Home » All Recipes » Desserts

Gluten Free Dessert Recipes

Searching for a way to satisfy your sweet tooth without the gluten? You’ve come to the right place! Our dessert collection features a wide variety of tried-and-tested recipes, from decadent Chocolate Cake to nostalgic Bread Pudding, all specifically designed for those living with Celiac Disease.

These gluten free dessert recipes focus on simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, ensuring that everyone at your table can enjoy a delicious treat, regardless of dietary restrictions.

The Art & Science of Developing Perfect Gluten Free Desserts

For those of us living with Celiac disease, the “dessert tray” at a party can often be a source of anxiety rather than joy. We’ve all been there: staring at a beautiful spread of cakes and cookies, knowing that a single breadcrumb could trigger an autoimmune response. At Gluten Free Journey, we believe that a gluten-free lifestyle shouldn’t mean missing out on life’s sweetest moments. That is why we’ve dedicated ourselves to developing gluten free dessert recipes that aren’t just “good for being gluten free”, they are simply delicious, period.

Understanding the Gluten Free Flour Landscape

The foundation of any great dessert is the flour. In traditional baking, gluten provides the “glue” that gives cakes their structure and cookies their chew. When we remove that, we have to get creative.

In our recipe development, we often utilize “Measure for Measure” or “1:1” flour blends (like those from King Arthur Baking or gfJules). These blends are fantastic for beginners because they often include stabilizers like xanthan gum. However, for specialized treats like our Gluten Free Apple Peach Crumble, we sometimes lean into the natural textures of almond or oat flour to provide a heartier, more rustic crumb that a standard blend might lack.

The Secret Weapons: Binders and Moisture

One of the most common complaints about gluten free baking is that the results can be dry or crumbly. To combat this, we focus on two things: binders and hydration.

  • Xanthan Gum: Think of this as your gluten replacement. It provides the elasticity needed to make our Sugar Cookies easy to roll and cut without falling apart.
  • Hydration: Gluten free flours, especially those high in rice or coconut flour, are incredibly thirsty. In our Gluten Free Banana Bread and Chocolate Cake, we prioritize ingredients like extra banana mash, sour cream, or even a touch of extra oil. This ensures that even after a day on the counter, your treats remain moist and tender.

Modern Trends in Gluten Free Baking

As we look toward 2026, the world of gluten free baking is evolving. We are seeing a massive shift toward “swalty” flavours (sweet and salty) and the inclusion of ancient grains like millet and sorghum. These grains don’t just offer nutritional benefits; they provide a depth of flavour that traditional wheat sometimes lacks. Whether it’s a dash of miso in a caramel sauce or using buckwheat for a nutty brownie base, the “new” gluten free dessert is sophisticated and bold.

Why We Bake “By Celiac Disease, For Celiac Disease”

The recipes you find here, like our Strawberry and Whipped Cream Cake, are born out of our own kitchen frustrations and successes. We know that when you host a birthday party, you want a cake that doesn’t crumble when you cut the first slice. We know that on a cozy Sunday morning, you want Apple Cinnamon Muffins that fill the house with a warm, spiced aroma.

Developing these recipes is a journey of trial and error. We test for texture, taste, and “decoration-readiness.” If a cupcake can’t hold up to a mountain of buttercream, it doesn’t make the cut. Our goal is to empower you to bake with confidence, knowing that these recipes have been vetted by people who understand the stakes of a gluten-free diet.

Customize Your Gluten Free Dessert Journey

Baking is meant to be fun! Most of our recipes are designed to be “bases.” Once you master our Gluten Free White Cake, you can turn it into cupcakes, layer cakes, or even a trifle. Our Gluten Free Pie Crust is as perfect for a Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pie as it is for a summer fruit galette. We encourage you to take these recipes, make them your own, and share the joy of gluten-free living with your family.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gluten Free Desserts

Can I use any 1:1 gluten free flour blend for these recipes?

While most 1:1 blends work well, we recommend using brands like King Arthur Baking or gfJules for the most consistent results. If your blend does not contain xanthan gum, you will need to add about 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon per cup of flour to ensure the dessert doesn’t crumble.

Why do my gluten free cookies sometimes feel “gritty”?

Grittiness is usually caused by rice flour that hasn’t fully hydrated. A pro tip is to let your cookie dough or cake batter “rest” for 15–30 minutes before baking. This allows the flour to absorb the moisture, resulting in a smoother texture.

How can I make these dessert recipes dairy-free as well?

Most of our recipes are easily adaptable! You can typically substitute dairy butter with a high-quality vegan butter stick and use almond, soy, or oat milk in a 1:1 ratio. For whipped cream, chilled full-fat coconut milk is a great alternative.

Do I really need to use xanthan gum?

In recipes that require structure (like cookies, cakes, and bread), yes. Without it, the “crumb” will be very loose, and your treats will likely fall apart. For recipes like crumbles or puddings, it is less essential.

Why are my gluten free cakes browning too quickly?

Gluten free flours (especially those with higher sugar content or milk powders) can brown faster than wheat flour. If your cake is browning too fast but isn’t done in the middle, tent it loosely with aluminum foil for the remainder of the baking time.

Can I freeze these gluten free desserts?

Absolutely! Most of our baked goods, like Banana Bread and Brownies, freeze beautifully. We recommend wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Defrost at room temperature for that “fresh-baked” taste.

Back to top