Gluten-free and lactose-free cake recipes to make at home

 


Whether due to intolerance or choice, eating gluten-free and lactose-free products shouldn't stop you from enjoying delicious dishes, such as cakes, for example.

People with celiac disease (gluten intolerance) have a bit of difficulty eating cakes, due to the amount of flour needed to make them — The same is true for those who have a dairy or milk intolerance.

There are cases in which, even when the recipe does not require cow's milk, its derivatives are still necessary, whether to prepare the dough or for the filling, such as butter and margarine.

The importance of ingredient substitution

The solution for everyone to be able to taste and enjoy different recipes is to substitute ingredients.

Wheat flour can be replaced by, for example:

  • oatmeal;
  • rice flour; and
  • coconut flour.

The same can be done with cow's milk, which can be replaced by:

  • soy milk;
  • coconut milk;
  • rice milk; and
  • almond milk.

Changing the ingredients is important because the recipe doesn't lose any of its qualities or flavor. On the contrary, you still consume other nutrients. For example, by swapping wheat for whole-wheat flours, you ensure nutrients like fiber and protein.

You can also replace the fat. Instead of using butter or margarine, which are both unhealthy fats and contain lactose, opt for coconut or sunflower oil.

The amount of milk can easily be replaced with water or other types of milk, such as almond milk. If the recipe allows, there's no need to add milk or milk substitutes.

But you need to keep in mind that this change can affect the texture of your cake, so you need to know exactly which product to use to make each treat.

To help you prepare, we've put together two delicious recipes to help you enjoy your afternoon coffee with all the flavor and nutrients possible, for a healthy, vitamin-rich diet.

Check it out!

1. Carrot cake with chocolate sauce

Cooking time: approximately 40 minutes

Yield: approximately 15 slices or 9 cupcakes

Nutritional information: gluten, lactose and egg free

Ingredients for the cake

  • 2 tablespoons of flaxseed flour
  • 3/4 cup demerara sugar
  • 1 cup brown rice flour
  • 8 tablespoons of warm water
  • 1 cup of sweet cassava starch
  • 3/4 cup oil
  • 200g of carrots
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons of yeast

How to prepare the cake

  1. Preheat the oven to approximately 180ºC.
  2. Mix the rice flour, tapioca flour, yeast, and salt together; set aside.
  3. Then, place the flaxseed and water in a separate container, mix well and let it rest for about 3 minutes, to release the gel.
  4. In a blender, blend the oil, flaxseed gel and carrots.
  5. Pour the batter into a greased, round pan with a hole in the middle.
  6. Bake the batter for around forty minutes after it is finished.

Ingredients for the syrup

  • 100g of chopped or chipped dark chocolate
  • 25g cocoa powder
  • 250 ml of water
  • 50g demerara sugar

How to prepare the syrup

  1. Put all the ingredients in a pot and heat it to medium.
  2. Then, lower the heat and stir until everything is incorporated, bringing to a boil and stirring frequently.
  3. The consistency of the syrup can be as thick or thin as you like, depending on the heat and the boiling time.

    Note: Always use a pan with a hole in the middle, as regular pans distribute less heat and can result in a heavy texture and appearance, detracting from its tenderness.

Know the brand of rice flour you're using, as some contain a higher amount of starch, which can also affect the cake's consistency. Therefore, opt for whole-wheat flours.

2. Banana cake

Cooking time: approximately 30 minutes

Yield: approximately 10 slices or 6 cupcakes

Nutritional information: gluten, lactose, sugar and soy free

Ingredients

  • 1 cup gluten-free rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup unsalted nuts or cashews
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil or other
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon – optional
  • 1 tablespoon of yeast
  • 2 eggs
  • 3 very ripe bananas (any type)
  • Banana slices for decoration – optional

Preparation method 

  1. In a blender, beat the bananas, oil, and eggs until a creamy consistency is reached.
  2. Then, still in the blender, add the rolled oats and chestnuts to the cream and blend again.
  3. Add the cinnamon and baking powder last, and mix well with a spatula — no need to use the blender anymore.
  4. Place the dough in a greased pan and bake for approximately 20 to 30 minutes.
  5. The oven needs to be preheated to 180ºC.