While the idea of gluten-free baking may seem daunting, it’s actually quite achievable by simply swapping out a few ingredients and employing some clever techniques. The result is a collection of delectable desserts that not only cater to dietary restrictions but also satisfy your sweet tooth without sacrificing texture or flavor. In this comprehensive roundup, I’m delighted to share 30 of my most beloved gluten-free dessert recipes, carefully curated to suit any occasion.
From classic cookies and brownies to creamy ice cream and flaky pies, you’ll discover a treasure trove of options that either naturally eschew gluten or can be easily adapted with simple substitutions. To cater to the increasing demand for inclusive baking, I’ve also included dairy-free and vegan variations, ensuring that everyone – regardless of their dietary needs – can indulge in these scrumptious treats.
Microwave Baked Apples
Indulge in the warm, sweet delight of baked apples, perfect as a breakfast treat or dessert. This quick and easy recipe takes just 2-4 minutes to cook in the microwave, resulting in tender, flavorful apples that are bursting with juicy goodness. For an added crunch, simply broil the apples for a couple of minutes after microwaving. But don’t stop there – get creative with your fillings by adding cinnamon sugar, raisins, chocolate chips, or even nut butter to give it an extra boost of flavor.
Enjoy!
Salted Tahini Caramel Millionaire Bars
Transforming rich caramel flavor without dairy requires creativity, and these millionaire bars achieve just that by incorporating maple syrup into the base, yielding a creamy, melty caramel that harmoniously complements the chocolate shortbread crust. The absence of overpowering sweetness only adds to their addictive nature. Furthermore, the bars’ nut-free status is ensured through the use of gluten-free oat flour, although proportions can be adjusted according to personal preference.
Get The Recipe.
Chocolate Dipped Strawberries
Indulge in the timeless delight of chocolate-covered strawberries, where a match made in heaven comes together to satisfy sweet tooth cravings. These luscious treats boast a visually stunning appearance that’s equal parts refined and inviting. When it comes to delivering on taste as well, juicy strawberries smothered in rich, velvety chocolate hit the spot for any gathering or celebration.
To achieve the perfect harmony of presentation and texture, make sure to use only the finest quality chocolate and allow it to set fully before serving.
3-Ingredient Chocolate Almond Clusters
While grand desserts have their place, sometimes a smaller sweet treat is just what’s needed to cap off a meal. These bite-sized clusters, bursting with dark chocolate and almond goodness, fit the bill perfectly. The subtle addition of sea salt helps to temper the sweetness, making them an ideal indulgence. To satisfy those impromptu cravings, keep a stash in the fridge at all times.
Easy No-Churn Homemade Ice Cream
Surprise your gluten-free friends with the sweetest of treats – homemade ice cream made with love and care. This delightful dessert requires just a few simple ingredients: heavy whipping cream, sweetened condensed milk, and a hint of vanilla extract. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility, allowing you to get creative with an endless array of flavors.
Imagine salted caramel swirl, rocky road with rich fudge ripple, refreshing raspberry sorbet, decadent white chocolate, bold mocha chip, or exotic mango passion fruit swirl – the possibilities are truly limitless. So why not treat your friends to a scoop (or two) of this creamy goodness? Get the recipe and start indulging!
Chocolate Cornstarch Pudding
Elevate the classic comfort food of chocolate pudding beyond its traditional realm as a kid-friendly treat. By adding a touch of sophistication, you can easily transform it into a dessert worthy of a restaurant. Start by incorporating whipped cream to lighten the texture and create a more refined finish.
To take it to the next level, layer the pudding in glasses with fresh berries and toasted coconut flakes.
The combination of textures and flavors will transport your taste buds to a world of comfort and indulgence.
5-Ingredient Chewy Coconut Macaroons
A beloved Passover dessert that transcends cultural barriers, this classic treat’s allure lies in its straightforward simplicity and irresistible coconut flavor. To prepare, begin by whipping egg whites until they reach a stiff peak, then gently combine them with shredded coconut, granulated sugar, salt, and a hint of vanilla, carefully breaking up any large clumps that form. For effortless baking, line your sheets with silicone mats or parchment paper.
Once the mixture is scooped onto chocolate wafers using a spoon or ice cream scoop, you’ll find it easy to remove the finished treats from the sheet after baking. And don’t forget to get the recipe!
Vegan Flan
Vegan flan, a custard traditionally made with eggs and dairy, can be easily replicated using a combination of full-fat coconut milk, maple syrup, cornstarch, and agar-agar as an egg substitute. This 5-ingredient recipe yields a texture identical to its traditional counterpart, allowing you to indulge in the classic vanilla and milk pairing or experiment with new flavors.
Almond Flour Blondies
Indulge in these scrumptious blondies, boasting a delightfully chewy and fudgy consistency, courtesy of the addition of white chocolate morsels and buttery pecans. The incorporation of almond flour not only adds a nutty flavor but also ensures the treats are naturally gluten-free. For a dairy-free twist, substitute butter with coconut oil and make sure to use solid coconut oil that has been creamed with sugar to replicate the signature chewiness.
Additionally, explore vegan white chocolate alternatives for an even more inclusive treat.
Lemon Almond Flour Shortbread Cookies
Shortbread’s timeless charm lies in its buttery richness and delicate texture. Achieving the perfect balance of crispy edges and tender center is a hallmark of this classic treat. To create a gluten-free version, simply swap traditional wheat flour with almond meal, maintaining the same baking time and method. A hint of lemon zest adds a welcome brightness to this refined shortbread experience.
Tiger Butter Fudge
There’s something undeniably charming about the marbled appearance of tiger butter fudge, don’t you think? To achieve this eye-catching design at home, simply melt white chocolate to a smooth consistency, then spoon dollops of peanut butter fudge on top. Use a knife to gently swirl and marble the two mixtures together for a beautiful, textured effect. Once complete, allow the fudge to cool fully before cutting it into defined squares or shapes.
Nourishing Almond Flour Banana Bread
With the sweet aroma of ripe bananas wafting through the air, it’s only natural to transform them into a nourishing gluten-free banana bread. The addition of almond flour brings a delightful nutty flavor, while protein-rich flax seeds provide an extra boost of nutritional value. Whether enjoyed with a morning cup of coffee or as an energizing snack, this moist and delicious loaf is sure to satisfy your cravings. Simply follow the recipe below to get started!
Neapolitan Parfaits {Gluten-free}
The mere mention of Neapolitan ice cream instantly transports me to the warm, carefree days of summer. But what if I told you that this classic treat can be just as delightful in a gluten-free version? To create a show-stopping dessert, start by building parfaits with layers of creamy homemade whipped cream, tangy vanilla yogurt, and crumbled chocolate muffins. You can also incorporate leftover gluten-free chocolate cake or brownies for added texture and flavor.
The pièce de résistance is the topping – fresh, diced strawberries that add a pop of color and sweetness to this edible masterpiece. With these simple ingredients, you’ll have created a masterpiece that’s almost too beautiful to eat!
Easy Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake
For those seeking the ultimate in moist, light, and rich chocolate cakes that just so happen to be gluten-free, this recipe delivers. Gluten’s structural properties are replicated through clever substitutions, allowing for a cake that’s not only delectable but also accessible to those with dietary restrictions. In my experience, creating homemade flour blends infused with xanthan gum yields impressive results.
Bob’s Red Mill offers a convenient alternative with their pre-mixed gluten-free all-purpose baking flour featuring xanthan gum – a game-changer for achieving fluffy cakes that rival traditional recipes.
Almond Flour Snickerdoodles
Snickerdoodles have won my heart with their simplicity and delightful taste. These scrumptious treats require only a few pantry staples, including cream of tartar, baking soda, butter, sugar, and cinnamon-sugar coating. With minimal effort, they yield tender centers, crackly edges, and an irresistibly melt-in-your-mouth texture.
The versatility of the dough is truly impressive – it happily accommodates mix-ins like mini chocolate chips, chopped pecans, orange zest, and dried cranberries.
The possibilities are endless, making snickerdoodles a go-to favorite in my household.
Panna Cotta
When it comes to indulging in rich and velvety desserts, panna cotta is my go-to treat. What I love most about this Italian classic is its subtle sweetness, which allows the creamy texture to shine. To make it, simply boil cream with sugar and gelatin, then pour the mixture into molds and refrigerate until set. Once you’ve mastered the basic vanilla flavor, feel free to get creative with a variety of toppings and mix-ins.
Consider adding a touch of sophistication with a salted caramel drizzle, a burst of citrusy freshness from a lemon blueberry compote, or a tropical twist with mango passionfruit puree or raspberry sauce. Despite its elegant appearance, panna cotta is surprisingly easy to prepare – making it the perfect dessert for any occasion.
No-Bake Cookies
While no-bake cookies may not have the airy texture of their baked counterparts, they more than make up for it with their dense, fudgy goodness and intense chocolate-peanut butter flavor profile. When it comes to the ingredients, it’s crucial to choose certified gluten-free oats to ensure the best possible outcome. This is because oats themselves contain avenin, a type of gluten protein that some countries may not consider ‘gluten-free.
‘ The effort to find compliant oats is well worth the reward – and you can get started with the recipe by clicking the link below!
Microwave Peanut Brittle
When crafting peanut brittle, it’s essential to reach the sugar’s hard crack stage, which typically occurs around 300°F. To achieve this in a microwave-friendly manner, you’ll need to don thick oven mitts and be prepared for a swift process. One crucial moment demands extra caution: when adding baking soda, as the mixture will rapidly bubble up.
Once the brittle has cooled completely, it’s time to break it into squares – perfect for gifting to gluten-free friends who can indulge in this homemade candy with peace of mind.
3-Ingredient Mounds Bar Recipe
Mounds candy bars boast a unique texture that sets them apart from other treats due to the presence of coconut. If you’re not a fan of the shredded coconut texture, these bars might not be your cup of tea. However, if you enjoy it, Mounds bars are both scrumptious and straightforward to prepare at home. For an added convenience, consider using ice cube trays to portion out bite-sized treats. Once set, simply insert a toothpick into each bar for effortless dipping and decorating.
If you’re interested in giving these tasty treats a try, we invite you to explore the recipe further.
Easy Gluten-Free Fruit Cobbler Recipe
The quintessential comfort food, a sweet and tender fruit cobbler is a delight that’s hard to resist. The versatility of the topping is what makes it truly special – whether you opt for a crumbly mixture of flour, sugar, egg, and butter or a flaky biscuit-like pastry, the result is always scrumptious. For those requiring a gluten-free option, substituting almond meal or using a shortbread recipe provides an equally delicious solution.
Summer fruits are particularly well-suited to this warm-weather treat, their natural sweetness enhanced by the caramelized effect of being baked under a crispy cobbler topping.
Microwave Peanut Butter Fudge
A quick and impressive treat to have on hand, this microwave peanut butter fudge requires just 5 minutes of your time. To make it, combine peanut butter, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt if desired. Next, microwave the mixture in short intervals until it reaches a thick and smooth consistency. Once set, pour the fudge into a pan, refrigerate until chilled, and cut it into squares.
Finally, wrap each square individually in wax paper, making them perfect gifts for family and friends with dietary restrictions – including those who follow a gluten-free diet.
Vegan Almond Flour Brownies
Indulge in the rich flavors of these fudgy, gluten-free, and vegan brownies, expertly crafted to satisfy even the most discerning palates. To ensure optimal results, we recommend utilizing Bob’s Red Mill Egg Replacer or opting for a flax seed meal and warm water mixture (whisked thoroughly) as a substitute for each egg. Alternatively, mashed bananas can be used in place of eggs, one whole banana per egg, to create a delightful textural contrast.
The resulting brownies are so indulgently chocolatey that their vegan and gluten-free nature remains a secret – until you share the recipe with others!
Bananas Foster For One
Indulge in the richness of Bananas Foster, a beloved dessert that combines succulent bananas with a decadent butter rum caramel sauce, typically served atop creamy vanilla ice cream. While it’s often a show-stopping tableside treat, you can easily whip up a single serving at home. To create this indulgent delight, simply sauté banana halves in butter, brown sugar, and a hint of rum until they’re perfectly caramelized.
Enjoy your creation spooned over fluffy pancakes, moist pound cake, or even a scoop of homemade gluten-free ice cream for the ultimate treat.
Gluten-Free Strawberry Cream Cheese Trifle
Elevate your dessert game by creating a visually stunning trifle that’s just as delicious as it looks. To achieve this show-stopping treat, you’ll need to alternate layers of freshly diced strawberries, creamy vanilla pudding or whipped cream, and crumbled angel food cake. The key to success lies in the layering – feel free to get creative and substitute different components like chocolate cake, chocolate pudding, and chocolate ganache for a decadent twist.
Just be sure to include at least one pop of bright color to make it truly unforgettable.
Brown Sugar Grilled Peaches
Indulge in a lighter dessert option that still packs a punch by grilling peaches. The high heat transforms the natural sugars into a rich, caramelized flavor. To get started, halve and pit ripe peaches, then brush them with melted butter on the cut side. Grill the peaches until they’re nicely charred, flip them over, and sprinkle brown sugar on top. Let it cook for an additional 30 seconds to allow the sugar to melt and caramelize.
Serve your grilled peaches with a dollop of frozen yogurt or whipped cream for a sweet treat that won’t weigh you down.
Homemade Peanut Butter Cups
When peanut butter cups are hard to come by in certain parts of the world, I take matters into my own hands and create them myself! To start, use silicone molds to shape the treats. Next, fill each mold with a generous helping of chocolate ganache, followed by a spoonful of creamy peanut butter that’s been infused with your preferred flavor – I’m particularly fond of salted caramel swirls.
Finish off the cups by covering them in an additional layer of melted chocolate, ensuring they’re fully encased and ready to set. Once chilled, feel free to get creative and customize your homemade treats to your heart’s desire. With a little patience, you’ll be rewarded with an irresistible snack that’s all yours!
Disney Dole Whip Recipe
Indulge in a taste of Disney magic with this mouthwatering pineapple soft serve, reminiscent of the legendary Dole Whip. The perfect blend of creamy texture and tropical fruit flavor is easily replicated at home by combining vanilla ice cream, pineapple juice, and frozen pineapple chunks. A powerful blender is key to achieving a light, silky consistency, while adding a splash of rum transforms this treat into an adult-oriented Lapu Lapu delight.
Blueberry Almond Crisp
As the blueberries are cooked down to create a luscious filling, the bursting berries produce a mesmerizing marbled effect that showcases their signature purple and blue hues. The crunchy, golden-brown almond crisp topping adds a delightful textural contrast, while the subtle sweetness from vanilla and lemon ensures the filling is naturally balanced.
For those with gluten sensitivities, rest assured that using certified gluten-free old-fashioned oats or almond meal in the topping will provide a safe and satisfying crunch.
Eagle Brand Fudge
Indulge in this timeless 3-ingredient fudge recipe, a nut-free delight for all to enjoy. To prepare, combine one can of Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk with semi-sweet chocolate chips and a hint of vanilla extract. Refrigerate until firm, then cut into bite-sized squares. Elevate the experience by adding your preferred toppings, such as crunchy chopped nuts, festive crushed candy canes, peanut butter cups, dried fruit, or flaky sea salt.
