Are Oatmeal Cream Pies Gluten Free?
Oatmeal Cream Pies are a nostalgic treat for many, with their soft oatmeal cookies and sweet, creamy filling.
However, if you follow a gluten-free diet, you may be wondering whether these beloved snacks fit into your dietary restrictions.
The short answer is: traditional oatmeal cream pies are not gluten-free, but there are ways to enjoy this treat even if you’re avoiding gluten.
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| Oatmeal Cream Pies Gluten Free |
What Makes Oatmeal Cream Pie Contain Gluten?
The Cookies
The primary source of gluten in oatmeal cream pies comes from the flour used in the cookies. Most traditional recipes use all-purpose wheat flour, which contains gluten, a protein that helps give the cookies their structure and chewy texture.
The Oats
While oats themselves are naturally gluten-free, they are often processed in facilities that also handle gluten-containing grains, leading to cross-contamination. For this reason, oats used in conventional oatmeal cream pies may contain traces of gluten unless they are specifically labeled as gluten-free.
The Filling
The creamy filling sandwiched between the oatmeal cookies typically does not contain gluten in its basic form, as it’s usually made from ingredients like butter, sugar, and vanilla extract.
However, some store-bought versions may include gluten-containing additives or preservatives, so it’s always important to check the ingredient list.
Gluten-Free Alternatives
If you’re craving oatmeal cream pies but need to avoid gluten, don’t worry — there are ways to enjoy this treat safely. Here’s how you can make gluten-free oatmeal cream pies at home:
1. Use Gluten-Free Oats
Make sure to use certified gluten-free oats. These oats are processed in facilities that prevent cross-contamination with gluten-containing grains, making them safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
2. Substitute the Flour
Replace the all-purpose wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Look for a blend that includes a mix of rice flour, potato starch, and tapioca starch, as these will mimic the texture of wheat flour in baked goods.
3. Check Your Ingredients
When making the filling, double-check that all your ingredients are gluten-free. Pure vanilla extract and most basic baking ingredients are gluten-free, but it’s always good to verify, especially with store-bought products.
4. Find Gluten-Free Pre-Made Options
If you’re short on time, some specialty bakeries and gluten-free brands offer pre-made gluten-free oatmeal cream pies. Be sure to read labels carefully to ensure they meet your dietary needs.
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| Oatmeal Cream Pies |
Gluten Free Oatmeal Cream Pie Recipe
Here’s a simple recipe to make your own gluten free oatmeal cream pie at home:
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 tablespoon molasses
1 1/2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 cups gluten-free rolled oats
For the Filling:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1-2 tablespoons milk or cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Make the Cookies:
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and molasses, and mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour blend, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in the gluten-free oats.
3. Bake:
- Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Make the Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until smooth.
- Add the milk or cream, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Assemble the Cream Pies:
Spread a generous amount of filling on the bottom of one cookie, then top with another cookie to create a sandwich. Repeat with the remaining cookies.
6. Enjoy: Store the oatmeal cream pies in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days, or in the refrigerator if you prefer a firmer filling.
Conclusion: Do Oatmeal Cream Pies Have Gluten
Yes, oatmeal creme pies typically contain gluten. The main ingredients, like oats and wheat flour, naturally have gluten.
The filling and other components might also have gluten-containing additives.
While traditional oatmeal cream pies are not gluten-free, making your own version at home is easy and allows you to enjoy this classic treat without compromising your dietary needs.
