The 30+ BEST Gluten Free Christmas Desserts

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.

Grid showing nine different gluten free holiday desserts.

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.

Gluten Free Christmas Cakes

1
A slice of gingerbread cake on a plate.
Easy Gingerbread Cake (Lightened-Up & Gluten Free!)
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.
Check out this recipe
2
Close-up of gingerbread trifle in a serving glass.
Gingerbread Trifle (Gluten Free Option!)
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.
Check out this recipe
3
Chocolate quinoa cake with cocoa whipped cream frosting on a cake plate.
Gluten Free Chocolate Quinoa Cake with Chocolate Whipped Cream Frosting (Gluten Free)
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.
Check out this recipe
4
Slice of gluten free carrot cake on a plate with a fork.
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.
Check out this recipe
5
Sliced pumpkin pound cake on a platter with plates to the side.
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.
Check out this recipe
6
Crepe cake on a cake stand with a slice cut out.
Easy Crepe Cake with Chocolate Whipped Cream Filling (Gluten Free Option)
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.
Check out this recipe
7
Cherry almond ricotta cake on a plate with a fork.
Cherry Almond Ricotta Cake (Gluten Free)
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.
Check out this recipe
8
almond flour chocolate cake on a plate with whipped cream and cherries
Chocolate Almond Cake (Gluten-Free)
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
A slice of lemon olive oil cake on a plate with a fork.
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.
Check out this recipe
10
double chocolate spoon cake topped with vanilla ice cream in a white bowl
Double Chocolate Spoon Cake Recipe (Grain-Free & Dairy-Free!)
This recipe is grain-free, naturally sweetened with maple syrup, and easy to make in under 30 minutes. A healthier sweet treat for chocolate lovers.
Check out this recipe
11
A piece of orange olive oil cake on a plate, topped with whipped cream.
Easy Orange Olive Oil Cake with Orange Cardamom Glaze (Gluten Free!)
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.
Check out this recipe

Stunning Gluten Free Pies

12
Slice of ice cream pie on wax paper with a fork and the rest of the pie in the background
Peppermint Ice Cream Pie
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.
Check out this recipe
13
Easy apple galette on a marble surface with a slice taken out, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Easy Cinnamon Vanilla Apple Galette
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.
Check out this recipe
14
Creamy lemon pie with almond crust on cake stand, with a piece of pie on a plate.
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.
Check out this recipe
15
Close-up of a slice of no-bake mascarpone cheesecake on a plate with a fork.
No Bake Mascarpone Cheesecake
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.
Check out this recipe
16
a chocolate pudding pie in a glass pie plate with whipped cream and chocolate shavings
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.
Check out this recipe
17
Easy Gluten Free Pie Crust (the best crust ever!)
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.
Check out this recipe

Custards and Fruit Desserts

18
Individual crustless pumpkin pies on a marble surface.
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.
Check out this recipe
19
Mini pavlovas with dark chocolate on a countertop.
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.
Check out this recipe
20
Cherries in port over fresh ricotta
Cherries in Port with Sweet Ricotta and Almonds
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.
Check out this recipe
21
Gluten free pear crumble on a plate topped with whipped cream.
Pear and Ginger Crumble (Gluten Free, Vegan Option)
Warm pears with a crunchy oat and nut topping. A little candied ginger lifts the flavor. Add ice cream or whipped cream on top.
Check out this recipe
22
A lemon pudding cake on a plate dolloped with whipped cream.
Lemon Pudding Cakes (Gluten-Free)
These cakes bake into two layers at once. The top is airy and tender while the bottom turns into a smooth lemon pudding.
23
Gluten free apple crisp with ice cream
The Best Gluten Free Apple Crisp (Lightened Up!)
This crisp uses less butter and sugar than most versions but still tastes rich and comforting. It is a dependable choice if you want something simple.
Check out this recipe
24
no crust mini cheesecakes topped with homamade strawberry sauce and maple almond clusters on a white plate
Easy No Crust Mini Cheesecakes
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.
Check out this recipe

Gluten Free Christmas Cookies and Treats

25
Gluten free vegan thumbprint cookies on a marble surface.
Paleo Almond Thumbprint Cookies (Vegan Option!)
A simple almond based dough filled with sweet jam. They happen to be paleo friendly and can be made vegan.
Check out this recipe
26
Hand grabbing a gluten free pecan tart off of a marble surface.
Gluten Free Mini Pecan Tarts (Naturally Sweetened)
A family favorite. The filling is sweet and nutty and sets up beautifully. A drizzle of dark chocolate on top tastes great and looks festive.
Check out this recipe
27
Close-up side view of a chocolate crackle cake on a plate with whipped cream and raspberries.
Chocolate Crackle Cakes (Gluten-Free)
These cakes rise into a thin crunchy top with a soft center. They are rich and satisfying and feel special enough for Christmas dinner.
Check out this recipe
28
a gluten-free cream puff filled with pudding and topped with chocolate
Easy Gluten-Free Cream Puffs
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.
Check out this recipe
29
gluten-free cut out sugar cookies on a wire rack decorated with icing.
My Favorite Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies
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.
Check out this recipe
30
a tray of vegan turtles cookies set with a cookie base, caramel, hardened chocolate and a pecan on top
The BEST Vegan Chocolate Turtles
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.
Check out this recipe
31
pumpkin cheesecake brownies cut into squares, with a visible swirl on top
The Best Pumpkin Cheesecake Swirl Brownies
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.
Check out this recipe

Recipe FAQs

What is a popular Christmas dessert?

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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2 Comments

  1. 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!

    1. Thank you so much Cindy! I am so excited to be able to gather with friends again... Baking definitely helps. 🙂