These days it’s not easy being a cupcake. What with the whoopie pie, cronut and now wonut, there’s stiff competition in the baked goods world. However, I will always be a bit of a purist when it comes to baked goods, and I am a big fan of the cupcake.

London has an abundance of cake options, plenty of which are gluten-free cupcakes. Whether it’s by choice or necessity, many people are on a gluten-free diet at the moment and why shouldn’t we have the same delicious choices as everyone else? Here are my top picks for gluten free cupcakes in London:

1. Best Red Velvet Gluten-Free Cupcake – Hummingbird Bakery

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Name: Made Without Red Velvet Cupcake

Price: £2.95

Take note: Hummingbird are cupcake pros, and their Made Without line is no different. The red velvet cupcake is spongy, light and topped with a generous layer of decadent cream cheese icing. Great texture, flavour and always hits the spot. One of the best gluten free cupcakes in London.

Flavour wins: Cream cheese icing. Need I say more?

2. Best Vanilla Gluten-Free Cupcake: Sweet Things Bakery, Primrose Hill

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Name: Vanilla Cupcake

Price: £2.75

Take note: For me, the simple presentation takes the cake (#sorrynotsorry).  But it’s not just the look that makes this gluten-free cupcake special, it’s the taste. Both the cake and the icing are pretty darn perfect – the cake held together and had really good texture. The vanilla buttercream was rich and not too sweet and the sprinkles add a certain something. I’ve always been a sucker for a sprinkle.

Flavour wins: Icing to cupcake ratio.

3. Best Fruity Gluten-Free Cupcake – bake-a-boo, West Hampstead

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Name:  Raspberry Cupcake

Take note: bake-a-boo knows cupcakes and their gluten-free cupcake is pretty special. Hate to gender stereotype, but they’re rather lovely and girly. Their cupcakes are sweet and nicely flavoured, with pieces of fruit baked into the cakes and cute decorations on top. They also often top their cupcakes with the flavour of the cake itself, so you’ll know what you’re eating.

Flavour wins:  Cupcakes topped with fresh blueberries and raspberries.

4. Best Made-to-Order Gluten-Free Cupcake – Sweetcheeks

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Name: Red Velvet Cupcake (at least I’m consistent)

Price: £20/dozen or £1.67 per cupcake

Take note: These babies are made to order and there is a stressful amount of choice when it comes to flavours. From the standard vanilla, chocolate and red velvet, to the more adventurous lavender, mojito and pumpkin pie, Sweetcheeks is a veritable gluten-free cupcake heaven. Not only are they tasty, but the presentation is absolutely beautiful. The icing is piped on in in thick, delicious ribbons and all cupcakes are topped with an extra special touch – flowers, Lego pieces, buttons, all made out of sugar. These are a treat for a special occasion…which for me has usually been ‘just because.’

Flavour wins: The variety of flavours!

5. Best Delivery Gluten-Free Cupcake – NomNom Free From Bakery 

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Name: Salted Dark Chocolate, Carrot Cake and Strawberries & Cream

Price: £2.20 for one, but ask for pricing for larger orders

Take note: Wow – NomNom indeed.  I’ve been a fan of NomNom since I started working near where their Wednesday lunchtime stall used to be. To refresh my memory, I asked owner Angie to send me a sample cupcake.  To the delight of my colleagues, I got 9 and we enjoyed tasting each flavour. My favourite was the strawberries & cream, but they’re all incredible. Nomnom specializes in vegan, gluten free and sugar free baking. It’s basically a health food item.

Flavour wins: The subtle and fresh hint of lemon in the strawberries & cream cupcake.