Welcome to Defloured Bakery: Pure Gluten Free Indulgence
If you have ever felt left out at a party, skipped dessert at a restaurant, or bit into a crumbly, dry gluten free cookie that left you disappointed, Defloured Bakery was built specifically for you. Nestled in the vibrant Andersonville neighbourhood of Chicago, Illinois, this dedicated gluten free bakery operates under one unwavering mission statement: everyone has a right to dessert.
Whether you are living with celiac disease, managing a severe wheat sensitivity, or simply choosing a gluten free journey, Defloured provides a safe haven where cross-contamination worries vanish the moment you walk through the door. Every single item baked inside their kitchen is 100% gluten free, crafted with rich flavours, perfect textures, and zero compromises.
The Story Behind the Apron
Founded in 2010 by head baker and owner Johanna Van Dorf, Defloured began as a passion project to bridge the gap between gluten free necessity and culinary pleasure. Recognizing how difficult it was for those with dietary restrictions to find baked goods that tasted like “the real thing,” Van Dorf spent years perfecting her recipes before opening their beloved brick-and-mortar storefront on Balmoral Avenue in 2016.
Rather than relying on pre-packaged commercial flour mixes that often yield a gritty or dense texture, Defloured developed its own signature in-house flour blend. Utilizing a carefully balanced ratio of brown rice flour, tapioca flour, and potato starch, their treats maintain a moist, tender crumb and delightful chewiness that regularly fools non-gluten free visitors.
What’s on the Counter? Signature Sweets & Savoury Treats
The menu at Defloured changes weekly to celebrate seasonal ingredients, but several staple favourites draw visitors from across North America:
Decadent Bars & Brownies: Famous for their fudgy density, options range from classic fudgy brownies and tangy lemon bars to creative homage creations like the Peanut Butter Bar (a gourmet take on a Reese’s cup) and the Makin’ It Rain Bar (their elevated, salty-sweet spin on a Payday bar).
Handcrafted Cookies & Sandwich Cookies: From classic chocolate chip and monster cookies to fan-favourite sandwich cookies like Winkies (their decadent take on an Oreo) and the Vegan Oatmeal Cream Pie (OCP), there is a texture and flavour for every palate.
Custom Cakes & Cupcakes: Celebrating a milestone? Defloured takes special events seriously. Their cake studio creates breathtaking custom birthday, anniversary, and wedding cakes. They even offer a Wedding Cake Tasting Box so couples can mix and match cake layers and buttercream frostings at home.
Artisanal Breads & Weekend Bakes: On weekends, the bakery fills with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked sandwich bread, vegan baguettes, pizza crust sheets, and seasonal challah.
Take & Bake Comfort Foods: For those who want the smell of freshly baked goodies in their own kitchen, Defloured offers frozen take-and-bake cookie dough packs and savoury or sweet scone multi-packs.
Dairy-Free, Vegan & Allergy-Minded Accommodations
Defloured believes that inclusive baking means catering to multiple dietary needs at once. Beyond being 100% gluten-free, a significant portion of their daily display case is dedicated to dairy-free and vegan baked goods. Vegan brownies, fruit crumbles, iced ginger cookies, and dairy-free cupcakes are clearly labelled and prepared with the same obsessive attention to taste and quality.
Visiting the Andersonville Bakery
Located at 1477 W. Balmoral Ave in Chicago, Defloured is a warm, welcoming community hub. The bright bakery space is outfitted with playful merchandise, including their popular “I Got Defloured” t-shirts, pom-pom beanies, and vinyl stickers featuring their mascot, Beatrix. While currently focusing on in-person pickup and regional coffee shop wholesale partnerships, a visit to their storefront is an essential pitstop for any gluten free traveller visiting the Midwest.
Frequently Asked Questions About This Location
1. Is Defloured Bakery a 100% dedicated gluten free facility?
Yes, absolutely. Defloured Bakery is a 100% dedicated gluten free facility. There is zero gluten or wheat flour permitted inside their kitchen, making it completely safe for individuals with celiac disease or severe wheat allergies.
2. Does Defloured Bakery offer dairy-free and vegan options?
Yes! Defloured offers a wide selection of plant-based and dairy-free treats every day. Their vegan menu includes classic items like vegan brownies, fruit crumble bars, sandwich cookies (including their popular Vegan Oatmeal Cream Pie), cupcakes, and custom vegan cake flavours.
3. What makes Defloured Bakery’s gluten free flour blend different?
Instead of using off-the-shelf commercial gluten free flour mixes, Defloured uses a proprietary in-house flour blend made from brown rice flour, tapioca starch, and potato starch. This custom ratio creates baked goods with a tender, moist structure and standard chewiness without any gritty aftertaste.
4. Can I order custom cakes or wedding cakes from Defloured Bakery?
Yes, Defloured specializes in custom cakes for birthdays, special occasions, and weddings. They offer a specialized Wedding Cake Tasting Box that allows couples to sample different cake sponge flavours and buttercream combinations prior to placing their final order.
5. Does Defloured offer savoury baked goods or bread?
They do! On weekends, Defloured bakes fresh artisan gluten free breads, including white sandwich bread, vegan baguettes, pizza bread, and seasonal challah. They also offer savoury scones like cheddar chive and seasonal take-and-bake biscuits.
6. How can I purchase Defloured goods if I am not located in Chicago?
While Defloured currently operates primarily on a local pickup model from their Andersonville storefront, they also partner with numerous coffee shops and independent grocers throughout the Chicago area. Shipping options for select items are currently in development.