If you are one of the many people who has been diagnosed with Celiac disease or gluten intolerance, you may be on the hunt for some tasty gluten-free dessert recipes. Many mainstream desserts such as cakes, cookies and pies contain gluten. However, recipes can be easily transformed into gluten-free creations by simply replacing the gluten containing flours with ingredients free of gluten.
Easy Gluten-Free Chocolate Pudding
This no-cook chocolate pudding recipe is not only a cinch to prepare it is also healthy and delicious. Avocados have a creamy texture and a neutral flavor when mixed with chocolate.
Ingredients
- 4 avocados
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (not Dutch processed) or 1/2 cup carob powder
- 3/4 syrup, honey or agave nectar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Slice the avocados in half. Remove the pit and scoop the flesh away from the skin.
- Add the avocados to a blender or food processor along with the other ingredients.
- Process the mixture until smooth.*
*Add water in 1 tablespoon increments, if needed, to achieve a creamy consistency
Variations
- This pudding makes an excellent pie filling. Just line the bottom of a prepared gluten-free pie crust with your favorite fruit. Bananas work very well. Spread the chocolate frosting on top of the fruit. Refrigerate before serving.
- This pudding also makes a great frosting for cakes. Just spread like any other frosting onto your favorite cake.
- Use this pudding to make a crunchy berry parfait. Layer the pudding in a glass or bowl with fresh berries and gluten-free granola for an extra healthy dessert.
- Use this pudding as a fruit dip at your next party. Simply, place a bowl of the pudding on or near a platter of fresh fruits.
Tasty Gluten-Free Macaroons
These chewy cookies are perfect for eating any time of the year. They're also easy and fun to make.
Ingredients
- 1 14-ounce bag of sweetened coconut
- 1 14-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/8 tsp salt
Instructions
- Mix all four ingredients together in a medium-sized bowl.
- Scoop up the mixture with a melon baller and deposit the balls onto a greased cookie sheet.
- Bake for 20 minutes at 350 degrees or until lightly browned on top. Let cool before serving.
Gluten-Free Apple Dumplings
Apple dumplings are a fall favorite and a comfort food for many. This version uses a gluten-free pie crust to wrap them in.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 to 4 tablespoons ice water
- 1-1/4 cups all purpose gluten-free flour plus more for rolling
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 4 apples
- 8 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Cut the butter into small pieces and place in the freezer for 30 minutes.
- Combine the flour, salt and 2 tablespoons of sugar in a food processor. Pulse until combined.
- Add the butter to the flour mixture and pulse until a coarse grainy mixture is achieved.
- Slowly add the water until the mixture forms a slightly crumbly ball.
- Wrap up the dough and place it in the refrigerator.
- Peel and core the apples.
- Roll out the cold dough and divide it into four sections.
- Place an apple in the center of each section of dough and stuff it with 2 tablespoons of brown sugar.
- Fold the dough up around the apple and pinch the tops shut.
- Arrange the apples on a deep baking dish.
- Heat the water on the stove and dissolve the remaining sugar in the water.
- Bring the mixture to boiling and reduce temperature until a thick syrup develops.
- Pour the syrup over the dumplings and bake at 375 degrees for 45 to 50 minutes.
- Let cool for a few minutes before enjoying.
More Gluten-Free Dessert Recipes
In addition to these recipes, you'll love these other great desserts, none of which contain gluten:
- Check out these great birthday cake recipes, including a recipe for chocolate cake and icing.
- These recipes for pumpkin pie include two different crusts and two fillings, so you can create your own.
- This recipe for apple crisp includes plenty of variations to let you tinker until it's right.
- These gluten-free, dairy-free sugar cookies can be rolled and cut into any shape.
- Check out these Christmas cake recipes, one of which is for a traditional fruit cake and the other for an apple spice cake.
- These chocolate cupcakes are made with almond flour. These cupcakes are hearty and dense, with a rich chocolate flavor that is sure to please.
- Try a cheesecake made with a gluten-free nut crust and lots of variations for toppings.
- Enjoy pecan pie made with a rice flour crust and a honey based filling.
- Be sure to try holiday cookies, including recipes for gingerbread and shortbread.
Substitute with Gluten-Free Flours
Until recently, home cooks had to mix several different kinds of gluten-free flours in order to achieve the perfect consistency for their cookies and cakes to bake and rise correctly. However, thanks to some enterprising companies, it is now possible to purchase all-purpose gluten-free flours that can be used to substitute regular all-purpose flour in a one to one ratio.
Enjoy the Sweet Things in Life
Having a gluten intolerance or Celiac disease does not mean you need to give up your desserts along with gluten. Try any of these recipes and start enjoying some sweets once again.
