Mandorle – Gluten-free almond cakes inspired by Italy, handmade in Scotland

Sharon Wilson
2 hours ago
2 min read

A picture of baker John Fairgrieve in a blue flowery shirt and blue apron against a charcoal background — John Fairgrieve - all photography by Scott Barron

Mandorle is Italian for almonds. It’s also the ingredient that inspired John Fairgrieve to start baking Italian cakes in his Scottish kitchen.

Almonds are virtually synonymous with Sicily—naturally perfumed, sweet, and a staple in 'pasticceria'. In the UK, we’ve come a long way from pastel sugared almonds tucked into wedding favours.

Today’s market craves sophistication, and John Fairgrieve's pasticceria-style treats deliver just that.

On his website, John celebrates Sicily as the undisputed home of pasta di mandorla, the almond paste that forms the base of his Fior di Mandorla – al limone:

“As you bite into the firm exterior, you can feel the warmth of the South and soft, cake-like texture of the whole egg in the dough. The lemon is not overpowering and gives a light freshness with a real hint of Sicily, which gives way to a rich almond finish.”

A Taste of Italy, Reimagined in Scotland

Crafted with just three ingredients—almonds, sugar, and eggs—plus natural flavourings and no nasties, these handmade bites are gluten- and dairy-free. The result? A delicate, fragrant treat filled with squidgy almond paste. Perfect as a petit four or light treat.

The range includes:

Gavi – orange-scented and inspired by the town of Gavi in the Piemonte region, these pair beautifully with caffè crema or dessert wine
Nuvole - meaning cloud in Italian, and describing the light, airy mouth sensations where almond meets luxurious pieces or apricot in these delicate bites.
Cuori al Ciliegia – based on a recipe from the Emila Romagna region of Italy, at the heart of these cakes lies a piece of ruby-red Marasca cherry; a cherry bakewell with a difference!
Ricciarellii - a thin, crisp exterior gives way to a light, airy texture releasing orange blossom fragrance. This is a world famous delicacy from Siena in Toscana, with centuries old tradition and history.

A Mission Rooted in Craft and Care

John’s passionate mission is :

“To elevate everyday indulgence through handmade, gluten-free, almond-based biscuits that blend Italian tradition with Scottish creativity—offering something truly unique in both flavour and form.”