Homemade Vegan Flour Tortilla Recipe (2024)

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This Vegan Flour Tortilla Recipe is easy to make with just 4 basic ingredients! They turn out soft, fluffy, and bursting with flavor. Homemade flour tortillas are perfect for wraps, burritos, quesadillas, and more!

Homemade Vegan Flour Tortilla Recipe (1)

Once you make your own tortillas, there is no going back! This easy recipe will show you how to make the BEST vegan tortillas with just a few pantry ingredients.

For more vegan baking recipes, check out my Naan Bread without Yogurt, Onion Bagels, and this Vegan Pizza with Homemade Dough.

Jump to:
  • Why You'll Love This Recipe
  • Ingredients and Notes
  • How to Make This Vegan Flour Tortilla Recipe
  • Expert Tips
  • FAQ
  • Serving
  • Similar Recipes
  • 📖 Recipe
  • Food safety

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Made with simple ingredients you already have in your pantry.
  • Fresh tortillas taste SO much better than store-bought ones!
  • No animal products are needed! This recipe is completely vegan and dairy-free.
  • Great for freezing.

Ingredients and Notes

See the recipe card below for exact measurements.

  • Flour: Make sure to usewhite all-purpose flourfor the fluffiest and softest naan. I haven't tried this recipe with whole wheat flour so I can't guarantee results.
  • Neutral oil: You can use any vegetable oil including canola oil, light olive oil, or sunflower oil. Alternatively, refined coconut oil can also work.
  • Baking powder: A leaving agent that will help the tortillas form bubbles and get puffy.
  • Salt: To season the tortillas.
  • Water: For best results use warm water to hydrate the dough, not hot water or cold water!
Homemade Vegan Flour Tortilla Recipe (2)

How to Make This Vegan Flour Tortilla Recipe

Step 1: Make the dough

In alarge mixing bowl, add the dry ingredients- measure the flour and stir in the salt and baking powder. Add in the oil and stir to incorporate it. Slowly, start adding in the water and mixing, ¼ cup at a time, or until a dough forms.

The dough should be slightly sticky and not dry!

Homemade Vegan Flour Tortilla Recipe (3)
Homemade Vegan Flour Tortilla Recipe (4)

Step 2: Knead the dough

Transfer the dough to a clean surface sprinkled with a little bit of flour. Oil your hands and start kneading for5-6 minutes, or until it becomessmooth,elastic, andsoft.

At first, it may stick to the counter and your hands, but don't worry, just keep greasing your hands and kneading.

Then, using a knife or a bench scraper, divide the dough into 8 balls (divide into 12 if you want smaller tortillas). Cover the dough with a damp towel or a few damp paper towels and rest for at least 30 minutes.

Homemade Vegan Flour Tortilla Recipe (5)
Homemade Vegan Flour Tortilla Recipe (6)

Step 3: Roll out the tortillas and cook

If you have a tortilla press, use it to flatten the dough. If not, use arolling pin to roll each dough ball into a thin disk. Roll from the center to the edges, instead of rolling back and forth at the same spot.

Heat acast-iron skilletover medium heat. Carefully transfer the rolled tortillas to the hot skillet. Cook for 40-60 seconds, or until bubbles appear all over, then flip and cook for 30 more seconds on the other side.

Repeat the same process with the rest of the tortillas, making sure to lower the heat if brown spots start appearing too quickly.

Homemade Vegan Flour Tortilla Recipe (7)
Homemade Vegan Flour Tortilla Recipe (8)

Expert Tips

  • Add the water slowly, not all at once. The amount of water you need will differ, depending on the batch of your flour. The best way to make sure that you don't add too much water is to add it slowly, then mix it into the dough, and add more if needed.
  • Don't add more flour while kneading. When making this vegan flour tortilla recipe, you'll notice that the dough will be sticky at first. Don't be quick to add more flour, as this will make the tortillas dry! Continue greasing your hands and kneading, and the dough will eventually become smooth and elastic.
  • Oil your hands as needed. As mentioned in the previous tip, instead of adding flour to prevent the dough from sticking, oil your hands regularly.
  • Let the dough rest for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, which results in light and fluffy tortillas.
  • Make sure your pan ishot enough. If you're using a cast-iron skillet, you'll need to preheat it for about 5 minutes, or until it's nearly smoking. This helps the tortillas cook fast and form air bubbles. The best way to test if the pan is hot enough is to add a few drops of water. If they disappear right away, your pan is ready.
  • Roll out the dough thin. If the dough is too thick it will prevent the tortillas from forming air pockets while cooking.
  • Use acast-iron skillet.I've found that a non-stick pan doesn't char the tortillas as nicely.

FAQ

Are most flour tortillas vegan?

In most cases, yes. However, traditional tortilla recipes are made with lard which is animal fat that comes from pork. To make sure your tortillas are vegan, check the ingredients on the packaging, and if you're in a restaurant make sure to ask.

Why are my tortillas dry?

Not adding enough water or adding more flour than necessary will result in dry tortillas that can crack. To prevent this, make sure your dough is sticky before you start kneading it. Also, don't add more flour to prevent it from sticking to the counter. Oil your hands and the counter instead.

Can you freeze them?

Yes! Make sure they've cooled completely beforetransferring them to a freezer-safe container or a freezer bag. I suggest adding a piece of parchment paper between each tortilla to prevent them from sticking. Freeze for 3 months.

Do you have to use baking powder?

No. You can easily make this vegan flour tortilla recipe without baking powder since tortillas are meant to be flat anyway. I just like adding it because I've found that it helps them to form more bubbles when cooking.

How to store homemade tortillas?

Store them in an airtight containeror wrapped in plastic wrap on the counter for 12 hours, orin the fridge for 3-4 days. They get moldy if stored too long outside the fridge.

Can you use gluten-free flour?

If you want to make gluten-free tortillas, you may have success substituting white flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour, but I haven't tested it and can't guarantee results.

Homemade Vegan Flour Tortilla Recipe (9)

Serving

This vegan tortilla recipe is perfect to use to make burritos, enchiladas, tortilla wraps, soft tacos, etc. My favorite way to use tortilla is with vegan tofu fajitas, or next to hummus or white bean dip.

If you have any leftover tortillas that are becoming dry, you can use them in my air fryer pita chips recipe.

Homemade Vegan Flour Tortilla Recipe (10)

Similar Recipes

  • Naan Recipe without Yogurt (Vegan)
  • Easy Garlic Ciabatta Bread Recipe
  • Easy Air Fryer Pita Chips (3 ingredients!)

📖 Recipe

Homemade Vegan Flour Tortilla Recipe (14)

Vegan Flour Tortilla Recipe

This Vegan Flour Tortilla Recipe is easy to make with just 4 basic ingredients! They turn out soft, fluffy, and bursting with flavor. Homemade tortillas are perfect for wraps, burritos, qesadillas, and more!

5 from 1 vote

Print Pin Rate

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: Dairy-free, Mexican-Inspired, Vegan

Keyword: flour tortillas, homemade tortillas, tortillas recipe, vegan tortillas

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes

Resting time: 30 minutes minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes minutes

Servings: 8 tortillas

Author: Petranka

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ cup canola oil or another neutral oil of choice
  • ½ - ¾ cup warm water not hot!

Step-by-step imagesScroll back to find detailed recipe photos!

Instructions

  • In alarge mixing bowl, add the dry ingredients- measure the flour and stir in the salt and baking powder. Add in the oil and stir to incorporate it. Slowly, start adding in the water and mixing, ¼ cup at a time, or until a dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky and not dry!

  • Transfer the dough to a clean surface sprinkled with a little bit of flour. Oil your hands and start kneading for5-6 minutes, or until it becomessmooth,elastic, andsoft. At first, it may stick to the counter and your hands, but don't worry, just keep greasing your hands and kneading.

  • Then, using a knife or abench scraper, divide the dough into 8 balls (divide into 12 if you want smaller tortillas). Cover the dough with a damp towel or a few damp paper towels and rest for at least 30 minutes.

  • If you have atortilla press, use it to flatten the dough. If not, use arolling pinto roll each dough ball into a thin disk. Roll from the center to the edges, instead of rolling back and forth at the same spot.

  • Heat acast-iron skilletover medium heat. Carefully transfer the rolled tortillas to the hot skillet. Cook for 40-60 seconds, or until bubbles appear all over, then flip and cook for 30 more seconds on the other side. Repeat the same process with the rest of the tortillas, making sure to lower the heat if brown spots start appearing too quickly.

Notes

  • Add the water slowly, not all at once.The amount of water you need will differ, depending on the batch of your flour. The best way to make sure that you don't add too much water is to add it slowly, then mix it into the dough, and add more if needed.
  • Don't add more flour while kneading.When making this vegan flour tortilla recipe, you'll notice that the dough will be sticky at first. Don't be quick to add more flour, as this will make the tortillas dry! Continue greasing your hands and kneading, and the dough will eventually become smooth and elastic.
  • Oil your hands as needed. As mentioned in the previous tip, instead of adding flour to prevent the dough from sticking, oil your hands regularly.
  • Let the dough rest for at least 30 minutes.This allows the gluten to relax, which results in light and fluffy tortillas.
  • Make sure your pan ishot enough. If you're using a cast-iron skillet, you'll need to preheat it for about 5 minutes, or until it's nearly smoking. This helps the tortillas cook fast and form air bubbles. The best way to test if the pan is hot enough is to add a few drops of water. If they disappear right away, your pan is ready.
  • Roll out the dough thin.If the dough is too thick it will prevent the tortillas from forming air pockets while cooking.
  • Use acast-iron skillet.I've found that a non-stick pan doesn't char the tortillas as nicely.

Storage

  • Fridge: Let them cool to room temperature, then transfer them to aziptop bagor anairtight container, and store themat room temperature for 12 hours, orin the fridge for 3-4 days.
  • Freezer: Make sure they've cooled completely beforetransferring them to a freezer-safe container or a freezer bag. I suggest adding a piece of parchment paper between each tortilla to prevent them from sticking. Freeze for3 months.

Nutrition information is a rough estimate calculated with an online calculator without including the optional ingredients. The information shown should not be considered a substitute for personal nutritional advice.

Nutrition

Calories: 169kcal

Nutrition information is a rough estimate calculated with third-party calculations without including the optional ingredients.

Tried this recipe?Leave me a rating and a comment telling me how it went. Or tag me at @sunglowkichen and hashtag #sunglowkitchen on Instagram!

Food safety

  • Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
  • Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
  • Wash hands after touching raw meat
  • Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
  • Never leave cooking food unattended
  • Use oils with a high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
  • Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.

More Vegan Recipes

  • Easy Apple Crisp without Flour (Gluten-free)
  • Easy Baked Oatmeal without Eggs
  • Bahama Mama Tropical Smoothie Copycat
  • Delicious Hot Bubble Milk Tea (Boba)

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Homemade Vegan Flour Tortilla Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How do you make flour tortillas not fall apart? ›

Warming a flour tortilla, either in a tortilla warmer ( a clay cloche that fits on top of a plate and can be placed in the oven) the microwave, or s few seconds on a warm skillet will add a flexibility to the flour tortilla, and allow it to be rolled or folded without breaking.

What is a vegan substitute for lard in tortillas? ›

No Lard Flour Tortillas are a vegetarian/vegan alternative to the traditional recipe that uses lard or shortening. Use them for all your favorite dishes like quesadillas, tacos and fajitas. Coconut oil is a great substitution for lard because it has the same consistency to make the tortillas vegetarian and vegan.

What are vegan tortillas made of? ›

Corn or wheat flour

Whether you're eating a corn flour tortilla or a wheat flour tortilla, both are grain-based ingredients that are vegan. Masa harina is the specialty corn flour used in tortilla-making - it is treated with lime water, then hulled and ground with no animal products used in the process.

Why do my homemade flour tortillas come out hard? ›

What makes flour tortillas hard is not adding enough lard or oil and water and not kneading the dough for the required amount of time, and NOT allowing the dough to rest in a warm place at least 30 minutes before making flour tortillas.

Why do my homemade tortillas fall apart? ›

If your dough is hard to manage (it falls apart) when you try to roll it into small balls or it cracks when you press it, then it's too dry. Test this by checking the edges of your pressed raw tortillas. If they're jagged and crackly, the dough lacks a bit of moisture.

What does baking powder do when making tortillas? ›

Baking powder: Baking powder acts as a leavener, giving the tortillas a slightly pillowy texture. Salt: Salt enhances the overall flavor of the flour tortillas. Lard: Lard, a common baking ingredient in Mexican cuisine, adds flavor and helps create the perfect flour tortilla texture.

Why are flour tortillas not vegan? ›

Are flour tortillas vegan? In most cases, flour tortillas are vegan. However, they might be cooked with lard or butter, or they may contain non-vegan preservatives. Always check before purchasing if it's a vegan tortilla you're buying!

Is butter or lard better for tortillas? ›

Although traditionally made with lard, these tortillas are equally delicious using butter, shortening, or vegetable oil as the fat. If you choose to use oil, add it with the water in step 3. The resting period improves the texture of the dough by giving the flour time to absorb the water.

Can I use Crisco instead of lard for tortillas? ›

All-vegetable shortening, such as Crisco, is the trick to making these homemade flour tortillas foolproof. The shortening yields a forgiving, easy-to-work-with dough that remains tender and fresh-tasting even after a few days stored at room temperature.

Do vegans eat sour cream? ›

Is sour cream vegan? No, as it's generally made from cow's milk, sour cream is not suitable for anyone on a vegan diet. However, there are plenty of plant-based alternatives that skip out the diary bit.

Can vegans eat rice? ›

Yes, absolutely! Rice is a common grain in all cooking and has a significant place in the plant-based world too. Some rice dishes may not be suitable for vegans though, so if you're eating out or following a recipe make sure there are no meat, fish or other animal products being used before you tuck in!

What is a substitute for lard in tortillas? ›

Sift your dry ingredients together in a bowl.

I've used both coconut oil and lard, and I have to tell you, they both work equally as well. You still get foldable, supple tortillas.

How long to let flour tortilla dough rest? ›

Place all of the dough in your bowl and cover with a warm, damp paper towel or place a lid on the bowl. Allow to rest for 10-15 minutes. Heat a griddle to medium heat. Lightly flour the work surface and roll out the dough balls one at a time with a rolling pin.

Can you overwork tortilla dough? ›

The reward is a homemade tortilla that's fluffy, pliable, and elastic, perfect for making the best burritos you've ever had. The most important part of making a great tortilla is to not overwork the dough and to make sure it is hydrated enough. If the dough is overworked, then it will be difficult to roll out.

Why are my flour tortillas sticking together? ›

The process holds in steam which increases the likelihood of pillowing and sticking. Regulate the press to obtain desired size with the lowest possible temperature and dwell time. Baking: under baking, excess residual moisture, and insufficient surface drying will cause tortillas to stick.

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