Substituting Navy Bean Flour For Wheat Flour To Make Gluten-Free Cakes

A recent study finds that whole navy bean flour – naturally gluten free -- can successfully replace wheat flour in cake baking. Scientists analyzed the effect of navy bean flour at three levels of protein content, comparing it with wheat flour samples. Batters had higher viscosity than conventional cake flour batter. Lowering protein content by adding starch reduced viscosity. Navy bean cakes were softer, but not as spongy. The researchers concluded that when the protein content of navy bean flour is adjusted to a level similar to wheat flour it “has potential as a healthy alternative in gluten-free cakes.”