Baking a chocolate birthday cake is usually a fun project. We had the challenge last week, however, of finding a recipe or mix that was not only vegan but also gluten-free. A family member has recently been diagnosed with celiac disease.
Searching the supermarket shelves, we came across several that looked good. But, which one should you choose when you’re trying it for the first time? We’ve found that gluten-free products tend to be pricey, but we did not make our selection on that basis, but rather on which mixes contained no eggs or animal products, either in the mix or in the ingredients to add for making the cake.
We selected Cherrybrook Kitchen Gluten Free Dreams chocolate cake mix, which is also “peanut free,” “dairy free,” “egg free,” “nut free,” and “wheat free” according to the package description. It was a breeze to make – we just added vegetable oil (we used canola), water, and vanilla, and it was into the oven. After the cooling-off period, we dusted the cake with powdered sugar, then topped it with some fresh-picked strawberries. 
We give this product a five-star rating – out of five. It had a rich chocolate flavor and delicate crumb. Unlike many gluten-free baked products, which are heavy and dense, this cake had an airy texture – but with more substance than the typical airy cake-mix cakes. You could, of course, frost it, but it was actually delish just as is. Well, the tofu ice cream was good on it too!
Cherrybrook Kitchen products are available at most Stop & Shop and Shaw’s/Wild Harvest supermarkets in RI; Food for Thought in Wakefield; Back to Basics in East Greenwich; Whole Foods in Providence; and Pier One Imports in Cranston and Warwick. If you can’t find them in your local market, you might print out the Store Request Letter from their website, and give it to the store manager to ask to carry the product line. All their cake mixes are dairy and egg free.
The Birthday Girl pronounced it a winner, and the entire cake disappeared before we could say “time to open the presents.”
Comments
Portia - This cake looks amazing! I think you hit on something delicious and good for you!
This looks amazing and how easy too! Thanks, Portia! I think I will make that for my husband's stepmother. She is gluten-intolerant AND vegetarian. Being this one is vegan, it would be an added bonus for her!
I'm thankful that no one I know is gluten-intolerant, but your review of this product sounds like its a winner for anyone to try. Thank you, Portia....I do have some vegan friends and will share this with them.
My friend Mary had a situation with her son for many years - he was allergic to wheat and dairy. She found mixes that she liked - I forget the name but it wasn't the one you found. I've seen that in Whole Foods and also at the Mansfield Shop-Rite. I think it is called Denise's??? I know it is a name that starts with D. Glad that the Cherrybrook one came out good. Good to know just in case I need to make something gluten free. Mary's son is no longer allergic to either but he was for many years. As you know, I have to deal with food allergies with Trevor but at least it isn't wheat or dairy. Those are the hardest to bake without. Nuts are a bit easier. The cake looks so delicious. I wish I could have a slice!
I am definitely going to try this cake mix. I get delayed (1-3 days)reactions to egg whites and too much wheat so I will be able to enjoy this without a chance of gastro-intestinal effects.
Thanks!
Thank you Portia, for this article and review of this cake product! I wasn't aware there are a variety of packaged cake mixes for vegans and those that need gluten-free. Thanks to you, I will certainly pass this information on.
I'll sure pass this info on to my niece as she is also gluten-intolerant. The cake sure looks tasty.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!