At Grandpa’s Cakes, everything begins with the same principle: rich, traditional fruit cakes made properly, in small batches, using time-honoured recipes. Whether you are choosing a classic cake made with normal flour or one of our gluten-free options, the care, ingredients, and approach remain exactly the same. The only thing that changes is the flour.
This commitment allows us to offer cakes for every occasion throughout the year, with a particular focus on Easter at this time of year, when our traditional Simnel cakes take centre stage.
Our Gluten Free Cake Options
We make both standard and gluten-free fruit cakes, with our gluten-free range available in 6" and 8" round cakes. These are described as gluten free and made using gluten-free flour, while being produced in a shared kitchen where gluten is also handled. For this reason, we do not make claims that they are suitable for all medical dietary requirements, although many customers are comfortable with this and return to us year after year.
What matters most is that the eating experience remains true to Grandpa’s Cakes:
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Rich, dark fruit cakes
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Moist texture
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Deep flavour that improves with time
Our gluten-free cakes are not an afterthought or a compromise. They are the same fruit-forward recipes, simply adapted with gluten-free flour so that more people can enjoy them.
Easter Simnel Cakes – A Traditional Favourite
Easter is the most important season for us right now, and our Simnel cakes are made in the traditional way, with care and restraint rather than unnecessary embellishment.
We currently offer 6" and 8" Simnel cakes, including gluten-free versions, all featuring the 11 marzipan balls that symbolise the apostles (excluding Judas). This piece of Easter heritage is something we are proud to preserve, and it is often appreciated by customers looking for a cake that feels meaningful as well as delicious.
Our Simnel cakes are:
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Alcohol free
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Spiced naturally, with mixed spice as the star
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Balanced and aromatic rather than overly sweet
They are ideal for Easter gatherings, gifting, or as a centrepiece cake that reflects the season properly.
Cakes for Every Occasion
While Easter is our main focus at this time of year, Grandpa’s Cakes are chosen for many different occasions throughout the calendar. Customers regularly order our fruit cakes for:
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Easter celebrations
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Birthdays
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Thank-you gifts
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Family gatherings
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Seasonal milestones
The longevity and depth of flavour in a traditional fruit cake make it a versatile choice, especially when you want something that feels considered and special rather than fleeting.
A Note on Christmas Cakes
Although Christmas is not the focus right now, we also make 6" and 8" round gluten-free Christmas cakes during the festive season. These follow the same handmade approach and rich fruit base that defines all Grandpa’s Cakes, with brandy-infused fruit used in our standard Christmas range when the season arrives.
Common Questions About Gluten Free Cakes
Are gluten free cakes dry?
No. Our gluten-free cakes are just as moist as our standard cakes. The fruit content and slow baking process ensure richness and moisture, exactly as you would expect from Grandpa’s Cakes.
Are gluten free cakes still rich fruit cakes?
Yes. Nothing changes except the flour. The same generous mix of fruit, spice, and traditional methods are used.
Do gluten free cakes taste different?
Gluten-free flour can sometimes have a slightly different texture, and some people notice a faintly gritty note. However, in a rich fruit cake, this is minimal and often masked by the fruit and spice.
Are your gluten free cakes suitable for coeliac diets?
Our gluten-free cakes are made with gluten-free flour but in a shared kitchen where gluten is present. We are transparent about this so customers can make an informed decision.
Handmade, Honest, and Seasonal
Whether you are choosing a gluten-free cake, a traditional Simnel cake for Easter, or planning ahead for a future celebration, Grandpa’s Cakes are made with consistency, honesty, and respect for tradition. Easter is the perfect time to enjoy a fruit cake that feels rooted in heritage, carefully made, and genuinely satisfying from the first slice to the last.
If you would like help choosing the right cake for Easter or another occasion, we are always happy to advise.
