There is something special about finishing a holiday meal with a stunning dessert that everybody at the table can enjoy. This list of gluten free Christmas desserts features my very favorite holiday treats, and you'd never know they're gluten-free. Each recipe is easy to pull off, full of flavor, and reliable for busy holiday cooking. Many can be made ahead, which always feels like a small gift during the season.
Why You Will Love These Gluten Free Christmas Desserts
The holidays are full enough, so dessert should feel simple and joyful. These recipes use everyday gluten free pantry staples and techniques you already know. Each recipe (all professionally tested) has a reliable texture and flavor, and they hold their own next to traditional versions.
Nicki's Tip: Some of these recipes are naturally gluten free while others use a dependable gluten free pie crust or an almond or oat based topping. Many freeze well or stay fresh for a day or two, which means you can spread the work out and enjoy more time with the people you love.
Nothing says Christmas quite like a tender gingerbread cake. This version gets its warm flavor from molasses, cinnamon, and lots of fresh ginger. A maple cream cheese frosting brings everything together. It also transforms beautifully into a trifle if you want something a little more dramatic for the dessert table.
If you want a showpiece without a lot of effort, this trifle is a favorite. Cubes of gingerbread cake are layered with homemade vanilla pudding, whipped cream, and bits of English toffee. It looks impressive and serves a crowd with ease.
My most requested holiday cake. It is rich and tender and made with cooked quinoa instead of flour. You cannot taste the quinoa at all. A cocoa whipped cream frosting keeps the whole cake light and easy to serve. It also checks the box for high chocolate cravings.
Gluten Free Carrot Cake with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting (Grain Free, Sugar Free, Vegan Option)
This healthier carrot cake blends together in a high powered blender. There is no need to grate carrots, which saves time when you are juggling a holiday menu. The maple cream cheese frosting pairs well with the warm spices.
Pumpkin Pound Cake with Bourbon Cream Cheese Frosting (Gluten-Free Option!)
A sturdy, moist pumpkin pound cake that feels right at home on a Christmas dessert spread. It freezes well, and you can glaze it ahead or right before serving. Mini versions make lovely gifts.
A stack of tender gluten free crepes spread with chocolate whipped cream creates a striking dessert that can be made a day ahead. Fresh berries and a drizzle of melted chocolate on top make it holiday ready.
This cake is soft and full of almond flavor. Frozen cherries work beautifully, which makes it an easy last minute option. It is lovely with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
A simple but ultra moist chocolate almond cake that mixes together quickly. Dress it up with whipped cream and berries for a holiday dinner.
9
Lemon Olive Oil Polenta Cake (Gluten Free!)
Bright and citrusy with a sweet lemon glaze. The flavor improves after resting, so feel free to make it a day or two before serving. It is a great option if you want something light after a Christmas (or holiday) meal.
An easy, wholesome cake that's out-of-this-world delicious. The foolproof batter comes together quickly and easily using just two bowls and a whisk, and the cake has an incredible flavor from fresh orange juice and orange zest.
A crowd pleaser that always disappears fast. A quick chocolate crust is filled with your choice of ice creams. Peppermint, chocolate, and vanilla look beautiful together. A soft fudge layer on top brings the whole pie together.
This open faced pie is easier to make than a traditional version. A buttery gluten free pie crust wraps around tender spiced apples and bakes into a crisp and flaky dessert. It is wonderful warm or room temperature.
Creamy Lemon Pie with Easy Almond Crust (Gluten-Free!)
A press in almond crust holds a smooth lemon filling made from only a few ingredients. It is light and refreshing and works well after a rich holiday meal.
This no bake gluten free cheesecake uses a biscotti crust and a creamy mascarpone filling. A cherry jam layer on top adds color and sweetness. It's a frozen cake (meaning you can make it days ahead!) - keep it in the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.
Silky Chocolate Pudding Pie (No Bake + Gluten-Free!)
This rich and silky chocolate pudding pie has a cinnamon-almond graham cracker crust, swoopy whipped cream, and a satiny filling that slices cleanly. It's nostalgic, chilled, and just happens to be gluten-free and dairy-optional, though nobody will know.
This easy gluten-free pie crust tastes just as delicious as the white-flour crusts of my childhood! It's ultra flaky with a classically rich, buttery flavor. Best of all, with just a few simple techniques, making perfect pie crust is way easier than you might think.
Individual Crustless Pumpkin Pie Custards (Gluten-Free)
All the flavor of pumpkin pie without the work. These custards bake into individual portions with a silky texture. They are naturally gluten free and great if you need to prep dessert ahead of time.
Mini Pavlovas with Dark Chocolate and Fruit (Gluten-Free)
Mini pavlovas have crisp edges and a soft center with bits of chocolate throughout. Add whipped cream and citrus segments for a bright finish. Assemble right before serving to keep the pavlovas crisp.
A simple but festive dessert. Frozen cherries simmer with port and vanilla until glossy and fragrant. Spoon them over lightly sweetened ricotta for a dessert that tastes like a holiday cheesecake.
These no crust mini cheesecakes are everything I love in a dessert: creamy, luscious, and easy to make. The flavor is rich with vanilla and a hint of lemon, the texture is silky-smooth, and because there's no crust to fuss with, they come together quickly.
These gluten-free cream puffs are crisp on the outside, airy inside, and get filled with your favorite filling-whether that's a luscious almond pudding or vanilla ice cream.
These gluten free sugar cookies are soft, buttery, and fun to decorate. The dough rolls easily, cuts into clean shapes, and bakes into tender, festive holiday cookies.
These vegan turtles feature crisp pecan-almond cookies, luscious date caramel, and silky dark chocolate. They're everything you love about the classic candy, made entirely from whole food ingredients and completely dairy-free.
These pumpkin cheesecake brownies feature a fudgy chocolate brownie base swirled with creamy pumpkin-spiced cheesecake. It's a festive dessert that's perfect for holiday dessert spreads.
Cakes, pies, trifles, custards, and cookies are all popular choices. Many families choose one show stopping dessert each year and fill in with a few easy sides like cookies or chocolates.
What desserts are naturally gluten free?
Custards, flourless chocolate cakes, pavlovas, and many fruit based desserts do not rely on flour. Always check labels if you are cooking for someone with celiac disease.
What desserts can celiacs eat
Celiacs can enjoy all of these gluten free Christmas desserts. Use certified gluten free oats and flours when needed and keep your baking area free from wheat flour to avoid cross contamination.
I love hearing about what you bake for the holidays. If you try any of these gluten free Christmas recipes, leave a comment or share a photo. It is always fun to see these desserts on your tables.
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Thank you, Nicki, for this wealth of lovely ideas and recipes. This winter may be the perfect time to try your recipes in preparation for when we all can gather again. You are the best!
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Thank you, Nicki, for this wealth of lovely ideas and recipes. This winter may be the perfect time to try your recipes in preparation for when we all can gather again. You are the best!
Thank you so much Cindy! I am so excited to be able to gather with friends again... Baking definitely helps. 🙂