Felicity picks 8 irresistible gluten-free desserts
Woolworths’ nutrition expert Felicity shares her favourite gluten free desserts.
Fresh Ideas
“While being gluten free doesn't automatically mean a recipe is healthier, for those living with Coeliac Disease, it is a requirement for their health. And for all of us who love our desserts and sweet treats, the possibilities have really opened up when it comes to creating something special that’s gluten free. To start with, there are now all kinds of gluten free Woolworths products, including flours, to make baking a breeze. Allergen labelling has improved, too, so you can check ingredients on packaging more easily. But don’t forget that there are heaps of delicious ways to satisfy the family’s sweet cravings without breaking the budget simply by using naturally gluten free ingredients you probably have in your pantry, fridge and freezer already, and most of the recipes I’ve chosen here are proof of the pudding!”
- Felicity
01
Blueberry & Almond frozen yoghurt slice
This frozen yoghurt slice has only 5 ingredients and can be put together in less than 10 minutes. It’s the perfect healthier treat for those warmer days, and uses affordable and accessible ingredients that most would have sitting in their fridge and pantry.
02
Gluten-free raspberry & rosewater cake
Almond meal is the hero of many gluten-free baked goods, and in this quick and easy three-step cake, it’s combined with a little gluten-free self-rising flour, which gives it some lovely height. This raspberry and pistachio-topped Middle Eastern-style cake is gently scented with rosewater. I love serving it as dessert for a Saturday night dinner, topped with a generous dollop of Greek-style yoghurt.
03
Yoghurt panna cotta with cherry sauce
Silky and creamy, panna cotta always makes such an elegant and impressive finish to a meal, and this healthier version, which uses yoghurt rather than cream, is a breeze to make. Just remember to allow plenty of time for setting. If fresh cherries aren’t available to make the sauce, you can use frozen pitted cherries instead, or any other berries you prefer.
04
Peanut butter topped bananas
This is my go-to gluten-free sweet treat – perfect for any time of day. If peanuts are a problem, simply substitute the peanut butter with almond butter or even tahini (sesame paste) and these tutti-frutti snacks will still disappear as fast as you put them on the table. I like to serve the berries and honey separately, so everyone can add whatever they like.
05
Gluten-free strawberry crumble
I don’t know anyone who doesn’t like a crumble, in any shape or form, and this strawberry version delivers flavour and crunch in spades from the coconut flakes and flaked almonds in the topping. Try this with any berry you fancy, or even a mixture. I like to keep a couple of packs of frozen berries handy to add to smoothies, or stir through plain yoghurt.
06
Nectarine upside down cake
This is an impressive gluten-free cake to serve up for morning or afternoon tea, or dessert. It relies entirely on the chemical reaction of the yoghurt and baking powder as its raising agents, and the result is lusciously moist. No nectarines available? Try peaches, plums or apricots, or even thinly sliced apples as an alternative. I like to serve this cake still warm, and often swap out the extra yoghurt for vanilla ice-cream as a special treat.
07
Avocado choc-chip ice-cream
Avocados aren’t only for smashing on toast or slicing into salads; their creamy texture makes them an ideal base for ice-cream. This yummy choc-chip version takes only 10 minutes to prepare before freezing. Test avocados for ripeness by gently pressing the narrower, stalk end. When it gives, it’s ready. Run a knife vertically around the avocado to halve it, then use a dessert spoon to scoop out the flesh.
08
Frozen strawberry & almond slice
Here’s a gluten-free after-school treat that packs plenty of flavour – and fruity, nutty goodness – into each serve. All the ingredients are easy to find at the supermarket, and the whole process takes just 25 minutes from go to whoa before freezing. I like to make a batch, freeze it, then cut it into portions while it’s still in the pan. That way, if it doesn’t all get eaten, you can cover it tightly with plastic wrap and keep the rest in the freezer for another time.
Felicity is a Woolworths Nutritionist and Accredited Practising Dietitian, as well as a guest expert for Fresh Ideas’ health and nutrition content. Felicity loves helping Aussie families make healthier, easier choices that everyone can enjoy. Felicity loves reformer pilates and playing with her dog, Raphael.