Why Won’t My Gluten Free Dough Rise?

Gluten Free Dough

If your gluten free dough won’t rise, there are a few things to check. The first thing to check is whether your yeast is good/fresh. Did you proof the yeast? All you have to do is to soak the yeast in liquid for about 10 minutes. If the yeast mixture becomes foamy on top, it is fresh.

When adding liquid to yeast or vice versa, be certain that the liquid is not too hot. Anything over about 120 degrees F may kill yeast. Also, did you use the correct rising temperature? Anything causing the yeast to reach over 120 degrees F, even a very hot oven during the rising period, can kill it.

Ideal rising temperature for an average gluten free dough is 80 degrees F. Use this temperature if your dough is a combination of gluten free flour, starches, gum or gum substitute. When using whole grains or all gluten free flour versus some flour and starch, your dough may benefit from a higher rising temperature. Instead of 80 degrees F, try 84 or even 86 degrees F.

I use the Brod & Taylor Folding Proofer/Slow Cooker for proofing (final rising of) dough. It’s great because you can set the temperature to whatever your dough requires. I like it because it contains a metal tray to place underneath the rack which creates a little steam to keep the top of the dough moist. You can achieve the same thing in your oven (place a tray of water on the oven floor), but unfortunately, an oven’s temp cannot be regulated. I highly recommend a proofer of some sort, but you certainly can make due with what you can afford.

If your yeast is fresh, one thing to ask yourself is, “Is the dough heavy in fat and/or sugar?” due to their weight, butter and sugar take longer to proof/rise. All of that fat and sugar weighs down the other ingredients. To give heavy sweet dough a boost, consider using SAF Gold Instant Yeast.


If you use too much salt, it can also retard rising because salt controls yeast action.

In addition to the above, if you add too much gum or psyllium husk, it does not allow the dough to stretch and rise easily. It is similar to adding too much dry cement to water. There is such a thing as too much structure. You have to have the correct balance of structure (gum or other binder) and liquid. To troubleshoot gluten free dough with too much binder, add more water or other liquid and allow it to rise again.

If your dough doesn’t rise enough, you can also add additional yeast the next time you make it. Of course, it will create more holes. If you add way too much, you risk your dough collapsing upon cooking, or worse, during baking.

Lastly, yeast-risen dough requires patience. Allow the dough to slowly rise, as long as needed. The perfect texture that time creates is worth the wait. 

Dairy Free Substitute for Butter (Gluten Free)

butter

Often times, going gluten free isn’t enough. If you’ve decided to try or are already on a dairy free, you’ll many substitutes for dairy items. Let’s get started by addressing a dairy free substitute for butter!

Read more: Dairy Free Substitute for Butter (Gluten Free)

Butter is usually the hardest dairy item to substitute. Let’s look at what butter is made: 80% fat + 20% water.

Coconut Oil or Refined Coconut Oil

I have tried using 80% refined organic coconut oil (refined doesn’t have any coconut flavor) plus 20% water and it came pit awfully close, but just did not quite contain enough fat. So, when using refined or regular coconut oil, try using 80% + 20% full-fat coconut milk or 90% coconut oil + 10% water.

Palm Oil

My favorite substitute for butter or coconut oil using the above formula is palm oil made by either Essential Depot or Okanarur. I first began using palm oil in gluten free vegan cookies for a recipe development client and they all turned out amazing! He thought so as well.

Your Feedback

Let me know how it goes by commenting below.

Continue reading “Dairy Free Substitute for Butter (Gluten Free)”

What Cereals Are Gluten Free?

NEW - Gluten Free Cheerios

Are you wondering what cereals are gluten free? Well, gluten free cereals are now available in a multitude of shapes, sizes, textures, and flavors. From Mom & Pop brands to major manufacturers, you’ll find in almost any grocery store you visit. They have gluten free cereals for adults as well as children. Some are certified gluten free, while others just avoid any gluten ingredients. There’s something for every diet, as well. Continue reading “What Cereals Are Gluten Free?”

Hope on the Horizon for Celiac Disease

Image: Dr. Vikki Petersen
Vikki Petersen, D.C., C.C.N.

We know that celiac disease is not the ‘rare’ disorder that I was taught it was at school. We know that at 1% incidence, it is the most common life-long disorder in the US and Europe. And we know, as of recent research, that the 1% incidence actually increases to 4 and 5% as the population ages. Therefore, we have a fairly common disorder on our hands that is poorly diagnosed. Continue reading “Hope on the Horizon for Celiac Disease”

How to Interpret Confusing Celiac Research

Image: Dr. Vikki Petersen
Vikki Petersen, D.C., C.C.N.

I try to stay on the cutting edge of research as it relates to celiac disease and gluten sensitivity. Occasionally a study emerges that just doesn’t seem to ‘add up’ when compared to other studies and just good common sense.

Often it turns out that the study is perfectly valid, but the problem lies in the conclusions others are drawing from the study. In other words, it’s the interpretation that is at fault. My reason for bringing this up is that there is much data available on the Internet Continue reading “How to Interpret Confusing Celiac Research”

Celiac Disease Neurological Symptoms – Is Gluten Damaging Your Brain

When I first began reading this article. My first thought was, “Not another thing associated with celiac and gluten!” As I read further, I began to see to possible connection with more than celiac disease, but with any type of gluten sensitivity or gluten intolerance. This article covers a study which shows actual brain damage in those with celiac disease and the common and more serious celiac disease neurological symptoms, including brain damage. Read on to learn from Dr. Vikki Petersen. Continue reading “Celiac Disease Neurological Symptoms – Is Gluten Damaging Your Brain”

Dermatitis Herpetiformis: Learn why some react to topical gluten and others do not

Image: Dr. Vikki Petersen
Dr. Vikki Petersen, DC, CCN

Can Your Skin Have Celiac Disease?

One of my pet peeves is the way skin conditions are treated in this country. I cannot state what happens elsewhere, although I fear it’s similar, but here in the US, dermatologists (skin doctors) tend to treat skin the way one would a stain on one’s shirt. In other words, they direct all their attention to trying to make it disappear, the rash, the dryness, the burning, etc.

Why is that an error? The skin is an organ. In fact, it’s our largest organ. As an organ, it is most closely related to the digestive tract, another very large and very important organ. Continue reading “Dermatitis Herpetiformis: Learn why some react to topical gluten and others do not”

Celiac Alert: Quinoa Causes Gluten Cross-Reactivity in some Celiacs

Image: Dr. Vikki Petersen Celiac Alert: Quinoa Causes Problems in some Celiacs

By Dr. Vikki Petersen

Quinoa is a gluten-free grain. No one is arguing that point. In fact a study in 2011 tested quinoa, along with teff, millet and amaranth and found all to be safe for the diet of a celiac patient. (Reference: Bergamo, P, et al. Molecular Nutrition & Food Research (2011) 8:1266-1270. “Immunological evaluation of the alcohol-soluble protein fraction from gluten-free grains in relation to celiac disease”) Continue reading “Celiac Alert: Quinoa Causes Gluten Cross-Reactivity in some Celiacs”

Actual Cause of Non-Responsive Celiac Disease

Image: Dr. Vikki Petersen
Dr. Vikki Petersen

By Dr. Vikki Petersen

It’s bad enough to receive a diagnosis of celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, but you really don’t want to fall into the category of non-responsive celiac, a condition where symptoms continue despite a gluten-free diet.

While that is the definition of ‘non-responsive celiac disease’, personally I haven’t run across it with my patients. What I have seen are patients with celiac disease who: Continue reading “Actual Cause of Non-Responsive Celiac Disease”