rice.
allergyawesomeness@gmail.com
Each gluten free flour has completely different properties. I would not recommend substituting one for the other but rather finding a blend that works for you.
Nikki
How much xanthom did you add to this recipe?
Megan Lavin
Hey Nikki. Thanks for stopping by. As mentioned above, I don’t add xanthan to this blend, in case you are using it for recipes that like to call for it individually. Hope that makes sense. King Arthur flour suggests this, if you’d like to add it: “When adding xanthan gum to a recipe that doesn’t already call for it (and baking with a gluten-free flour that doesn’t include it), use about 1/4 teaspoon per cup of flour. Blend it evenly into your dry ingredients before mixing.” SOURCE: https://www.kingarthurbaking.com/blog/2013/07/26/the-gluten-free-conversion-conundrum