Image courtesy Belinda Cave of Pixabay |
However, for those with gluten sensitivities or coeliac disease, traditional puddings, cakes, and bakes can pose a challenge.
Fortunately, there are plenty of gluten-free alternatives that are just as delicious. Here, I’m sharing some tried-and-tested gluten-free dessert recipes that are perfect for Christmas.
1. Gluten-Free Christmas Pudding
No Christmas would be complete without a rich, fruity Christmas pudding. This gluten-free version retains all the traditional flavours but skips the gluten, making it suitable for everyone at the table.
Ingredients:
175g gluten-free self-raising flour
100g gluten-free breadcrumbs
250g suet (ensure it's gluten-free)
200g dark brown sugar
250g sultanas
250g currants
50g mixed peel
Zest of 1 orange and 1 lemon
2 teaspoons ground mixed spice
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
3 large eggs
200ml brandy (or another spirit of choice)
100ml milk
Instructions:
In a large bowl, mix the flour, breadcrumbs, suet, sugar, dried fruit, mixed peel, and spices.
Add the eggs, brandy, milk, and citrus zest. Stir until everything is well combined.
Grease a pudding basin and pour the mixture in, covering it with greaseproof paper and a layer of foil.
Steam the pudding for around 5 hours, topping up the water as necessary.
Once cooked, allow it to cool, then store in a cool place until Christmas Day. When ready to serve, steam it again for 2 hours and serve with brandy butter.
2. Gluten-Free Mince Pies
These delightful gluten-free mince pies are buttery, crumbly, and filled with festive spiced mincemeat. A staple at any Christmas gathering!
Ingredients:
200g gluten-free plain flour
100g unsalted butter (chilled)
50g caster sugar
1 egg yolk
2 tablespoons cold water
250g gluten-free mincemeat (ensure the brand you use is gluten-free)
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan).
Rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
Stir in the sugar, then add the egg yolk and water to bring the dough together. Knead lightly, then chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.
Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface and cut out circles using a pastry cutter.
Line a muffin tray with the pastry rounds, fill each with a spoonful of mincemeat, and top with smaller pastry lids.
Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden. Serve dusted with icing sugar.
3. Gluten-Free Chocolate Yule Log
A Yule log is a traditional Christmas dessert, and this gluten-free version ensures no one misses out. It's rich, chocolatey, and the perfect centrepiece for any Christmas table.
Ingredients:
4 large eggs
100g caster sugar
75g gluten-free plain flour
25g cocoa powder
1 teaspoon gluten-free baking powder
300ml double cream
200g dark chocolate (ensure it's gluten-free)
Icing sugar for dusting
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan). Grease and line a Swiss roll tin.
Beat the eggs and sugar together until pale and fluffy. Sift in the flour, cocoa, and baking powder, then fold gently until combined.
Pour the mixture into the tin and spread evenly. Bake for 10-12 minutes until springy.
While the cake is still warm, turn it out onto a sheet of baking paper dusted with icing sugar. Roll it up with the paper inside and allow it to cool.
Whip the double cream and melt the dark chocolate.
Once the cake is cooled, unroll it, spread the cream inside, and roll it up again. Cover the outside with melted chocolate and dust with icing sugar to finish.
4. Gluten-Free Sticky Toffee Pudding
This sticky toffee pudding is a rich, gooey delight and perfect for a festive dessert that the whole family will love, gluten-free or not!
Ingredients:
175g gluten-free self-raising flour
200g pitted dates
300ml boiling water
1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
100g unsalted butter
150g dark brown sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the toffee sauce:
150g dark brown sugar
100g butter
150ml double cream
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and grease a baking dish.
Soak the dates in boiling water for 10 minutes, then blend to a smooth purée and stir in the bicarbonate of soda.
In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and sugar. Beat in the eggs and vanilla, then fold in the flour and date mixture.
Pour into the prepared dish and bake for 30-35 minutes.
Meanwhile, make the toffee sauce by gently heating the sugar, butter, and cream until smooth.
Pour the warm toffee sauce over the pudding and serve with cream or ice cream.
5. Gluten-Free Pavlova with Winter Berries
For something a little lighter but equally festive, a gluten-free pavlova with winter berries is a great alternative. Crisp on the outside, soft and marshmallowy on the inside, this dessert is a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
4 large egg whites
250g caster sugar
1 teaspoon cornflour
1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
300ml double cream
200g mixed winter berries (e.g., cranberries, redcurrants, and raspberries)
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 150°C (130°C fan). Line a baking sheet with baking paper.
Whisk the egg whites to stiff peaks, then gradually add the sugar, beating until glossy.
Fold in the cornflour and vinegar, then spoon the meringue mixture onto the baking sheet in a large circle.
Bake for 1 hour, then turn off the oven and leave the pavlova inside to cool completely.
Whip the cream and spread it over the cooled meringue. Top with fresh winter berries and a dusting of icing sugar.
Final Thoughts
Christmas is all about enjoying time with loved ones and sharing delicious food, and with these gluten-free dessert recipes, no one needs to feel left out. Whether you’re serving a traditional Christmas pudding or a decadent Yule log, these recipes are sure to impress, ensuring a festive celebration that’s inclusive and full of flavour.
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