No one truly understands the pain of having an intolerance until they’ve had one themselves. Choosing between missing out on all the good stuff or putting yourself through digestive hell for just a taste of glorious, glorious cake is a pretty tough decision us gluten and dairy dodgers are faced with on the reg. And we all know that the latter is often the poor decision that we make. Next time you fancy a naughty treat, be sure to bookmark our guide to the best gluten-free bakeries and dessert shops in and around Manchester. It’s for your own good, trust us.
1. Nibble
An underrated gem found on Oldham Street, next to popular vintage shop Pop Boutique, Nibble not only serves up a pretty delicious brunch, but plenty of vegan and gluten-free cakes, too. Think gooey brownies and homemade cakes, all lathered in chocolate and all the good stuff. Gluten dodgers needn’t miss out here.
📍 Nibble, 36 Oldham St, M1 1JN.
2. Frurt Froyo
Frurt has a whole seven stores in Greater Manchester, including the city centre, Bolton and Warrington. All six froyo − or frozen yoghurt for those non-Americanised − flavours are gluten-free, including natural, chocolate and popcorn, and three additional flavours are also vegan− blueberry, vanilla and watermelon (sorbet). You can also get your hands on smoothies, waffles (non GF), bubble teas, coffees and so much more, just make sure you check the menu to see what’s suitable!
📍 Frurt, 41 Whitworth St W, M1 5BD − see more on Instagram | 63 Peter St, Manchester M2 5PB | 257 Bury New Rd, Prestwich, Manchester M25 9PB.
3. Off The Wheaten Track Deli
Off The Wheaten Track specialises in all things coeliac friendly, making it quite the playground for those on a gluten-free diet. We’re talking moreish pies, quiches and sausage rolls, alongside delicious gluten-free bakes such as meringue pies, Bakewell tarts, brownie bakes, and even classic Victoria sponge cakes. Basically, you can go pretty nuts here – because there’ll be no gluten-related consequences waiting in the bathroom once you get home.
📍 Off The Wheaten Track Deli, 8, 10 Oxford Rd, Altrincham, WA14 2DY.
4. Heavenly Desserts
What’s so special about Heavenly Desserts? They serve a completely separate menu dedicated to their vegan and gluten-free puds. There’s plenty to get stuck into, including a large selection of GF waffles, brownies, cakes, crumbles, sundaes and milkshakes, all lathered in the likes of Belgian chocolate, fresh fruit, gelato and yummy custard.
📍 Heavenly Desserts, 25 Wilmslow Road, Rusholme, M14 5TB.
5. Hey Little Cupcake
While Hey Little Cupcake‘s menu is predominantly for those blessed with tummies of steel (AKA, those who aren’t gluten or dairy intolerant), they do have ever-changing gluten and dairy-free specials for those who fancy a treat without consequences. Think yummy chocolate cakes topped with vanilla, chocolate sprinkles and more, all boasting as fluffy a texture as possible to help us feel like we’re not missing out.
📍 Hey Little Cupcake, 2 Hardman St, M3 3HF.
6. Kin Bakehouse
On a slightly fancier, but still utterly delicious, note, Kin Bakehouse in Urmston is a gorgeous brunch and coffee spot that wouldn’t look out of place on a Parisian boulevard. Alongside its incredible brunch menu, many of the cakes and bakes are (or can be) made gluten-free at one of the most beautiful south Manchester bakeries, just ask the friendly team for guidance. They also make celebration cakes to order, so if you have a special occasion coming up you can be sure you’ll get the most beautiful creation catered to you.
📍 Kin Bakehouse, 52 Gloucester Rd, Urmston, Manchester M41 9AE.
7. Dish and Spoon
A small, retro-style cafe found in West Didsbury, Dish and Spoon serves up a tasty bi-weekly changing menu of cakes – including those for the gluten-free crowd. Cakes are baked daily in-house and often look too pretty to eat – but you can be sure there’ll be something on the counter for both vegan and gluten-free diners. Stop by the hatch on Burton Road for your takeaway coffee and take your pick from their current selection of treats.
📍 Dish and Spoon, 230 Burton Rd, West Didsbury, M20 2LW.
8. Ice Shack
A vegan dessert parlour tucked away in Withington, Ice Shack is a fantastic spot to go if you fancy a pudding that actually won’t kickstart a bout of IBS. Claiming to be the North’s first all-vegan dessert parlour, Ice Shack not only focuses on dairy-free bakes, but a great selection of gluten-free puds, too, including chocolate orange cake, waffles, pancakes and even cheesecake, and proves gluten-free isn’t just for the bakeries in Manchester!
📍 Ice Shack, 414 Wilmslow Rd, Withington, Manchester M20 3BW.
9. The Eighth Day Cafe
A vegetarian health shop that prides itself on all things veggie, vegan, healthy and homemade, The Eighth Day‘s cafe offers plenty of guilt-free treats on its counter – including those of the gluten-free variety. Think gluten-free flapjacks packed with coconut and almond, fig and almond rocky road, polenta and blueberry cake and more.
📍 The Eighth Day Cafe, 111 Oxford Rd, M1 7DU.
10. Slattery
Slattery is pretty much the holy grail of sweet treats here in Manchester. And luckily for us, the master chocolatiers have a few sweet treats up their sleeves containing no gluten. From strawberries and marshmallows dunked in Belgian chocolate, to brownies, tarts and sundaes, there are plenty of delicious indulgent treats to try at Mason’s Dining Room.
📍 Slattery, 197 Bury New Rd, Whitefield, M45 6GE.