As more people adopt a gluten-free lifestyle, whether due to celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, or personal preference, the demand for gluten-free desserts has skyrocketed. Many people assume that gluten-free baking is complicated or results in less flavorful treats, but that’s not true. Here are some easy gluten-free dessert recipes that are both delicious and simple to make.
What does gluten-free mean?
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, and it provides elasticity to dough. For individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, consuming gluten can cause health issues like digestive problems, headaches, and fatigue. A gluten-free diet eliminates these grains, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up tasty treats.
Ingredients to keep on hand for gluten-free desserts
- Gluten-free flour blends: Many brands offer pre-mixed gluten-free flours that combine rice flour, potato starch, and other ingredients.
- Almond flour and coconut flour: These are popular flour substitutes that add flavor and texture.
- Xanthan gum or psyllium husk: These act as binding agents to give gluten-free baked goods more structure.
- Gluten-free oats: Always check labels to make sure they are certified gluten-free.
- Cornstarch or tapioca starch: Useful for thickening and improving texture in desserts.
Be mindful of cross-contamination when working in the kitchen. Make sure all your ingredients are certified gluten-free and clean any surfaces or tools that may have been in contact with gluten-containing products.
Top 10 easy gluten-free dessert recipes
1. Gluten-free chocolate mug cake
Description: This single-serving dessert is a quick fix for a sweet tooth and takes less than 5 minutes to make.
Key ingredients: Gluten-free flour, cocoa powder, almond milk.
Why it’s easy: It’s microwave-friendly and uses simple ingredients you probably have in your pantry.
Instructions: Mix the ingredients in a mug, microwave for 90 seconds, and enjoy!
2. No-bake peanut butter oat bars
Description: These chewy bars make for a satisfying snack or dessert.
Key ingredients: Gluten-free oats, peanut butter, honey.
Why it’s easy: No need to bake—just mix, refrigerate, and enjoy!
Instructions: Combine the ingredients, press into a pan, refrigerate for a couple of hours, and slice into bars.
3. Flourless almond butter brownies
Description: These fudgy brownies skip the flour but are still rich and indulgent.
Key ingredients: Almond butter, cocoa powder, eggs.
Why it’s easy: They come together in one bowl, and the lack of flour makes them foolproof.
Instructions: Mix the ingredients, pour into a baking pan, bake for 20-25 minutes, and allow to cool before serving.
4. Coconut macaroons
Description: Chewy and sweet, these classic macaroons only require a few ingredients.
Key ingredients: Shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract.
Why it’s easy: Just mix, drop onto a tray, and bake for a simple gluten-free treat.
Instructions: Form the macaroons, place them on a baking sheet, and bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.
5. Gluten-free apple crisp
Description: A classic apple crisp with a crunchy oat topping that’s naturally gluten-free.
Key ingredients: Gluten-free oats, almond flour, apples, cinnamon.
Why it’s easy: Requires basic ingredients and minimal prep. Just bake and enjoy!
Instructions: Layer apples in a baking dish, top with the oat-almond flour mixture, and bake at 375°F for 30-35 minutes.
6. Flourless peanut butter cookies
Description: These cookies are soft and chewy with a rich peanut butter flavor.
Key ingredients: Peanut butter, sugar, eggs.
Why it’s easy: Only three ingredients and no special flours required.
Instructions: Mix the ingredients, roll into balls, flatten slightly, and bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes.
7. Gluten-free lemon bars
Description: A tangy, refreshing dessert with a gluten-free shortbread crust.
Key ingredients: Gluten-free flour, lemons, eggs, sugar.
Why it’s easy: The crust and filling come together with minimal ingredients and effort.
Instructions: Press the gluten-free shortbread crust into a pan, bake it, then top with a lemon-egg mixture and bake again until set.
8. Flourless chocolate cake
Description: This rich, decadent cake is perfect for chocolate lovers and naturally gluten-free.
Key ingredients: Chocolate, butter, eggs, sugar.
Why it’s easy: No flour involved, just melt, mix, and bake.
Instructions: Melt the chocolate and butter, mix with the eggs and sugar, and bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes.
9. Gluten-free cheesecake bites
Description: Mini cheesecakes with a gluten-free graham cracker crust.
Key ingredients: Cream cheese, gluten-free graham crackers, eggs, sugar.
Why it’s easy: They bake quickly in muffin tins and are easy to serve in individual portions.
Instructions: Press the crust into muffin liners, fill with the cheesecake mixture, and bake at 325°F for 15-20 minutes.
10. Gluten-free banana bread
Description: Moist, flavorful banana bread made with gluten-free flour.
Key ingredients: Ripe bananas, gluten-free flour, eggs, sugar.
Why it’s easy: The bananas keep the bread moist, and gluten-free flour works well in this recipe.
Instructions: Mix the wet and dry ingredients, pour into a loaf pan, and bake at 350°F for 50-60 minutes.
Tips for making gluten-free desserts easier
- Use gluten-free flour blends: Pre-mixed blends simplify gluten-free baking and often contain a mix of starches and binding agents for better results.
- Try flourless recipes: Desserts like flourless chocolate cake or meringues don’t require any gluten-free flour substitutions, making them hassle-free.
- Freeze individual portions: Make a batch of your favorite gluten-free dessert and freeze portions for a quick grab-and-go treat later.
- Watch out for cross-contamination: Keep your gluten-free baking tools separate from gluten-containing ones to avoid cross-contact.
Gluten-free dessert swaps for popular recipes
- Cheesecake crust: Replace regular graham crackers with gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour for a crunchy crust.
- Brownies and cookies: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to replace wheat flour in your favorite cookie or brownie recipe.
- Cakes: Almond flour, coconut flour, or gluten-free flour blends can make excellent substitutes in cake recipes.
FAQ
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
What popular treats are gluten-free? |
Some popular gluten-free treats include marshmallows, Rice Krispies (labeled gluten-free), and certain brands of chocolate bars. Always check labels to ensure they are certified gluten-free. |
Does cheesecake have gluten? |
Traditional cheesecake often contains gluten in the crust, which is typically made from graham crackers. However, you can make gluten-free cheesecake by using gluten-free graham crackers or a crust made from almond flour. |
Are Oreos gluten-free? |
Regular Oreos contain gluten, but there are gluten-free Oreo versions available in many stores. Be sure to check the packaging for the gluten-free label. |
Are M&M’s gluten-free? |
Plain M&M’s are generally gluten-free, but always check the packaging, as some variations (like pretzel M&M’s) do contain gluten. |
Are American sweets gluten-free? |
Many American candies, like Jelly Belly jelly beans and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, are gluten-free. But it’s crucial to read labels or contact manufacturers to confirm. |
Are macarons gluten-free? |
Yes, macarons are typically gluten-free, as they are made with almond flour, egg whites, and sugar. However, cross-contamination in bakeries is possible, so check for gluten-free certification. |
What treats can celiacs eat? |
Celiacs can safely enjoy treats that are certified gluten-free. This includes gluten-free cookies, cakes, brownies, and candies that specifically state they are gluten-free and made in a safe facility. |
Is Cool Whip gluten-free? |
Yes, Cool Whip is generally considered gluten-free, but always check the ingredient list and manufacturing processes on the package to be sure. |
What is the secret to gluten-free baking? |
The key to successful gluten-free baking is using a good gluten-free flour blend and adding moisture to compensate for the lack of gluten. Ingredients like xanthan gum or psyllium husk can also help mimic the elasticity gluten provides. |
Why do gluten-free cakes sink in the middle? |
Gluten-free cakes sometimes sink due to improper ratios of flour to liquid or leavening agents. Adding too much liquid or not enough structure (like eggs or xanthan gum) can cause this issue. |
What to avoid for gluten-free baking? |
Avoid using ingredients that contain hidden gluten, like certain baking powders, sprinkles, and non-gluten-free oats. Always verify that every ingredient used is certified gluten-free. |
Can I just replace flour with gluten-free flour? |
While you can substitute gluten-free flour blends for regular flour in some recipes, it’s not always a 1:1 swap. Gluten-free flours often require additional binding agents like xanthan gum to achieve the right texture. |