12 Delectable Dessert Recipes You Would Never Guess are Gluten-Free

We’ve gathered a cornucopia of gluten-free desserts to satisfy any sweet tooth.

By
Cecilia Hae-Jin Lee
Cecilia Hae-Jin Lee
Cecilia Hae-Jin Lee
Cecilia is a James Beard Award nominee and author of three cookbooks. Her recipes were chosen as Top 10 of the Year for LA Times 2 years in a row.
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Published August 13, 2021
Cecilia Hae-Jin Lee
Delectable Dessert Recipes You Would NEVER Guess Were Gluten-Free

Simply Recipes

Gluten-free desserts have come a LONG way, since new and wonderful gluten-free flours and ingredients have entered the market. The secret to using gluten-free flour is finding a blend that works for you. Gluten-free flour with xanthan gum is perfect for baked goods because it works best for substituting that binding agent that gluten provides in dessert recipes that use all-purpose flour.

The best part about gluten-free baking? You can also make no bake recipes! We’ve included a few delicious desserts that require you to step away from the oven and make a delectable treat in a matter of minutes. Perfect for hot days, or if you just want to prep your dessert beforehand.

This round up includes so many show-stopping beauties, like tarts and flourless chocolate cake that would impress any dinner guest. We also showcase easy weeknight desserts like cupcakes with banana and chocolate (that can even double for breakfast the next morning). No matter what dessert you whip up in your kitchen you’ll be surprised that they’re gluten-free.

  • Gluten-Free Monster Cookie Bars

    Close up of an overhead view of Bar Cookies of the Gluten Free Monster Variety.
    Kalisa Marie Martin

    These monster cookie bars are just the treat for lunch boxes, afternoon snacks, picnics, or pot lucks. They are loaded with oats, peanut butter, chocolate chips and M&Ms. They are easy to make—just one sheet pan and you're done!

  • Fudgy Gluten-Free Chocolate Brownies

    Fudgy Gluten-Free Vegan Brownies on a surface with one brownie cut in half
    Megan Gordon

    No one will believe that these decadent brownies are both vegan and gluten-free once they bite into these moist wonders. As an added bonus, these crowd-pleasing chocolate brownies come together in one bowl.

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  • Gluten-Free Vanilla Birthday Cake

    Gluten-Free Vanilla Cake
    Megan Gordon

    This is the perfect celebration cake when you want something without any eggs, dairy or gluten. It’s designed for a 9x13 cake pan, so frosting is super easy. A generous handful of sprinkles adds extra fun to this cake!

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  • Gluten-Free Chocolate Banana Cupcakes

    Gluten-Free Vegan Allergy-Friendly Chocolate Banana Cupcakes
    Megan Gordon

    Perfect for when you want a chocolate dessert without a lot of fuss, these moist and delicious chocolate cupcakes also take advantage of any over ripe bananas you happen to have laying around. Since the cupcakes can be stored at room temperature for a couple of days (up to 5 if they are unfrosted), they also make a great breakfast treat the following morning.

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    Continue to 5 of 12 below.

  • Flourless Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Recipes

    Two stacks of No Mixer Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies with glasses of milk in-between them.
    Sally Vargas

    Just a few ingredients you will have these gluten-free peanut butter chocolate chip cookies ready for a tall glass of milk. No mixer required! Just a bowl and a spatula and you're on your way to PB and chocolate cookie heaven.

  • Pavlova

    Pavlova
    Elise Bauer

    Just like its namesake Russian ballerina, Anna Pavlova, this egg-white meringue dessert is as ethereal and delicate as they come. This recipe is topped with a raspberry topping, but you can easily substitute with any other fresh or frozen berries, like strawberries, blackberries, or even currants when they are in season.

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  • Gluten-Free Apple Tart

    Paleo and Gluten-Free Apple Tart
    Sabrina Modelle

    An easy almond flour crust made in a food processor serves as the paleo-friendly base for this beautiful apple tart. The apples are thinly sliced and arranged in a round scalloped pattern to make this gorgeous dessert. You can use any variety of tart apples for this, but you can also easily substitute summer stone fruit, like peaches and plums with great success.

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  • Easy Peanut Butter Fudge

    Peanut Butter Fudge squares on cutting board
    Irvin Lin

    If you love the inside of a peanut butter cup then this recipe is for you! You need only seven ingredients (one of which is salt) and 15 minutes to whip these gluten-free sweet treats up. The hardest part is waiting 12 hours for the fudge to set.

    Continue to 9 of 12 below.

  • Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie

    Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie
    Megan Gordon

    Something to please everyone at the end of a weeknight meal, this gluten-free chocolate chip cookie recipe comes together quickly since you bake it in a cast-iron skillet. It goes from oven to table in just 20 minutes. Oh, and you can even top it with some vanilla ice cream…you’re welcome.

  • Slow Cooker Orange Almond Rice Pudding

    Jewish Kheer Recipe
    Rachel Narins

    Let the slow cooker do your work for you, with this easy rice pudding recipe large enough to feed a crowd. Inspired by Indian kheer, you can serve this dessert both cold or warm. The oranges and almonds add a delicate flavor topping, but you can easily substitute with chocolate chips, pumpkin pie spice, coconut or any other toppings you desire.

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  • Chipotle Flourless Chocolate Cake

    Chipotle Chocolate Cake
    Elise Bauer

    If you are fan of a little heat with your chocolate, then this gluten-free chocolate cake is perfect for you! We combine chocolate with a bit of chipotle powder and cinnamon so that you can get that beautiful slow tingle after each and every bite. If you’re not a fan of heat, just leave out the chile powder.

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  • Ricotta-Mascarpone Mousse with Balsamic Strawberries

    Ricotta Mascarpone Mousse Strawberries
    Elise Bauer

    Tossing fresh berries in aged balsamic may sound like an unusual indulgence but trust us. The sweetness and tartness of the deeply aged balsamic works beautifully with the color and fragrance of strawberries for this easy no-bake dessert. Make it the day before, and let it chill overnight in the fridge for an easy dessert to wow your guests. Go ahead and make this dessert with blackberries or blueberries if you have those on hand.

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