On the hunt for the BEST gluten-free dessert recipes? Check out this post for a roundup of 25 TESTED & PERFECTED recipes! From classic chocolate chip cookies to moist, spiced carrot cake, you’ll find a treat for every occasion.

Eating gluten-free doesn’t mean you have to settle for subpar desserts. Each one of these recipes has been carefully tested and 5-STAR reader approved.

collage of 9 gluten free dessert images

Tips for Gluten-Free Baking

Since many traditional desserts rely on gluten-containing wheat flour to achieve a light, chewy texture, there’s definitely a learning curve to gluten-free baking! However, it’s totally possible once you learn a few pro tips like these:

  • Follow the recipe exactly: If you’re new to gluten-free baking, this is not the time to experiment. Gluten-free baking can be finicky, and it’s important to follow every instruction without making any modifications.
  • Measure carefully: Adding too much or too little of any ingredient could affect the outcome, so take your time and measure carefully. Consider getting a kitchen scale to make your measurements even more exact.
  • Use high-quality 1:1 gluten-free baking flour: I like to use gluten-free measure-for-measure flour blend like King Arthur Flour in my baked goods. (It works best to use a blend that contains xanthan gum, like this one!)
  • Let your batter rest: Most recipes will taste a lot better if you let the batter rest for at least 15 minutes before baking. This minimizes grittiness and improves the texture.
  • Don’t worry about over-mixing: Good news! Unlike gluten recipes, gluten-free recipes usually can’t be overmixed. (They don’t contain the gluten that can get tough if the batter is mixed for too long.)

Gluten-Free Desserts

Chocolate chip cookies on parchment paper

The Best Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies

If you’ve been searching for the BEST gluten-free chocolate chip cookie recipe – look no further! I’ve been eating 100% gluten-free for almost 6 years now and have finally found THE chocolate chip cookie recipe of my dreams.

A few tricks make these gluten-free cookies perfect – soft, chewy, golden and irresistible! They’re easy to make, and NOBODY will guess they’re one of your go-to gluten-free dessert recipes! 

chocolate chip cookies topped with sea salt on brown parchment paper
The Best Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
The BEST Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies! A few tricks make these gluten-free cookies perfect – soft, chewy, golden and irresistible! Easy-to-make and NOBODY will guess they are gluten-free! 
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A slice of chocolate mousse pie on a plate

Gluten-Free Chocolate Mousse Cake

This gluten-free chocolate mousse cake is rich, decadent and perfect for any celebration! With a brownie-like cake layer and cream-cheese-based chocolate mousse, it’s a chocolate lover’s dream. 

This cake probably isn’t the most traditional chocolate mousse cake, but it sure is delicious. The bottom layer is chewy and rich, like a cross between a brownie and flourless chocolate cake.

Gluten-Free Chocolate Mousse Cake
With a brownie-like cake layer and cream-cheese-based chocolate mousse, it's a chocolate lover's dream. 
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A large oatmeal chocolate chunk cookie on parchment paper

The Best Gluten-Free Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

These gluten-free oatmeal cookies are chewy and delicious, with nothing but rave reviews. Plus, they’re made with everyday ingredients and are total crowd-pleasers.

With wholesome oats, a little bit of coconut and gooey chocolate chips, the texture, flavor and chew of these cookies can’t be beat. I’ve worked for years to perfect this recipe and it’s one of my tried-and-true go-to recipes.

close up shot of cookie broken in half on brown parchment paper
Gluten-Free Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chewy and delicious with nothing but rave reviews! EASY to make with everyday ingredients and nobody will be able to tell they are gluten-free! 
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A slice of cheesecake with cherries on top

Gluten-Free Vanilla Bean Cheesecake

This is guaranteed to be the BEST Gluten-Free Cheesecake recipe you’ll ever try! The texture is smooth, rich, and creamy, and served over an easy, gluten-free walnut brown sugar crust. 

My mom would make this exact recipe over the holidays every year, even before any of our family members starting eating gluten-free. It has a naturally gluten-free crust as well as a rich layer of creamy cheesecake and sour cream topping.

close up shot of cheesecake with cherries on white plate with fork
Gluten-Free Vanilla Bean Cheesecake
The BEST Gluten-Free Cheesecake you'll ever try! The texture is smooth, rich, and creamy, and served over an easy, gluten-free walnut brown sugar crust.
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A slice of angel food cake on a plate

Gluten-Free Angel Food Cake

Since angel food cake gets it’s structure from egg whites, it is really easy to make it a gluten-free dessert. Add fresh strawberries or fresh berries on top and you have one of the best gluten-free desserts.

Hundreds of reviewers agree this is the most delicious gluten-free angel food cake recipe around! This tried-and-true recipe was originally published in 2013 and is one my #1 recipes today.

slice of gluten-free angel food cake on white plate with strawberries
Perfect Gluten-Free Angel Food Cake
You won’t believe this delicious Angel Food Cake is GF!
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Blueberry muffins on a countertop with blueberries scattered around

The Best Gluten-Free Blueberry Muffins

These muffins are soft and tender from whole milk yogurt (dairy-free option too!) and bursting with blueberries (use fresh or frozen!). They’re a long-time family favorite.

I use the base as a basic muffin recipe for all kinds of gluten-free muffin flavors. These muffins are light and fluffy with a delicious crumb and flavor. 

close up shot of blueberry muffin with wrapper peeled open
The Best Gluten-Free Blueberry Muffins
The BEST gluten-free blueberry muffin recipe you'll ever make! Soft and tender from whole milk yogurt (dairy-free option too!) and bursting with blueberries (use fresh or frozen!), these muffins have been a long-time family favorite.
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Slices of banana bread on a countertop

The Best Gluten-Free Banana Bread

Banana bread made with ripe bananas is one of the most comforting, easy sweet treats to whip up when you want a delicious gluten-free dessert.

This recipe is a long-time reader and family favorite and has a few tricks so you get soft, moist, easy-to-slice gluten-free sweet bread every time.

The Best Gluten-Free Banana Bread
The Best Gluten-Free Banana Bread! EASY to make with perfect texture and delicious flavor! Sure to become your go-to recipe!
This banana bread is a long-time reader and family favorite! This recipe has a few tricks so you get soft, moist, easy-to-slice and completely delicious gluten-free banana bread every time. Be sure to CHECK OUT THE VIDEO BELOW!
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A slice of vanilla cake on a plate

The Best Gluten Free Vanilla Cake Recipe

I tested this recipe dozens of times to get it just right! The secret to delicious gluten-free cake is skipping the butter and using a combination of sour cream and oil instead. Whipping the batter also makes a light and fluffy cake!

It truly has the most amazing crumb of any gluten-free cake I’ve ever made! Top with ice cream to take it to the next level!

slice of gluten free vanilla cake on white plate
Gluten Free Vanilla Cake Recipe
The BEST gluten-free vanilla cake you’ll ever make! This cake is fluffy and has a pillowy-soft crumb. Topped with a creamy vanilla buttercream, it’s worthy of any celebration.
I tested this recipe dozens of times to get it just right! The secret to delicious gluten-free cake is skipping the butter and using a combination of sour cream and oil instead. Whipping the batter also makes a light and fluffy cake!
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close up of gluten free brownies sprinkled with sea salt

Gluten-Free Brownie Recipe

These are my absolute favorite gluten free brownies! I tested this recipe dozens of times to get it just right so you’ll get shiny-topped, fudgy brownies. These brownies are chewy, deeply chocolatey and have that perfect crackly top. They’re one of those decadent treats that’s also easy to make. What more could you ask for?

close up of gluten free brownies sprinkled with sea salt
BEST Gluten-Free Brownie Recipe (Ultimate Fudgy!)
The best gluten-free brownie recipe from scratch! These brownies are soft, chewy and perfectly chocolatey. Plus they're easy-to-make!
I tested this recipe dozens of times to get it just right so you'll get shiny-topped, fudgy brownies. UPDATE 7/2022! I've adjusted the recipe slightly and these brownies are better than ever. I now recommend making them in a 9×9 pan!
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Snickerdoodles on a plate

Gluten-Free Snickerdoodles (Brown Butter!)

These are soft and chewy gluten-free snickerdoodles with crisp, golden edges! Browned butter and a few other tricks give these cookies delicious flavor and texture.

Something about a crisp sugar cookie with a chewy center rolled in cinnamon sugar and baked to crispy-golden perfection is irresistible! You’d never know they’re gluten-free!

close up image of gluten free snickerdoodles on plate
Gluten-Free Snickerdoodles (Brown Butter)
Soft and chewy gluten-free snickerdoodles with crisp, golden edges! Browned butter and a few other tricks give these cookies delicious flavor and texture.
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Cupcakes with chocolate frosting and sprinkles on a countertop

Gluten-Free Cupcake Recipe

This amazing Gluten-Free Cupcake Recipe makes moist and fluffy cupcakes that are perfect for any occasion. Bake them for your next birthday party, family gathering, or just-because celebration!

This gluten-free cupcakes recipe is my go-to anytime I need a good cupcake base. The gluten-free vanilla cupcakes are delicious topped with any kind of frosting and are made with ingredients that I always have on hand.

close up shot of gluten-free cupcakes
Perfect Gluten-Free Cupcake Recipe
This PERFECT gluten-free cupcake recipe makes moist and fluffy cupcakes. It's sure to become your go-to cupcake recipe! 
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A slice of carrot cake on a plate

Easy Gluten-Free Carrot Cake

Easter dinner isn’t complete without a delicious carrot cake for dessert! I’ve been making this homemade gluten-free carrot cake recipe for a few years now and it’s always an unbelievable hit. It is light and moist with the perfect tender crumb and hint of spice.

This cake is easy to make with everyday ingredients and topped with a blanket of fluffy cream cheese frosting.

carrot cake on white plate with fork
Easy Gluten-Free Carrot Cake
Hands down the best gluten-free carrot cake around! Easy to make with everyday ingredients and topped with a blanket of fluffy cream cheese frosting. Nobody will guess this is gluten-free!
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Coffee cake in a 9x13 pan with a slice taken out

Gluten-Free Coffee Cake (with Sour Cream)

This gluten-free coffee cake is made extra rich and tender with the addition of sour cream. It’s hands-down the best coffee cake I’ve ever had. Bold claim, but it’s true!

The recipe is based on my Grandma’s tried-and-true sour cream cinnamon nut cake, and it’s sure to become your new go-to recipe!

close up shot of gluten free coffee cake in metal baking dish with piece scooped out
Gluten-Free Coffee Cake (with Sour Cream)
This gluten-free coffee cake is made extra rich and tender with the addition of sour cream! It is filled and topped with a cinnamon sugar. Based on a long-time family recipe, this coffee cake is sure to become your new go-to recipe!
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Almond flour chocolate chip cookies on a plate

Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Cookies (Grain-Free)

This is an all-time FAVORITE recipe! I have attempted several almond flour chocolate chip cookies and finally found a winner!

These cookies are slightly crispy on the outside and moist and soft on the inside. We love keeping them in the freezer and eating them cold straight out of the freezer. They’re great to have around when you’re craving something sweet!

three chocolate chip cookies on a white plate
Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Cookies {Grain-Free}
The Best Almond Flour chocolate Chip Cookies – An all-time FAVORITE recipe! Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside and slightly buttery.
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Blueberry scones stacked on top of each other

Gluten-Free Blueberry Scones

These gluten-free blueberry scones are like a high-end bakery treat, right from your own oven! With fresh blueberries, flecks of butter, sour cream, and a vanilla glaze, these are the ultimate gluten-free scones. You can even customize them to include other fresh fruit, or add lemon zest or lemon juice to make lemon blueberry scones.

The bright pops of blueberry and sweet icing take the scones to the next level of deliciousness.

blueberry scones stacked on top of each other on a countertop
Gluten-Free Blueberry Scones (Bakery Style!)
These gluten-free blueberry scones are like a high-end bakery treat, right from your own oven! The bright pops of blueberry and sweet icing take the scones to the next level of deliciousness.
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A slice of German chocolate cake on a plate

Gluten-Free German Chocolate Cake

German chocolate cake is one of those gluten-free dessert recipes that’s perfect for special occasions. Made with two different types of frosting, it’s the ultimate combination of chocolate, coconut, caramel, and pecans.

Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, Father’s Day, or any other special occasions, everyone will be delighted by the impressive layers of chocolate cake on display in this recipe.

Slice of German chocolate cake with a fork taking a bite
Gluten-Free German Chocolate Cake
German chocolate cake is an indulgent dessert perfect for special occasions. Made with two different types of frosting, it's the ultimate combination of chocolate, coconut, caramel, and pecans.
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Sliced pound cake on a countertop

Gluten-Free Pound Cake

Want a gluten free pound cake recipe that is full of flavor and has a tender crumb? This is it! Adding cream cheese for richness and a touch of lemon juice for tenderness is the trick to the best gluten-free pound cake.

Once you try this pound cake recipe, you’ll never need any other!

Sliced pound cake on a table
Perfect Gluten-Free Pound Cake
Want a gluten free pound cake recipe that is full of flavor and has a tender crumb? This is it! Adding cream cheese for richness and a touch of lemon juice for tenderness is the trick to the best gluten-free pound cake.
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Three slices of banana cake stacked on top of each other on a plate

Gluten-Free Banana Cake

Moist, rich, and comforting, this gluten-free banana cake is one of those gluten-free dessert recipes everyone loves—even if they aren’t on a gluten-free diet. This cake is dense without being heavy and the whipped cream cheese frosting is irresistible!

Banana cake slices stacked on a plate
Gluten-Free Banana Cake
Moist, rich, and comforting, this gluten-free banana cake is one of those desserts everyone loves. This cake is dense without being heavy and the whipped cream cheese frosting is irresistible!
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Slices of zucchini bread on a countertop

Gluten-Free Zucchini Bread

Need more quick and easy gluten-free dessert recipes in your life? This gluten-free zucchini bread is made from simple ingredients and completely delicious! It’s lightly sweet, perfectly moist, and one of the best ways to use up fresh zucchini in the summertime.

Slices of zucchini bread on a countertop
Gluten-Free Zucchini Bread
Gluten-Free Zucchini Bread! EASY and completely delicious! This recipe makes 3 mini loaves or one 9×5 loaf. It's lightly sweet and perfectly moist – make it all summer long!
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Biscotti on a plate

Gluten-Free Biscotti

This gluten-free biscotti is light, crisp and perfect for dunking into coffee, warm milk, or hot chocolate. It makes a special breakfast or a light dessert – nobody will be able to tell it’s gluten-free!

Making gluten-free biscotti from scratch will make you feel like a baking hero! But good news: This is a surprisingly easy recipe!

gluten free biscotti recipe
The Best Gluten-Free Biscotti
This gluten-free biscotti is light, crisp and perfect for dunking into coffee, warm milk, or hot chocolate. It makes a special breakfast or a light dessert – nobody will be able to tell it's gluten-free!
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Peanut butter pie in a pie dish

Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Pie

This gluten-free peanut butter pie has a smooth, creamy cream cheese-based peanut butter mousse and an easy, gluten-free Oreo crust.

Made from scratch (with no Cool Whip in sight!), this delicious gluten free-dessert is perfect for any occasion! It’s quick and easy to make, but guaranteed to impress.

slice of peanut butter pie with gluten free oreo crust on a white plate
Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Pie
This gluten-free peanut butter pie has a smooth, creamy cream cheese-based peanut butter filling and an easy, gluten-free Oreo crust.
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An overhead shot of key lime pie in a pie dish

Gluten-Free Key Lime Pie

If you want a show-stopping (but easy!) gluten-free key lime pie recipe for summer BBQs, family parties, or birthdays, this gluten-free key lime pie is it.

This is one of those gluten-free dessert recipes that’s the perfect combination of tart, sweet, and creamy. Tucked in an easy gluten-free graham cracker crust, this pie is an easy classic that nobody will guess is gluten-free!

A closeup of key lime pie
EASY Gluten-Free Key Lime Pie
This gluten-free key lime pie is the perfect combination of tart, sweet, and creamy. Tucked in an easy gluten-free graham cracker crust, this pie is an easy classic that nobody will guess is gluten-free!
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A slice of pecan pie on a plate

The Best Gluten-Free Pecan Pie

With a trusted homemade gluten-free crust and sweet caramel pecan filling, this gluten-free pecan pie is one of the best gluten-free dessert recipes for Thanksgiving or Christmas!

Thanks to pre-baking the crust and adding the filling to the pie crust when it’s still warm, this pie always has a crisp gluten-free crust.

close up picture of gluten-free pecan pie in white serving dish
The Best Gluten-Free Pecan Pie
With a trusted homemade gluten-free crust and sweet caramelly filling, this gluten-free pecan pie is THE pie you should make for Thanksgiving or Christmas!
Be sure to watch the video tutorial to see how to make this pie!
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An close-up shot of a slice of pumpkin pie

Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pie

This traditional pumpkin pie is made with my very favorite flaky, buttery, gluten-free pie crust recipe. Thanksgiving isn’t complete without it! It’s one of the gluten-free dessert recipes I turn to every holiday season!

Slice of pumpkin pie with a piece on a fork
Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pie (with Homemade Crust)
Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pie! A crowd-pleasing holiday favorite made from scratch with a flaky gluten-free pie crust. Thanksgiving isn’t complete without it!
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Pumpkin bars on a countertop

Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bars

These gluten-free pumpkin bars are everything I love about fall. They’re soft, spiced and topped with a pillowy layer of cream cheese frosting.

I also love these pumpkin bars because they’re great to make for a crowd. One sheet pan can be sliced and served at any fall/holiday gathering. Be warned: They’re one of those delicious desserts that disappear fast!

pumpkin bars in rows on marble slab
Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bars
These gluten-free pumpkin bars feature a soft, spiced pumpkin sheet cake topped with a fluffy cream cheese frosting. They make the perfect gluten-free fall dessert!
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FAQs

What types of desserts are gluten-free?

Most desserts can be made gluten-free using gluten-free flour, including chocolate chip cookies, brownies, cake, cupcakes, and more. Other desserts are naturally gluten-free, like coconut macaroons, flourless chocolate cake, three-ingredient peanut butter cookies and more.

Is creme brulee gluten-free?

Yes, creme brulee is naturally gluten-free, since it is made with cream, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and water. (But if you’re buying store-bought creme brulee, it’s always best to double-check the label!)

Is Nutella gluten-free?

Yes, Nutella is naturally gluten-free. The company has confirmed it does not contain any gluten ingredients, like wheat, rye, barley, or oats.

I hope enjoy these recipes as much as I do! When your sweet tooth strikes, you always have a great recipe to turn to—even while living a gluten-free lifestyle!

Happy baking! If you try any of these gluten-free dessert recipes, leave a comment below! I’d love to hear from you!

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Hi, I’m Erin!

BS Food Science,

MS Nutrition

I believe you can make amazing, gluten-free food with everyday ingredients that everyone will enjoy. I’m here to share my tried-and-true recipes with you!

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