8 Sweet Gluten-Free Gems In Colorado Loved By Locals

Colorado has become a surprising haven for people seeking delicious gluten-free treats. From dedicated bakeries in Denver to specialty shops in Colorado Springs, the state offers an impressive array of options for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. These local favorites prove that dietary restrictions don’t mean sacrificing flavor or texture – in fact, many customers can’t even tell the difference between these gluten-free delights and their traditional counterparts.

1. Rivers and Roads Coffee: Denver’s Cozy Gluten-Free Sanctuary

Tucked into a charming corner of Denver’s Five Points neighborhood, Rivers and Roads Coffee has become legendary among locals with dietary restrictions. The entirely gluten-free café radiates warmth from its reclaimed wood tables to the friendly baristas who remember regular customers by name.

Their cinnamon rolls deserve special mention – pillowy, swirled with spice, and topped with cream cheese frosting that melts perfectly into every bite. For those avoiding dairy too, their vegan chocolate chip cookies achieve the impossible: crisp edges with chewy centers that rival any traditional version.

Morning visitors should arrive early as pastries often sell out by noon. The café’s commitment to inclusive dining extends beyond gluten – they offer numerous dairy-free and vegan options without compromising on flavor, proving that dietary restrictions can still lead to culinary adventures.

2. The Cake Bar: Custom Gluten-Free Creations That Wow

“You’d never know it’s gluten-free!” That’s the phrase most commonly heard when customers bite into a creation from The Cake Bar in Denver’s Berkeley neighborhood. This boutique bakery specializes in custom cakes and cupcakes that defy expectations of what gluten-free baking can achieve.

Owner Samantha Wilson, whose daughter has celiac disease, perfected her recipes through years of trial and error. Her signature lemon-lavender cupcakes feature a delicate crumb and subtle floral notes that have earned a cult following. Birthday cakes decorated with intricate fondant designs and wedding tiers that stand tall without crumbling have made this spot a go-to for special occasions.

Pre-ordering is essential as everything is made fresh. The shop also offers seasonal specialties like pumpkin cheesecake bars in fall and strawberry shortcake in summer.

3. Crestone Bakery: Artisanal Gluten-Free Pastries Worth the Drive

Crestone Bakery started as a farmers market stand before its popularity demanded a permanent location in Boulder. French-trained pastry chef Michel Dubois never imagined he’d specialize in gluten-free baking until his wife was diagnosed with celiac disease. Now his European techniques elevate gluten-free pastry to an art form.

Flaky croissants that shatter into buttery layers seem to defy the laws of gluten-free physics. The bakery’s pretzels – chewy, dark-golden, and finished with flaky salt – rival any traditional Bavarian version. Seasonal fruit tarts showcase Colorado’s harvest on delicate, crisp shells that hold their structure beautifully.

Morning visitors might catch a glimpse of Michel himself, dusted with flour and arranging pastries with artistic precision. The bakery doesn’t take advance orders except for special occasions, so locals know to arrive early – especially on weekends when lines often stretch out the door.

4. Inventing Room Dessert Shop: Molecular Gastronomy Meets Gluten-Free

Science meets sweetness at this whimsical Denver dessert laboratory where Chef Ian Kleinman creates gluten-free treats that feel like magic. Liquid nitrogen clouds billow across the counter as made-to-order desserts transform before customers’ eyes. The entire kitchen maintains strict protocols for gluten-free preparation.

Exploding whipped cream truffles burst with flavor in your mouth while remaining completely gluten-free. The shop’s famous “dragon’s breath” – cereal puffs frozen in liquid nitrogen – create the illusion of breathing smoke and delight both children and adults. Even traditional favorites like cookies get innovative treatments, with warm chocolate chip cookies served alongside nitrogen-frozen vanilla ice cream.

The menu changes seasonally, showcasing Colorado ingredients in unexpected ways. Reservations are recommended for weekend visits as the small space fills quickly with locals eager to experience dessert as entertainment. For those with multiple dietary restrictions, staff can create custom treats with advance notice.

5. Mochi Thai’m Donuts and Boba: Chewy Gluten-Free Delights

A bright splash of color greets visitors to this Colorado Springs hotspot where naturally gluten-free mochi donuts have created a passionate following. The cheerful space, decorated with hanging plants and neon signs, buzzes with energy as customers photograph the photogenic treats before devouring them.

Made with rice flour instead of wheat, these donuts feature a distinctive connected-circle shape and delightfully chewy texture that’s completely different from traditional cake or yeast varieties. Flavors rotate weekly, from classics like strawberry and chocolate to adventurous combinations like ube-coconut and matcha-black sesame. The shop’s signature taro milk tea makes the perfect accompaniment.

Owner Lily Chen, inspired by similar shops in Hawaii and Japan, adapted recipes to Colorado’s altitude challenges. Weekend visitors should arrive before noon or risk finding empty display cases. For those with severe celiac disease, staff take extra precautions against cross-contamination, making this a trusted haven for the gluten-sensitive community.

6. Sweet Elizabeth’s Organics: Farm-to-Table Gluten-Free Comfort

Nestled in a converted Victorian home in Colorado Springs, Sweet Elizabeth’s feels more like visiting a friend’s cozy kitchen than a commercial bakery. The 100% gluten- and nut-free establishment sources organic ingredients from local farms whenever possible, creating treats that are both ethical and delicious.

Their signature cinnamon rolls emerge warm from the oven every morning, filling the space with an irresistible aroma that draws regulars from across town. Unlike many gluten-free versions, these maintain perfect moisture and tender texture even days after purchase. The brownie flight – featuring classic chocolate alongside seasonal variations like pumpkin swirl and mint – showcases the bakery’s creative spirit.

Owner Elizabeth Carter can often be found chatting with customers about her latest experiments. The shop’s back garden provides herbs and edible flowers that garnish many creations. During summer months, their lavender lemonade and house-made ice cream sandwiches create lines down the block.

7. Boonzaaijer’s Dutch Bakery: Old-World Recipes, Gluten-Free Twist

Three generations of baking expertise shine at this family-owned Colorado Springs institution. While not exclusively gluten-free, Boonzaaijer’s (pronounced: bone-zy-ers) dedicated gluten-free kitchen produces European pastries so authentic you’d think you were in Amsterdam.

Their gluten-free eclairs have achieved legendary status – light choux pastry filled with vanilla custard and topped with chocolate ganache that rivals any traditional version. The secret family recipe for Dutch speculaas cookies has been carefully adapted to work without gluten, maintaining the perfect blend of spices and snap. Glass cases display traditional windmill cookies alongside strudels and cream puffs that happen to be gluten-free.

Grandfather Boonzaaijer still oversees quality control, though his grandchildren now handle daily operations. Holiday seasons bring special treats like gluten-free stollen at Christmas and orange-spiced Easter bread in spring. Pre-orders are recommended for weekend visits, as locals have been known to clear the shelves by mid-afternoon.

8. Smallcakes Cupcakery and Creamery: Gluten-Free Treats That Fool Everyone

“Wait, this is gluten-free?” That’s the common reaction when unsuspecting friends bite into cupcakes from this cheerful Fort Collins bakery. While not exclusively gluten-free, Smallcakes has perfected recipes that stand toe-to-toe with their traditional offerings, stored separately to prevent cross-contamination.

The red velvet cupcake achieves that elusive balance – moist, tender crumb with rich cocoa undertones, topped with cream cheese frosting that’s tangy and sweet in perfect proportion. Their signature move is pairing cupcakes with house-made ice cream in complementary flavors. The gluten-free chocolate cupcake with coffee ice cream creates a mocha experience that’s greater than the sum of its parts.

Owner Jessica Martin developed the gluten-free line after her daughter’s celiac diagnosis. The bakery’s bright turquoise walls and friendly staff create a welcoming atmosphere where dietary restrictions never feel limiting. Custom orders require 48 hours’ notice, but daily offerings always include at least four gluten-free varieties.