Although many people may not be in favour of using synthetic flavourings, this method creates a cake that passes for chocolate cake without using cocoa. It is also gluten, wheat and dairy free.

50g (2oz) Rice flour

50g (2oz) Gluten Free Flour

1 Teaspoon of baking powder

25g (1oz) Carob powder

75g (3oz) Dairy Free Margarine

75g (3oz) Light Brown Sugar

Few drops of vanilla essence

Few drops of chocolate essence

2 eggs

1. Preheat the oven to Gas Mark 3, 160C.

2. Prepare a 450g / 1lb loaf tin

3. Cream together the margarine and sugar. Add the eggs bit by bit. Add the two essences.

4. Add the flours, baking powder and Carob powder.

5. Bake for 40 minutes.

The best type of essences that you can buy are by a company called Langdales. Although they do have colourings in them they don’t contain any very common allergens.