My name is Daniela, the creator of The Gluten Free Austrian. I am a Chicago-based Pastry Chef, Gluten Free Recipe Developer, Food Stylist and Photographer, Dog Mom, Celiac, and Marathon Runner.
Originally from Innsbruck, Austria, I was raised among the stunning Alps—yes, I know how to ski! Interestingly, I’ve never seen The Sound of Music. For the past 19 years I've called the US home away from home, primarily in Chicago, with a seven-year detour in Traverse City, MI.
I am a professionally trained Pastry Chef with an extensive background in fine dining as well as bakery-style establishments. Due to being diagnosed with Celiac Disease in my late teens, my main focus is creating gluten-free recipes that taste like “the real deal”.
After running a successful dedicated gluten free bakery in Traverse City, which I closed in 2016 to return to Chicago, I worked at Barry Callebaut as a Brand Specialist. This role deepened my expertise in chocolate and patisserie and allowed me to connect with some of the world’s best pastry chefs and chocolatiers.
When I’m not in the kitchen perfecting a new recipe or capturing the ideal shot of my latest creation, you’ll likely find me running or enjoying time outdoors with my Pointers Feather & Frankie.
I’m passionate about cookies and chocolate and could talk about both endlessly. If you share my love for chocolate, we’re bound to become fast friends!
My Favorite Recipes
It's hard for me to choose my favorite recipes - since I love all of them (otherwise I would not spend days, often weeks, or even months) working on perfecting them. There are a few recipes though that have a special place in my heart like my Grandma's Gluten Free Austrian Apple Cake or my Mom's Gluten Free Linzer Cookies.
My Kitchen Must Have's
Like every chef, I have several kitchen tools I can't do without. Like my trusted digital kitchen scale, my beloved Kitchen Aid Mixer and of course a couple of good baking sheets.
I have collected all my favorite kitchen tools in my Amazon Store Front which I update regularly. In case you happen to buy something through my Amazon Store Front, I receive a small commission, at no extra cost for you.
Check out my Amazon Storefront
My favorite kitchen tools and must have's!
How to Support the Gluten Free Austrian
Thank you for being here. Every visit helps and allows me to keep on sharing my gluten free recipes (for free). If you would like to support me by buying me a “pound of butter”, I have set up this website at “Buy Me a Coffee”. All money is being used to buy ingredients and keep recipe development going. Thank you so much for being here and your continuous support.