Effect of sorghum flour properties on gluten-free sponge cake

As the demand for gluten-free products increases, the use of sorghum flour becomes a good alternative. Sponge cakes are consumed worldwide and suitable for formulations that could replace wheat flour. One of the most influential parameters on sponge cake quality is the flour particle size. In this study, we obtained and characterized different flours by milling white and brown sorghum grains and evaluated the influence of flour characteristics on batter properties and gluten-free sponge cake quality. Flours were produced by pearling, milling and sifting; and were characterized for flour composition, particle size distribution, damaged starch and water absorption. The structure, density, and viscosity of the batters; and specific volume and crumb properties of the sponge cake were evaluated. The results showed that flour composition, and properties were modified by the milling processes. Pasting viscosity increased as the particle size of the flours was reduced. Brown or white sorghum flour with smaller particle size produced high density and viscosity batters with small and homogeneous air bubbles distribution. Independently of the sorghum variety used, smaller particle size flour leads to sponge cakes of high volume and low firmness.