Everyone deserves a sweet treat on occasion (without having to bake it themselves). These are the best gluten-free bakeries in Boston to satisfy your cravings for cookies, cupcakes, brownies, and anything else you desire.
Violette Gluten-Free Bakers
Violette Gluten-Free Bakers is a small, dedicated gluten-free bakery in Cambridge. They sell their gluten-free treats out of an enticing window, so be prepared to take your treats away (or eat them on the sidewalk). The entire menu is gluten-free, most items are completely organic, and there are many vegan and dairy-free options as well.
Follow them on Instagram to see when special items (like gluten-free bagels, gluten-free cinnamon rolls, or gluten-free donuts) are being baked, or just pop by the shop to try their mouthwatering baked goods.
If you have your heart set on something special, make sure you order online in advance, as the good stuff sells out quickly!
Jennifer Lee’s Gluten-Free Bakery
Located in the Boston Public Market, Jennifer Lee’s Gluten-Free Bakery is a haven for people with Celiac disease or allergies. Jennifer Lee’s is free from gluten, eggs, dairy, and nuts.
Visit this bakery for decadent desserts, like rich brownies and homemade cupcakes.
Modern Pastry
One of the most famous bakeries in Boston, Modern Pastry draws huge lines down Hanover Street in the North End. Celiacs don’t have to miss out, as this bakery has a great gluten-free menu, including gluten-free cannolis which are hand-filled in front of you after you order!
The gluten-free whoopie pies, cookies, muffins, and cannolis are all kept in a separate case from the regular baked goods.
Fiore’s Bakery
Fiore’s Bakery in Boston’s Jamaica Plains neighborhood is a traditional bakery with a twist—everything is vegetarian or vegan, and many items are gluten-free as well.
The gluten-free chocolate coconut macarons, flourless chocolate cake, and chocolate peanut butter boomerangs are all standouts.
Maca Boston
Visit Maca Boston in Somerville’s popular Bow Market to get your gluten-free macaron fix. These small batch, beautifully-designed treats are handmade, and come in a huge variety of flavors (like chocolate orange and taro).
These macarons are all naturally gluten-free, except for a few flavors (like cookies and cream) which are clearly marked. The non-gluten-free macarons only have gluten in the fillings, and those are made separately from the gluten-free macarons.
3 Little Figs
Looking for a gluten-free bakery in Somerville? The cozy cafe 3 Little Figs isn’t dedicated gluten-free, but they have lots of gluten-free options (and are safe in preparation, including using a separate toaster and dedicated work space for gluten-free options.)
Sandwiches can be made on Udi’s gluten-free bread for an extra $1, the Greek yogurt comes with gluten-free granola, there’s a huge gluten-free smoothie menu, and there are occasionally gluten-free baked goods available (like the gluten-free sweet potato cake).
Tatte Bakery & Cafe
Tatte’s airy cafes can be found in Boston, Cambridge, and Brookline, and they have a separate gluten-free menu. However, be advised that the gluten-free menu is advertised as “gluten-friendly” and comes with the following disclaimer: “At Tatte we use gluten in our bakeries and kitchen and therefore our menu is gluten-friendly. If you have a severe gluten, nut, or seed allergy, please join us for coffee as cross-contact in our bakeries and kitchens may occur.”
Flour Bakery
Flour Bakery has a number of locations across Boston, plus a good gluten free menu. However, this bakery isn’t dedicated gluten-free, and the potential for cross-contact is high (with the gluten-free baked goods being stored in the same case next to the ones containing gluten).
Sweet Bakery
In downtown Boston and craving something sweet? Sweet bakery stocks a variety of gluten-free cupcakes, cookies, and bars. The gluten-free baked goods at Sweet are brought in from Something Sweet Without Wheat, which is good and bad—good, because there isn’t any cross-contact, but bad, because the gluten-free treats often sell out without warning.
Twist Bakery
Although located a short distance outside of Boston (there are locations in Millis and Burlington), Twist Bakery is worth the drive. This dedicated gluten-free bakery is also completely peanut, tree nut, and soy-free, and there are many dairy-free options as well.
Despite the name, Twist Bakery is more full-service restaurant than bakery. In addition to the delicious baked goods (don’t miss the incredible pumpkin bread), this gluten-free bakery serves a full-brunch menu, coffees and other hot drinks, burgers bowls, soups, and other lunch items. Get a loaf of their bread to go – it’s one of the few gluten-free breads worth eating!
Something Sweet Without Wheat
Something Sweet Without Wheat is located a bit outside of Boston in Woborn, but they do ship (for an inexpensive fee). As the name implies, this certified gluten-free bakery is entirely gluten-free, and also has a focus on healthier ingredients, like swapping honey for refined sugar in their gluten-free breads.
In addition to sweets, Something Sweet Without Wheat offers gluten-free pizzas, breads, rolls, and other savory items.
Want to try and recreate some of these great gluten-free baked goods? I’ve got a round-up of the best gluten-free cookbooks here.
