Aarti Sarin Jain | Updated: February 16, 2017 14:23 IST
Gluten free desserts can be broadly categorised into four types -
1. Natural Gluten Free Desserts: like Macaroons, Meringues, Parfaits, Fruit Fools, Mousses and Pavlova.
2. Flourless Desserts: like Chocolate Cake, Peanut Butter Cookies, Molten Lava Cake and Molten Cookies.
3. Gluten Free Flour Desserts: The best flour to use is a blend of at least three flours that contains enough starch. All desserts can be made gluten free with the flour blend. The most important thing is the quality of the flour blend and if it is certified 'gluten free'. High in starch blends result in very stiff products.
4. Ready to Eat Desserts: like ice-creams, gelatos and yoghurts. These are the most risky as you think they can't have gluten in them. Remember, there is hidden gluten in stabilisers and thickeners. Have only those stamped as 'gluten free'.
The point to remember is that while some of these desserts may be available in the market and cafes, if the facility isn't 100 percent gluten free, they will have cross contamination. The problem is that while they are claimed to be flourless, some still have a bit of flour or baking powder/cornstarch that isn't gluten free.
As such, if you are intolerant to gluten, biting into those sweet treats can be harmful to your health. So be extremely careful and recheck before you purchase items. Or, to go the easier route, roll your sleeves up and get down to some gluten free baking at home.
Here are some recipes to get you started:
1. Meringue Kisses with Chocolate Ganache
Ingredients:
300 gm caster sugar
6 egg whites
1/4 tsp (pinch) cream of tartar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp salt (optional)
50ml double cream
50gm chocolate chips
Method:
For the Meringue Kisses
For the Ganache
2. Chocolate Espresso Cake with Café Latte Cream
Inspired by Nigella Lawson's recipe, this Chocolate Espresso Cake with Caffe Latte Cream is gluten free, where I have replaced the flour and added a bit of xanthum gum.
Ingredients:
150gm cooking chocolate, chopped
150gm butter
6 eggs
250gm caster sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract or rum
75gm gluten free flour
1/2 tsp xanthum gum
5 tsp instant espresso
4 Tbsp Tia Maria or any coffee liqueur
For the Café Latte Cream
75g white chocolate, broken into very small pictures
375ml whipping cream
2 tsp instant espresso powder
Method:
Tip:
3. Flourless Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
My family and I love going to The Hamptons, USA. My favourite bakery in South Hamptons is called Tate's Bake Shop. They have the best flourless peanut butter cookies in the world. This recipe is inspired from them.
Ingredients:
1 1/4 cups peanut butter, chunky or smooth
3/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1 egg
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup chocolate chips or chocolate chunks
Method:
4. Gluten Free Chocolate Pound Cake
Ingredients:
150 gm unsalted butter
100 gm cream cheese
1 1/2 cup brown sugar
2 eggs plus 2 egg yolks
1 Tbsp vanilla extract
1 cup gluten free all purpose flour
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1 tsp soda
1 tsp salt
1/2 cup cream
Method:
Tip:
"STRESSED spelled backwards is DESSERTS". Enjoy your gluten free desserts but always wear your gluten free detective cap.
About the Author:
Aarti Sarin Jain is an avid baker and runs an exclusive gluten-free test kitchen. She discovered the joys of a gluten-free living after her elder kid was diagnosed with Celiac Disease. She often experiments with new forms and varieties of gluten-free food without compromising either on taste or quality. You can read more on her blog, www.bakingfrommyheart.com.
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