The gluten-free lifestyle is increasingly becoming popular as more people begin to understand their bodies better and the kinds of foods they react to. For some people, it might be due to medical reasons, while others choose the gluten-free lifestyle purely on dietary preferences. Moreover, at a time when 1 in 100 people in the UK have Coeliac disease, it pays to become more conscious about what you consume even when you’re on the go. A great way to incorporate gluten-free meals into your diet is by starting with desserts. There are mouthwatering, gluten-free dessert options that will have you asking for more without having to worry about triggering any symptoms. Below are three gluten-free dessert recipes worth trying.
1. Flourless chocolate cake
Many people who try to avoid cakes do so either due to the flour or added sugar content. Understandably, flour contains gluten, an element that can trigger unpleasant symptoms among people living with Coeliac disease. However, you can still indulge without the flour. A flourless chocolate cake is possible as long as you shift your focus to the main ingredient – chocolate. Admittedly, chocolate holds a special place in the hearts of dessert enthusiasts, so make that the main element. With just a handful of ingredients, your gluten-free chocolate cake can rival any other that contains flour. You will need butter, sugar, and eggs to create a dense, moist, and delicious flourless chocolate cake. Add a twist to your special cake by replacing wheat flour with almond flour, and the result will be equally delicious. You should consider this only if you have no almond allergies. Add a light dusting of cocoa powder when your chocolate cake is ready to give it an extra touch. Even better, a dollop of whipped cream can infuse an indulgent twist to your gluten-free dessert.
2. Vanilla cupcakes
These are the most popular cakes you will find in any UK household, and they hold a place in the hearts of dessert lovers. Their light and fluffy texture makes them great to eat after a meal or, even better, to go along with a cup of tea or coffee. The secret to a light and fluffy vanilla cake is in the perfect balance of ingredients and how well you mix the butter and sugar. You don’t have to worry if you have gluten sensitivity because you can bake your vanilla cake without the usual wheat flour. You can substitute that with gluten-free versions that don’t compromise your cupcakes’ outcome. There are several gluten-free flours on the market, but remember to opt for high-quality ones for baking. Truly, you can stick with any special vanilla cupcakes recipe everyone will love and not have to worry about gluten-related concerns. Try different toppings, such as your favourite frosting or a rich ganache, when your vanilla cupcakes are ready.
3. Raspberry almond thumbprint cookies
These bite-sized delights are excellent dessert options. You can make them a favourite staple in your home in no time. With an almond base and a sweet raspberry jam filling, there is no way they cannot become regular additions at the breakfast or dinner table. Your gluten-free versions can be made with almond flour extract or any other nut you have no allergies to. The secret to getting your thumbprint cookies right is to know how to mix melted butter and almond extract. They must be stirred until the mixture forms a soft dough in which you can easily make an indentation to add the raspberry jam filling. Bake the cookies until they are golden brown and set, but allow them to cool before eating because the filling within can still retain a lot of heat.
*Disclaimer: This is a collaborative post and may contain affiliate links. Some images are stock images from Pexels.
