Top 35 Best Gluten-Free Desserts

My guide for the best gluten-free desserts includes a delicious mix of rich and indulgent gluten-free recipes as well as lighter, simple no-bake desserts made without gluten. Some of these baking recipes are naturally gluten-free while others are particularly have been developed with gluten-free alternatives. I chose these easy gluten-free desserts because of their reliable, step-by-step recipes, beautiful photos, and the methods the recipe developers used to ensure their recipes are safe to eat for those avoiding gluten. 

Jump to:

• Best Gluten-Free Desserts
• 1. Pistachio Ice Cream Bar
• 12. Chocolate Cremeux 
• 3. Pistachio Macarons
• 4. White Chocolate Covered Strawberries
• 5. Poached Pears
• 6. Chocolate Hazelnut Macarons 
• 7. Creme Brulee
• 8. Creme Anglaise
• 9. Floating Island Dessert 
• 10. Earl Grey Macarons
• 11. Coconut Panna Cotta with Passion Fruit
• 12. Strawberry Pavlova Cake
• 13. Chocolate Ice Cream Bar
• 14. Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
• 15. Peanut Butter Cookies
• 16. Peanut Butter Fudge
• 17. Gluten Free German Chocolate Cake
• 18. Flourless Chocolate Cake
• 19. Peanut Butter Cups
• 20. Gluten Free Banana Bread
• 21. Rice Pudding
• 22. Chocolate Mousse
• 23. Gluten Free Chocolate Mousse Cake
• 24. Gluten Free Pumpkin Pie 
• 25. Gluten Free Lemon Bars
• 26. Easy Gluten Free Peach Cobbler
• 27. Gluten Free Blondies
• 28. Classic Gluten Free Vanilla Sheet Cake
• 29. Tahini Honey Cookies
• 30. Almond Flour Snickerdoodles
• 31. Gluten Free Cream Puffs
• 32. Gluten Free Chocolate Eclairs
• 33. Gluten Free Fresh Strawberry Cake
• 34. Orange Shortbread Cookie Sticks
• 35. Thick and Fudgy Gluten Free Brownies
• Gluten-Free Desserts FAQs
• Related Gluten-Free Desserts
• Top 35 Gluten-Free Desserts

Many of the treats on this list are simple gluten-free desserts easy enough for home bakers of any skill level. It includes a wide range of 5 star gluten-free dessert recipes that most importantly are not overly complicated, and still taste just as delicious as gluten desserts. It also includes some of the best naturally gluten-free desserts, which don’t need substitutes in order to be gluten-free.

These recipes are suited for anyone regardless of whether health concerns prevent you from consuming gluten or you're simply avoiding it in your diet. Some of them might even surprise you that they are gluten-free. Read on to discover your new favorite easy gf desserts.

Best Gluten-Free Desserts

1. Pistachio Ice Cream Bar

These ice cream bars are made for pistachio lovers. While store-bought pistachio ice cream typically comes with a milder taste, this recipe uses pistachio paste to deliver a bold, natural flavor withing adding unnecessary ingredients. To finish them off, you dip these tasty bars into melted white chocolate for a sweetness that perfectly balances the nutty flavor.

12. Chocolate Cremeux 

Chocolate cremeux is a rich dessert of French origin that can be used as a filling for pastries or enjoyed on its own with a scoop of whipped cream. Richer in taste and smoother in texture than a chocolate ganache, this versatile treat adds a silky chocolate quality to anything you top it with. Chocolate cremeux pairs especially well with cakes, tarts, cookies, and pastries. 

3. Pistachio Macarons

Pistachios have a nutty flavor and creamy texture that pairs well with a variety of desserts. Pistachio desserts always offer a unique richness whether they’re combined with a lighter fruit or a richer chocolate. In the case of this recipe, the bold pistachio flavor hits all the right notes. These vibrant-colored cookies are filled with a white chocolate and pistachio butter ganache that shines through in every chewy bite.

4. White Chocolate Covered Strawberries

From a simple weeknight dessert to a birthday party snack table, these super easy white chocolate covered strawberries are one of the easiest gluten-free desserts kids can also make. They can fit any occasion with a simple food coloring swap, particularly fun to make them as a spring dessert. Never again will you want to buy store-bought strawberries after you see how easy and convenient they are to make at home with your favorite chocolate coating.

The chocolate adds just a touch of indulgence to each strawberry, making for a light and fruity dessert that still satisfies.

5. Poached Pears

This delicate dessert can be found at the intersection of light and refreshing. Poaching pears in a citrus and cinnamon simple syrup infuses them with flavor while encouraging their natural flavors to stand out. In addition, this easy, naturally gluten free dessert can be enjoyed warm or even served chilled.

6. Chocolate Hazelnut Macarons 

Macarons are one of the best French pastries that are so worth making at home! Instead of using a gluten-free flour substitute, macarons are always made from almond flour, making them naturally gluten-free. Additionally, they can be flavored in an endless variety of ways, meaning there’s potential for a completely different flavor profile every time you make a batch.

This recipe makes macarons that are crunchy on the outside with the perfect amount of chewiness and a rich chocolate ganache filling. If you are new to macarons, check out our online macaron class!

7. Creme Brulee

Creme brulee is a fancy dessert typically associated with dining out, but this fancy Europen dessert is easier to make at you than you might think. With only five simple ingredients, you can whip up this velvety custard dessert in no time. Creme Brulee does require extensive chilling, so you’ll want to prepare it ahead of time.

Then, all you’ll have to do is top your dishes with sugar and caramelize them for an elegant, delicious dessert ready to serve anytime. 

8. Creme Anglaise

This flavorful custard sauce is a simple way to make your desserts taste even more amazing. Delectable enough to be enjoyed on its own, creme anglaise is more often poured over other desserts to add richness and flavor. You can also use this versatile treat in fillings and frostings, such as chocolate cremeaux.

9. Floating Island Dessert 

A cloud of meringue, surrounded by an ultra creamy creme anglaise makes up this simple, no bake dessert. Each bite of smooth custard is contrasted by the lightly poached, crisp and fluffy meringue. Top this dessert with nuts, fruit, or even chocolate sauce for a personalized touch and a more stunning presentation. 

10. Earl Grey Macarons

If you’re a fan of tea, these Earl Grey-infused macarons are a must-try! They’re filled with deep citrus and black tea flavors, which are brightened by the addition of a lemon curd filling. These uniquely flavored macarons are a sophisticated gluten-free dessert that’s sure to win over a crowd or add an elegant touch to your springtime events. 

11. Coconut Panna Cotta with Passion Fruit

This no bake fruity dessert is simple and refreshing. Creamy, coconut-flavored layers pair with sour passion fruit flavors to form this creative dessert that’s not only delicious but also visually intriguing. This recipe does include a sable cookie, but to make this recipe gluten-free simply omit the cookie and enjoy the wonderfully smooth panna cotta on its own.

12. Strawberry Pavlova Cake

If you’re a fan of meringues, you’ll love this pavlova cake. It’s lightly sweet with a thin crunchy crust and chewy marshmallowy center. You can finish this cloud-like cake with fresh strawberries, whipped cream, and fresh mint to make for a light summer BBQ dessert.

13. Chocolate Ice Cream Bar

Made with no-churn ice cream and mixed in only 10 minutes, these five-ingredient chocolate ice cream bars are the easiest frozen treat. Each bite is filled with crunchy chopped almonds and a milk chocolate coating that will rival any store-bought ice cream bar. Even better, the recipe calls for only natural ingredients, so you can feel good about enjoying this recipe and feeding it to your family.

14. Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chocolate chip cookies are one of the most classic desserts imaginable, but if you’re avoiding gluten, the traditional recipe is obviously off the menu. The good news is there are wonderful replacements, including this mouthwatering recipe, that deliver all the traditional flavors without using traditional flour.

This recipe makes gluten free baking easy, using a blend of rice flour, sorghum flour, and tapioca flour to wonderfully mimic the gooey and delicious chocolate chip cookies you know and love. 

15. Peanut Butter Cookies

The fantastic thing about gluten free peanut butter cookies is that they’re naturally gluten-free, without the use of any substitute ingredients. This three ingredient peanut butter recipe results in a lovely batch of soft and chewy cookies with the perfect amount of peanut butter flavor in every bite.

16. Peanut Butter Fudge

With plenty of craveable peanut flavor, this simple peanut butter fudge is a smooth and delicious treat that you can whip up in just minutes. While the base has a soft texture, you can easily add chopped nuts to the mix for a delightful crunch in every bite. To take this fudge to the next level, don’t forget the flaky sea salt sprinkle that balances the sweetness throughout the entire recipe. 

17. Gluten Free German Chocolate Cake

This gluten free cake hits all the notes. It’s chocolatey, moist, and full of delicious coconut flavor. Coffee boosts the cake batter, bringing all the other flavors to life, and the nutty layers of frosting perfectly complement the rich chocolate taste. This decadent, showstopping cake is perfect for any occasion whether you’re following a gluten free diet or simply appreciate the delicious symphony of flavors that it offers.  

18. Flourless Chocolate Cake

This flourless chocolate cake is a simple, one-bowl recipe that’s irresistibly rich and dense in a way that ultimate chocolate lovers will appreciate. Similar to brownies in texture, this delicious and gluten free chocolate cake can be made with simple ingredients and minimal prep.

A mocha whipped topping adds an extra layer of decadence, but you can also opt for a range of alternative toppings, such as fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a scoop of ice cream. 

19. Peanut Butter Cups

If you want a recipe for peanut butter cups that will beat out the store-bought versions, look no further. These treats don’t require any baking, making them a fun and easy dessert to whip up and enjoy at any time. Additionally, to keep their shape and maintain a level of health consciousness, these peanut butter candies use almond flour, peanut butter, and Medjool dates for their thick and creamy filling. 

20. Gluten Free Banana Bread

This gluten free banana bread is perfectly moist, wonderfully dense, and bursting with flavor in every bite. Ready to enjoy in just under an hour, this is one of the best gluten free dessert recipes for banana bread. While amazing on its own, you can add to its perfection by customizing this recipe with a topping of chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or a drizzle of maple syrup for a bit of added sweetness.

21. Rice Pudding

Rice pudding is often enjoyed around the holidays, but with its excellent flavor and relative ease, there’s no reason not to enjoy this gluten free dessert any time of year. This recipe doesn’t require any eggs and uses arborio rice that’s naturally creamy when cooked to give the perfect texture. Flavored with cinnamon and vanilla, this quick and comforting dessert takes only 40 minutes from start to finish.  

22. Chocolate Mousse

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/404972191503278879/

Chocolate mousse is one of the simple gluten-free desserts recipe that is always a winner. It also couldn’t be any easier to put together. For example, you won’t need to temper eggs for this mousse. Instead, it’s made from just four simple ingredients in 10 minutes. Finally, after chilling, you can top this easy treat with a scoop of whipped cream and chocolate shavings for an elegant presentation.

23. Gluten Free Chocolate Mousse Cake

This torte-like chocolate mousse cake has a dense, gluten free layer as its decadent base. The cake layer is topped with an airy cream cheese mousse and chilled before being finished with a decorative layer of homemade whipped cream and chocolate shavings. With three distinct layers that wonderfully build off of one another, you’ll love how this dessert somehow feels light and indulgent at the same time.

24. Gluten Free Pumpkin Pie 

When it comes to gluten-free and dairy-free desserts, this pumpkin pie is holiday perfection. A homemade gluten free pie crust surrounds this tasty pie, but readers can easily choose the crustless pie option if it better suits their preferences. Coconut milk makes this pie extra creamy and delicious while still serving up the traditional flavors that make dairy free pumpkin pie a favorite for family gatherings. 

25. Gluten Free Lemon Bars

A bright, sweet-flavored lemon custard is balanced by a buttery almond shortbread crust in these perfectly summery lemon bars. Not only are these bars super simple to make, but they also only take 15 minutes of prep time, making them an excellent gluten free dessert recipe to make and enjoy on the same day.

26. Easy Gluten Free Peach Cobbler

Peach cobbler is a classic summer dessert, and thanks to this recipe, even those who are gluten free can enjoy this Southern tradition. To make this cobbler, fresh peaches combine with warm cinnamon and vanilla before you top them with a golden brown, biscuit-like crust.

Finally, just like with a traditional gluten-rich dessert, this gluten-free cobbler is best served warm with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream.

27. Gluten Free Blondies

The buttery and caramelized flavors in these gluten free blondies will make them an instant hit. Not only are they chewy and satisfying, but these blondies are also super simple to make. Feel free to use chocolate chips like in the original recipe or switch things up with your favorite candies or nuts to mix in.

28. Classic Gluten Free Vanilla Sheet Cake

Everybody needs a good sheet cake recipe in their arsenal. From a simple weekend dessert for feeding a crowd to birthdays and special events, this gluten free vanilla sheet cake is the recipe to save for when the need for a simple cake arises. This fluffy cake with a tender crumb tastes amazing with whipped vanilla frosting, but you also can get creative and customize every element of this cake to your liking. 

29. Tahini Honey Cookies

These unique, almond flour-based cookies utilize the natural sweetness of honey to give them their distinct taste. Combined with the earthiness of tahini, you get a wonderfully creamy cookie that’s sweet enough to satisfy your cravings but also subtle enough to enjoy for breakfast. 

These chewy cookies are an excellent alternative to peanut butter and can serve as a gluten free cookie recipe that’s also nut free. 

30. Almond Flour Snickerdoodles

Snickerdoodles are simple and comforting cookies, but they’re typically off-limits for people avoiding gluten. Almond flour comes to the rescue in this gluten-free version, providing an excellent base for the flavors to build on. Cream of tartar gives these cookies their distinctly tart taste, while the classic pairing of cinnamon and sugar coats these chewy cookies with the traditional topping we all know and love.

31. Gluten Free Cream Puffs

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/96264510776618468/

Choux pastry dough doesn’t need gluten to be tall and airy, and this recipe is proof. These cream puffs use a gluten free flour blend for a traditional pastry dough that's amazingly similar to the gluten-rich version. Filled with homemade vanilla whipped cream, these fluffy, golden cream puffs are perfect for events. You can even dip them in chocolate for an extra special touch.

32. Gluten Free Chocolate Eclairs

While eclairs can feel intimidating to new bakers, this detailed recipe provides everything you need to succeed in baking them. From the vanilla pastry cream filling to the rich chocolate ganache on top, these eclairs are the perfect gluten free pastries to enjoy as an upscale dessert.

33. Gluten Free Fresh Strawberry Cake

This fluffy gluten free cake recipe is a simple from-scratch recipe that doesn’t take a lot of time to prepare. Full of fresh, fruity flavor, cream cheese frosting covers this cake, giving it a nice balance of sweetness and tang. The fluffy cake is also dairy free, making it an excellent choice for those who are both gluten free and vegan. 

34. Orange Shortbread Cookie Sticks

If you’re looking for a quick treat that deviates from the norm, look no further than these gluten free cookie sticks. They’re a fun gf dessert that’s loaded with orange flavor and just a bit of chocolate. These cookie sticks make a great not-too-sweet dessert option that you can even enjoy alongside a relaxing cup of coffee or tea. 

35. Thick and Fudgy Gluten Free Brownies

Skip the boxed gluten free brownie mix and make a batch of these decadent homemade brownies without gluten instead. This one-bowl recipe completely delivers on that rich and fudgy brownie goodness you’ve been dreaming of.

And to bring ensure the ultimate-chocolate flavor, this recipe uses both cocoa powder and chocolate chips in the batter. You can even freeze the leftovers to enjoy a perfect brownie whenever the craving strikes. 

Gluten-Free Desserts FAQs

Related Gluten-Free Desserts