Gluten-free Christmas cake loaf

As the festive season approaches, many of us are on the lookout for delicious treats that not only capture the essence of the holiday spirit but also cater to our dietary needs. This delicious, gluten-free Christmas cake is perfectly spiced and beautifully adorned. Even if you aren’t gluten-sensitive, you’ll love the moist texture and rich festive flavours of cinnamon, dark chocolate, nuts, and fruits that come together harmoniously in this recipe. 

Indulge in the festive spirit with this delicious Christmas cake loaf — rich in flavour and naturally gluten-free

Serves 6

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rice flour (130 grams)
• 1/2 cup chestnut flour (60 grams)
• 1 tsp baking powder (gluten-free) ( 5 grams)
• 1/2 tsp baking soda (2.5 grams)
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon (2.6 grams)
• 1 tsp vanilla essence 
• 1/4 cup melted ghee or coconut oil for the vegan option (use only 2 tbsp if adding yoghurt) 
• Optional: add 1/4 cup yoghurt (plant-based or regular) if reducing fat
  3/4 cup vegetable milk (almond, oat, or soy) (180 grams)
• 2 large eggs

• 2 apples (peeled, cored, and grated)
• 1/3 cup pecans (roughly chopped) (40 grams)
• 1/3 cup almonds (roughly chopped) (45 grams)
• 1/4 cup raisins or dry blueberries (40 grams)
• 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (check for vegan-friendly options) (43 grams)
• 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey (for vegans, use maple syrup or agave) (30 grams (1 tbsp = 15 grams)
• A pinch of salt

Method: 

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a loaf tin with parchment paper.
• If making the vegan version - prepare flax or chia eggs for the vegan version: Mix either 2 tbsp ground flaxseed or chia seeds with 6 tbsp water in a small bowl. Stir and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it thickens.
• Mix the dry ingredients in a large bowl, and whisk together the rice flour, chestnut flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
• Prepare the wet ingredients in a separate bowl and whisk the eggs (or flax/chia eggs for the vegan version). Then mix in the vegetable milk, vanilla essence, melted ghee or coconut oil (and yoghurt, if using). Add maple syrup or honey (use maple syrup or agave for vegan).
• Combine wet and dry ingredients, gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
• Gently fold in the grated apples, chopped pecans, almonds, raisins or dry blueberries, and dark chocolate chips. 
• Pour the batter into the prepared loaf tin and smooth the top. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Allow the loaf to cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
• Once the loaf has cooled, sprinkle the top with shredded coconut to resemble snow. Arrange fresh red currants (Ribes) on top for a beautiful, festive look.

The healthy bit

Rice and chestnut flours are a safe choice for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity and provide antioxidants and essential nutrients. Using naturally gluten-free flour means the cake retains more essential nutrients such as antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Their fibre content helps to promote digestive health and regulate blood sugar levels.  

Rice flour is a good source of Magnesium and B vitamins, especially thiamine and niacin, which are important for healthy metabolism, nervous system and energy production. Chestnut flour is grain-free therefore, it is a better option for people who experience inflammation caused by grains and contains ellagic acid, an inflammation-fighting compound. Being high in complex carbohydrates provides a slow-release energy source that can help stabilise blood sugar levels. The addition of cinnamon helps further to improve insulin sensitivity.

Pecans and almonds are anti-inflammatory, and rich in heart-healthy fats, fibre, and protein providing sustained energy. They are high in monounsaturated fats great for healthy cholesterol levels and are rich in antioxidants and nutrients like vitamin E and zinc, important for immune function, skin health, and magnesium for nerve and muscle function. 

Saturated fats like coconut oil or ghee are perfect for baking because they don’t oxidise at high temperatures, avoiding the formation of harmful free radicals. The cake’s natural sweetness comes from fruits like apples, raisins or dry blueberries, rich in antioxidants like polyphenols that promote a healthy gut microbiota supporting bacterial diversity.

Dark chocolate is a mood-boosting ingredient, packed with immune-boosting antioxidants contributing to making this cake not only a delight to eat but also a nourishing option for the festive season.

This article was published in Happiful Magazine (Issue 92). You can order print copies online, or read the e-magazine for free on the Happiful app. 

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