11 Gluten-Free Dessert Recipes That Taste Amazing
Whether you can’t tolerate gluten or you’re looking to branch out a bit to embrace more gluten-free desserts, this line-up is going to win you over. Gluten-free baked goods often have a reputation for being dry, crumbly, or just a bit lackluster, but they absolutely don’t have to be, and I’m here to prove it.
Rich, cozy, and indulgent, my take on gluten-free desserts are anything but boring. Plus, many of them are higher in protein than other desserts as well. Here, I’m sharing some of my favorite gluten-free desserts, all from the blog, to set you up for success (and satisfy your sweet tooth) the next time you’re in the kitchen, whether you’re making everyday treats or special occasion show-stoppers.
Why You’ll Love These Gluten-Free Dessert Recipes
Gluten-free desserts don’t always get the reputation they deserve, but when you make them right, they can be just as delicious and indulgent (if not more so) than other desserts. Here’s why I love them and you will too, because everyone deserves a sweet treat:
They’re more inclusive: Gluten-free desserts make it so that more people can partake without stress because they're made with gluten-free ingredients. You’ll still want to check for allergies though because many gluten-free baked goods contain eggs, nuts, and the like.
The textures aren’t what you’d expect: Gluten-free treats have come a long way over the years, especially as more and more people (out of choice or necessity) embraced a gluten-free diet. These recipes take advantage of that.
They can sometimes be healthier than other desserts: My take on gluten-free desserts are higher in protein than many traditional versions, while other gluten-free desserts may be lower in added sugar, higher in fiber or healthy fats, etc. Though gluten-free desserts aren’t, as a rule, healthier than other kinds of desserts, some versions are.
They’re great for both everyday treats and special occasions: Gluten-free desserts fit in just about everywhere, from school lunchboxes to fancy dinner parties to holiday tables. So many different things fit into the category of gluten-free desserts that you can nearly always find something to suit your occasion.
You won’t ever feel like you’re missing out: If you’re gluten-free, you probably know the feeling of being at an event and not being able to eat something because there’s not a gluten-free option. When gluten-free treats are involved though, you get to enjoy dessert that tastes like dessert, just like everyone else.
Some of My Very Favorite Gluten-Free Desserts That Actually Taste Amazing
Gluten-Free Fruit Desserts (Crisps, Cobblers & Cozy Classics)
Love a fresh fruit-forward dessert? Then you’re definitely going to want to make these:
Gluten-Free Peach Cobbler: This super-simple gluten-free cobbler pairs ripe, juicy peaches with a cakey golden topping that goes oh-so-well with a scoop of vanilla, caramel, or cinnamon ice cream.
Strawberry Crisp: I love a good fruit crisp! This easy recipe makes the most of fresh strawberries. Top it off with a sweet, buttery crumble topping and you’ve got the best spring and summer dessert around.
Apple Crisp: Apple crisp’s a classic, sure, but it’s a classic for a very good reason: it’s delicious. Toss apples with warm baking spices like cinnamon and add a crumble topping for a fall and winter crisp that’s just as good as the strawberry version in the warmer months.
Apple Cider Donuts: Don’t you just love a good donut? These are spiced, sweet, and baked (not fried), for a treat that’s good year-round.
Gluten-Free Chocolate & No-Bake Desserts
If you just can’t get enough of a chocolatey dessert, you’ve got to give these a try:
High-Protein Chocolate Fudge: I always try to stash some of this sneakily high-protein fudge in my fridge or freezer. It’s rich and creamy like traditional fudge, but super easy to make and macro-friendly.
Chocolate Hearts: These chocolate hearts are so sweet (pun intended) and they're great well beyond Valentine's Day. They’re the perfect small treat to keep on hand for whenever a chocolate craving strikes.
Mocha Almond Fudge Ice Cream: If you haven’t tried my Mocha Almond Fudge Ice Cream recipe yet, you’re missing out! Made in a Ninja Creami (but you can absolutely adapt it to make it without—the texture just might change a bit), it’s creamy, rich, chocolatey, and nutty with the perfect touch of coffee. It’s an ice cream recipe you’ll be making all summer long.
Gluten-Free Cookies & Other Sweet Treats
I love cookies and cozy treats, and these are both packed with protein and gluten-free. A real win-win.
Sugar Cookie Squares: These are just like those soft, fluffy sugar cookies, but even easier to make and, of course, gluten-free. They’re great for an afternoon snack or fun dessert.
Cookie Brittle: Thin, crunchy, sweet, and snackable, cookie brittle is easy to make, super delicious, and the perfect grab-and-go treat.
Protein Cookie Dough: This safe-to-eat cookie dough is gluten-free, packed with protein, and great as either dessert or a snack.
High-Protein Cinnamon Rolls: These high-protein cinnamon rolls are so indulgent. Gluten-free, drizzled with icing, and great for dessert or a fancy weekend breakfast, you won’t even miss the original.
What Makes These Easy Gluten-Free Desserts So Good
Whether you yourself can’t tolerate gluten or you’re baking for someone else, these desserts are delicious and great for everyone. They’ll never feel like a compromise.
They don’t have any texture issues: These desserts are soft, chewy, or crispy, depending on how they should turn out. No weird spongy or grainy textures here.
They’re made with simple ingredients: You can easily find the vast majority of these simple pantry ingredients in any well-stocked grocery store. No need to special order or deal with tons of substitutions.
They’re higher in protein than their original versions: Most of these desserts are extra satisfying because they contain a protein boost that the traditional version doesn’t.
They’re great for those who eat gluten and those who don’t: Say “so long” to making extra desserts for gluten-free friends or forcing people to settle for something that’s just not as good. These desserts are crowd-pleasers.
FAQs
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They sure are! Each of these desserts is made without any gluten-containing ingredients (or by easily swapping gluten-free all-purpose flour instead of using regular all-purpose). It’s still a good idea to double-check the ingredients and labels on ingredients like oats, chocolate chips, and protein powder to make sure they’re completely gluten-free, particularly if you’re baking for someone who truly cannot tolerate any gluten in their diet.
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Not really! Because these desserts are meant to be flavorful and moist, they don’t have a vastly different taste or texture than other recipes. That being said, the cinnamon rolls might be a bit different because you won’t get the stretchy dough that you get when you’re working with gluten-containing ingredients.
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Ultimately, the best gluten-free flour is the one the recipe calls for, but these are generally good, reliable specialty flours to use when making gluten-free treats:
Gluten-free all-purpose flour blends
Almond flour
Oat flour (certified gluten-free)
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They totally can! Each of these gluten-free desserts stores well, so you can make them in advance and stash in the fridge or freezer and reheat if necessary. They’re great for holidays, meal prepping, or even casual entertaining.
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Gluten-free desserts aren’t automatically healthier than other desserts, but this roundup is more balanced because these recipes focus on more protein, lower refined sugar, and simple ingredients. They feel indulgent, yet satisfying.
Gluten-free desserts can be delicious and celebratory, just like traditional desserts. From cozy, comforting fruit-forward treats to rich, chocolate desserts, and beyond, gluten-free baking can be just as good as the real deal.
