Gluten is a protein composite found in foods made with processed wheat, barley or rye. It’s what gives bread dough its elasticity and helps it rise, and given the popularity of breads and cakes containing wheat, people with gluten intolerance can find it difficult to find cakes that they can eat.

The good news is that not all cakes are made with wheat flour, and there are an increasing number of gluten-free products available in your local cake shop. Some are made with gluten-free flour, such as banana muffins; others are made with almond meal as a replacement for flour, such as almond chocolate cakes. And there are also flourless cakes, such as flourless orange cakes or chocolate cakes that are perfect gluten-free products.

Other popular gluten free cakes available at your local cake shop include carrot cake and zucchini cake, and cheesecakes can be made with gluten-free crusts as well. Mousse cakes can be made gluten-free. And millet is also an alternative to wheat flour, although it does tend to have a cornbread taste. Shortbread can be made with rice flour, and gluten-free shortcrust pastry can make a good base for anything, from lemon meringue pie to hot apple pie.