When someone is diagnosed with celiac disease they are often able to find substantial relief from symptoms by changing to a gluten-free diet. Interestingly, while the number of people who are forgoing gluten has nearly tripled in the past five years the number of people diagnosed with celiac disease has remained constant. Many people want a way to enjoy food including desserts that are gluten-free and healthy eating,but tasty!
One of the reasons for this appears to be the fad like status of eating gluten-free. Some people believe it is simply a healthier way to eat and switch over because of positive media coverage. Other people become gluten-free after realizing they have a non-celiac sensitivity to gluten and that eating gluten-free has substantially improved various gastro-intestinal symptoms they had suffered for years.
Regardless of why someone decides to switch to a gluten-free diet, they often worry that it means the end of delectable desserts and other sweet treats. This doesn’t have to be true. With a little creativity and careful shopping strategies, it is possible to enjoy fewer symptoms and more sinful desserts.
Gluten-Free Baking with Help
One of the easiest ways to bake a delicious gluten-free treat is to start with a little help. Mixes that include the exact proportions needed to have the perfect dessert are great for beginners and those who simply want to save time.
Who doesn’t love cookies? There are very few people who will say no to freshly baked cookies and there is no reason for someone on a gluten-free diet to deny themselves of this simple pleasure. A gluten-free cookie mix is a great option for those who love cookies and are concerned with the trial and error process.
It is possible to find gluten-free mixes for virtually all baked goods including cakes, pie crusts, shortbread, and brownies. If gluten-free baking from scratch feels too intimidating to tackle at first, these types of mixes are a delicious option.
Gluten-Free Baking from Scratch
The idea that it is even possible to bake gluten-free will come as a revolution for those who are new to the lifestyle. In fact, gluten-free baking is quickly becoming as popular as a niche specialty as vegan baking. It has become a healthy eating way of life for some people. However, there are a few important considerations of which one should be aware prior to making the leap into specialty baking.
One of the most important things to know is that the dough for baked goods will look different. This is especially important to know if you have experience with traditionally baked goods as you may think you have followed the directions improperly.
Another thing to be aware of is, gluten-free flours cannot simply be substituted for traditional flour within most recipes. The way they interact with the other ingredients and heat is slightly different. It is probably best to start with a recipe specifically designed to be followed using gluten-free flour. If you want to experiment, make sure to do so with a small batch first and make changes until the item is perfect.
Naturally Gluten Free Desserts
Fruit is probably the single best gluten-free dessert base. It is remarkably versatile and the number of ways it can be transformed into a deliciously tempting treat are almost endless.
Roasting or grilling fruit is a quick way to amplify the sweetness and transform it from a boring health food into a favorite indulgence. Baking works especially well with cherries, peaches, persimmons, and apples. Depending on which you choose, simply add a bit of whipped organic yogurt or cream as a finishing touch.
Poaching is another cooking method that will completely change your relationship with fruit forever. Poaching is a fantastic option for pears, plums, and apricots. Add a brown sugar and cinnamon glaze, honey, or a little vanilla and cardamom to take it to dizzying new heights.
Many people have never considered fruit a dessert unless it is part of a pie or cobbler. If this describes you, take the time to research fruit desserts and prepare to have a whole new world of delicious open before you.
Gluten-free desserts are just as delicious as their gluten filled counterparts. By taking the time to learn how to prepare some of your favorite treats with methods that are compliant with gluten-free guidelines you will feel less deprived and enjoy your new lifestyle even more. Eat healthy and you will reap the rewards for years to come.
Do you have a favorite gluten-free dessert you would like to share?
If so put it in the comments section!
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Great article and ideas on gluten free. Its crazy how the people with gluten allergies have sky rocketed in recent years.
HI Matt,
Thanks for stopping by and commenting, It is crazy how gluten allergies seem to be the norm in recently years – all those chemicals we put in our grains – GMO’s, pesticides and we just keep adding more – the human digestive system can’t process it. Have a healthy, happy & blessed day!
Always appreciate your postings on gluten free cooking/baking. We don’t indulge in dessert very often but it was nice to have a reminder about using fresh fruits. Thanks!
HI Nancy,
Thanks for stopping by and commenting. Fresh fruit is not only gluten-free but healthy than most other desserts. Have a healthy, happy & blessed day!