Craveworthy Baking: Delicious Dairy-Free and Gluten-Free Cakes, Cookies, Breads, and More

by Danielle Cochran

Genres: Cookbooks, Nonfiction

176 pages, Paperback

Published October 1, 2024

Reviews

[Punk · Rating 2 out of 5]

An attractive book with color photos for every recipe and helpful headnotes, but I can't recommend it because there are just too many things that can go wrong here. Recipes rely on unspecified GF flour mixes, which are fast and convenient, but every flour mix works differently, and they're not always interchangeable. The book also calls for a variety of dairy-free products like vegan butter, milk, buttermilk, sour cream, heavy cream, and sweetened condensed milk. These products also have different ingredients and consistencies and, thus, results. And that's too many variables when it comes to baking.

More than anything this reads like a baker's personal recipe box that's been sanitized to remove any brand loyalties. Cochran doesn't even recommend any flour mixes (commercial or DIY) in the introduction. She says this is because all brands aren't available in all markets, which any thinking person understands, but it also doesn't give us a chance to duplicate those flour mixes at home. The internet is filled with copycat recipes for popular commercial mixes. Those of us with restricted diets are used to making shit work. But this was nothing but a waste of my time.

If you're a baker with a lot of experience with substitutions, you could probably make these recipes work on vibes alone, though I'm not sure why you'd want to (I certainly didn't). If you're new to GF/DF baking, the author doesn't provide the tools to understand what, exactly, you're looking for, vibes-wise, so this probably isn't the best place to start.

[Elizabeth Salden · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful baking cookbook framed specific dietary needs/preferences. Mainly dairy & gluten free, tho there are several recipes that do not include eggs that could be classified as vegan. Treats such as those featured in this book can be difficult for those with these needs/preferences to find and enjoy. The photos of the products of the recipes featured In this book show light, fluffy, airy cakes and breads; very encouraging considering how dense many dairy/gluten free products can turn out. There are many helpful substitutions and conversions in the opening chapter, including recommendations for subbing out eggs (except egg whites), allowing most of the recipes to be made fully vegan if desired. I look forward to incorporating many of these recipes into my family's daily life and special occasions.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the arc of Craveworthy Baking. Being dairy free and recently going gluten-free has made baking very hard. This book has a lot of recipes that I want to try.
Great descriptions of items to use to make these recipes free of what you specifically need. I really appreciated the options for each recipe and the care it took from the Author to research so that all of these option could be given.

I can’t wait to start baking.

[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fab guide for gluten-free and dairy-free baking! That cover grabbed me and the delicious recipes for cookies, cakes, bread, cupcakes, and bars kept my mouth watering. Perfect for bakers at all levels.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Craveworthy Baking by Danielle Cochran is jam-packed with wondrous recipes to satisfy any gluten-free and lactose-free craving, sweet or savoury. Often cookbooks contain a handful of favourites but this is different. Nearly all of them excite me!

I was diagnosed with celiac and lactose intolerance fifteen years ago (no longer lactose intolerant) and am an experienced and passionate baker. New gluten-free books on the market always grab my attention. Some are ho hum, others good. But this one fills a creativity, originality and innovation void. Whilst many recipes are classics, others are new and bold. Just what my baking soul needs. To be clear, though this book contains tips, ingredients and emergency substitutes, gluten-free and lactose-free information is not comprehensive. But if recipes are what you crave, this is for you. The photographs are mouthwatering and inspiring.

The Basque Cheesecake with Strawberry Sauce is incredibly good. Basque Cheesecake has been a regular in our household for several years. Recipes on my list to make include Chocolate Caramel Revel Bars, Banana Bread Cookies, Strawberry Shortcake Blondie Bars, Orange Creamsicle Cupcakes, Cream Puffs with Butterscotch Pastry Cream, Éclairs, (I haven't made cream puffs or eclairs for a few years...hello, butterscotch pastry cream), Soft Baked Pretzels and Cheese and Scallion Scones. If those don't sound sublime nothing will.

My sincere thank you to Quarto Publishing Group - Fair Winds and NetGalley for providing me with an early digital copy of this delectable book.

[Emmalita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Danielle Cochran’s Craveworthy Baking is a unicorn, magical and rare. Finding good, easy recipes that are gluten free or dairy free is harder than you think, and finding both, *throws hands up in despair.* I have not only preordered this book, I have ordered a copy for a friend.

Now I will confess that I’ve taken my attempts at some of the recipes a step further, I made some of them sugar free too. On Sundays I bake for family dinner, and family includes 3 people who need to minimize dairy, two gluten free eaters, and two people who can no longer eat sugar. I have been adapting my cooking to people’s diets for my entire adult life. The combination of dairy free, gluten free and occasionally sugar free has been a challenge.

I started with snickerdoodles, everyone’s favorite cookie. I made one batch exactly as stated in the recipe, and one that was also sugar free (I use a monk fruit erythritol blend that gives baked goods a slightly cooling mouthfeel). Both were delicious. The sugar free cookies were puffier and cakier, but flavor wise equally good.

I made a peach pie using the pie crust recipe and was pleased with the flake. The sparkling water I used was Topo Chico. I meant to taste just the crust to see if the mineral flavor of the Topo Chico transferred, but I was distracted and then there was none left. The strawberry shortcake blondie bars were also a big hit. I appreciated the note that the bars would look underdone, but would firm up. They did look underdone and they were perfect by the time we finished dinner.

At this point, there are still a bunch of recipes I want to try but I’m also convinced that I want this cookbook. I’ll try the cinnamon roll recipe and the flan recipe once I get my hands on the physical book. It’s out on October 1.

I received this as an advance reader copy from Fair Winds Press and NetGalley. My opinions are my own, freely and honestly given.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Craveworthy Baking includes dairy-free and gluten-free cakes, cookies, breads and more. I personally have found it challenging to find good recipes that work as intended, but this cookbook has so many mouthwatering bakes. The author does a great job of introducing the concept of the cookbook, including baking substitutions, tips and tricks for success, measurements, and kitchen essentials. The recipes are the stars of this cookbook, however. They are divided thoughtfully into sections and I have listed some of the standouts below.

Cookies and Bars: Cherry Hazelnut Biscotti; Classic Apple Oatmeal Cookies; Strawberry Shortcake Blondie Bars

Cakes and Cupcakes: Hummingbird Cake; Chocolate Coconut Tres Leches Cake

Cheesecakes, Puddings, and Custards: Bananas Foster Cheesecake; Flan; Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars

Pies, Tarts, and Pastries: Eclairs; Dutch Apple Pie

Sweet Breads, Muffins, and Rolls: Apple Sticky Buns; Monkey Bread; Baked Fruit Donuts

Savory Breads: Pizza Dough; Bagels; Pepperoni Rolls

Overall, there is enough here for any skill level of baker. I really enjoyed Craveworthy Baking and I expect I will be using it a lot in the future.

Disclaimer: I was given an Advanced Reader's Copy of this cookbook by NetGalley and the publisher. The decision to review this cookbook was entirely my own.

[Bzz Kolla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Fair Winds for this eCopy to review

I recently tried out Craveworthy Baking by Danielle Cochran, and it has quickly become one of my go-to baking books! The recipes are incredibly diverse, ranging from classic favourites to innovative new treats that I hadn’t thought to try before. Each recipe is clearly written and easy to follow, which is perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.

One of the highlights for me was the beautiful photography. Each dish is presented so enticingly that I couldn’t wait to get into the kitchen and start baking. The tips and tricks sprinkled throughout the book are also very helpful, providing insights that have improved my baking skills.

The only reason I’m giving it 4 stars instead of 5 is that a few of the recipes required ingredients that were a bit hard to find in my local stores. However, the end results were always worth the effort, and the substitutions suggested by the author worked well.

Overall, Craveworthy Baking is a fantastic addition to any baker’s collection. It’s filled with delicious recipes that are sure to impress family and friends. Highly recommend!

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

For anyone who has a special dietary need but still wants delicious baked items, this is a great book.

What I particularly loved was all the information in chapter 1. There you can see different conversions, which is nice to have in the book because searching online can yield different results. To have this in the book, the uniformity can ensure better recipes. This is really nice for ingredients like bananas, because we all know each banana has a different weight.

The emergency baking substitutions is also nice.

We made the Classic Apple Oatmeal cookies as the first recipe and I have to report they didn't last very long- every one of them were eaten within a day.

All the recipes have volume and weight measures, so it should be easy to measure each recipe when making.

This book contains nearly all the classic desserts, but with the gluten and dairy free options. No one will feel left out of this delicious cookbook.

[Alicia Bayer · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are beautiful pictures of every recipe in this book and that’s its biggest appeal. The recipes are adapted for gluten free and dairy free cooking by substituting oat milk, pea protein milk, dairy free margarine, gluten free baking flour and gluten free bread flour in traditional baking recipes. I prefer books that give recipes for the flour blends since that affects the results so much and is substantially cheaper and healthier. I also don’t cook with those milk substitutes or margarine and prefer more whole food ingredients. There is no nutritional information for the recipes. I would have liked a few healthier recipes too. These definitely should be just occasional treats. I’m sure they are very crave worthy, just not a great fit for my needs.

I read a temporary digital copy of this book for review.

[Sherry · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really don't understand why this has such high ratings. It's completely useless. Every recipe calls for "1:1 gluten-free flour". There is no suggestion of which flours to use or the flavor profiles of each, no explanation for how to blend flours yourself, no thought put into which recipes might benefit from which flour(s). And then she has the absolute nerve to say "Use the flour I suggest or you might get different results."

And her suggestion for how to convert her recipes to gluten ones? "It's easy! Just replace each cup of gluten-free flour with a cup of regular flour!" Excuse me? So, this is just a regular gluten-full cookbook with a find/replace run on it to convert "flour" to "gluten-free flour".

Ridiculous.

(Gave two stars instead of one only because I found the "substitutes" section useful.)

[Jennifer T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are on a gluten free and/or dairy free diet yet crave baked goods then look no further then this cookbook. It is full of recipes for amazing baked goods. I loved that every recipe includes a beautiful drool-worthy photo and the recipes seem very clear and straightforward. I liked the baking tips and equipment guide at the very beginning. I personally don’t have to have a gluten free diet but I know some people who do and this would make a great gift if a great addition to any home cook’s cookbook shelf.

As I write this review I see the price for the kindle version is only $4.99, it is a steal at that price.

**Thanks to the author and publisher for the e-arc I received via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.**

[booksoddsends · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uncomplicated gluten-free and dairy-free baking! I just finished binge-watching 4 seasons of The Great British Bake Off so getting this cookbook came at the perfect time, as an avid baker I'm happy to report that the recipes include gram measurements, as well as regular cup ones!! It's hit and miss with some cookbooks and how they measure ingredients, but if you bake a lot, you know how important it is to weigh ingredients. This book gives you simple recipes that don't compromise on flavour while remaining delicious and easy to execute, I can feel the Paul Hollywood handshake coming my way!

Thank you NetGalley and Danielle Cochran for providing the ARC!

[Ell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been looking for gluten-free desert recipes for the holidays. This cookbook is exactly what I was searching for! I'm looking forward to making many of these recipes over the holidays and for Sunday morning brunches. The cookbook includes desert staples such as chocolate chip (and walnut) cookies, peanut butter sandwich cookies, and monkey bread to holiday goodies such as gingerbread cupcakes with cinnamon cream cheese frosting and pumpkin streusel muffins to elegant deserts such as pear frangipane and French fruit tart. Savory baked good recipes are included as well, including soft pretzels and pizza. If you are looking for gluten-free, dairy-free baked good recipes, look no further!

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a delicious looking cookbook! The pictures alone are so enjoyable. Cochran shares a large variety of baked gluten free goods, well balanced with pantry-handy ingredients to use across many, while incorporating a variety of seasonal produce, to make this a great resource for anyone not only looking for a gluten free cookbook, but also interested in trying some new recipes.

As a bread baker I really like see the gram measurements (once you start cooking by weight, you don't go back!) for increased precision.

So many tempting recipes for casual nights to more formal celebrations. Thank you to Netgalley and to Quarto Publishing Group - Fair Winds for an ARC.

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who doesn’t get the occasional sweet tooth? Now, regardless of your dietary restrictions, you are likely to find a heavenly dessert in here. Danielle Cochran took some of her own dietary restrictions and wanted more than mediocre. This book is the outcome of her efforts and attempts to create delicious dairy free and gluten free treats. You can also make the full version by using flour and dairy products, which means, there is something for everyone here! It’s a good thing too, because these desserts are delicious! The pictures alone made me want to try every single recipe! Cakes, cookies, breads, puddings, and pies all have representation. Danielle takes her time early on to explain the process and how to use the best ingredients for each recipe (not all substitutions yield the results you are looking for). I found the directions easy to follow and you will find recipes given with both US and metric measurements.
I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

[Alexis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having recently started our gluten-free journey with my child's celiac diagnosis, getting a first look at this gluten-friendly cookbook was fantastic timing.

The recipes are well written and look easy to follow. Accessible techniques and ingredients are key to a cookbook's success, especially when the bakers in question are already making changes like removing gluten or dairy. The pictures are beautiful. While this counts for artistic and not technical merit, it counts for a lot. Food should be a feast for all the senses and this cookbook delivers. As an added bonus, there is lots of great information on products, substitutions and tools to make transitioning to gluten or dairy-free cooking and baking much easier. That section alone is worth the book price as a reference for any kitchen.

Several recipes are in our line up to try, and I am recommending this book to all my fellow celiac parents.

[Bluegoose53]

This is the most current non-dairy and gluten-free resource that I am aware of. It is a well-written book with clear directions. The weights for the ingredients is most appreciated. I made the peanut butter cookie sandwiches. They were delicious. I will be trying more recipes and spreading the word to my dairy-free friends.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.

[Joana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and publishers for the opportunity to give my honest feedback!
The recipes are to die for (I can't wait to make that lovely chocolate cake!) and what I loved the most is the fact that, from the beginning, it gives you an overview of what you need, substitutions and measuring. If you're a beginner at baking (or suck at it, like me), there are some wonderful tips. My husband is vegan, so the fact that there's even an egg substitution note made me so happy!

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

All of these recipes sound delicious. I can’t wait to try some. I love the layout of each. I also love there’s a picture with recipe as well. Not to mention they’re all gluten free recipes!!! I’ve been gluten free for over 10 years now and I feel like this cookbook has some original recipes in it. Again I can’t wait to try these and just in time for fall baking season as well.
Thank you NetGalley and Fair Winds Press for an opportunity to read this cookbook.

[Jaq · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley and Quarto Publishing house for my ARC copy.

This is such a good cookbooks. It is so nice for there to be a completely dairy and gluten free baking based cookbook. As someone who is lactose intolerant and loves baking, I really love how easy the recipes are, and how accessible and easy to find the ingredients are.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love how the author has included the universal equivalents for measurement and temperature. There is a section for baking substitutes and essential kitchen ware. Easy to follow instructions, with pictures. Can’t wait to try the Strawberry Shortcake Blondie Bars or the Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls. This has quickly become my favorite cookbook. ARC provided by Netgalley for an honest review.

[Tracie]

A great cookbook featuring dairy free and gluten free recipes along with gorgeous pictures! Whether its classic treats or something you've never tried you will find it in this book! Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for a chance to read and review this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Bibliohiker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me review this book. The photos were gorgeous! The recipes fudht have a lot ingredients nor a ton of steps. I definitely can’t wait to make some of these recipes!

[Lisa H · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's gluten free? It's dairy free?

I kid you not. This is a banging cookbook filled with tons of delicious recipes that are all get this, gluten free and dairy free. Though I don't need to avoid gluten or dairy, this is a fantastic book for anyone.
Highly recommend.

[Alicia Bayer · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are beautiful pictures of every recipe in this book and that’s its biggest appeal. The recipes are adapted for gluten free and dairy free cooking by substituting oat milk, pea protein milk, dairy free margarine, gluten free baking flour and gluten free bread flour in traditional baking recipes. I prefer books that give recipes for the flour blends since that affects the results so much and is substantially cheaper and healthier. I also don’t cook with those milk substitutes or margarine and prefer more whole food ingredients. There is no nutritional information for the recipes. I would have liked a few healthier recipes too. These definitely should be just occasional treats. I’m sure they are very crave worthy, just not a great fit for my needs.

I read a temporary digital copy of this book for review.