Our Best Gluten-Free Desserts

Enjoy creamy custards and puddings, baked fruits, and tangy sorbets for dessert as well as cookies and cakes made with gluten-free products. Recipes that are tagged as “gluten-free” do not include products that normally contain gluten. However, some recipes with the gluten-free tag may call for ingredients such as sauces or mixes that may or may not contain gluten, so be sure to read ingredient labels carefully.

Start Slideshow

1 of 75

Peaches and Cream Mini Cupcakes

Photo: Oxmoor House

Peaches and Cream Mini Cupcakes Recipe
Petite and almost too cute to eat, these miniature cupcakes are infused with the sweet flavor of summer's juiciest fruit.

2 of 75

Fresh Orange Sorbet

Photo: Iain Bagwell, Randy Mayor; Styling: Cindy Barr

Fresh Orange Sorbet Recipe
All you need to make this refreshing sorbet is a few oranges, a couple of lemons, sugar, and water. It's a great way to use the oranges that come in holiday fruit baskets.

3 of 75

The Ultimate Unbaked Brownies

Photo: Lara Ferroni

The Ultimate Unbaked Brownies Recipe
These unbaked brownies are so good, they've earned their title. This recipe feature power players such as dates, walnuts, and maple syrup. Spread the mixture into a pan, and then refrigerate for at least two hours to set.

4 of 75

Key Lime Cheesecake

Photo: Oxmoor House

Key Lime Cheesecake Recipe
A gluten-free crust means you can enjoy luxurious, creamy cheesecake again! Key limes have a short growing season, usually June through August. If they're not in season, you can substitute bottled Key lime juice and Persian lime zest.

5 of 75

Chewy Caramel Apple Cookies

Oxmoor House

Chewy Caramel Apple Cookies Recipe
These old-fashioned chewy oatmeal cookies are extra sweet with the addition of caramel candies and chopped apple. Even folks who don't need to eat gluten-free cookies are likely to devour these, so you'd better bake an extra batch.

6 of 75

Caramelized Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

Photo: Randy Mayor; Styling: Missy Neville Crawford

Caramelized Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Recipe
This cake has a gorgeous caramelized crust, rum-soaked pineapple, and is 100% gluten-free. Need we say more?

7 of 75

Cherry-Grapefruit Basil Sorbet

Photo: Randy Mayor; Stylist: Cindy Barr

Cherry-Grapefruit Basil Sorbet Recipe
Fresh basil pairs wonderfully with the sweet-tart citrus and deep cherry flavors in this elegant sorbet. Garnish the scoops with small basil leaves, if you like.

8 of 75

Chocolate Layer Cake

Photo: Oxmoor House

Chocolate Layer Cake Recipe
This stunning dessert is also delicious using unsweetened almond milk in both the cake and frosting.

9 of 75

Almond Crème Caramel

Photo: Oxmoor House

Almond Crème Caramel Recipe
This decadent gluten-free dessert looks like you spent all day slaving in the kitchen, but calls for just eight ingredients.

10 of 75

Classic Vanilla Pudding

Photo: Oxmoor House

Classic Vanilla Pudding Recipe
For a quick and elegant dessert, serve this pudding topped with fresh berries, crumbled pistachio brittle, or chopped toffee candy and a pretty mint leaf.

11 of 75

Spiced Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Photo: Oxmoor House

Spiced Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
A smear of cream cheese frosting is the ideal topper for warm spiced carrot cake. Your friends won't believe you when you tell them this moist, delicious cake is gluten-free!

12 of 75

Cinnamon Rice Pudding with Dried-Cherry Sauce

Photo: Oxmoor House

Cinnamon Rice Pudding with Dried-Cherry Sauce Recipe
Aromatic jasmine rice cooks to a moist texture, which makes for perfect rice pudding. Use a pan with a heavy bottom to prevent scorching.

13 of 75

Watermelon with Tangy Granita

Photo: Johnny Miller; Styling: Sarah Smart

Watermelon with Tangy Granita Recipe
Juicy-crisp watermelon chunks turn extra-refreshing with a cold topping of slushy cucumber-lime granita. If you have access to both, use red and yellow watermelon.

14 of 75

S'more Bars

Oxmoor House

S'more Bars Recipe
This kid-friendly gluten-free dessert is perfect for after-school snacks or a dessert treat after the kids have eaten their veggies!

15 of 75

Butterscotch Pudding

Photo: Oxmoor House

Butterscotch Pudding Recipe
The crumbled toffee candy on top gives the creamy butterscotch pudding a crunchy-sweet finish.

16 of 75

Mocha Cream Brownie Wedges with Fresh Raspberries

Photo: Oxmoor House

Mocha Cream Brownie Wedges with Fresh Raspberries Recipe
You'd never guess by looking at this sophisticated dessert that it started from a boxed brownie mix.

17 of 75

Arctic Lime Freeze

Photo: Oxmoor House

Arctic Lime Freeze Recipe
You're probably thinking there's no way a dessert with tofu in it could ever be good, right? Well, think again because silken tofu can give a creamy, rich texture to smoothies and frozen desserts like this one. Tofu is also a great source of protein, B vitamins, calcium, and iron.

18 of 75

Grilled Peaches with Honey Cream

Photo: Randy Mayor; Stylist: Cindy Barr

Grilled Peaches with Honey Cream Recipe
Make use of summer's most fleeting fruit in this naturally gluten-free dessert. You can also use apricots or nectarines instead of peaches.

19 of 75

Chocolate Pots de Crème

Oxmoor House

Chocolate Pots de Crème Recipe
This no-fuss dessert requires less than 15 minutes of prep time, and the finished product is sure to draw oohs and aahs from guests of all ages. You can make it the morning of the party, and everyone will think you worked all day.

20 of 75

Cherry Tart with Almond Streusel Topping

Photo: Oxmoor House

Cherry Tart with Almond Streusel Topping Recipe
Use fresh or frozen cherries to make the deep red-hued, sweet-tart filling for this gluten-free tart. The crunchy, crumbly almond streusel really sends it over the top.

21 of 75

Chocolate-Cherry Pudding Cake

Photo: Oxmoor House

Chocolate-Cherry Pudding Cake Recipe
As the cake bakes, it separates into two layers, a tender chocolate spongelike cake and a rich chocolate-cherry sauce.

22 of 75

Piña Colada Cheesecake Bars

Photo: Oxmoor House

Piña Colada Cheesecake Bars Recipe
This recipe uses a small amount of coconut flour, which is slightly sweet, high in fiber (3 grams per tablespoon), and gluten free. Look for it in health-food stores or order online. You also can substitute an equal amount of gluten-free all-purpose flour.

23 of 75

Strawberry-Chocolate Trifle

Photo: Oxmoor House

Strawberry-Chocolate Trifle Recipe
Use gluten-free devil's food cake mix and gluten-free vanilla instant pudding mix to make this gorgeous layered dessert. You can make one big trifle or individual ones for a special presentation.

24 of 75

Chocolate Chai Sherbet

Scott Peterson

Chocolate Chai Sherbet Recipe
Deep, rich flavor abounds in this creamy sherbet featuring bittersweet chocolate, ground spices, and the subtle spiciness of chai tea.

25 of 75

Ambrosia

Ambrosia Recipe
Revel in the sweetness of winter fruit with this no-cook medley topped with coconut.

26 of 75

Carrot Cake

Photo: Oxmoor House

Carrot Cake Recipe
This deliciously moist cake is chock-full of carrots, nuts, and raisins.

27 of 75

Kitchen Sink Oatmeal Cookies

Oxmoor House

Kitchen Sink Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
These gluten-free cookies taste just like old-fahsioned oatmeal cookies but they've got chocolate chips and chopped nuts, so they're even better. If you happen to be allergic to nuts, just leave the nuts out and add more chocolate chips or raisins.

28 of 75

Frozen Vanilla Custard

Oxmoor House

Frozen Vanilla Custard Recipe
Homemade ice cream is a convenient go-tos when you want an easy dessert. Use this custard as a base for many flavors by adding your favorite gluten-free ingredients such as fruit or chopped candy when it's almost frozen.

29 of 75

Baked Apples with Meringue

BECKY LUIGART-STAYNER

Baked Apples with Meringue Recipe
It's a perfect alternative to apple pie–baked apples with a crisp meringue topping and a chunky apple-raisin sauce.

30 of 75

Citrus Tea Sorbet

Randy Mayor

Citrus Tea Sorbet Recipe
Showcase the tangy flavor of fresh grapefruit and orange juices by combing them with tea and freezing the mixture into an icy dessert.

31 of 75

Pecan-Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

Photo: Oxmoor House

Pecan-Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars Recipe
The distinctive flavor of pumpkin pie spice folded into a creamy cheesecake and baked into chewy brown-sugar bars makes for an extra-special autumnal treat.

32 of 75

Lemon Cake

Photo: Oxmoor House

Lemon Cake Recipe
This gluten-free layer cake has a bright flavor and a wonderfully rich frosting. Garnish it with thin lemon slices.

33 of 75

Maple-Pecan Pie

Photo: Oxmoor House

Maple-Pecan Pie Recipe
No Thanksgiving dinner is complete without a pecan pie. If you have gluten-free family members, this pie will be a real treat for them.

34 of 75

Chocolate Java Lava Cakes

Photo: Oxmoor House

Chocolate Java Lava Cakes Recipe
These sumptuous chocolate-coffee concoctions, with their rich molten interior, are a chocolate lover's dream.

35 of 75

Wildberry Buckle

Photo: Oxmoor House

Wildberry Buckle Recipe
As this tempting dessert bakes, the cake batter rises and buckles around the fruit, giving it a wrinkled appearance.

36 of 75

Spiced Caramel Bundt Cake

Photo: Oxmoor House

Spiced Caramel Bundt Cake Recipe
Cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg give this gluten-free cake its signature spiced flavor, and applesauce lends moistness while allowing you to use less oil. A drizzle of golden caramel syrup is the finishing touch, making this the perfect "ta-da!" dessert to serve at your next dinner party or ladies' tea.

37 of 75

Apple-Cherry Cobbler with Sweet Spiral Biscuits

Photo: Oxmoor House

Apple-Cherry Cobbler with Sweet Spiral Biscuits Recipe
Fresh apples and frozen cherries create the ultimate marriage of sweet-tart flavors in this kid-approved dessert. Gluten-free spiral biscuits take the place of the traditional drop biscuit dough used to top cobblers.

38 of 75

Scandinavian Almond Cake

Photo: Oxmoor House

Scandinavian Almond Cake Recipe
Claimed by both the Norwegians and the Danes, this sugary almond-topped cake is a favorite for all.

39 of 75

Vanilla Angel Food Cake with Berry Compote

Photo: Oxmoor House

Vanilla Angel Food Cake with Berry Compote Recipe
The lack of gluten in this angel food cake makes it taste better than the wheat-based variety--it's missing that tiny bit of chew. The white rice flour, cornstarch, and just a little brown rice flour along with the egg whites give the cake a light, airy texture, resulting in a gluten-free cake that tastes simply heavenly.

40 of 75

Pear and Apricot Tart

Photo: Oxmoor House

Pear and Apricot Tart Recipe
In the late 19th century, the families of Sicily came to America bringing their most cherished Italian customs and cooking. Prominent among them were flavorful, fresh fruit desserts, such as this lovely tart. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or, even better, gelato.

41 of 75

White Chocolate-Raspberry Pie

Photo: Oxmoor House

White Chocolate-Raspberry Pie Recipe
Talk about a match made in heaven! A sweet arrowroot cookie crust serves as the base for the perfect pairing of a creamy, dreamy white chocolate filling and fresh raspberries.

42 of 75

Marshmallows

Photo: Oxmoor House

Marshmallows Recipe
Kids will love helping you make these fluffy confections, and adding cocoa and two types of chocolate chips just increases the excitement. Tote these marshmallows to a bonfire and enjoy roasting them under the stars.

43 of 75

Pumpkin Flan

Photo: Oxmoor House

Pumpkin Flan Recipe
Pumpkin lends a unique and mouthwatering spin to the classic custard layered dessert with a soft caramel top. This flan is convenient--it can be made in advance and kept refrigerated until ready to serve.

44 of 75

Strawberry-Almond Cake Roll

Photo: Oxmoor House

Strawberry-Almond Cake Roll Recipe
Don't panic--this strawberry and whipped cream-filled cake is surprisingly easy to roll.

45 of 75

Double Nut-Chocolate Tart

Photo: Oxmoor House

Double Nut-Chocolate Tart Recipe
This dark, almondy, and rich-tasting tart requires much less sugar and butter than the standard fare. It's almost a flourless chocolate cake, but a little bit of brown rice flour is added to give it some structure and help it develop a nice crust.

46 of 75

Coconut Layer Cake with Marshmallow Frosting

Photo: Oxmoor House

Coconut Layer Cake with Marshmallow Frosting Recipe
Swirls of rich, fluffy marshmallow frosting and flakes of toasted coconut are the crowning glory of this luscious layer cake. Did we mention it's completely gluten-free?

47 of 75

Red Velvet Whoopie Pies

Photo: Oxmoor House

Red Velvet Whoopie Pies Recipe
This hand-held version of the classic cake is a yummy favorite for children of all ages--guaranteed to generate smiles.

48 of 75

Pistachio Brittle

Photo: Oxmoor House

Pistachio Brittle Recipe
Using pistachios for your next homemade brittle adds a nice twist on an old classic. You can also vary the recipe using peanuts, cashews, pecans, or almonds in place of the pistachios. Wrap up the pieces in cellophane and tie with ribbons for a pleasant alternative to Christmas cookies.

49 of 75

Chocolate-Almond Angel Food Cake

Photo: Oxmoor House

Chocolate-Almond Angel Food Cake Recipe
This is not your typical angel food cake. The texture is still light, but the chocolate and almond add a level of decadence that takes it a few steps beyond the classic.

50 of 75

Winn's Fig and Pecan Rugelach

Photo: Oxmoor House

Winn's Fig and Pecan Rugelach Recipe
This is a gluten-free variation of the traditional Jewish pastry. Filled with fig preserves, pecans, and brown sugar, they are the perfect treat for a Hanukkah celebration.

51 of 75

Graham Cracker-Apple Crisp

Photo: Oxmoor House

Graham Cracker-Apple Crisp Recipe
This crisp is just as delicious for breakfast as it is when served for dessert. The combination of gluten-free oats and graham crackers gives the topping a unique texture that complements the soft apple filling.

52 of 75

Struffoli

Photo: Oxmoor House

Struffoli Recipe
Ah, struffoli! These little Neopolitan dough balls are fried quickly to give them a light, delicious cake inside and crunchy outside layer, and then covered in honey and powdered sugar. Serve with coffee and savor each little indulgent bite.

53 of 75

Flourless Chocolate-Pecan Cake

Photo: Thomas J. Story

Flourless Chocolate-Pecan Cake Recipe
Oakland chef Tanya Holland puts a Southern spin on this cake. It will rise as it bakes, and then sink rather dramatically in the center. Don't worry about this--just trim the top with a large serrated knife and save the pieces for snacks.

54 of 75

Chocolate Velvet Beet Cake

Photo: Oxmoor House

Chocolate Velvet Beet Cake Recipe
If you don't mention it, no one will ever suspect that this incredible chocolate dessert, with its smooth texture and rich flavor, is made with beets.

55 of 75

Whipped Cream Puffs

Photo: Oxmoor House

Whipped Cream Puffs Recipe
Potato starch and rice flour make a delightfully tender and flaky, yet chewy, puff pastry. Filled with dollops of creamy whipped filling and topped with powdered sugar, they are a wonderful treat for a shower or party.

56 of 75

Bananas Foster Upside-Down Cake

Photo: Oxmoor House

Bananas Foster Upside-Down Cake Recipe
Bananas Foster originated at Brennan's restaurant in New Orleans in the 1950s. This is a gluten-free riff on that classic dessert.

57 of 75

Strawberry-Orange Tart

Photo: Oxmoor House

Strawberry-Orange Tart Recipe
This berry and citrus combination makes for an intense burst of flavor that dances on the taste buds. It's as wonderful to look at as it is to serve and eat.

58 of 75

Double-Banana Cream Pie

Double-Banana Cream Pie Recipe
Thick vanilla custard is layered with ripe bananas in a sweet arrowroot-cookie crust. You'll hear "mmm" with each bite.

59 of 75

Chocolate Cream Pie

Photo: Oxmoor House

Chocolate Cream Pie Recipe
This pie's luscious, chocolaty filling is sure to win you some brownie points with anyone who's lucky enough to get a slice. Pressing the chocolate mixture through a fine mesh sieve removes any lumps of cornstarch and egg and creates a smooth, creamy filling.

60 of 75

Pizzelles

Photo: Oxmoor House

Pizzelles Recipe
At last, the beloved cookie is now gluten-free friendly! You'll need a pizzelle iron to make these delicate Italian waffle cookies. Prepare the recipe using the Cannoli Shell Variation to make delicious cannoli.

61 of 75

Chocolate Chip Cannoli

Photo: Oxmoor House

Chocolate Chip Cannoli Recipe
Cannoli on a gluten-free diet are practically unheard of. This version, made with gluten-free pizzelles, can be enjoyed by everyone. Add additional chocolate minichips on the ends for garnish, if you like.

62 of 75

Blueberry-Peach Cobbler with Pecans

Photo: Oxmoor House

Blueberry-Peach Cobbler with Pecans Recipe
It's best to make this cobbler during the summer months when fresh blueberries and peaches are at their peak, but you can enjoy it year-round if you use frozen fruit.

63 of 75

Lemon Meringue Pie

Photo: Oxmoor House

Lemon Meringue Pie Recipe
A gluten-free crust serves as the base for tangy-sweet lemon custard and a fluffy meringue topping in this fresh spin on the classic.

64 of 75

Cranberry-Walnut Tart

Photo: Oxmoor House

Cranberry-Walnut Tart Recipe
This tart has a great basic gluten-free crust. The white rice flour and tapioca flour have a neutral taste that allows the flavor of the butter to stand out, while the shortening ensures flakiness. Fresh cranberries and walnuts in the filling make this the perfect tart to serve around the holidays.

65 of 75

Tiramisu

Photo: Oxmoor House

Tiramisu Recipe
Blending mascarpone cheese with fat-free cream cheese is the key to this divine tiramisu. The richness and flavor of the mascarpone cheese still shines through but with less saturated fat and fewer calories than traditional recipes. We used gluten-free ladyfingers so that everyone could enjoy this decadent dessert.

66 of 75

Sour Cream-Cocoa Cupcakes

Photo: Oxmoor House

Sour Cream-Cocoa Cupcakes Recipe
These cocoa-laden cupcakes make a delightful surprise for gluten-free chocoholics. Sour cream gives the cupcakes a moist and dense texture, leaving you more satisfied with each delicious bite.

67 of 75

Cheddar-Apple Pie

Photo: Oxmoor House

Cheddar-Apple Pie Recipe
Tart and tangy, sweet and spiced, this intensely flavored homemade apple pie is thickly layered into a sharp cheddar cheese-enhanced crust. It's a gluten-free remake of an American classic!

68 of 75

Blackberry-Almond Cobbler

Photo: Oxmoor House

Blackberry-Almond Cobbler Recipe
Use the darkest, juiciest blackberries you can find to make this gluten-free cobbler. The cornstarch mixed into the fresh fruit acts as a thickener, preventing the filling from becoming too runny.

69 of 75

Cranberry-Almond Bark

Photo: Oxmoor House

Cranberry-Almond Bark Recipe
This addictive chocolate confection is a spectacular way to blend cranberries and almonds. You can also vary the recipe with other dried fruits, such as raisins, apricots, figs, or cherries. Wrap in clear plastic and tie with a dark green ribbon for a lovely holiday gift.

70 of 75

Sweet Potato Pie

Photo: Oxmoor House

Sweet Potato Pie Recipe
An alternative to the old-fashioned pumpkin pie, this gluten-free sweet potato dessert is seasoned to perfection with cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Serve with a large dollop of light whipped topping dusted with nutmeg, and savor each heavenly bite.

71 of 75

Banana-Toffee Cupcakes

Photo: Oxmoor House

Banana-Toffee Cupcakes Recipe
Sticky, sweet, and bursting with bananas, these cupcakes provide the perfect antidote for the after-school munchies.

72 of 75

Chocolate Mousse

Photo: Oxmoor House

Chocolate Mousse Recipe
This dessert is a hidden source of soy protein due to the addition of tofu. Silken tofu blends smoothly, giving the mousse a luscious texture.

73 of 75

Strawberry-Blueberry Cheesecake

Photo: Oxmoor House

Strawberry-Blueberry Cheesecake Recipe
This luscious cheesecake is a showcase for the season's freshest, sweetest berries. With all its red, white, and blue, it's perfect for your next Fourth of July party or summer gathering.

Account

Our Favorite Gluten-Free Desserts

1 of 75

Peaches and Cream Mini Cupcakes

2 of 75

Fresh Orange Sorbet

3 of 75

The Ultimate Unbaked Brownies

4 of 75

Key Lime Cheesecake

5 of 75

Chewy Caramel Apple Cookies

6 of 75

Caramelized Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

7 of 75

Cherry-Grapefruit Basil Sorbet

8 of 75

Chocolate Layer Cake

9 of 75

Almond Crème Caramel

10 of 75

Classic Vanilla Pudding

11 of 75

Spiced Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

12 of 75

Cinnamon Rice Pudding with Dried-Cherry Sauce

13 of 75

Watermelon with Tangy Granita

14 of 75

S'more Bars

15 of 75

Butterscotch Pudding

16 of 75

Mocha Cream Brownie Wedges with Fresh Raspberries

17 of 75

Arctic Lime Freeze

18 of 75

Grilled Peaches with Honey Cream

19 of 75

Chocolate Pots de Crème

20 of 75

Cherry Tart with Almond Streusel Topping

21 of 75

Chocolate-Cherry Pudding Cake

22 of 75

Piña Colada Cheesecake Bars

23 of 75

Strawberry-Chocolate Trifle

24 of 75

Chocolate Chai Sherbet

25 of 75

Ambrosia

26 of 75

Carrot Cake

27 of 75

Kitchen Sink Oatmeal Cookies

28 of 75

Frozen Vanilla Custard

29 of 75

Baked Apples with Meringue

30 of 75

Citrus Tea Sorbet

31 of 75

Pecan-Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

32 of 75

Lemon Cake

33 of 75

Maple-Pecan Pie

34 of 75

Chocolate Java Lava Cakes

35 of 75

Wildberry Buckle

36 of 75

Spiced Caramel Bundt Cake

37 of 75

Apple-Cherry Cobbler with Sweet Spiral Biscuits

38 of 75

Scandinavian Almond Cake

39 of 75

Vanilla Angel Food Cake with Berry Compote