By Wendy Stoltz / Last Modified On January 15, 2023
We’ve rounded up some of the best gluten free desserts! From traditional gluten free cookie recipes to cake recipes —we’ve got you covered.
We've included 30 gluten free dessert recipes in this collection and we've done our best to sort them by type. We've got easy gluten free dessert recipes for fudge, cakes, cookies, bars, and more.
Gluten Free Dessert Recipes
For years readers have asked me if I have a list of all my gluten-free desserts. While this list does not include every gluten-free dessert recipe on my blog (I have a few hundred), this post has some of my BEST gluten-free desserts.
If you are looking for specific gluten free dessert recipes, there's a good chance that I have it here. If not, you can always use the search bar on the right to search for the gluten-free dessert you are looking for. If you still can't find it, leave me a comment below and I will see what I can do.
When we went gluten-free, finding good recipes for gluten-free desserts was our biggest challenge (that and a recipe for a good gluten-free bread). Meals and snacks are simpler with protein sources, fruits, veggies, rice, quinoa, and starchy root vegetables. Over the years I've really focused on good easy gluten-free dessert recipes.
I hope you enjoy these gluten-free dessert recipes as much as we do!
Gluten Free Desserts - Cakes
Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake - This easy gluten-free chocolate cake is super simple, and has the perfect texture. You won’t know it’s gluten-free! It’s my favorite gluten-free chocolate cake recipe and it will be yours too!
Gluten Free Vanilla Cake - An easy gluten-free vanilla cake recipe that is tender and better than any bakery style gluten-free cake. You guys have been asking for the best gluten-free vanilla cake recipe and here it is!
Gluten Free Pineapple Upside Down Cake - An easy to make gluten free pineapple upside down cake that is a tender, sweet dessert with a caramelized, perfectly sticky topping that is completely irresistible.
Gluten Free Carrot Cake - A tender, flavorful gluten free carrot cake with cream cheese frosting, or buttercream frosting. I've included instructions to make a layered cake, sheet cake, and cupcakes from this gluten free carrot cake recipe.
Grain-Free Hummingbird Cake - Grain-Free Hummingbird Cake that's tender, perfectly sweet, and naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free.
Gluten-Free Caramel Cake - This delicious, gluten-free, dairy-free Caramel Macchiato Cake is bursting with caramel and coffee flavors and is topped with a dense, creamy vanilla bean frosting.
Gluten-Free Vegan Chocolate Ganache Cake - A sophisticated dessert that is smooth, rich, and delectable. This Gluten-Free Vegan Chocolate Ganache Cake is perfect for any time of the year.
Gluten-Free Lemon Cake - A layered cake filled with lemon curd and covered in a smooth, creamy lemon buttercream frosting, this Gluten-Free Lemon Cake will be the perfect addition to any holiday celebration.
Paleo Apple Cake - One bowl paleo apple cake that's tender, rich with apples and cinnamon, and simple to make. This paleo apple cake recipe is also gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar free.
Gluten-Free Chocolate Bundt Cake - Perfectly dense, fudgy, and quick to make, this Gluten-Free Chocolate Bundt Cake will be a new favorite treat in your household. Making a gluten-free bundt cake has never been easier.
Gluten Free Pumpkin Cake - Tender gluten-free pumpkin cake with smooth cream cheese frosting. This gluten free pumpkin cake recipe is simple to make and has the perfect balance of pumpkin and spice.
Gluten Free Gingerbread Cake - This gluten free gingerbread cake recipe is easy to whip up and is perfect with a dusting of powdered sugar, cream cheese frosting, or vanilla buttercream frosting.
Gluten Free Banana Pudding- Also known as a Gluten Free Banana Pudding Cake. Gluten Free Banana Pudding is one of our all-time favorite desserts. Delicious layers of creamy pudding, whipped cream, ripe bananas, and gluten free wafer cookies are completely impossible to resist.
Gluten Free Desserts - Cookies
Gluten Free Sugar Cookies - Soft, tender bakery style gluten free sugar cookies with a sweet buttercream frosting. You can make circle shaped cookies or cutout sugar cookies with this gluten free sugar cookie recipe. Sugar cookies are one of my favorite gluten free cookies. You can enjoy them plain or with icing. They are perfect year-round and super fun for decorating for the holidays. This recipe is a simple as it gets - these cookies are soft, sweet, and delicious.
Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies - The best gluten free chocolate chip cookies! With crunchy edges and a chewy center, no one will be able to tell that these chocolate chip cookies are gluten free. I've included in process photos and tips so you are set up for success when making this gluten free chocolate chip cookie recipe. You can use my flour blend or a flour mix for these cookies.
Gluten Free Lemon Cookies - One of our favorite, zesty gluten free cookie recipes. Tender, soft, gluten free lemon cookies are packed with bright lemon flavor and topped with a sweet and zesty lemon glaze. These cookies are super simple to make.
Gluten Free Shortbread Cookies - You can enjoy these cookies year-round, although we tend to increase our batches for the holidays. These gluten free cookies make great gifts. They are a sturdy, crispy, cut-out cookie made with only 5 simple to find ingredients. Enjoy these shortbread cookies with a cup of coffee or tea and you'll be well on your way to bliss.
Gluten Free Monster Cookies - Monster cookies are super colorful and full to make. They are almost what you'd call a kitchen sink cookie, in my opinion. Soft baked and oh-so delicious, these Gluten-Free Monster Cookies will disappear in no time. This recipe is simple to make and you can add in your favorite cookie add-ins. These gluten free cookies have the new gluten free Oreos in them (optional).
Gluten Free Oatmeal Cookies - You can add raising or chocolate chips to this gluten free cookie recipe, or both! Crunchy, chewy, and oh-so delicious, these Gluten-Free Oatmeal Cookies will disappear in no time. This recipe is simple to make and doesn't use any expensive ingredients or labor intensive steps. You'll love how easy this gluten-free oatmeal cookie recipe is.
Gluten Free Snowball Cookies - Learn to make buttery, crunchy gluten free snowball cookies in a few simple steps. These gluten free snowballs, also known as gluten free Mexican wedding cookies, are easy to make and they are perfectly sweet.
Gluten Free Gingerbread Cookies - Easy, cut-out Gluten Free Gingerbread Cookies! This gluten free gingerbread cookie recipe delivers the perfect texture and gingerbread flavors.
Gluten Free Gingersnaps - Perfectly spicy, and not too sweet, these Gluten Free Ginger Snaps can be enjoyed for dessert or an afternoon tea. They are naturally dairy-free, bursting with flavor and are perfectly crunchy which makes them the perfect gluten free ginger cookies for dunking.
Gluten Free Pumpkin Cookies - Only ten ingredients in these vegan pumpkin cookies - soft, chewy, and packed with spices, these Gluten-Free Vegan Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are quick to bake, and oh-so-delicious!
For more cookie ideas check out the gluten free cookie recipes.
Gluten Free Desserts - Cupcakes
Gluten-Free Vanilla Cupcakes - These Gluten-Free Vanilla Cupcakes are dairy-free, simple to make, and lend a bakery-style texture and a vanilla bean finish. You can bake up a batch of these perfect cupcakes in no-time. They are a stunning gluten-free dessert!
Gluten-Free Lemon Cupcakes - You are going to love these simple, from scratch, Gluten-Free Lemon Cupcakes. This bakery-style cupcake is tender and has the perfect amount of lemon.
Gluten-Free Chocolate Cupcakes - These easy gluten-free chocolate cupcakes are super simple to whip up, use only one bowl, and have the perfect bakery style texture.
Gluten-Free Red Velvet Cupcakes - Easy to make Gluten-Free Red Velvet Cupcakes that are tender, velvety, and have a dairy-free option. If you're more of a cake person, you can use this gluten-free red velvet cupcake recipe to make a gluten-free red velvet cake!
Gluten-Free Blueberry Cupcakes - Tender, bakery-style Gluten-Free Blueberry Cupcakes bursting with juicy blueberries and finished with hints of vanilla.
Gluten-Free Chai Cupcakes - Spicy, sweet, and perfect for chai lovers these Gluten-Free Chai Cupcakes are simple to make, and lend a bakery style texture. Dairy-free option included.
Gluten-Free Orange Cupcakes - You can bite into this dreamy Gluten-Free Orange Cupcake in less than an hour. There are only nine ingredients in this tender, citrus infused orange cupcake and this recipe is incredibly easy to make.
Gluten-Free Champagne Cupcakes - Gluten-Free Champagne Cupcakes are perfect for celebrating weddings, birthdays, and New Year's! They are tender, have the perfect texture, and are topped with a rich buttercream frosting.
Gluten Free Desserts - Pie
Gluten-Free Pie Crust Recipe - A golden, flaky Gluten-Free Pie Crust that is simple to make and perfect for making gluten-free pies. You are going to love working with this gluten-free pie crust recipe. Dairy-free and vegan option included.
Gluten Free Apple Pie - A golden, flaky pie crust filled with tangy apples and spices makes this gluten free apple pie perfect. I've included step by step photos and an option for making a gluten free Dutch apple pie.
Gluten-Free Cherry Pie - With a light flaky crust and tart cherry filling, this bright and flavorful gluten-free cherry pie will be a new favorite at your dinner table this holiday season. Or any time of the year, for that matter. This gluten-free cherry pie recipe is popular all year round.
Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pie - Smooth pumpkin filling, the aroma of spices, and a flaky crust make this scrumptious homemade gluten-free pumpkin pie a holiday favorite.
Gluten-Free Pecan Pie - A buttery flaky pie crust with the perfect pecan pie filling, this classic gluten-free pecan pie comes together quickly with only a few simple ingredients.
Paleo Pecan Pie - This paleo pecan pie comes together quickly with only a few simple ingredients. It's sweet, loaded with pecans, and perfect for anyone who loves pecan pie but without the grains.
Gluten Free Desserts - Brownies and Bars
Gluten-Free Vegan Brownies - Vegan Gluten Free Brownies that are free from the top allergens, rich, and fudgy. This Gluten-Free Vegan Brownie recipe is super simple to make and uses regular ingredients found in most kitchens.
Grain-Free Hazelnut Brownies - Super rich, fudgy, and packed with incredible ingredients, these Grain-Free Hazelnut Brownies are a brownie game-changer.
Gluten-Free Brownies - These brownies can be made into gluten-free dairy-free brownies with a few simple substitutions too.
Grain-Free Carrot Cake Bars - Paleo Carrot Cake Bars that are also gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar free.
Grain-Free Pumpkin Bars - Paleo Pumpkin Bars are the ultimate, scrumptious, pumpkin treat. They are secretly healthy and they use minimal ingredients. Enjoy them plain, mix in chocolate chips, or topped with your favorite frosting.
Grain-Free Banana Everything Bars - Grain-Free Banana Everything Bars are my go-to paleo banana bars recipe when I only have one banana left. These paleo bars are healthy, easy to make, and taste amazing fresh out of the oven.
Gluten-Free Seven Layer Bars - You will not be able to resist the ooey-gooey chocolate, caramel like topping, and cookie crust in these gluten-free 7 layer bars.
Gluten-Free Lemon Bars - Easy Gluten-Free Lemon Bars that are sweet, tangy, and refreshing. With a buttery, flaky crust and a creamy lemon filling, you're going to love this gluten free lemon bars recipe and how quick it pulls together.
Gluten-Free Turtle Bars - These melt in your mouth Gluten-Free Turtle Bars have the perfect buttery crunch. A buttery cookie layer topped with caramel, pecans, and dark chocolate.
You can find more gluten-free desserts by searching the dessert section under "recipes" in the menu at the top of this page.
Did you make one of these gluten free desserts? Please leave a comment below letting me know what you thought.
Gluten-Free Desserts: Chocolate Dessert Shots
We're sharing some of the best gluten free desserts! We hope you love them all.
Ingredients
For the chocolate whipped cream:
- 8 oz. whipping cream (or coconut cream to make it dairy-free, or cool whip)
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
For the chocolate cookie crumbs:
- 1 cup almond flour (or almond meal)
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
For the rest:
- Chocolate Sauce (optional if dairy-free)
- Mini gluten-free, dairy-free chocolate chips
Instructions
- For the chocolate whipped cream - place whipping cream, cocoa, and powdered sugar in a mixer and mix on medium to high speed until firm peaks form.
- For the chocolate cookie crumbs - in a small mixing bowl, mix all ingredients until evenly incorporated.
- Assembly: Place a small spoonful of cookie crumbs (no more than 1 tablespoon) in the bottom on a 4 oz. glass or shot glass. Top with a heaping spoonful of chocolate whipped cream. Drizzle the chocolate sauce over whipped cream. Sprinkle on chocolate chips.
- Repeat one more time.
- Serve chilled.
- Store in the refrigerator covered for up to 3 days.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
3Serving Size:
1 dessert shotAmount Per Serving: Calories: 331Total Fat: 24gSaturated Fat: 35gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 43mgCarbohydrates: 71gFiber: 9gSugar: 54gProtein: 14g
Please check labels on your ingredients for accurate nutrition information.
Gluten Free With Emily
Whoa! These are looking amazing!
chrystal
Thank you Emily! They are quite scrumptious.
Best,
Chrystal
Dr. Jennifer Weinberg MD MPH | Simple Pure Whole Wellness
What a delicious chocolate treat! The cookie crumbs look like they add a nice texture.
chrystal
Thank you Dr. Jennifer! They do add a nice texture 🙂
Joyce Fletcher
Are the cookies gluten free?
chrystal
Yes, you would use gluten free cookies.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
These are such a cute treat!!!! I love that I can make them vegan too 😉 Beautiful and delish my friend!
chrystal
Would you use coconut cream? Great idea!
Chrystal
Lauren Gaskill | Making Life Sweet
Ooooo this is my kind of dessert! Love the chocolate cookie crumbs! Brilliant!
chrystal
Thanks Lauren! And the "cookie crumbs" are grain-free!
Best,
Chrystal
B.K.B.
Made these for a party. Rave reviews from everyone! Doubled the recipe and used 2oz plastic shot glasses from a party store. Made about 24.
Megan
I know it's not even 10 am...but I'm already craving this!
chrystal
Every time I see the pic I want to shovel spoonfuls of it's chocolaty-ness into my mouth 😉
Beth
I have no idea what a dessert shot glass is or how much it holds so I’m going to double the recipe, use 1/2 pint canning jars and cross my fingers. I’ve already made the fudge sauce you suggest but I’m a little concerned about the corn syrup being gluten free. Say a pray a prayer!
Celeste
Well, you've done it again. These look AMAZING!
chrystal
Awe. Thank you Celeste. You are too sweet!
Chrystal
Brianna @Flippin' Delicious
YUM! I love that you were sipping wine while you were taking the photos. Which are gorgeous, btw.
chrystal
Thank you Brianna! It was dangerous (I kept almost knocking my glass over as I reached for it) but fun!
Julia
I love that I can have seconds of these dessert shots without worry! I will definitely be using coconut milk to make these!
chrystal
They are the perfect size. I ate two 😉
Chrystal
Megan
Oh my gosh I want a shot right now!! Work or no work, lol. These look so amazing!
chrystal
Thank you Megan! They are hard to resist.
Best,
Chrystal
Bethany
These look amazing!
chrystal
Thank you Bethany!
Andrea Wyckoff
Wow! This recipe looks so divine! And I LOVE the ingredients you used! Trying this for sure!
♥
Emily @ Recipes to Nourish
These are so awesome! Love anything chocolate! Thank you so much for sharing this with us at Savoring Saturdays linky party. I'm super late commenting this weekend, so sorry. We always appreciate you sharing with us. Your recipe was the most popular last week, so we're all featuring it today. Hope you'll join us again.
chrystal
Awe.. thank you! Super fun to be featured. I love Savoring Saturdays!
Gina
Do you bake the cookie mixture or is it spooned into shot glasses without baking the flour mixture?
chrystal
Hi Gina,
Because the ingredients are safe to eat raw, you don't bake it. Think of it as a chewy granola bar. 🙂
Best,
Chrystal
Kim
Looks yummy! And your story about the merlot is totally something I would do, too. LOL
Francesca Hird
Is it best to make it a couple of hours before serving or a day before?
chrystal
Hi Francesca,
You can make it an hour before, or the day before. It's up to you. These will stay good in the fridge for a day or two 🙂
Best,
Chrystal
Misty D Bailey
How does the whipped cream last a few days? Whenever I make homemade whipped cream, it deflates within a few hours. I want to make this for a potluck, but I have to make it the night before.
chrystal
Hi Misty,
I use full fat or "heavy" whipping cream and I whip it until it's really stiff. Hope that helps.
Best,
Chrystal
Julia
Hi - could I use coconut flour in place of almond flour for the cookie crumbs?
chrystal
Hi Julia,
Yes, you can use coconut flour instead of almond flour. You might have to adjust the other ingredients.
Best,
Chrystal
Natalia
How many does the recipe make?
chrystal
This dessert shots recipe makes 3 mini dessert shots, but you can double or triple the recipe.
Best,
Chrystal
MIHAELA CHITICARU
Can we use honey instead of powdered sugar? Your recipe looks amazing but I can not have sugar. Thanks!
chrystal
The powdered sugar gives it the consistency. I don't think honey would work they same way.
Best,
Chrystal
Karen Porter
Where is the recipe in all the info. I cannot find it for the gluten-free chocolate dessert shots.
chrystal
Hi Karen,
It's about 2/3rds the way down the page, under the other dessert recommendations.
Best,
Chrystal
Stephanie
Hi there, you used to have a recipe for Chocolate Peppermint dessert shots that has apparently been removed from your site completely. Is there anyway to find that again or at least get ingredients/amounts?
chrystal
Hi Stephanie,
Yes, I removed it. Here it is, if you want to save it 🙂
Yields 4
1 box Enjoy Life Foods Double Chocolate Brownie Cookies
1 cup dairy-free whipped topping
1/2 teaspoon pure peppermint extract
2 allergy-friendly candy cane, crushed
Instructions: Place 1 cookie in the bottom of each tall shot glass, or small glass (4 glasses total).
In a small mixing bowl, mix dairy-free whipped topping and peppermint extract. Put 1-2 tablespoons (depending glass size) on top of the cookies in the glasses.
Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top.
Repeat two more times.
Serve cold. Store in the refrigerator covered for up to three days.
Best,
Chrystal
Melisa Kahler
can you use cool whip instead of making your own whipped cream.
chrystal
Yes, you can use cool whip.
Best,
Chrystal
Marie C Whisenant
Hi, Chrystal,
These look great! Can I substitute olive oil or canola oil for the coconut oil?
chrystal
Yes, you can use your oil of choice. I recommend a neutral flavored oil.