Some associate gluten-free desserts with crumbly cookies and cakes that fall apart after a single bite. But we are here to say that such is not the case when you choose the right recipes that specifically cater to a gluten-free diet — so you aren't swapping all-purpose flour for almond or coconut at abandon. You can serve these quick desserts after a delicious gluten-free meal and even repurpose some for Passover treats or kid-friendly snacks. Each of these gluten-free dessert recipes is easy to prepare, so you can enjoy a slice of flourless cake or a scoop of no-churn ice cream on a weeknight.
A gluten-free diet excludes all foods that contain gluten, a protein found in wheat and other grains. This means that many of your go-to baked goods may no longer be on the table for a sweet treat after dinner. However, there are plenty of gluten-free alternatives that take chocolate classics, fruity favorites, and brilliant bars and turn them into allergy-friendly delights the gluten-sensitive (and everyone else) can enjoy. So, if someone at home is allergic to gluten, take a look at these simple gluten-free dessert ideas for your next holiday dinner or birthday celebration. They'd also be perfect for a Mother's Day dessert or Father's Day cake if mom and dad avoid gluten.
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Strawberry-Horchata Shaved Ice
Ed Anderson
This cold and creamy shaved ice dessert from cookbook author and chef Fany Gerson is made with rice, milk, and fresh fruit, so it's filling but totally gluten-free. With its classic Latin horchata flavor, this unique take on the sweet summer treat will surprise and delight anyone who tastes it.
Who doesn't love a classic banana split? Make enough for a large group by mixing all the toppings with the ice cream in a large container and then scooping to serve in individual bowls.
This lemony dessert is perfect for when you want something light and fluffy. And you'll be amazed how easy it is to throw together — it only takes 10 minutes!
Sliced fruit is only so exciting on its own, but when you incorporate some zingy lime zest, freeze, and drizzle with chocolate, it becomes a lot more exciting.
You can make these mango desserts with ingredients you probably already have at home. They only take five minutes to assemble and then you just have to wait for them to set. If you're prepping to host a dinner, you can make these ahead of time, set aside, and not worry about them until it's time to serve.
This recipe is unbelievably easy to make, and it tastes instantly refreshing on a hot day. Top with some nuts for a little bit of crunch or enjoy plain with all the bold flavors that raspberries bring.
These orange slices are so easy to make that you can have your kids or friends help out in the kitchen for a fun after-dinner activity. And don't let the fact that they're fruit-based fool you — these things are still super sweet.
These desserts have no gluten, no cholesterol, and actually have a pretty big protein bump from the chickpeas that are included. Not bad for a sweet treat, eh?
This versatile dessert is both a sweet snack and an eye-catching centerpiece. Customize it with your favorite seasonal toppings and serve it year-round.
Pavlovas are a light dessert that will deeply impress any dinner guests you have over. They may look super complicated and fancy, but they're pretty easy to prep — the hardest part is waiting for them to cool before digging in!
Unlike some of their "gritty" textured counterparts, these gluten-free chocolate chip cookies taste like the real thing thanks to the addition of a few unexpected ingredients (like cream cheese). Trust us, you'll want to bookmark this chewy cookie recipe for years to come.
Come on, who doesn't have a hankering for donuts every now and then? These cinnamon sugary bites are baked instead of deep-fried, but they taste so good you'd never know the difference.
Yes, this carrot cake really does achieve a fluffy, moist texture without the use of white flour. It doesn't hurt that it's made with silky cream cheese frosting and lightly spiced with cinnamon, either.
Kelsey HurwitzAssistant Digital EditorKelsey Hurwitz is the assistant editor of WomansDay.com, and covers entertainment, holidays, pets, and good news.
Elizabeth BerryEditorial AssistantElizabeth Berry is the editorial assistant for WomansDay.com, where she writes and edits lifestyle content.
