Kamil Perry
Cheesecake is a beloved dessert for many, but is it suitable for those who are gluten intolerant or have coeliac disease? The answer is yes, but with some adjustments. The filling of a cheesecake is typically gluten-free, but the crust is where gluten often sneaks in due to the use of graham crackers. However, gluten-free graham crackers or alternative crusts made with walnuts, brown sugar, and butter can be used to make the entire dessert gluten-free. Freezing and defrosting techniques also play a role in maintaining the texture and quality of gluten-free cheesecakes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Filling | Naturally gluten-free |
| Crust | Can contain gluten due to the use of graham crackers; gluten-free alternatives include walnuts, gluten-free graham crackers, or gluten-free walnut pie crust |
| Toppings | Sour cream, fruit, or strawberry sauce |
| Storage | Can be frozen for up to 3 months; store in the fridge for up to 5 days |
| Dairy-free alternatives | Use Violife vegan cream cheese and add 2 tablespoons of cornstarch or tapioca/arrowroot/potato starch |
| Egg alternatives | Use Just Egg brand plant-based eggs |
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What You'll Learn
Gluten-free crust alternatives
Cheesecakes are naturally gluten-free, except for their crusts, which are typically made from graham crackers. However, there are several gluten-free alternatives to a traditional graham cracker crust.
One option is to use gluten-free graham crackers as a substitute. There are several brands on the market, such as Schär Honeygrams and Paula's GF Graham Crackers, which can be crushed and combined with butter and brown sugar to create a crust.
Another alternative is to use gluten-free oats as the base for the crust. Rolled oats are a whole grain that provides fibre, B vitamins, and protein. When combined with honey and virgin coconut oil, this mixture creates a crunchy, crispy, and golden-brown crust with a hint of sweetness. To enhance the flavour further, cinnamon and brown sugar can be added to the mix.
For those who prefer a denser, cookie-like crust, a gluten-free flour blend can be used. King Arthur Flour Gluten-free Measure for Measure Flour and Bob's Red Mill Gluten-free 1-to-1 Baking Flour are recommended options that can be used as a 1:1 replacement for all-purpose flour. This type of crust suits almost any cheesecake recipe and can be flavoured to taste like a sugar cookie or a shortbread crust.
Additionally, there are other creative alternatives, such as using ground walnuts or gluten-free wafer cookies, to create a unique and tasty gluten-free cheesecake crust.
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Gluten-free cheesecake toppings
Cheesecake is a dessert that is usually naturally gluten-free, except for the crust. The most common cheesecake crust is made with graham crackers, which contain gluten. However, there are gluten-free graham crackers available on the market that can be used to make a gluten-free graham cracker crust. Alternatively, a gluten-free crust can be made using a mixture of walnuts, brown sugar, and butter.
When it comes to toppings for a gluten-free cheesecake, there are several options to choose from:
Fresh Berries
Fresh berries such as blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries make a great choice for a gluten-free cheesecake topping. They add a burst of freshness and colour to the cheesecake.
Whipped Cream
Whipped cream is a classic cheesecake topping that can be easily added to a gluten-free cheesecake. It adds a creamy texture and a touch of sweetness.
Chocolate Sauce
Drizzling chocolate sauce over the cheesecake is another delicious option. It not only enhances the taste but also makes the cheesecake look more appealing.
Sour Cream Topping
For a slightly tangy flavour, a sour cream topping can be made by mixing together sour cream, sugar, and vanilla until combined. This topping pairs well with the richness of the cheesecake.
Caramel Apple Topping
A caramel apple topping can be a great choice for a gluten-free cheesecake, especially during the autumn season. It adds a sweet and fruity flavour to the dessert.
When making or purchasing toppings for a gluten-free cheesecake, it is important to ensure that all ingredients used are indeed gluten-free. Additionally, some people may prefer to enjoy their gluten-free cheesecake without any toppings, savouring the plain cheesecake as it is.
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Gluten-free cheesecake baking tips
Cheesecake is not traditionally gluten-free. However, you can make a gluten-free cheesecake by using gluten-free ingredients. The filling ingredients of cheesecake are naturally gluten-free. The only ingredient that needs to be gluten-free is the crust. Here are some tips for baking a gluten-free cheesecake:
Use Gluten-Free Graham Crackers
You can make your own gluten-free graham crackers using a graham cracker mix or gluten-free cookies. You can also buy gluten-free graham crackers and use the crumbs in your favourite cheesecake crust recipe.
Use a Gluten-Free Crust
The most common cheesecake crust is made with graham crackers, which contain gluten. To make a gluten-free cheesecake, you can use a gluten-free graham cracker crust or a naturally gluten-free crust made with walnuts, brown sugar, and butter.
Avoid Overmixing
Be careful not to overmix the filling. Use low or medium speed as instructed in the recipe. This will help you to get a smooth filling and avoid incorporating too much air into the batter.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients
Bring your eggs and dairy products to room temperature before mixing. This will help you to get the smoothest possible filling and avoid harsh temperature changes while baking that can cause cracking.
Bake at the Right Temperature
Make sure your oven is completely heated before putting the cheesecake in. Bake the cheesecake on a rack one level below the centre of your oven to avoid cracking. The cheesecake is done when the edges are set and a 2- to 3-inch circle in the centre is still wobbly.
Allow to Cool Completely
Once the cheesecake is done, allow it to cool completely at room temperature before transferring it to the refrigerator. Drastic temperature changes during baking or cooling can cause cracking.
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Gluten-free store-bought cheesecakes
Cheesecake is a beloved dessert for many, but for those who are gluten intolerant or have celiac disease, it can be a challenge to find a safe option. While the filling of a cheesecake is typically gluten-free, the crust is often made with graham crackers, which contain gluten. However, there are several gluten-free graham cracker alternatives available in stores, and some cheesecakes can be made without a crust at all.
For those who don't want to make a gluten-free cheesecake from scratch, there are a few store-bought options available. One popular option is the gluten-free mini cheesecakes from Mama Knows Gluten Free. These cheesecakes are made with a gluten-free graham cracker crust and can be purchased online or at local retailers like Walmart. They can also be frozen for up to a month and defrosted overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for 5-10 minutes.
Another option for store-bought gluten-free cheesecake is to look for cheesecake cups or individual servings. These are often found in the freezer section of grocery stores and can be a convenient option for those who want a quick, gluten-free dessert. Some brands to look for include Schär, which offers a variety of gluten-free products, and Violife, which provides a dairy-free and gluten-free cheesecake option.
Additionally, some stores may offer gluten-free cheesecake as part of their bakery options. For example, the Cheesecake Factory has been known to offer gluten-free cheesecake, although it may not be available at all locations. It's always a good idea to call ahead and ask about their current gluten-free offerings.
When purchasing store-bought gluten-free cheesecakes, it's important to read the ingredient labels carefully. While the cheesecake filling is typically gluten-free, some manufacturers may add wheat flour or other gluten-containing ingredients. Look for certified gluten-free options or those that specifically mention "gluten-free" on their packaging.
Finally, for those who want a more personalized or homemade option, there are several gluten-free cheesecake recipes available online. These recipes often include tips on making a gluten-free graham cracker crust and suggest various toppings, such as berries, caramel sauce, or nuts, to create a delicious and safe dessert.
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Gluten-free dairy-free cheesecakes
Cheesecake is a popular dessert, but it often contains gluten and dairy, making it unsuitable for people with coeliac disease, lactose intolerance, or dairy allergies. However, it is possible to make delicious gluten-free and dairy-free cheesecakes with a few simple substitutions.
The filling ingredients of a traditional cheesecake are naturally gluten-free, so the key to making a gluten-free cheesecake lies in the crust. Instead of a regular graham cracker crust, you can create a gluten-free version by using gluten-free graham crackers, such as Schär Honeygrams, or gluten-free digestive biscuits. Simply crush the biscuits, mix with dairy-free butter and sugar, and press into the base of your tin. You can also experiment with other gluten-free crust options, such as ground walnuts or a gluten-free walnut pie crust.
For a dairy-free cheesecake, the choice of dairy-free cream cheese is crucial. Look for a product with a fat content of at least 23%, such as Violife Original dairy-free cream cheese. You will also need dairy-free double cream with a fat content of at least 31%. Brands like Flora Plant and Elmlea Plant offer suitable options. Additionally, you can use dairy-free butter sticks, such as Earth Balance or Country Crock, and dairy-free sour cream to complete your recipe.
When it comes to baking your gluten-free and dairy-free cheesecake, it is important to follow the recipe closely, as substitutions can affect the outcome. Bake your cheesecake until the "cheese" part looks dry and set, typically for around 15-20 minutes. Then, allow it to cool gradually to avoid temperature shocks. Leave it in the oven with the door slightly cracked for an hour, followed by cooling at room temperature before transferring it to the refrigerator overnight.
If you prefer a no-bake option, there are also recipes available for delicious, creamy dairy-free and gluten-free cheesecakes that don't require any baking. These can be made with dairy-free and gluten-free digestive biscuits for the base and dairy-free cream cheese and cream for the filling. You can even get creative with additional flavours like pumpkin, matcha, or raspberry.
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Frequently asked questions
The filling of a cheesecake is naturally gluten-free. However, the crust often contains gluten due to the use of graham crackers. Thus, a cheesecake may be gluten-free if a gluten-free alternative is used for the crust.
Gluten-free graham crackers can be used as a substitute for regular graham crackers in a cheesecake crust. Ground-up walnuts mixed with brown sugar and butter is another gluten-free alternative.
Yes, there are no-bake gluten-free cheesecake recipes available. These recipes often involve preparing a crust and a filling, and then assembling and chilling the cheesecake in the refrigerator.
Yes, there are some store-bought gluten-free cheesecake options available, although they may be limited. It is always good to check the ingredients to ensure that the product is truly gluten-free.
