Gluten-free treats have surged in popularity in recent years. Dolce-GF Patisserie offers gluten-free baked goods for people who have dietary restrictions as well as those seeking less inflammatory diets or removing refined white flour for other health, personal or lifestyle reasons.
“I have a deep connection to gluten-free cooking. Three of us in my family are celiac. My youngest has additional food intolerances, so we stay away from all wheat products, including wheat starches and other allergens,” says Christie, Dolce-GF’s owner.
Although Dolce-GF Patisserie caters to customers who eat a gluten-free diet, the business is expanding to serve the full community, erasing the stigma of the gluten-free label.
“I even had a guy come in and he bought a brownie and asked me, ‘What does the GF stand for?’ And I laughed because he had no clue. That has always been my goal: what can we make that doesn’t taste gluten-free?”
Opening a bakery is difficult enough, and gluten-free baking at high altitude carries its own set of challenges. Dolce-GF accepts that challenge.
“I’m actually talking to a weather guru from the Marines. I know the barometric pressure is affecting things I do on certain days. Between altitude, weather and barometric pressure, we’re just charting and watching,” she says.
The self-taught baker has experienced plenty of trial and error along the way, from overly salty scones to dense cakes.
“I’ve made plenty of doorstops,” she says.
Dolce-GF consistently seeks feedback, a practice that has helped refine her techniques over the years. Her goal is to create Euro-Asian-inspired goods that are less sweet and lighter in texture, while still appealing to everyone.
Although the bakery focuses on gluten-free goods, Dolce also serves several vegan options, including turnovers made with plant-based butter, so customers with other dietary restrictions are able to enjoy her pastries as well. Dolce’s menu changes often, with cinnamon rolls and turnovers always available. Rotating options include lemon squares,
raspberry lemon twists, quiches, biscuits and more. The shop also offers a small selection of gluten-free grocery items.
“I’m no scientist at all, but trying to understand the science behind baking and how the different grains and starches work with different elements is always exciting,” she says.
Dolce GF Patisserie is open Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 2851 Dublin Blvd.