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Satisfying a sweet tooth—or any carb craving, for that matter—is tricky if you’re a celiac or gluten-intolerant. But thanks to a plenitude of bakeries in Denver and beyond, the gluten-averse now have more places to indulge than ever before. We compiled a comprehensive list of our 10 favorite stops for gf pastries, breads, and snacks. The list is laid out in two helpful categories: dedicated (places that only produce gluten-free goods) and non-dedicated (spots that bake with wheat but also have a solid selection of gluten-free options).
DEDICATED
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This shop is more grocery store than bakery, and it offers a wide range of gluten- and soy-free products to take home. Pick up a bag of everything bagels and a dozen dinner rolls to enjoy later in the week, and be sure to snag one of the crazy good cinnamon rolls to savor that morning. You can also try Deby’s bread products at restaurants all over the Mile High City, including the Melting Pot and Fat Sully’s New York Pizza.
Tuesday–Saturday 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; 2369 Trenton Way, 303-283-4060
The Gluten Escape’s pumpkin muffin
Whether you’re picking up a dozen gluten-free red velvet cupcakes for a birthday party or dropping in for a cup of coffee and an addictive pumpkin muffin, this Centennial storefront can meet all your grain-free, nut-free, and dairy-free needs. In addition to sweet treats, the Gluten Escape also serves sandwiches and salads to go.
Tuesday–Friday 7 a.m.–6 p.m., Saturday 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.; 7255 S. Havana St., Centennial, 303-694-9999
The ginger-molasses cupcake at Kim & Jake’s —Photo by Lucy Beaugard
Boulderites on the hunt for gluten-free goodies need look no further than this husband-and-wife-owned bakery. You can’t go wrong with staples like the seeded buns, everyday treats like chocolate and sea salt cookies, or one of the lovely customizable cakes for a special occasion. If available, try one of the Vindalicious cupcakes: ginger-vindaloo spiced cake and Thai curry icing flecked with black sesame seeds.
Tuesday–Saturday 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.–3 p.m.; 641 S. Broadway, Boulder, 303-499-9126
Tucked into an Arvada strip mall, this gluten-free company’s retail location is the definition of unassuming. But inside, you’ll find a haven of completely gluten-free goods, from cake-y muffin bars (try the vanilla variety) and croissants to packets of bread crumbs. Don’t leave without a loaf of the gluten-free French bread—the tender, well-aerated crumb and sturdy crust give regular bread a run for its money. Bonus: Save some dough (and a trip across town) and order value packs of these baked goods online; Gluten Free Things which will ship them directly to your house.
Monday–Friday 7 a.m.–7 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m.–noon; 11651 64th Ave., Unit A-6, Arvada, 303-668-1663
NON-DEDICATED
Beet Box’s almond-vanilla doughnut
Although this Five Points bakery is primarily focused on crafting vegan breads and pastries, it also boasts a few solid options for grain-free eaters. From almond-vanilla doughnuts to a chickpea melt on gluten-free bread, you’re sure to find the ideal sweet or savory snack at this eatery. For the perfect afternoon pick-me-up, try Beet Box’s lavender latte with one of the wheat-free rosemary-apricot scones.
Monday–Tuesday 7 a.m.–5 p.m., Wednesday–Friday 7 a.m.–7 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m.–7 p.m., Sunday 8 a.m.–5 p.m.; 1030 E. 22nd Ave., 303-861-0017
Most Denverites already know they can find a killer lunch and a wide variety of specialty pantry items at this Uptown eatery-bakery-market. But Mary Nguyen’s bakery case also offers an array of delectable gluten-free desserts and snacks. Treat yourself to an almond-mocha bar that is as gorgeous as it is delicious, or take home a peanut butter cookie or extra-large slice of chocolate-chip zucchini bread.
Daily 7 a.m.-9 p.m.; 1551 E. 17th Ave., 303-832-8663
A gluten-free lemon cupcake from Rheinlander Bakery
Discover the world of gluten-free European-style pastries at Olde Town Arvada’s Rheinlander Bakery. The cases at this sugar emporium stock gluten-free cupcakes (like the sunny lemon variety, pictured), truffles, éclairs, and much more. For a real treat, try one of the gluten-free tortes. Bonus: This bakery also boasts a vast selection of goods made sans gluten, dairy, and sugar. Take that, dietary restrictions.
Monday 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Tuesday 9 a.m.–6 p.m., Wednesday–Saturday 8 a.m.–6 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; 5721 Olde Wadsworth Blvd., Arvada, 303-467-1810
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After opening last fall, this coffee shop and bar has been dishing up a respectable collection of house-made gluten-free treats. These show up alongside the creative brunch and dinner entrées and late-night snacks. Try an iced lemon-poppy seed or brown-butter almond pound cake with your morning cortado and take home a few macarons.
Daily 6 a.m.–2 a.m.; 800 Sherman St., 303-955-1205
This Capitol Hill establishment bakes vegan breads and desserts, some of which are grain-free, for its vegetarian neighbor City, O’ City and Uptown’s WaterCourse Foods. Grab a coffee and a gluten-free apple-cinnamon muffin to go at the City, O’ City coffee shop. Later, head to WaterCourse for a vegan Cubano on wheat-free bread.
Monday–Sunday 7 a.m.–4 p.m.; 214 E. 13th Ave, 303-318-9843
This RiNo eatery isn’t brimming with gluten-free dessert options like some of the other bakeshops on this list, but the cashew brownie merits a visit all its own. Whether you try it as a post-brunch treat or alongside a chai in the afternoon, this dense chocolate snack (which is made with cashew meal leftover from the house-made cashew milk) is a winner.
Monday 7 a.m.–3 p.m., Wednesday–Friday 7 a.m.–3 p.m., Saturday–Sunday 8 a.m.–3 p.m., 2528 Walnut St., 720-609-2835
