Category: Dessert

Gluten Free Cinnamon Swirl Bread

Today I made a gluten free version of another old favorite.  This yeasted sweet bread with swirls of brown sugar and cinnamon was adapted from a recipe originally appearing in Better Homes and Gardens.  Before my Celiac diagnosis I used to make it all the time.

Both adults and kids loved it, even the picky eaters!  I can’t tell you how pleased I was to be making this bread again, it turned out great!

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When you work with the right gluten free flour, this Cinnamon Swirl Bread is so easy to make!  If you are a fan of Better Batter like me, you probably have all of the ingredients in your pantry!

If you haven’t tried Better Batter yet, I cannot recommend their flour blends enough.  Use my code below for 30% off!  You will not be disappointed!

(When you shop Better Batter, be sure to use my code MGFC30 at checkout for 30% off your non-sale purchase)

Ingredients:

  • Dough:
  • 405g. Better Batter Artisan Blend flour *see notes
  • 1-1/4 tsp. instant yeast
  • 3/4 tsp. salt
  • 3 tbsp. unsalted butter, softened
  • 1-1/2 cups warm milk (I used 2%)
  • 1 egg room temperature
  • 3 tbsp. granulated sugar
  • Filling:
  • 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1-1/2 tsp. cinnamon
  • 1 tbsp. melted butter
  • Egg Wash:
  • 2 tbsp. egg whites
  • 1 tbsp. water
  • Finishing:
  • 1 tbsp. melted butter, for brushing

Preparation:

I used a 13 x 4″ pullman loaf pan for a long skinny loaf with smaller, diet friendly slices.  You can get the pan here.

Whisk together the flour and salt.  Combine the warmed milk, sugar and yeast in a separate bowl or measuring cup and let it stand 15 minutes.

Add the egg and softened butter to the bowl of a stand mixer and whisk to combine.  Add the milk mixture and whisk until well blended.

Switch to the paddle attachment and add the flour and salt to the bowl, mixing on low to combine.  Increase speed and beat for 5 minutes to form a dough, occasionally scraping down the sides with a spatula.  Dough will be sticky at this point.

Bring the dough together, cover with plastic wrap and let it rest for 20 minutes.

Cut a sheet of parchment to fit the length of the loaf pan (this will help with rolling and transferring the dough).  Mist the parchment lightly with cooking spray and transfer the dough.  Roll and pat the dough into a rectangle, about 14 x 10” and 1/2″ thick.  (Note- after a 20-minute rest, this dough rolls like a dream, but if you have any sticking just mist your rolling pin with cooking spray.)

Brush the dough with 1 tbsp. melted butter.

Spread the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a 1″ border all around.

Starting with the long side, use the parchment to lift the dough and begin rolling it up.

Continue rolling and pinch the seam to seal.

Tuck in the ends like this and turn the dough seam side down.

Lift the dough (with parchment) into the pan, cover with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 30 minutes.  Dough will be puffy but not doubled in size.

Preheat the oven to 350º and whisk together the egg whites and water.  Brush the loaf well with the egg wash.  Pierce the top of the loaf with a fork or docking tool to allow steam to escape.

Bake for 40 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 200º.  Remove from the oven and brush the top with 1 tbsp. melted butter.

Grasp both sides of the parchment to lift the loaf out of the pan to a cooling rack.

Slide the parchment out and let the loaf cool completely before slicing.

If you like, you can drizzle the top with icing made of 3 tbsp. powdered sugar and 1 tbsp. milk.  I made this loaf for company, and we served it with coffee, just like this.  It was a hit!

Slice and toast, or just add to your breadbasket!  It freezes beautifully, so you can wrap up the extra slices in plastic wrap, store in a freezer safe bag and it will be good for several months.

Notes ♪♫ I used and recommend Better Batter Artisan Flour Blend for this recipe.  This flour requires twice the liquid of typical recipes, so if you use another flour, you will need to adjust the liquid to flour ratio.  Start with half the milk (3/4 cup) and only add more if needed, 1 tbsp. at a time.

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Gluten Free Cream Cheese Pie Crust

Pie crust has always been my nemeses.  Gluten free or not, I just could never get the hang of it!  Before my Celiac diagnosis, when I wanted to make a pie, I would buy the refrigerated double pie crust dough in the red box (remember those?) and pretend that I made it myself! 🙂

Today, until someone comes up with a gluten free alternative that doesn’t cost a fortune, we need to make our own.

This beauty of a pie crust was made with my favorite little miracle in a bag, Better Batter Original Gluten Free Flour.  If you have not tried this flour, seriously go and get yourself a bag and be sure to use my Promo code MGFC30 for 30% off any non-sale item!

The recipe is an adaptation of a mainstream cream cheese pie crust made with wheat flour.  The only ingredient I changed is the flour.

You can make one crust, two, three or four at a time.  Use them right away or keep them in the refrigerator or freezer for when you want to bake.  Our own gluten free version of the red box!

Adapted from 12 Tomatoes

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Ingredients:

Preparation:

I like to make 3 crusts at a time, mostly because it uses up exactly one 8 oz. package of cream cheese.  Having 3 on hand, I usually make one double crust pie and use the single crust for quiche.  At holiday time this is a win.

Let the butter and cream cheese soften at room temperature until you can mash them together with a fork (don’t microwave!).

In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the softened butter, cream cheese and heavy cream.  Beat on low speed with the paddle attachment.  Add the flour, sugar and salt, and mix until well combined.

Turn the dough out onto a floured cutting board.

Bring the dough together into a ball.  If making more than one crust, use a bench knife to divide it into even portions, about 270g. each.

Press each portion into a disk.  That’s it!

Now you can either refrigerate or freeze your pie dough.  Wrap each portion in plastic wrap and store in freezer safe bags.

When you are ready to bake, take refrigerated dough out 30 minutes early (if frozen, defrost it in the refrigerator first).

Place on a sheet of lightly floured parchment and roll into a circle.

This dough rolls like a dream, but if you feel more comfortable, you can place a second sheet of parchment on top before rolling, this makes it easier to flip.

Remove one side of the parchment, turn and place your dough into a pie dish, trimming any excess around the edges.  It doesn’t have to be perfect, if the dough cracks you can pinch it together or use excess dough to patch any holes.

Now fold the edges under and crimp!

Imagine what you can do with an easy to make gluten free pie crust.  Dessert pies, savory pies, galettes, crostata, quiche, tarts?  My mind is racing, what will I make first?

Notes ♪♫ Some readers commented that the measurements per pie crust were too confusing, so I have converted everything to weight in grams.  Hopefully this simplifies the process and makes it easier to follow.

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Gluten Free Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

A word of Caution- This recipe contains oats.

A recent statement from Gluten Free Watchdog states that they cannot currently recommend ANY brand of gluten free oats.

Whether or not you continue to consume oats is a personal choice.  As we await more information, I will preface any recipes that include oats with a link to this important statement from Gluten Free Watchdog, an independent, subscriber-driven gluten-testing organization.  About | Gluten Free Watchdog

***

Mr. Cucina had been asking me to make his mother’s oatmeal cookies for quite some time.  Her vintage recipes are a part of her legacy and always bring back good memories.  The holidays were the perfect time to make my husband one of his favorites!

Of course, I wanted to enjoy the cookies too, so I scanned the ingredient list to see where a gluten free substitute was needed.  Suprise, there was really only one ingredient that I had to change!

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The original recipe called for 1 cup of Gold Medal Flour, and I substituted 120g. of Better Batter Original Blend.  That’s it!

Of course, oats are tricky on the gluten free diet.   ALWAYS choose gluten free oats and for additional peace of mind look for purity protocol oats.

About 6 dozen cookies.

Ingredients:

  • 120g. gluten free all-purpose flour (I used Better Batter Original)
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1 tsp. cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp. baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp. cloves
  • 1 cup raisins (I used Sunmaid)
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts
  • 3 cups quick-cooking gluten free oats (I used Bobs Red Mill)
  • 3/4 cup shortening (Crisco is gluten free)
  • 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract

Preparation:

Preheat the oven to 350º.  Combine the dry ingredients, flour through oats in a large bowl and mix well.

In the bowl of a stand mixer, add the shortening, sugars, egg and vanilla.  Beat on low speed with the paddle attachment until well combined.

Add the dry ingredients and beat on low speed, just until combined.  Gather the mixture together and rest 15 minutes.

Scoop the dough by rounded teaspoons and place at least one inch apart on a prepared baking sheet.  I used a silicone mat to prevent sticking.

Bake 17-20 minutes on the middle shelf.  Cookies are done when almost no imprint remains when touched with your finger.  Immediately remove from the baking sheet.

As the cookies were baking, Mr. Cucina said, “now you know what my mother’s kitchen smelled like”.  That alone was worth the effort. ????

Apologies if these cookies don’t make it to anyone’s house.  We were eating them right out of the oven!

For those with more restraint, cookies can be stored in an airtight container for several days or frozen, great to make ahead for your Christmas cookie trays!

Notes ♪♫ For best results, be sure to use quick cooking oats in this recipe (not thick cut or old fashioned).  I always keep a bag on hand for baking!

 

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Gluten Free Vintage Blueberry Cake

Vintage Blueberry Cake

An Heirloom Recipe Converted to Gluten Free

Some things in life should never be changed, and this heirloom cake is one of them.  An old family recipe passed down from one generation to the next, just a handwritten note tucked away in a recipe box.

My late husband had such fond memories of his mother making this cake and I was fortunate enough to inherit the recipe.  Here it is, written in her own hand.

I hadn’t made this cake since my Celiac diagnosis in 2017, and always wondered what would happen if I converted it to gluten free.  Would it taste as good?  The verdict, YES and the results were amazing!

My husband’s mother was born in 1925 and was by all accounts a phenomenal baker.  To honor her recipe, I did not want to make any unnecessary changes to the ingredient list.  The only gluten containing ingredient was the flour.  I substituted Better Batter Original Blend for the all-purpose flour.

Shortening was a common ingredient in vintage cookbooks (and still recommended today for things like pie crust).  So, I checked it out and in case you were wondering- yes, Crisco is gluten free!

When converting old family recipes, one of the dilemmas is that flour was often measured in cups.  How did the author measure 1 cup?  Scoop and level?  Spoon and level?  Pour and shake?  

For this I put my trust in the experts at Better Batter, who recommend a 120g. per cup conversion for their original gluten free flour blend.  My recipe called for 1-1/2 cups flour, and I converted to 180g. of Better Batter.  I’m happy to say, it worked perfectly!

This post contains affiliate links.

***When you shop Better Batter and use my (affiliate) code MGFC30 at checkout, you will receive 30% off any non-sale item! ***

CLICK HERE to take advantage of this incredible opportunity to try the flour that I call my little miracle in a bag!

Ingredients:

Preparation:

Preheat the oven to 350º.  Wash and dry the blueberries on a clean dishtowel.

Size matters!  Using the wrong pan will affect the baking time and overall appearance of the final product.  For this recipe you will need a standard 1 lb. loaf pan.  Line the pan with parchment and mist with cooking spray.

Sift the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder and salt) together and set aside.  Separate the eggs (yolks from whites).

In the bowl of a stand mixer with the whisk attachment, beat the egg whites until stiff and set aside.  In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks with a fork.

Switch to the paddle attachment.  Cream the shortening with the sugar thoroughly, then add well beaten egg yolks.

With the mixer running, gradually add the dry ingredients alternately with the milk, beginning and ending with flour mixture.

Sprinkle the additional tbsp. of flour on the blueberries before adding to the batter.  This will keep them from sinking to the bottom of the cake as it bakes.

Fold the egg whites and vanilla into the batter, then fold in the floured blueberries.

Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking pan.  Sprinkle the top of the batter with sugar.

Bake at 350° for 55 minutes, then turn the oven off and leave the cake in for 5 minutes longer.  Cool 10 minutes in the pan.

Grasp the parchment on either side and gently lift the cake onto a cooling rack.  Wait a few minutes then carefully peel away the parchment.

Let the cake cool to room temperature before serving.  Although this cake needs no further adornment, I like to dust the top with powdered sugar.

This cake is so simple, but the flavor and texture are rich and indulgent.  I think I did justice to the original recipe!  My husband always loved this cake and said he could not tell it was gluten free.

Notes: ♪♫ For best results, always use fresh blueberries.  The baking time in the original recipe is 40 minutes, but I have found that it requires closer to an hour.  Check with a toothpick, and if the cake is still a tiny bit moist in the middle you can turn off the oven and leave it in 5 minutes longer.  The cake will continue to set as it cools in the pan.

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Gluten Free Italian Wine Biscuits

This recipe is about a memory.  Of my long-ago childhood home, when my younger self would arrive home from school to find that my mother had been baking.  Of the aroma that filled the kitchen, the table covered with racks holding dozens and dozens of these fragrant Italian treats just out of the oven.  We would devour them still warm, when they had the consistency of a soft cookie.  Later, when fully cooled they would firm up to a crisp exterior perfect for dunking in coffee!

Why do I remember this particular recipe so fondly?  Like most women of her generation my mother embraced convenience foods, and her cookies and cakes were usually made from a boxed mix.  Not these Wine Biscuits though, they were always made from scratch!

It’s a popular recipe and an easy one too!  Every Italian has their own little variation, but the basic ingredients include a cup of sugar, a cup of oil and a cup of wine.  My mother used eggs in hers.  I know that others do not, but I think the egg definitely helped with the consistency in this gluten free makeover.

It was a challenge to recreate the exact texture of these biscuits with a gluten free flour.  Although we call them biscuits, they are actually a shaped cookie.  The dough had to be workable enough to roll into thin ropes, to form the traditional twist and knot shapes.  A tall order for gluten free!

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The Flour

In keeping with the simplicity of my mother’s recipe, I did not want to make a 20-ingredient flour blend.  So, I used Better Batter Original All Purpose Flour and was very pleased with the taste and texture of the wine biscuits.  They got a big thumbs up from family and friends who sampled them!  Please note that other gluten free flour blends may work, but since every brand is different, you may not achieve the same results with another flour.

When you shop Better Batter and use my Promo Code MGFC30 at checkout, you will receive 30% off any non-sale item! 

CLICK HERE to take advantage of this incredible opportunity to try the flour that I call my little miracle in a bag!

Yield: 2 dozen

My mother’s original recipe made 4 dozen wine biscuits and believe me, in those days they disappeared before having a chance to cool down!  I decided to cut the recipe in half, and it was just the right amount for a small get together.  You can double it for a larger group or holiday baking.

Ingredients:

Plus . . . . . . . . . . . .

  • additional flour for dusting and rolling
  • 1 beaten egg, for egg wash

Preparation:

In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together the egg, sugar, oil and wine.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt.  Gradually add the dry ingredients to wet and beat until a soft dough forms.

Lightly flour a cutting board, and scoop out one rounded tablespoon of dough at a time.  Roll each piece into a rope, about 1/2″ thick and 10″ long.  Keep the board and your fingers lightly floured while handling the dough.

You can shape the ropes into a knot or a twist.  My mother would simply form a round and pinch the ends together, that works too!  You should have enough for about 2 dozen.

Line 2 baking sheets with parchment and arrange the formed wine biscuits, leaving a few inches of space in between.  Refrigerate for 1 hour before baking.  Keeping them cold helps the biscuits retain their shape.

Preheat the oven to 325º.  Whisk together 1 egg with 1 tbsp. water and lightly brush the wine biscuits with the egg wash.

Bake for 22-25 minutes.  Cool in the pan 10 minutes then transfer to a rack.  Enjoy them warm or at room temperature.

Store airtight at room temperature 2-3 days.  I imagine they would freeze well but this batch did not last long enough to find out!

Notes ♪♫ My mother made these biscuits with my grandfather’s homemade red wine. 🍷 There was always a bottle in the refrigerator.  Even when the wine was past its prime, it was good for cooking, and this was how it usually got used up!  You can use any red wine that you enjoy drinking (i.e., not cooking wine!).

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Individual Gluten Free Apple Crisp

A word of Caution- This recipe contains oats.

A recent statement from Gluten Free Watchdog states that they cannot currently recommend ANY brand of gluten free oats.

Whether or not you continue to consume oats is a personal choice.  As we await more information, I will preface any recipes that include oats with a link to this important statement from Gluten Free Watchdog, an independent, subscriber-driven gluten-testing organization.  About | Gluten Free Watchdog

***

Sometimes I want to make an individual size dessert for hubby and I.  These single serving Apple Crisps are gluten free and easy to prepare with just a few ingredients.  Perfect for date night at home, small gatherings or when you don’t want to have leftovers.  Quite possibly the easiest dessert I have ever prepared!  Baked and served in ramekins for a nice presentation.

4 Servings (you will need 1 apple for every 2 servings)

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Ingredients:

Filling: 

  • 4 tsp. unsalted butter
  • 2 medium apples (I used Honeycrisp)
  • 1 tbsp. lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp. white sugar
  • 2 tbsp. brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp. cornstarch
  • 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp. nutmeg

Topping:

Preparation:

Prepare the ramekins by rubbing each with 1 tsp. softened butter.  I set mine up in a square baking pan, to make it easier getting them in and out of the oven.

Peel the apples and cut into small dice, then toss with lemon juice (to prevent browning).

Whisk together the filling ingredients.

Toss the apples with the filling mixture.

Fill the ramekins and refrigerate while you make the topping.

Whisk together the topping ingredients, and use a pastry cutter (or knife and fork, or your fingers) to incorporate the butter.

The butter should be broken down into small, pea sized pieces.

Spread the topping mixture over each ramekin.

Place the ramekins in a baking dish for easier handling.  Bake at 375º for 25 minutes.  The filling will be bubbling up on the sides.  Let them cool slightly before serving.  For a little something extra, serve with a scoop of ice cream or frozen yogurt!

Notes ♪♫ Always look for the gluten free label when shopping for grains, even those (like oats) that are naturally gluten free because of potential cross contact during farming, harvesting, transport and production.  If you have Celiac disease and are concerned with cross contact you may want to purchase purity protocol oats (dedicated gluten free fields, mill, and production line).  If you are among the small percentage who cannot consume oats in any form, substitute almond flour in this recipe.

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Gluten Free Spiced Applesauce Loaf

Don’t wait for apple season to make this delicious, Spiced Applesauce Loaf!  It’s perfect for coffee breaks, brunches, and snacks.  It would be lovely to take along when visiting a friend or neighbor.  So easy to prepare, and everyone will love it, kids and adults alike.

First, check out the ingredient list.  You probably have most of these items right in your pantry!  Then, in addition to being gluten free I also give you some options to lower the sugar and sodium, as I know many of you have these additional restrictions.

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Dry Ingredients:

Wet Ingredients:

 Preparation:

Whisk together all of the dry ingredients.  Combine the wet ingredients in the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment and beat until smooth.  Add the dry ingredients to the wet and blend together just until moistened.

Line an 8″ loaf pan with parchment and scrape the batter into the pan.

Bake for 1 hour at 350°.  When it’s done, the loaf will have risen almost to the rim of the pan and the top will crack.  If you’re not sure it’s done, check with a toothpick in the center of the loaf.

Cool in the pan for 1/2 hour, then grasp both sides of the parchment and lift the loaf onto a cooling rack.

Carefully remove the parchment and continue cooling to room temperature.  Try to resist cutting into it right away, to minimize crumbling.

You could dust the top with confectioners’ sugar, or drizzle with a simple icing.  Honestly though, this cake is so moist and delicious it really needs no other adornment.  Slice with a serrated knife and arrange on a serving dish.

Look at that nice moist crumb!  You’ll have to take it from me, it tastes great!

Notes ♪♫ I have always loved quick breads.  This is an old recipe of mine that I converted to gluten free.  For muffins and quick breads, I use and recommend Better Batter Original Blend gluten free flour.  When you shop Better Batter, be sure to use my code MGFC30 at checkout for 30% off full price!

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Homemade Espresso Powder

Like many, I’m getting ready to do a little holiday baking.  Desserts are not my forte, but I do like to indulge in the occasional treat.  That being said, I really do not want to spend money on pricey, seldom used ingredients like Espresso Powder.  So with a little research, I learned how to make a small amount at home that cost me ZERO$$$!  That’s right, the only ingredient needed are spent coffee grounds.

So get your morning coffee brewing and let’s get started.

Ingredients:

  • used coffee grounds

Preparation:

Brew coffee and reserve the grounds.  Let them drain for a bit, then spread the grounds in an even layer onto a parchment lined baking sheet.

Bake the grounds for 1 hour at 250º, then turn off the oven and leave the pan in for another 2 hours.  The grounds should be very dry to the touch.

Transfer the grounds to a coffee grinder and process into a fine powder.

Store in an air tight container, I used a small Ball jar.

Use in recipes that call for espresso powder.

Notes ♪♫ I’m a New England girl, and we love our Dunkin Donuts coffee!  That’s what I used in this post, of course you can use real espresso or any roast you prefer.

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Gluten Free Rhubarb Crumble

A word of Caution- This recipe contains oats.

A recent statement from Gluten Free Watchdog states that they cannot currently recommend ANY brand of gluten free oats.

Whether or not you continue to consume oats is a personal choice.  As we await more information, I will preface any recipes that include oats with a link to this important statement from Gluten Free Watchdog, an independent, subscriber-driven gluten-testing organization.  About | Gluten Free Watchdog

***

To me, rhubarb says spring!  This Rhubarb Crumble has been a family favorite for so many years.  Way back when, my husband would pick the rhubarb fresh from our backyard garden and it was just wonderful!  These days, our harvesting is done at the grocery store, but it always brings back those memories.

In this recipe, I threw an apple into the usual mix of rhubarb and strawberry, and it worked so well, I think you could add just about any fruit you like, and it would be delicious.

The Lazy Gastronome

 

When shopping for rhubarb, be sure to choose stalks that are firm and vibrantly colored.  If the outer skin of the rhubarb is tough and stringy, you can easily peel some of it off.  Young, slender stalks are less likely to need peeling, but you may need to buy a few extra.

6 Servings

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Ingredients:

For the filling:

For the topping: 

Preparation:

In a large bowl, combine 2/3 cup granulated sugar and 2 tbsp. cornstarch.  Peel and dice the apple and chop the rhubarb into 1/4″ slices.  Toss the rhubarb and apples with the sugar and cornstarch mixture.  Refrigerate while you prepare the crumble topping.

In a small bowl, combine the flour, oats and sugars.  Chop the butter into cubes.

Working quickly, cut the butter into the topping mixture using a pastry cutter, firm spatula, or 2 butter knives.  You can even use your fingers to incorporate the butter into pea size pieces.

Preheat the oven to 375° and coat a square baking dish with cooking spray.  Add the apples and rhubarb then use a teaspoon to dot the strawberry preserves over the fruit.

Spread the topping evenly.

Bake for 45 minutes.  When done, the top should be lightly browned and bubbly.

Allow to cool slightly before serving.  Honestly, it’s delicious warm, room temperature or chilled!  Store in the refrigerator and it will be good for several days, but I don’t expect it to last that long…

Notes: ♪♫ For the preserves, I used Polaner All Fruit Strawberry, it is gluten free and sweetened only with fruit juice.

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Flourless Dark Chocolate Torte

Oh my!  Just look at this beautiful heart shaped chocolate torte.  It is a decadent dessert, worthy of a 5-star restaurant.  Perfect for Valentine’s Day, or any romantic celebration.  I still can’t believe I made it at home!

So many desserts are off limits for those of us with Celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.  If your valentine is gluten free, he or she will swoon when you bring this beautiful torte to the table, knowing they can safely indulge. ♥

You may be surprised to know that this cake is completely gluten free.  And a ganache is not that difficult to make.  I know, I was surprised too!

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Using toasted, ground almonds (not almond flour) is the secret to the amazing flavor and texture of this dessert.  Yes, it takes a little extra time and effort, but so worth it!

Years ago, I bought a set of heart shaped pans, just for this recipe! It was exactly what I needed to make a petite sized cake for two.  Unfortunately, that set from Wilton is no longer available but here’s something similar that you can get on Amazon.

The recipe has just enough batter to make 3 layers using a 6″ pan.

Ingredients:

  • 8.5 oz. good quality, gluten free dark chocolate wafers or bars, divided
  • 6 tbsp. butter
  • 3 extra large eggs
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp. brown sugar
  • 1/2 tsp. almond extract
  • 1/2 cup toasted almonds, ground fine in a food processor
  • 1-1/2 tsp. white rice flour
  • 2-1/4 tsp. gluten free cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup half and half or cream
  • 2 tsp. rum
  • cooking spray

 Preparation:

Melt 4 oz. dark chocolate with 6 tbsp. butter in a double boiler, whisking until smooth.  Set aside to cool before adding to the eggs (you don’t want to cook them).  Next beat together the eggs, sugars and extract.  With the mixer running, gradually add the cooled chocolate mixture, ground almonds, rice flour and cocoa and beat until well combined.  Pour into 3 pans (each pan is 6″) that have been misted with cooking spray.  I set my pans on a baking sheet to make it easier to transfer them to the oven.

Bake 15-17 minutes at 350º.  Cool in the pan for 5 minutes then transfer the layers to a rack.

When the layers have cooled to room temperature, make the ganache.

Place 4-1/2 oz. bittersweet chocolate (if using bars break into small pieces) in a medium bowl with the rum.  Heat the half and half (or cream) in a small saucepan, stirring frequently.  As soon as it comes to a boil, pour over the chocolate and whisk, whisk, whisk, until it is perfectly smooth.  Allow the ganache to cool 5 minutes.

Now arrange the first layer of the torte on a serving dish.  Pour a little of the ganache in the center and spread it outward to the edges with an offset spatula.  Top with the next layer of torte and do the same.

Next place the top layer and pour the rest of the ganache over it, letting it drizzle evenly over the sides.  Let the torte stand at room temperature for 2 hours or until the ganache is completely set.

Friends, this cake is sinfully rich!  Look at it, can you spy the ground almonds?  We had a thin slice each and it was so delicious and filling.  I am so pleased with how it came out.

Notes: ♪♫ A recipe is only as good as its ingredients, and that is why it is worth going out of your way to find quality dark chocolate.  Dark chocolate should be gluten free but as always, carefully check your labels and when possible, choose ingredients that are processed in a dedicated gluten free facility.

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