Introduction: Who Says You Can’t Have Amazing Desserts?
Let’s be real—giving up gluten and dairy sounds like a one-way ticket to boring desserts. I used to think the same thing. No butter? No cream? No fluffy wheat-based cakes? I figured my dessert days were over.
But after some serious experimenting (and a few kitchen fails), I realized something: gluten-free, dairy-free desserts can be just as rich, gooey, and satisfying as any traditional recipe. It’s all about using the right ingredients and techniques.
Whether you’re avoiding gluten and dairy for health reasons or just want some lighter, gut-friendly treats, this list has something for you. From chewy cookies to moist cakes and no-bake bites, these recipes prove that you don’t have to miss out on the good stuff.
Let’s get baking!
Why Go Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free?
People cut out gluten and dairy for all kinds of reasons—some by choice, others because their bodies demand it.”For more on why people avoid gluten, check out the Celiac Disease Foundation’s guide
Here are the top reasons you might be looking for allergy-friendly desserts:
- Food Sensitivities & Allergies – Celiac disease, lactose intolerance, or just a sensitive stomach can make gluten and dairy a no-go.
- Better Digestion – Many people find that cutting out gluten and dairy helps with bloating and energy levels.
- Healthier Alternatives – Swapping out traditional ingredients for things like almond flour and coconut milk can boost nutrition without sacrificing taste.
- Vegan & Plant-Based Diets – Many dairy-free desserts also happen to be egg-free, making them perfect for a plant-based lifestyle.
No matter why you’re here, one thing’s for sure: you still deserve amazing desserts.
Must-Have Ingredients for Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Baking
If you’ve ever tried to just “swap out” regular flour or butter in a recipe and ended up with something dry, dense, or straight-up weird, I feel your pain. The trick? Using the right ingredients that actually work together.
1. Gluten-Free Flours That Work
- Almond Flour – Light, nutty, and perfect for cookies, cakes, and pie crusts.
- Coconut Flour – Absorbs a lot of moisture, so use it sparingly. Great for pancakes and muffins.
- Oat Flour – Mild flavor and soft texture, perfect for cookies and quick breads.
- Cassava Flour – Most similar to wheat flour, great for baking without a ton of adjustments.
2. The Best Dairy-Free Milk Substitutes
- Coconut Milk – Thick and creamy, amazing for ice creams and frostings.
- Almond Milk – Light, slightly nutty, and works in most recipes.
- Oat Milk – Naturally sweet and great for baked goods.
3. Butter & Cream Alternatives
- Coconut Oil – Works like butter in most recipes (plus, it adds a subtle sweetness).
- Vegan Butter – A one-to-one substitute for regular butter.
- Cashew Cream – Perfect for cheesecakes and creamy frostings.
4. Egg Replacements (For Extra Moisture)
- Flax Egg – Mix 1 tbsp ground flaxseed with 3 tbsp water and let it thicken for 5 minutes.
- Applesauce – Adds moisture and sweetness, great for muffins and cakes.
- Mashed Banana – Works in recipes where a slight banana flavor is okay.
Once you have these in your pantry, you can whip up any gluten-free dairy-free dessert without stress.
25 Easy & Delicious Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Desserts
Now for the good stuff—the actual desserts! These recipes are simple, satisfying, and made with everyday ingredients. Whether you’re craving something chocolatey, fruity, or creamy, there’s a treat here for you.
Cookies & Bars
1. Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies
These cookies are chewy in the center, crisp on the edges, and packed with dairy-free chocolate chips. The secret? Almond flour and coconut oil keep them moist without needing butter.
2. Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars
These are thick, chewy, and naturally sweetened with maple syrup. Perfect for a quick snack or dessert.
3. No-Bake Brownie Bites
If you love fudgy brownies but don’t want to turn on the oven, these bites are a game-changer. Made with dates, cocoa powder, and almond butter, they’re rich, chocolatey, and naturally sweet.
Cakes & Cupcakes
4. Moist Vanilla Cupcakes with Coconut Frosting
A soft, fluffy vanilla cupcake topped with a light and creamy coconut milk frosting. You won’t miss the butter at all!
5. Rich Chocolate Cake
This cake is deeply chocolatey and incredibly moist. Almond flour gives it structure, while a bit of applesauce keeps it soft.
6. Almond Flour Lemon Cake
Light, bright, and bursting with fresh lemon flavor. It’s naturally sweetened and topped with a simple lemon glaze.
Pies & Tarts
7. Classic Apple Pie with a Flaky Gluten-Free Crust
Made with a buttery almond flour crust and spiced apple filling, this pie is just as comforting as the classic version.
8. Fresh Berry Tart
A crispy, gluten-free crust filled with creamy coconut custard and topped with fresh berries.
Ice Cream & Frozen Treats
9. Creamy Coconut Milk Ice Cream
No dairy? No problem. This ice cream is made with full-fat coconut milk, vanilla, and a touch of maple syrup for sweetness.
10. Chocolate Avocado Mousse
Avocado makes this mousse super smooth and creamy, while cocoa powder and a touch of maple syrup give it a rich chocolate flavor.
11. Easy Banana “Nice” Cream
Blend frozen bananas with a splash of almond milk, and you’ve got instant soft-serve ice cream. Add chocolate chips or nut butter for extra flavor.
Quick No-Bake Desserts
12. Chia Seed Pudding
Mix chia seeds with almond milk, vanilla, and a little maple syrup, then let it sit overnight. The result? A thick, creamy pudding that tastes amazing topped with fruit.
13. Chocolate-Covered Dates
Stuff dates with almond butter, dip them in melted dairy-free chocolate, and chill until firm. They taste like caramel-filled candies!
14. Vegan Cheesecake Bites
Made with a cashew and coconut milk filling, these mini cheesecakes are smooth, creamy, and naturally sweetened.
Holiday & Seasonal Treats
15. Pumpkin Pie with Almond Flour Crust
This pie has all the classic fall flavors without the dairy or gluten. The filling is smooth and spiced, while the crust is crispy and nutty.
16. Peppermint Chocolate Bark
Melted dairy-free chocolate, crushed peppermint, and a touch of coconut oil make this an easy holiday treat.
17. Gingerbread Cookies
Soft and spiced with cinnamon and ginger, these cookies are perfect for the holidays—and they hold up great for decorating!
More Delicious Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Desserts
Still hungry? Here are even more sweet, satisfying treats—all without gluten or dairy!
Puddings & Custards
18. Dairy-Free Chocolate Pudding
This pudding is rich, creamy, and made with coconut milk instead of dairy. A little cocoa powder and maple syrup give it the perfect sweetness.
19. Baked Apples with Cinnamon
Warm, spiced apples baked until soft and caramelized. Serve with a scoop of coconut ice cream for an extra treat.
Muffins & Breads
20. Blueberry Almond Flour Muffins
These muffins are moist, fluffy, and naturally sweetened. Perfect for breakfast or a quick snack.
21. Banana Bread (Without Dairy or Gluten!)
Made with almond flour and sweetened with ripe bananas, this bread is soft, slightly sweet, and great for meal prep.
Snackable Sweets
22. Coconut Macaroons
Chewy, slightly crispy, and full of coconut flavor. These are naturally gluten-free and dairy-free!
23. Energy Bites with Chocolate & Nuts
A mix of dates, nuts, and cocoa powder rolled into bite-sized snacks that taste just like brownie batter.
More Seasonal Favorites
24. Apple Crisp with Oat Topping
Warm baked apples topped with a crispy oat and almond flour crumble. No butter needed!
25. Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
Baked instead of fried, these gluten-free donuts are soft, fluffy, and coated in cinnamon sugar.
Pro Tips for Baking Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free Desserts
1. How to Get the Right Texture
Ever had a dry gluten-free cake? The secret is moisture. Use ingredients like:
- Applesauce or mashed bananas for softness.
- Coconut oil or dairy-free yogurt for richness.
- A mix of gluten-free flours (not just one type) to avoid a gritty texture.
2. Preventing Cookies from Spreading Too Much
Gluten-free cookies can sometimes turn into puddles in the oven. To prevent this:
- Chill the dough before baking. This helps the fat solidify.
- Use parchment paper instead of greasing the pan. Too much oil makes cookies spread.
- Add an extra egg or flax egg for structure.
3. How to Make Frostings Without Dairy
A great cake deserves great frosting! Try these easy swaps:
- Coconut cream + powdered sugar = thick, pipeable frosting.
- Cashew cream + maple syrup = a rich, slightly nutty frosting.
- Dairy-free butter + cocoa powder = the perfect chocolate frosting.
FAQs: Your Top Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Dessert Questions Answered
1. How do I make gluten-free desserts moist instead of dry?
Gluten-free baking can be tricky because regular wheat flour holds in moisture better than most gluten-free options. To avoid dry desserts:
- Use almond flour or oat flour, which retain moisture well.
- Add a little extra fat (like coconut oil or dairy-free yogurt).
- Don’t overbake! Gluten-free baked goods dry out quickly, so keep an eye on them.
2. What’s the best dairy-free milk for baking?
It depends on the recipe!
- Coconut milk – Best for rich, creamy desserts like puddings and ice creams.
- Almond milk – Works well in cakes, muffins, and cookies.
- Oat milk – Slightly thicker and naturally sweet, great for breads and frostings.
3. Can I replace eggs in gluten-free desserts?
Yes! Try these egg substitutes:
- Flax egg – Mix 1 tbsp ground flaxseed with 3 tbsp water; let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Applesauce – Adds moisture and slight sweetness (best for cakes and muffins).
- Mashed banana – Great for binding ingredients, but adds banana flavor.
4. Why do my gluten-free cookies spread too much?
If your cookies are turning into flat puddles, here’s why:
- Your dough is too warm. Chill it for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- You need more structure. Add an extra egg or a little more flour.
- Your baking sheet is greased. Use parchment paper instead.
5. What’s a good substitute for butter in baking?
- Coconut oil – Works in most recipes and adds a subtle sweetness.
- Vegan butter – A 1:1 swap for regular butter.
- Avocado – Adds creaminess to brownies and chocolate cakes.
6. Can I use regular sugar in gluten-free dairy-free desserts?
Yes, but if you want natural sweeteners, try:
- Maple syrup – Adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness.
- Coconut sugar – Works like brown sugar in most recipes.
- Medjool dates – Great for raw and no-bake treats.
Conclusion: Yes, You Can Have Amazing Desserts Without Gluten or Dairy!
Let’s be honest—when you first hear “gluten-free” and “dairy-free,” you might picture dry, flavorless desserts that no one actually enjoys. But hopefully, this list proves that you don’t have to give up amazing treats just because you’re avoiding certain ingredients.
Whether you’re craving a soft chocolate chip cookie, a rich chocolate cake, or a creamy ice cream alternative, there are plenty of easy swaps and foolproof recipes to keep your sweet tooth happy.
If you’re new to gluten-free dairy-free baking, start with something simple—like banana bread or no-bake brownie bites. Once you get the hang of using almond flour, coconut milk, and natural sweeteners, you’ll see just how easy it is to make delicious desserts without traditional ingredients.
The best part? These desserts aren’t just “good for gluten-free.” They’re just plain good.
Now it’s your turn—grab some ingredients and start baking!