Gluten-free foodies have it tough. We are forever punished with stomachs that can’t break down the pesky protein, meaning our diets are more limited than most.
Now, we can deal with the gloopy gluten-free pasta and the crumbling gluten-free bread. But bad cake? That’s where we draw the line.
A perfectly moist slice of cake is hard to beat. Us Brits are known for our excellent bakes, hence why it is so difficult to decide between a Victoria sponge or coffee and walnut. But where does this leave the gluten-free among us? We’ll tell you where. Sugar-deprived, joyless and feeling desperately sad at birthday parties.
Thankfully, supermarkets such as Waitrose, Sainsbury’s and Tesco have pulled up their socks and upped their gluten-free cake game. We’ve noticed an increase in chocolatey delights, cupcakes and macaroons dotting the shelves at our local supermarket, meaning we finally have sweet treats to feast upon when a bad day arises or the hormones hit.
And - and they are totally delicious. It’s a tale as old as time that gluten-free products just aren’t as good as normal options. But nowadays many wheatless bakes taste ‘normal,’ just with a slightly higher price (why?).
The day has come for those following a gluten-free diet to Bruce Bogtrotter any cake they desire. Whether living out monarchical French dreams like Marie Antoinette, celebrating another year round the sun à la Paris Hilton above or pulling a Katy Perry and launching themselves into it, all can enjoy cake to the max - gluten being persona non grata.
If you suffer from coeliac disease, are gluten-intolerant or simply want to taste some gluten-free sweet treats, read on to discover our top picks below. At the end of the day, gluten-free cake is always better than no cake at all.
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Waitrose Free From Gluten Chocolate Slices
Our favourite on the list, Waitrose’s free-from chocolate slices are truly delectable. Nothing about them says gluten-free with its gooey texture, rich taste and the light dusting of sugar powder. Top off with some ice cream for a wildly indulgent post-dinner dish.
Buy now £2.95, Waitrose
Mrs Crimble's Gluten Free Big Choc Macaroons
Mrs Crimble’s macaroons drive us coco-nutty. The inexpensive treats are not only moist, but marry chocolate and coconut notes to form a delightful snack. Each pack has six large macaroons, for both sharing and solo scoffing.
Buy now £1.00, Waitrose
Waitrose Free From Gluten Chocolate Brownies
Following hot on the heels of Waitrose’s chocolate slices are the brand’s chocolate brownies. A slightly less moist bite, the treats are made from rich chocolate sponge with ground almonds and chocolate chips for some added texture.
Buy now £2.75, Waitrose
Sainsbury's Deliciously Free From Eric The Caterpillar Cake
Move over Colin, there’s a new caterpillar cake in town. Eric, Colin’s long-lost brother, is a chocolate-filled cake complete with chocolate frosting and coated in chocolate sugar paste. If that hasn’t got you sold, the scrumptious bake is finished with sugar paste decorations and sugar strands. Cue the sugar rush.
Buy now £7.00, Sainsbury's
Waitrose Free From Gluten Carrot Cake Slices
One for those who aren’t chocoholics, Waitrose’s carrot cake slices offer a nutty bite with a tinge of festive spice. The carrot and walnut cake is topped with a vanilla frosting, nibbed walnuts and pecan nuts, the ideal choice for a rainy winter morning.
Buy now £2.20, Waitrose
Tesco Free From 12 Rocky Road Mini Bites
Tesco’s Rocky Road Mini Bites comprise 12 biscuits made from rice-maize flour, Belgian dark chocolate, sultanas and marshmallows. A textural mish-mash, the chomp-tastic pieces are punctuated with bursts of biscuit for some added crunch.
Buy now £2.90, Tesco
M&S Made Without 5 Chocolate Fudge Cake Slices
When it comes to gluten-free food, M&S is always our winner. Not only does the brand stock delicious free-from options, but its bakery section is unparalleled. These chocolate fudge slices are a close second to Waitrose’s rendition. Light and fluffy, the slices are topped off with a generous layer of buttercream and chocolate chips.
Buy now £3.20, Ocado
M&S Made Without Blueberry Muffins
Oh, we do love a blueberry infusion. This blueberry muffin tastes just like a regular, gluten-filled one, minus the subsequent stomach issues. Both fluffy and moist, the muffins are studded with the tangy fruit, which basically makes them healthy, right?
Buy now £3.10, Ocado
