Get Gluten-Free Holiday Cupcakes Delivered To Your Party

By Jennifer A. Freeman in Food on Dec 13, 2013 4:30PM

Photo credit: Jennifer A. Freeman/Chicagoist.

Maybe you have no clue what to serve to a gluten-free guest, or you’ve just run out of time to bake some Christmas goodies of your own. A couple of local bakeries are offering gluten-free cupcakes, so everyone will get to share in the holiday cheer.

more cupcakes

This downtown bakery has recently added gluten-free cupcakes to its display case. Owner Patty Rothman said that she initially held off on producing gluten-free cupcakes because she was worried about cross contamination issues. Now with the four flavors she’s now offering, she is thrilled with the way they turned out.

“I’m not going to put anything up for sale until I’m 100 percent happy with the gluten-free and normal cupcakes side-by-side. My workers tasted them and can’t even tell the difference,” Rothman said.

We got a sample of four of the gluten-free flavors, and we have to agree. If you’re a chocoholic, more cupcakes has you covered with red velvet, chocolate-chocolate, chocolate coconut and the signature “more” cream-filled cupcake.

Rothman put so much time into perfecting her recipe that we promise you won’t know you’re eating gluten-free. If you’re a more vanilla kind of person, you’ll have to wait until she’s satisfied with that recipe. For people with other allergies, the more facility is 100 percent peanut free.

For holiday orders, Rothman said the Chocolate Peppermint and White Chocolate Peppermint cupcakes could also be made gluten free. More Cupcakes will be accepting orders up until Dec. 23. Delivery fees are on the steep side, varying by Chicago location, but saving Christmas dessert is worth paying a premium.

Each more cupcake sells for $4.25.

more cupcakes is located at 1 E. Delaware Pl., (312)951-0009

Swirlz Cupcakes

This Lincoln Park cupcake bakery has been in the gluten-free game longer and their flavors are more varied. Every day you can pick from options like white chocolate cranberry pistachio, chocolate mint and spices pear, alongside traditional favorites like chocolate peanut butter and chocolate vanilla.

Swirlz is not peanut free, but they offer vegan flavors daily in addition to gluten-free and regular cupcakes.

If you’re looking for a festive option, Swirlz decorations take the holiday spirit to the next level with red and green icing, silver bells and ribbons. If you’re wanting a special flavor combination or decoration, order the sooner the better, but Swirlz promises holiday flavors in store through Dec. 24. However, we’ve been disappointed on a few Saturday afternoons by an empty display case. When they’re gone, they’re gone, so you’ll want to order ahead. For local delivery, call ahead.

Swirlz is a slightly more expensive option: holiday gift boxes sell for $6/single, $21/half dozen and $42/dozen.

Swirlz Cupcakes is located at 705 W. Belden Ave., (773)404-2253