Gluten Freebird

When it comes to buying fresh gluten-free baked treats in Washington, the options are somewhat limited. The way I look at it, you have a winning choice and two back-ups.

Buzz is my favorite. The gluten-free brownie is outrageously delicious. Fudgy and rich with slivered almonds on top, it does not suffer for lack of gluten. Pastry chef Josh Short uses almond flour to give it the nice texture. I try to keep at least one on hand in the freezer for emergency situations. You should, too. I’m trying to petition Short to start carrying gluten-free Farmhouse brownies, which are espresso and walnut brownies, but have had no luck thus far. The bakery also carries gluten-free cupcakes and the chocolate is delicious.

Sticky Fingers is first runner-up.

I appreciate its proximity — it was once about 350 feet from my door and is still walkable — but think that the treats could use some sprucing. Back when I could eat gluten, I liked the cookies and cinnamon rolls at SF, but the combination of gluten-free and vegan is too much sacrifice for my taste buds. The bakery offers cupcakes (chocolate or spice) and chocolate chip cookies, though you should always call ahead to make sure that they have some available. The cookies are the best bet - a little dry, but satisfying. I find the cupcakes somewhat starchy and flavorless, but when you need a cupcake fix in D.C., definitely go. Benefit: The gluten-free cupcakes are $.25 cheaper than the rest because of rising wheat costs!

The final option is Sweet Sin Bakery, which is based in Baltimore and delivers to area Whole Foods stores and My Organic Market. I haven’t gotten through all of the offerings, but think that the dairy-free chocolate brownies are the best option. The potential is great, but the delivery factor means that things don’t always seem uber-fresh to me. I usually nuke mine to melt the chocolate chips and warm the somewhat dry muffin. The MOM in Alexandria usually carries Sweet Sin’s streusel muffins and at least one type of pie.