Delightful Gluten-Free Desserts: A British Guide

When embarking on a gluten-free lifestyle, it might seem daunting to find delicious dessert options that don't compromise on taste or texture. 

Fear not, as we’ve rounded up some delightful gluten-free dessert recipes that will satisfy your sweet tooth. 

These recipes are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re entertaining guests or simply indulging in a treat.

1. Flourless Chocolate Cake

Ingredients:

200g dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa)

200g unsalted butter

250g caster sugar

6 large eggs, separated

A pinch of salt

Cocoa powder, for dusting

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan). Grease a 23cm springform tin and line the base with baking paper.

Melt the chocolate and butter together in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water. Stir until smooth, then remove from heat.

Whisk the egg yolks with half of the sugar until pale and creamy. Stir in the melted chocolate mixture.

In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites with the salt until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining sugar, whisking until stiff peaks form.

Gently fold the egg whites into the chocolate mixture in three batches, ensuring it's well combined.

Pour the batter into the prepared tin and smooth the top. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the cake has risen and a crust forms on top.

Let the cake cool in the tin, then transfer to a wire rack. Dust with cocoa powder before serving.

2. Lemon Polenta Cake

Ingredients:

200g ground almonds

200g fine polenta (cornmeal)

1 ½ tsp baking powder (ensure it's gluten-free)

225g unsalted butter, softened

225g caster sugar

3 large eggs

Zest of 2 lemons

Juice of 1 lemon

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan). Grease a 23cm round cake tin and line with baking paper.

Mix the ground almonds, polenta, and baking powder in a bowl.

In another bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Stir in the lemon zest, then fold in the almond and polenta mixture. Finally, mix in the lemon juice.

Pour the batter into the prepared tin and smooth the top. Bake for 40-45 minutes until the cake is golden and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.

Allow the cake to cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

3. Coconut Macaroons

Ingredients:

2 large egg whites

150g caster sugar

200g desiccated coconut

1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 170°C (150°C fan). Line a baking tray with baking paper.

In a clean, dry bowl, whisk the egg whites until stiff peaks form.

Gradually add the sugar, continuing to whisk until the mixture is thick and glossy.

Gently fold in the desiccated coconut and vanilla extract until well combined.

Using a tablespoon, drop small mounds of the mixture onto the prepared baking tray, spacing them a few centimetres apart.

Bake for 15-20 minutes until the macaroons are golden brown on the edges and slightly firm to the touch.

Allow to cool on the baking tray before transferring to a wire rack.

4. Raspberry Pavlova

Ingredients:

4 large egg whites

250g caster sugar

1 tsp white wine vinegar

1 tsp cornflour (ensure it’s gluten-free)

300ml double cream

200g fresh raspberries

Icing sugar, for dusting

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 150°C (130°C fan). Line a baking tray with baking paper and draw a 20cm circle on it.

Whisk the egg whites until stiff peaks form, then gradually add the sugar, one tablespoon at a time, whisking well between each addition until the mixture is thick and glossy.

Fold in the white wine vinegar and cornflour.

Spoon the meringue mixture onto the circle on the baking paper, spreading it to form a nest with higher edges.

Bake for 1 hour, then turn off the oven and leave the meringue inside to cool completely.

Once cool, whip the double cream until soft peaks form, then spread over the meringue base.

Top with fresh raspberries and dust with icing sugar before serving.

Conclusion

Living gluten-free doesn’t mean you have to miss out on mouth-watering desserts. These recipes are not only free from gluten but also full of flavour and texture. Whether you prefer a rich chocolate indulgence, a zesty lemon treat, a coconut delight, or a fruity pavlova, there's something here to satisfy every craving. Enjoy baking and indulging in these delightful desserts!