Cambridge is home to a thriving bakery scene, with independent patisseries and artisan bakeries offering delicate pastries, flaky croissants, and indulgent cakes. For those following a gluten-free diet, finding pastries that are both wheat-free and full of flavour can be a challenge. Fortunately, many bakeries in Cambridge cater to gluten-free customers, crafting flaky tarts, buttery shortbreads, and sponge cakes without using wheat flour.
A great gluten-free pastry shop doesn’t just offer a single alternative—it prioritises taste, texture, and authenticity, ensuring that gluten-free options rival their traditional counterparts. Many of these bakeries take extra precautions to prevent cross-contamination, making them a safe choice for coeliacs as well as those with mild gluten sensitivities.
From classic French patisserie to creative, modern bakes, these Cambridge pastry shops offer some of the finest gluten-free treats in the city. Whether you’re in the mood for a warm almond croissant, a slice of decadent cake, or a perfectly crisp tart, these top picks ensure that everyone can enjoy baked goods without compromise.
1. GAIL’s Bakery: Artisanal Breads and Elegant Gluten-Free Pastries
GAIL’s Bakery has earned a reputation for its handcrafted bakes and commitment to high-quality ingredients. While the bakery is known for its sourdough and viennoiserie, it also offers an impressive range of gluten-free pastries and sweet treats.
The gluten-free almond friand is a customer favourite, made with ground almonds, egg whites, and a touch of citrus to create a light, delicate sponge. Their flourless chocolate cake delivers deep cocoa richness with a smooth, velvety texture, making it a go-to for chocolate lovers. The bakery also offers gluten-free granola bars and seasonal tarts, ensuring that there are plenty of options beyond just one or two items.
Staff at GAIL’s are well-trained in allergen management, ensuring that gluten-free pastries are stored separately to minimise cross-contamination. While the bakery’s rustic, minimalist interior makes it an inviting place to sit with a coffee and a pastry, most customers opt for a takeaway box of freshly baked treats.
With its dedication to craftsmanship, warm atmosphere, and consistently excellent gluten-free options, GAIL’s Bakery is a must-visit for anyone in search of gluten-free pastries in Cambridge.
2. Cake Box Cambridge: 100% Egg-Free with Gluten-Free Delights
Cake Box Cambridge is best known for its egg-free cakes, but it also offers a delightful selection of gluten-free pastries and desserts. With a focus on moist sponge cakes, creamy fillings, and vibrant decorations, this bakery ensures that gluten-free customers have plenty of indulgent options.
Their gluten-free chocolate fudge cake is a standout, offering a rich, dense sponge layered with smooth chocolate ganache. For those who prefer fruitier options, the gluten-free mango and passionfruit cake provides a light, tropical flavour with a delicate, airy texture. Individual gluten-free cupcakes, available in a range of flavours from red velvet to vanilla buttercream, are perfect for a quick treat.
The bakery takes allergen concerns seriously, ensuring that gluten-free cakes are prepared separately from their standard bakes. While not a dedicated gluten-free bakery, they clearly label all gluten-free options and offer custom cakes made to dietary specifications.
With its bright, welcoming interior, excellent variety, and commitment to inclusive baking, Cake Box Cambridge is a top choice for gluten-free cake lovers who appreciate a touch of indulgence.
3. Flour Arrangements: Creative Bakes with Gluten-Free Adaptations
Flour Arrangements is a boutique bakery that prides itself on innovation and inclusivity, offering a variety of gluten-free pastries and cakes. Everything is made from scratch in small batches, ensuring that each bake is fresh, flavourful, and carefully crafted.
Their gluten-free lemon polenta cake is a customer favourite, boasting a zesty citrus flavour with a moist, crumbly texture. The hazelnut meringue roulade, filled with whipped cream and fresh berries, provides a light yet indulgent alternative for those avoiding gluten. For those looking for something richer, their flourless espresso brownies pack a bold coffee flavour with a fudgy centre.
The bakery is dedicated to using high-quality, organic ingredients, ensuring that every gluten-free bake maintains great taste and texture. Staff members are knowledgeable about dietary restrictions, taking care to prepare gluten-free options separately.
Flour Arrangements’ cosy, artisan vibe makes it a great spot for a relaxed afternoon treat, with a selection of loose-leaf teas and artisan coffees to accompany their pastries. Whether you’re looking for a slice of cake, a bite-sized treat, or a special order for an event, this bakery delivers some of the best gluten-free pastries in Cambridge.
4. The Cambridge Oven: Traditional Baking Meets Gluten-Free Innovation
The Cambridge Oven combines classic European baking techniques with a modern, inclusive menu, ensuring that gluten-free customers have access to exceptional pastries. This independent bakery takes a dedicated approach to gluten-free baking, offering a rotating selection of sweet and savoury wheat-free treats.
The gluten-free almond croissant, made with butter-rich pastry and a sweet almond filling, is a highlight for those who miss traditional viennoiserie. Their flourless orange and almond cake, infused with citrus zest, provides a moist and fragrant dessert option. Seasonal gluten-free tarts, including raspberry frangipane and chocolate ganache varieties, are also available on request.
Staff at The Cambridge Oven take allergen handling seriously, storing gluten-free pastries separately from wheat-based bakes and offering detailed guidance to customers with dietary restrictions. Their commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients and expert baking techniques ensures that gluten-free options are just as satisfying as their traditional counterparts.
The bakery’s cosy seating area, inviting atmosphere, and excellent coffee selection make it an ideal place to enjoy a gluten-free pastry with a hot drink. Whether you’re looking for breakfast on the go, an afternoon treat, or a custom cake for a special occasion, The Cambridge Oven delivers some of the finest gluten-free pastries in the city.
5. Norfolk St. Bakery: Portuguese Pastries with Gluten-Free Twists
Norfolk St. Bakery is a charming, family-run bakery known for its Portuguese-inspired bakes and handcrafted pastries. While traditional Portuguese desserts often contain wheat, this bakery goes the extra mile to offer gluten-free alternatives that maintain the rich, buttery flavours of their classic recipes.
One of the standout gluten-free options is their pastel de nata, made with a flaky, gluten-free pastry base and a smooth, cinnamon-infused custard filling. These delicate tarts are baked fresh daily, ensuring a crispy exterior and a creamy centre. Another must-try is the gluten-free almond cake, a dense yet moist bake that highlights the natural sweetness of ground almonds and citrus zest.
Norfolk St. Bakery takes allergen safety seriously, ensuring that gluten-free pastries are prepared separately from wheat-based bakes. The staff are well-informed about dietary restrictions, always happy to guide customers towards safe choices. The bakery also offers gluten-free sourdough loaves and seeded breads, making it a great stop for those looking for more than just sweet treats.
With its warm, inviting atmosphere and commitment to authentic, handcrafted baking, Norfolk St. Bakery is a top destination for gluten-free pastry lovers in Cambridge. Whether you’re stopping by for a coffee and a pastel de nata or picking up a freshly baked gluten-free loaf, this bakery guarantees a delicious, wheat-free experience.
6. Maison Clement Bakery and Patisserie: French Elegance with Gluten-Free Options
Maison Clement brings a taste of France to Cambridge, offering classic patisserie, viennoiserie, and artisan breads. While traditional French baking often relies on wheat flour, this bakery ensures that gluten-free customers can still enjoy the delicate textures and rich flavours of authentic French desserts.
Their gluten-free pistachio financier is a customer favourite, combining buttery almond flour with a hint of nutty pistachio and a crisp outer layer. The flourless chocolate torte, made with high-quality dark chocolate and a touch of sea salt, is an indulgent yet balanced treat. Seasonal gluten-free fruit tarts, made with a crumbly almond crust and fresh fruit compote, are also available throughout the year.
Maison Clement’s approach to gluten-free baking is precise and carefully managed, ensuring that wheat-free pastries are prepared separately and served with clear allergen labelling. The staff are well-trained in dietary restrictions, taking extra care to avoid cross-contamination.
The bakery’s rustic yet elegant setting, complete with vintage décor and cosy seating, makes it an ideal place to enjoy a slow morning with a coffee and pastry. Whether you’re craving a gluten-free take on a French classic or looking for a refined dessert, Maison Clement is a top-tier choice for gluten-free patisserie in Cambridge.
7. Kang Chiao Bakery: East Asian Pastries with Gluten-Free Adaptations
Kang Chiao Bakery offers a unique fusion of Chinese, Taiwanese, and Japanese baking traditions, introducing Cambridge to East Asian-inspired pastries and desserts. Many Asian baked goods already rely on rice flour and alternative grains, making this bakery an excellent choice for gluten-free customers.
The gluten-free matcha chiffon cake is a must-try, featuring a light, airy texture and a deep, earthy green tea flavour. Their black sesame mochi cake, made with glutinous rice flour, sesame paste, and a hint of vanilla, provides a chewy, satisfying bite with a naturally wheat-free base. The bakery also offers gluten-free sweet red bean buns, made using rice flour for a soft, fluffy texture.
Kang Chiao Bakery ensures that gluten-free items are prepared with strict allergen controls, and their team is happy to advise customers on safe choices. They also stock gluten-free bubble tea options, making it a great stop for a sweet drink alongside a pastry.
The bakery’s modern, minimalist interior and welcoming atmosphere make it a fantastic place to explore gluten-free East Asian treats. With its unique offerings and commitment to wheat-free baking, Kang Chiao Bakery stands out as a one-of-a-kind gluten-free pastry destination in Cambridge.
8. Café Au Chocolat: Gluten-Free Chocolate Pastries and Desserts
Café Au Chocolat is a chocolate lover’s dream, offering a selection of pastries, cakes, and hot chocolates, many of which are available in gluten-free versions. This independent café focuses on high-quality cocoa, rich ganaches, and indulgent textures, ensuring that gluten-free diners don’t have to miss out on decadent desserts.
The gluten-free chocolate fondant cake is a must-try, with a molten centre that oozes rich, velvety ganache. Their flourless chocolate and hazelnut torte, made with ground nuts for depth of flavour and a soft, chewy texture, is another excellent choice. Customers also rave about their gluten-free chocolate eclairs, featuring a light choux pastry shell filled with smooth, whipped chocolate cream.
Café Au Chocolat takes allergen safety seriously, ensuring that gluten-free pastries are prepared in separate areas and clearly labelled. Their hot chocolate menu includes dairy-free and gluten-free options, making it a great place for an indulgent, allergy-friendly treat.
With its cosy, European-style café setting, rich selection of chocolate-based desserts, and friendly service, Café Au Chocolat is a fantastic spot for anyone craving gluten-free sweet treats in Cambridge. Whether you’re after a chocolatey indulgence or a carefully crafted gluten-free pastry, this café ensures that every bite is pure delight.
Discovering the Best Gluten-Free Pastries in Cambridge
Cambridge’s baking scene offers an incredible variety of gluten-free pastries, ensuring that those with coeliac disease, gluten intolerance, or dietary preferences don’t have to miss out on the joy of a perfectly baked treat. From traditional European patisseries to innovative East Asian bakeries, the city provides a wealth of gluten-free-friendly options for every taste.
For those seeking classic French patisserie, Maison Clement Bakery and The Cambridge Oven stand out for their flawless execution of gluten-free tarts, cakes, and pastries. Those craving something rich and chocolatey will find Café Au Chocolat’s flourless tortes and ganache-filled éclairs irresistible.
If you’re looking for Portuguese specialities, Norfolk St. Bakery’s pastel de nata is a must-try, while Kang Chiao Bakery delivers East Asian gluten-free treats that are rarely found elsewhere in Cambridge. For a more contemporary, artisan approach, Flour Arrangements and GAIL’s Bakery offer carefully crafted gluten-free bakes made from premium ingredients.
With so many outstanding bakeries catering to gluten-free diners, finding a delicious, wheat-free pastry in Cambridge has never been easier. Whether you’re in search of a morning croissant, an afternoon treat, or a special dessert, these top gluten-free pastry shops ensure that no one has to miss out on the simple pleasure of a perfectly baked bite.
