Who says you can’t indulge in delicious desserts while following a gluten-free diet? Whether you’re dealing with celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, or simply choosing a gluten-free lifestyle, we’ve got the perfect list of gluten free dessert recipe that are easy to make, packed with flavor, and completely satisfying.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything from gluten-free cookies to gluten-free cakes, brownies, pies, and even frozen treats. Ready to get baking? Let’s dive into some sweet inspiration!
What Makes a Dessert Gluten-Free?
Before we get into the recipes, let’s first understand what makes a dessert truly gluten-free. Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye, and it’s what gives baked goods their elasticity and chewy texture. In gluten-free desserts, we replace wheat flour with alternative flours like almond flour, rice flour, or coconut flour. Other essential ingredients like xanthan gum can also help with texture.
Many gluten-free desserts are naturally gluten-free, meaning they don’t need substitutions. Think pavlovas, meringues, and flourless chocolate cakes!
Essential Ingredients for Gluten Free Dessert Recipe
When making gluten-free desserts, it’s important to stock up on a few key ingredients that will help you get the right texture and taste. Here’s a list of some essential items:
- Gluten-Free Flour Blends: Pre-mixed blends like Bob’s Red Mill are great because they already include a variety of flours that balance each other out.
- Almond Flour: Adds a rich, nutty flavor and moisture to baked goods.
- Coconut Flour: Very absorbent, so you need less of it in recipes.
- Xanthan Gum or Guar Gum: Acts as a binding agent to replace the elasticity that gluten provides.
- Arrowroot Starch or Tapioca Starch: Helps give structure and lightness to gluten-free baking.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Naturally gluten-free and perfect for adding rich chocolate flavor to cakes, brownies, and cookies.
For more on gluten-free flours and how they work in different recipes, check out this guide.
Best Gluten Free Dessert Recipe
Now that you’re equipped with your gluten-free essentials, let’s move on to the fun part — the recipes! We’ve got a variety of easy and delicious gluten-free desserts that everyone will love, whether they follow a gluten-free diet or not.
Gluten-Free Cookies
Who doesn’t love a classic cookie? The following gluten-free cookie recipes are easy to whip up and taste just like (or better than) their gluten-filled counterparts!
Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
These chewy, chocolatey cookies are a must-try! The secret to getting the perfect texture is a mix of almond flour and a touch of tapioca starch for that classic chew.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/4 cups almond flour
- 1/4 cup tapioca starch
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup butter (or coconut oil for dairy-free)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup gluten-free chocolate chips
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix almond flour, tapioca starch, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
- In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar, then add the egg and vanilla.
- Slowly combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients and stir in chocolate chips.
- Scoop the dough onto the baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.
Gluten-Free Brownies
These rich, fudgy gluten-free brownies are always a crowd-pleaser. They’re super easy to make and don’t require any complicated ingredients.
Flourless Chocolate Brownies
Flourless brownies are naturally gluten-free and have a rich, dense texture that’s perfect for any chocolate lover.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup butter (or coconut oil)
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a small baking dish.
- Melt butter and mix it with the cocoa powder until smooth.
- Stir in the sugar, eggs, vanilla, and salt.
- Pour the batter into the baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the brownies are set in the middle.
Gluten-Free Cakes
Cakes are a staple in any dessert lineup. The following gluten-free cake recipes will have everyone asking for seconds.
Gluten-Free Vanilla Sponge Cake
This gluten-free vanilla cake is light, fluffy, and perfect for birthdays or any celebration.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups gluten-free flour blend
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup butter (or dairy-free margarine)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk (or almond milk)
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour a round cake pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, beat the butter and sugar until fluffy, then add the eggs and vanilla.
- Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, and mix until smooth.
- Pour the batter into the cake pan and bake for 25-30 minutes.
Gluten-Free Pies and Tarts
Gluten-free pie crusts can be just as buttery and flaky as traditional ones when done right. Here’s how to make a perfect gluten-free pie.
Gluten-Free Apple Pie
A classic apple pie made with a delicious gluten-free crust.
Ingredients for Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups gluten-free flour blend
- 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4-5 tablespoons ice water
Ingredients for Filling:
- 6 apples, peeled and sliced
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough holds together.
- Roll out the dough between two sheets of parchment paper and line a pie dish.
- Toss apples with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Pour into the pie crust.
- Roll out the remaining dough for the top crust, place it over the apples, and seal the edges.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes.
Frozen Gluten-Free Desserts
Who doesn’t love a cold, creamy dessert? These gluten-free frozen treats are perfect for hot days or any time you’re craving something sweet and refreshing.
Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free Chocolate Ice Cream
This rich, dairy-free, and gluten-free ice cream will satisfy your chocolate cravings without any guilt.
Ingredients:
- 1 can full-fat coconut milk
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Directions:
- Blend all ingredients in a blender until smooth.
- Pour into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Freeze for at least 2 hours before serving.
FAQs: Gluten Free Dessert Recipe
What is the best gluten-free flour for desserts?
A blend of rice flour, tapioca starch, and almond flour works best for most gluten-free dessert recipes. Pre-made gluten-free flour blends are also great and save time.
Can I make gluten-free desserts without xanthan gum?
Yes! While xanthan gum helps bind ingredients together, you can use alternatives like psyllium husk or chia seeds soaked in water for a similar effect.
Are all gluten-free desserts also dairy-free?
Not necessarily. Many gluten-free desserts include butter or cream, but you can easily substitute these with dairy-free alternatives like coconut milk or vegan margarine.
How can I store gluten-free desserts?
Most gluten-free desserts can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to a month.
Conclusion About Gluten Free Dessert Recipe
Gluten-free desserts don’t have to be boring or complicated. With the right ingredients and a bit of know-how, you can create delicious treats that everyone will love, whether they’re gluten-free or not. From classic cookies and brownies to cakes and pies, these recipes are perfect for any occasion.
So, go ahead and treat yourself! You deserve a slice (or two) of something sweet and gluten-free.