Some of the best treats our coeliac Online Editor has put in her mouth
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Those living with gluten intolerances or coeliac disease have long struggled to find a sweet treat that tasted more than…subpar.
But no more. Canberra’s food scene has come a long way in the last few years, bringing a whole new selection of baked goods and delicious desserts that don’t rely on wheat, rye and barley to create something delicious.
Our Online Editor and resident gluten-free foodie Erin Cross shares some of the best gluten-free treats she’s put in her mouth.
Vietnamese Coffee Flan from The Q Dining
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This combination of coconut ganache, puffed glutinous rice, and coffee caramel gel brings together traditional Vietnamese flavours in an unexpected way. Moreish and well worth leaving room for, I won’t judge if you lick the plate clean.
45 Furzer Street, Phillip | theqdining.com.au
The Pistachio Crème Brûlée at Andre’s Osteria
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I still remember the first time I tried this dessert. Previously a long-standing crème brûlée hater, the moment I tasted the mix of the sweetness of the crunchy toffee and the nuttiness of the pistachios I was instantly converted. Since that first time, I’ve been back to Andre’s multiple times and, without fail (and no matter how full I am) I always order it to end my meal.
35 Brierly Street, Weston | andresosteria.com.au
The Chocolate Fondant from INKA
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When asked about my favourite desserts in Canberra, this combination of miso caramel, chocolate soil, and caramel ice cream always comes to the front of my mind. Gooey, chocolatey and very indulgent, it’s another favourite that has been ordered multiple times, and always hits the spot.
148 Bunda Street, Civic | inka.com.au
Literally any of the cakes from Sweet Bones
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One of my lovely interns brought in a box of gluten-free treats from Sweet Bones as a thank you (which was a very delightful surprise) and every single item inside was scrumptious.
I can’t tell you the exact flavours, but one was a lamington and tiramisu fusion, another was a banana tart, there was a coconut brownie and even a cupcake! I wish I could tell you that I savoured them slowly, but I think all four were gone in less than 24 hours. I now have a very good reason to stop in Scullin.
Shop 3, 3 Scullin Place, Scullin | sweetbonescompany.com
Freed.Me Gluten Free Cinnamon Scrolls
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I’m a sucker for a cinnamon scroll and this is probably the sweet treat I miss the most.
Made with layers of buttery, laminated dough, real cinnamon sugar and filled with a smooth vanilla custard, the cinnamon scrolls from Freed.Me Gluten Free are as close to the real thing as I can remember.
They’re soft and swirled with cinnamon goodness – it’s no surprise that the scrolls sell out fast.
4 Gribble Street, Gunghalin | @freed.me_gf_bakery
Scones from The Marion
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Is it weird that I still fantasise about the scones from The Marion three years after trying them? Served with raspberry jam and fresh cream, they were the perfect accompaniment to the endless tea options on offer.
I haven’t had an excuse to go back, but the moment an occasion arises, I’ll be there with bells on.
Just a note: the kitchen requires 24 hours’ notice in advance to accommodate gluten-free and other dietary requirements, so make sure to contact them when you book!
ACT Parks Depot, Barrine Drive, Parkes | themarion.com.au
Salted truffle caramel popcorn almond sponge from Beltana Farm
I need to apologise in advice to anyone hoping to try this – it was a one-off seasonal special. And yes, it was that good.
Served as part of the winter truffle menu at Beltana Farm, the multi-layered French-style mousse cake combined the sweetness of white chocolate and caramel with the lightness of almond and the earthiness of truffle.
It was the perfect mix of savoury-sweet, and we were served two to enjoy between four. I ate one and a half by myself. Did I feel sick afterwards? Yes. But when a dessert is that good you can have no regrets.
14 Beltana Road, Pialligo | beltanafarm.au
Feature image: Inka Chocolate Fondant. Credit: Megann Evans.
