In this post, I’ll show you how to make gluten-free and allergen-friendly chocolate gelt for Hanukkah. It’s fun to make homemade gelt and bring joy to any child following a special diet. This post contains affiliate links. Please see my disclosures.
Gelt, which means money in Hebrew and Yiddish, are chocolate-filled, foil-wrapped gold coins given to children during the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah.
Gelt is used to play dreidle, a spinning top game played on Hanukkah. After the fun and games, children unwrap the foil coins and enjoy the delicious chocolate inside.
Over the years, I’ve found it challenging to find gluten-free gelt, at least gelt that is labeled “gluten-free.” This means children with celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, gluten intolerance, or other food intolerances and allergies may not be able to join in the festive treat that so many Jews take for granted.
Gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley, goes by many names and hides in common foods. Some chocolate candies, like Milky Way and 100 Grand bars, are made with barley malt.
While most Hanukkah gelt is likely gluten-free, it can be challenging to decode an ingredient list, especially if the ingredients are listed in Hebrew.
In this post, I’ll show you how to make gluten-free and allergy-friendly chocolate gelt with beautiful results.
Ingredients and Supplies
To make homemade gluten-free and allergy-friendly Hanukah gelt, you’ll need to purchase the following supplies:
Star of David Gelt Mold Pan
You can purchase this plastic Star of David Mold Pan on Amazon. It looks like it’s metal from the picture on Amazon, but I assure you it’s clear plastic, as pictured below.
It makes 12 round gelt that are about 1.5″ wide. They’re larger than normal gelt but so beautiful that no one will balk.
Gold Foil Wrappers
I recommend purchasing a package of square gold foil wrappers on Amazon. Make sure the wrappers are 4×4″. These shiny wrappers will beautifully envelop the delicious chocolate coins.
Allergy-Friendly Chocolate
If you want your Hanukkah gelt to be allergen-free and gluten-free, I recommend using Enjoy Life chocolate chips. Enjoy Life chocolate is free from gluten and all top eight allergens – dairy, wheat, soy, eggs, tree nuts, peanuts, fish, and shellfish.
How to Make Chocolate Gelt
Start by melting one cup of the chocolate chips with one teaspoon of avocado oil in the microwave in 15-30 second increments, stirring every 15-30 seconds until melted and smooth. The splash of oil mixed with the chocolate will ensure the chocolate comes out smooth.
Add the chocolate into a disposable piping bag or plastic bag and pipe it into the mold pan. You could alternatively use a spoon to fill each cavity with melted chocolate. Gently tap the pan against the countertop to smooth out any bubbles.
Allow the chocolate to cool and set. I recommend refrigerating the chocolate to expedite the process.
Once the chocolate is firm, turn over the mold pan and gently push out the coins. Wrap each chocolate coin in the gold foil and enjoy!
More Hanukkah Recipes
You might enjoy these gluten-free Hanukkah recipes, too:
- Gluten-Free Jelly Donuts – New and Improved Recipe
- Miracle Gluten-Free Latke Recipe
- Easy Beef Brisket Recipe (Perfect for Jewish Holidays)
Chocolate Gelt for Hanukkah
Equipment
- 1 12-cavity chocolate gelt mold pan see notes for details
- 12 gold foil wrappers see notes for details
- 1 disposable piping bag optional
Ingredients
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 tsp avocado oil or other vegetable oil
Instructions
- Start by melting one cup of the chocolate chips with one teaspoon of avocado oil in the microwave in 15-30 second increments, stirring every 15-30 seconds until melted and smooth.
- Add the chocolate into a disposable piping bag or plastic bag and pipe it into the mold pan. You could alternatively use a spoon to fill each cavity with melted chocolate. Gently tap the pan against the countertop to smooth out any bubbles.
- Allow the chocolate to cool and set. I recommend refrigerating the chocolate to expedite the process.
- Once the chocolate is firm, turn over the mold pan and gently push out the coins. Wrap each chocolate coin in the gold foil and enjoy!
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