Food allergy is not unusual in children. Kids who have been diagnosed with celiac disease cannot enjoy conventional cookies, muffins, pastries, pizza and even cakes. As such, it is imperative to check dietary restrictions of the guests when planning a party for your child.It would be a big mistake to serve an all gluten rich menu if your child's party is going to be attended by gluten-free kids......

Speaking of party menu, a birthday bash won't be complete without a cake.  If you intend to create the birthday cake, do not forget to check out some gluten free cake recipes, too.  Here's a gluten free chocolate cake that would make a delightful treat to people following a gluten-free diet.

 Ingredients: Serves: 12

•    250g plain chocolate, chopped
•    1 1/2 (400g) tins chickpeas, rinsed and drained
•    4 eggs
•    150g caster sugar
•    1/2 teaspoon gluten free baking powder
•    1 tablespoon icing sugar
________________________________________

Method:

Prep:15min  ›  Cook:40min  ›  Extra time:15min  ›  Ready in:1hr10min  

1.    Preheat the oven to 180 C / Gas mark 4. Grease a 23cm round cake tin, line with parchment and then grease again.

2.    Place the chocolate into a microwave-safe bowl. Cook in the microwave for about 2 minutes, stirring every 20 seconds after the first minute, until chocolate is melted and smooth. If you have a powerful microwave, reduce the power to 50 percent.

3.    Combine the beans and eggs in the bowl of a food processor. Process until smooth.

Add the sugar and the baking powder, and pulse to blend. Pour in the melted chocolate and blend until smooth, scraping down the corners to make sure chocolate is completely mixed.

Transfer the batter to the prepared cake tin.

4.    Bake for 40 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a knife inserted into the centre of the cake comes out clean.

Cool in the tin on a wire rack for 10 to 15 minutes before turning out onto a serving plate. Dust with icing sugar just before serving.

Editor's note:

Look for labelling on chocolate and baking powder to be sure ingredients are truly gluten free if serving to people with severe allergies.

Theme cakes are a staple in many kids parties, and some of the big favourites are teddy bear cake, barn cake, castle cake, and sports cake.
 
If you already have a specific idea on the kind of cake that will go with your chosen theme, you can still use the above recipe to make mini gluten free cakes.

This way you do not single out children who are not allowed to eat food made of flour, oats, or wheat.