Delicious Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Dessert Recipes

Going gluten-free doesn’t mean you have to give up dessert — and adding dairy-free options doesn’t either. After years of testing and enjoying gluten-free treats, I’ve gathered the recipes I return to most. Some are naturally dairy-free, while many include easy dairy-free substitutions so you can make them to suit your dietary needs. From chocolate cakes and creamy puddings to fruit pies and frozen treats, you’ll find something to satisfy nearly every sweet craving.

I Know How Hard It Is to Give Up Your Favorite Desserts

I understand how frustrating it can be to feel like your favorite desserts are off the table. Over the years, gluten-free baking has improved tremendously, and many recipes translate beautifully to dairy-free versions too. That’s why nearly every recipe here is either dairy-free by design or includes a clear dairy-free variation. You should be able to enjoy dessert no matter the dietary restrictions you’re working around.

Classic Desserts without Dairy

Below are a few reliably delicious dairy-free desserts that are simple to make and crowd-pleasing.

Gluten-Free Chocolate Mug Cake

A quick single-serving chocolate cake made in the microwave. No eggs, milk, or butter are required — it’s naturally dairy-free and vegan, with a moist, chocolatey texture and optional chocolate chips for extra richness.

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This mug cake uses gluten-free flour, cocoa, and coconut oil for a fast warm dessert when you don’t want to bake a full cake.

Dairy-Free Chocolate Pudding

Rich, creamy, and smooth, this stovetop chocolate pudding is made with soy or another plant milk and dairy-free chocolate. Chill before serving for the best texture.

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Soy milk, cocoa, and dairy-free chips cook until silky and thick. Refrigerating a few hours yields the classic homemade pudding texture.

Dairy-Free Crème Brûlée

An elegant custard made with full-fat coconut milk and egg yolks, baked gently in a water bath and finished with a caramelized sugar crust for the classic crackle.

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Full-fat coconut milk replaces cream for a silky custard. After chilling, torch or broil sugar on top to form the signature hard caramel layer.

More Dairy-Free Chocolate Desserts

If chocolate is your priority, these dairy-free chocolate treats are sure to hit the spot.

Dairy-Free Chocolate Fudge

Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Chocolate Fudge

A 3-ingredient fudge made from sweetened condensed coconut milk, dairy-free chocolate, and vanilla. Melt, pour, chill, and finish with flaky sea salt.

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This no-bake fudge is rich and smooth without special equipment. I love the sweet-and-salty finish from a sprinkle of flaky salt.

Dairy-Free Hot Chocolate

dair-free hot chocolate in a white mug on a white saucer with marshmallows and cocoa powder

Dairy-Free Hot Chocolate

A cozy cocoa made with oat or another plant milk, cocoa powder, and melted dairy-free chocolate — ready in under 10 minutes.

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Oat milk gives body and creaminess without dairy. A small splash of vanilla brightens the flavor.

Vegan Chocolate Mousse

A light, fluffy mousse made from whipped coconut cream, cocoa, powdered sugar, and vanilla — just four ingredients for a chocolatey finish.

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Whip chilled coconut cream until fluffy, fold in cocoa and sweetener, and serve with berries or coconut whipped cream for a simple elegant dessert.

Dairy-Free Frozen Desserts

When you want something cold, dairy-free frozen desserts can be just as creamy and satisfying as traditional ice cream. Below are a few favorites to try.

Banana Peanut Butter Nice Cream

Banana Peanut Butter Ice Cream (Nice Cream)

Frozen bananas and peanut butter blend into a creamy soft-serve without an ice cream maker. Sweetened naturally and ready in minutes.

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A simple, naturally sweet treat made with frozen bananas, peanut butter, and a pinch of salt and vanilla for balance.

Coconut Sorbet

A creamy dairy-free sorbet made with coconut milk, coconut cream, and sweetened condensed coconut milk for tropical flavor and scoopable texture.

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Churn or freeze the mixture for a refreshing, creamy sorbet that’s perfect for summer or anytime you want a light tropical dessert.

Almond Milk Ice Cream

A four-ingredient almond milk ice cream that doesn’t require an ice cream maker — rich, smooth, and freezer-friendly.

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Blend soaked almonds, almond milk, maple syrup, and coconut oil for a silky base. Freeze and let soften slightly before scooping.

Gluten-Free Dessert Recipes with Dairy-Free Option

The recipes in this section are traditionally made with dairy but include straightforward dairy-free substitutions so you can adapt them easily.

Pies

These gluten-free pies are comforting, crowd-pleasing, and can be made dairy-free by swapping in plant-based butter or milk where noted.

Gluten-Free Apple Pie

A classic apple pie with a flaky gluten-free double crust and a warmly spiced filling of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples. A dairy-free version uses plant-based butter and milk.

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I make this pie for holidays and family gatherings — the crust bakes golden while the apples become tender and spiced.

Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pie

Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pie Recipe

This easy pumpkin pie uses a crunchy cereal-based crust and a creamy spiced filling. A dairy-free option swaps coconut milk and plant butter for traditional dairy.

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Gluten-Free Pecan Pie

A sweet, gooey pecan pie with a homemade gluten-free crust. Easily made dairy-free by using plant-based butter in the crust.

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Gluten-Free Coconut Cream Pie

Side view of coconut cream pie with a large slice missing

Gluten-Free Coconut Cream Pie

A toasted coconut macaroon crust holds a smooth coconut custard, finished with whipped topping. For dairy-free, use plant-based butter and chilled coconut cream for the topping.

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Cobblers and Crisps

Warm fruit desserts are perfect for cooler evenings. Most cobblers and crisps are easy to adapt to dairy-free by swapping plant milk and butter.

Gluten-Free Peach Cobbler

Juicy peaches baked under a golden cake-like topping. Use vegan butter and plant milk to make it dairy-free.

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Gluten-Free Blueberry Cobbler

Sweet blueberry filling beneath a tender biscuit topping. Make dairy-free by using plant-based butter and milk.

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Gluten-Free Apple Crisp

Baked cinnamon apples topped with a brown sugar oat crumble. Swap plant butter to make it dairy-free and vegan-friendly.

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Cakes and Cupcakes

Whether for birthdays or everyday celebrations, these gluten-free cakes and cupcakes are dependable and adaptable to dairy-free versions.

Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake

A slice of rich, two-layer chocolate cake with creamy chocolate frosting

Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake

A fudgy chocolate cake with tender crumb and chocolate buttercream. Use almond milk and plant-based butter for a dairy-free version.

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Gluten-Free Carrot Cake

Packed with carrots, pineapple, coconut, and nuts for moisture and texture, topped with tangy cream cheese frosting. A dairy-free cream cheese substitute works well here.

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Gluten-Free Vanilla Cupcakes

Soft, fluffy cupcakes with classic vanilla buttercream. For dairy-free, use plant-based butter and almond or coconut milk.

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Cookies

Cookies are easy to adapt and always welcome. Here are family favorites that work well gluten-free and dairy-free.

Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies

Soft centers and chewy edges with familiar buttery flavor — easy to make dairy-free with plant-based butter and dairy-free chips.

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Gluten-Free Monster Cookies

Loaded with peanut butter, oats, chocolate chips, and candy pieces for a chewy, nostalgic cookie. Swap in dairy-free ingredients as needed.

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Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies

Soft, lightly crisp cookies with vanilla and almond notes. No chill time required; easy to make dairy-free with plant-based butter.

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Dessert Bars and Other Treats

These bars and treats are reliable crowd-pleasers — many are naturally gluten-free or easily adapted to be dairy-free.

Gluten-Free Brownies

Fudgy, chewy brownies made in one bowl. Replace butter with plant-based butter for an easy dairy-free swap.

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Gluten-Free Lemon Bars

Bright, tangy lemon squares on a buttery shortbread crust. Use plant-based butter in the crust to make them dairy-free.

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Gluten-Free Apple Pie Blondies

Soft blondie base topped with spiced apples and maple vanilla glaze — a cozy, crustless way to enjoy apple pie flavors. Swap plant-based butter and milk for a dairy-free version.

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Gluten-Free Rice Krispies Treats

A no-bake favorite with marshmallows and crispy rice cereal. Use plant-based butter and vegan marshmallows for a dairy-free and vegan option.

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These classic treats are quick to make and always popular at gatherings. With a few simple swaps, most desserts here can be made dairy-free without sacrificing flavor or texture.