One of the hardest parts of the Festive season is trying to say NO to lovely, delicious looking cakes and mince pies, particularly if you have a gluten intolerance or allergy.  Only a couple of years ago it was almost impossible to buy gluten-free treats in stores, bakeries or cafes. This is now certainly changing, but I still find that homemade cakes are really much better because they are more tasty, less sugary and have no additives in them.

Over the years I have baked many cakes and nibbles during the winter festivities for parties, decorations, gifts, desserts and snacks. For myGluten-free Christmas bakingI have experimented a lot with various flour mixtures, weird ingredients and ground staples – some of my creations had to go straight into the bin (or turned to stone within a few hours!) – some were edible, but I’d never make them again and some were accidental triumphs!

These are the gluten-free recipes that I recommend to anyone who’d like to try out Gluten-free Christmas baking:

Gluten-free cakes

These cakes are not only yummy but perfect after a Christmas meal, for parties or generally during the celebrations:

• Gluten-free almond and orange cake
• Gluten-free maple, orange and carrot cake
• Gluten-free spiced orange and carrot cake
• Gluten-free lemon cake
• Gluten-free banana and walnut cake
• Flourless chestnut and chocolate cake
• Almond cake with orange and apricot
• Healthy carrot and oatmeal cake

Gluten-free cupcakes and muffins

These cupcakes and muffins are perfect snacks with your coffee or tea:

• Chocolate and hazelnut muffins
• Gluten-free banana and chocolate cupcakes
• Chestnut and pumpkin muffins
• Banana chocolate and coconut muffins

Gluten-free cookies

These cookies make ideal gifts or tree decorations:

• Vegan hazelnut cookies
• Simple gluten-free cookies
• Gluten-free banana cookies

Gluten-free loaf cakes

Loaf cakes make an ideal gift to take for the hosts when you go to a party:

• Gluten-free banana cake
• Gluten-free banana and chocolate loaf

Gluten-free brownies

I normally take some brownies to parties, because they make everyone happy!

• Gluten-free chestnut purée brownies
• Gluten-free brownies
• Guinness-orange brownies
• Chestnut brownies

Gluten-free slices and nibbles

Mince pies, truffles, snacks for parties and get-togethers

• Gluten-free mince pies
• Danish rum balls
• Banana and oat snack cake
• Coconut and passion fruit traybake

Gluten-free cheesecakes

We’ll be making more cheesecakes, as they are ideal for gluten sufferers. Here is a simple, no-bake recipe:

• No-bake gluten-free lemon cheesecake

Gluten-free Savoury baking

These can be served with a glass of fizzy at a party:

• Sweet potato muffins
• Basic oatcakes
• Crayfish egg muffins
• Sweet potato and courgette slice

Related articles

• Gluten-free Christmas
• Gluten-free desserts