Gluten Free Christmas Dessert Recipes (2024)

The holiday season is a time for indulgence, and being gluten-free shouldn’t mean missing out on all the festive fun. That’s why I’ve put together a scrumptious list of the best gluten free Christmas desserts. This list is a celebration of flavors, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the sweetness of the season. These gluten-free Christmas dessert recipes are guaranteed to spread joy and delight at your holiday gatherings. Whether you’re a seasoned gluten-free baker or just starting, these desserts are easy to make and sure to impress.

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Gluten Free Christmas Dessert Recipes (1)

Gluten free baking often gets a bad rap and I understand why. Gluten free desserts are often dry or crumbly and that’s not pleasant to eat. And sometimes they just don’t taste that good because the substitute ingredients weren’t right.

However, so many desserts are naturally gluten free. And some convert to gluten free much easier than others. One of my secrets is using Cup4Cup (gluten free flour mix) or King Arthur’s Gluten Free Flour in a non-gluten free recipe because it takes the hassle out of baking with substitutions. Plus it ends up being cheaper because you don’t have to buy a lot of different flours. I’ve had a lot of success with this.We’ve tried many different gluten free flour mixes and that’s definitely our favorite.

20 Gluten Free Christmas Dessert Recipes:

Layered Peppermint Fudge

This is dangerous. Seriously. I’m pretty sure it made me gain 5 pounds last year so make sure you’ve got people to share this with!! But it’s simple to make and I highly recommend this gluten free layered peppermint fudge. This is very quick to make this holiday season. It’s a naturally gluten-free dessert recipe. With a layer of chocolate fudge, peppermint fudge and candy cane crumbles on top, it’s perfect for Christmas day. Or add it to your cookie swap desserts.

Gluten Free Christmas Dessert Recipes (2)

Powdered Sugar Gluten Free Doughnuts

Simple and delicious! Warm baked gluten-free mini donuts (doughnuts?) are best in the winter! Make them for your Christmas morning breakfast or serve with ice cream and your other favorite treats. This recipe has a dairy-free option as well. Cover the mini donuts with powdered sugar or cinnamon and sugar. Or serve them plain.

Gluten Free Christmas Dessert Recipes (3)

The Best Peppermint Bark

Once again, this is a dangerous recipe. If you love gluten free dark chocolate peppermint bark this will be the best you’ve ever tasted! Made with melted dark chocolate, melted white chocolate, peppermint extract, candy canes and heavy cream, this simple dessert makes the best festive treats. It’s the perfect dessert at Christmas time for a Christmas cookie platter.

Chocolate ChunkPumpkin Cake

If you’ve never eaten a gluten free pumpkin cake, you’re missing out. It’s the absolute BEST way to eat gluten-free cake because the pumpkin makes it so moist and fluffy. You won’t believe it’s gluten freeand this moist and delicious! Pumpkin cake is definitely one of the best gluten-free Christmas desserts. This easy recipe calls for a gluten-free flour blend. It’s the perfect addition to your holiday parties or Christmas dinner. If you’re looking for cake recipes, look no further.

Gluten Free Christmas Dessert Recipes (5)

Cake Mix Blossom Cookies

This holiday classic couldn’t be easier when made with a gluten-free cake mix. Make them like these adorable gluten free bear paw blossom cookies or just do one Hershey kiss to make them a traditional blossom cookie. If you’re making gluten-free Christmas cookies for someone with celiac disease this is a great way to do it. No need to buy lots of ingredients you won’t use again. And it’s easier to prevent cross contamination in the kitchen when you’re using a mix.

Gluten Free Christmas Dessert Recipes (6)

Mint Chocolate Mini Cheesecakes

If you love to bake cheesecake, try these easy gluten free Andes mint chocolate mini cheesecakes. Now that Oreo makes a gluten free sandwich cookie it’s easy to simply make this recipe with gluten-free Oreos. No other substitutions needed!

Gluten Free Christmas Dessert Recipes (7)

No Bake Oreo Cheesecake Parfait

Just like the mini mint chocolate cheesecakes, these gluten free no bake Oreo cheesecake parfaits in a jar don’t need any substitutions other than gluten-free Oreos to make this gluten free. Delicious and fun for all ages and great for a gluten-free diet at your holiday table at a Christmas party.

Gluten Free Christmas Dessert Recipes (8)

Mint Chocolate Candy Cane Truffles

These cute little gluten free Christmas desserts are no bake treats. Put gluten free chocolate candy cane truffles at the top of your gluten-free dessert recipes. Perfect for Christmas cookie exchanges or on your holiday cookie platters. They’re the perfect sweet treat to bring a little Christmas cheer.

Gluten Free Christmas Dessert Recipes (9)

More Gluten Free Christmas Desserts

Peppermint Spoons

These are perfect for gifts! Or just make a bunch to stir in your own hot cocoa because why save all the fun for someone else!

Gluten Free Christmas Dessert Recipes (10)

Gluten Free Cookie Dough Balls | Homeschool Creations

No eggs are needed in these cookie dough balls. This recipe makes about 4 dozen balls, and no oven is needed.

Gluten Free Cinnamon Sugar Doughnuts | Lauren Kelly Nutrition

These delicious treats are baked, not fried; and are a great snack for Christmas morning. Only one side is rolled in the cinnamon sugar mix, to lighten them up a little.

Easy Gluten Free Stuffing | Food Faith Fitness

Filled with flavor and moist, this gluten-free stuffing takes only about 15 minutes of prep time.

Gluten Free Chocolate and Peanut Butter Trifle | The Chaos and the Clutter

In this simple recipe, create this layered mix of peanut butter cups, brownie bites, whipped cream and vanilla pudding for a gluten-free dessert.

One Bowl Flourless Chocolate Cake | Inspiration for Moms

This chocolate cake is low-mess, since it only requires one bowl. The lack of flour makes it perfectly gluten free!

Gluten Free Gingerbread House | Healthful Pursuit

Enjoy creating your own gingerbread house, gluten free! The dough is dairy free, but the icing is made with royal icing made with egg whites. Decorate with your favorite candies, from M&Ms to Swedish berries! This is the perfect gluten free christmas dessert!

Gluten, Dairy, Sugar Free Chocolate Brownies | The Jenny Evolution

For gluten free christmas desserts great for the whole family, try these chocolate brownies accommodating to a variety of different food allergies.

Gluten-Free Monkey Bread | The Frugal Farm Wife

Monkey bread makes a great kid-friendly breakfast, and this gluten-free version, mixed with ground cinnamon and sugar, is no exception.

Gluten Free Hot Cocoa Mix with a Dairy Free Option | Gluten Free Palate

Enjoy cozy homemade hot cocoa, that takes only about 5 minutes to make, and that’s easy to make for the whole family. Since it is mostly dry powders, it can also work as a great mason jar type gift.

Even More Recipes

Gluten Free Gingerbread Granola | Flippin’ Delicious

A mix of sweet and spicy, this gingerbread granola is easy to snack on throughout the day, and only takes a few minutes of prep time.

Healthy Gingerbread Mousse | The Almond Easter

This gingerbread mousse only requires one dish, and takes only about 5 minutes to make! It serves two people, and can easily be multiplied for larger quantities.

Gluten Free Thumbprint Cookies | Celiac in the City

With this pro-family recipe, get the younger kids involved as you create these basic thumbprint cookies,

Cranberry Gluten Free Breakfast Cookies | True Aim Education

This holiday treat is packed with a protein; a great way to mix healthy into the Christmas season!

How can I ensure that my gluten-free desserts don’t taste ‘different’?

Focus on recipes that naturally don’t require flour, like meringues, or use high-quality gluten-free flours and follow recipes closely to maintain traditional flavors.

What precautions should I take to avoid cross-contamination with gluten?

Use clean and separate utensils, bowls, and baking equipment. Be cautious about bulk-bin products and ensure all your ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Gluten Free Christmas Dessert Recipes (2024)

FAQs

How do you make gluten-free dessert less dry? ›

Bake, Then Bake Some More

Gluten-free baked goods often benefit from extra liquid to hydrate the flour blends, eliminate grittiness, and achieve a less dense or dry texture.

How do you make gluten free baked goods better? ›

Use xanthan gum or guar gum: Gluten-free flours lack the elasticity and structure that gluten provides, so adding a binder like xanthan or guar gum can help to hold the ingredients together and give your baked goods a better texture.

Which sweets are gluten-free? ›

Gluten Free Sweets
  • Barratt(5)
  • Glisten(1)
  • Haribo(2)
  • Kingsway(28)
  • Maoam(1)
  • Skittles(1)
  • Sweetzone(1)
  • Swizzels(1)

Are gluten-free desserts better for you? ›

Most gluten-containing desserts have very low fiber content which is generally unhealthy. Gluten-free desserts are made with whole ingredients such as whole grains that are richer in fiber. Processed ingredients like processed sugar and unhealthy fats lead to weight gain.

How much longer do you bake with gluten free flour? ›

Gluten-free goods tend to brown faster and take longer to cook through. So they need to be baked at a slightly lower temperature, for a slightly longer time. Every recipe is different, but in general, try lowering the temperature by 25 degrees and baking the item for 15 minutes longer.

Is it harder to bake with gluten free flour? ›

Gluten-free flours often contain fine starches, so they absorb more liquid than conventional flour. To address this, gluten-free recipes usually call for more liquid and produce looser batters. They may also call for a larger quantity of leavening, like baking powder, to help add volume and lighten the texture.

What to avoid for gluten free baking? ›

Some baking ingredients that contain gluten (and thus are not suitable for a gluten-free diet) include:
  • Wheat.
  • Semolina.
  • Spelt.
  • Durum.
  • Emmer.
  • Einkorn.
  • Rye, sometimes referred to as pumpernickel.
  • Barley.
Mar 29, 2021

Which gluten free flour is best for baking? ›

Best Overall: Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour

This mix, which has all recognizable ingredients (including sweet white rice flour, which is the main ingredient in mochi, a nice light, powdery, starchy flour that doubles as a binder), worked well in all three of our tests.

How do you increase moisture in gluten free baking? ›

Honey and agave as a sugar substitute can enhance moisture as well, but be aware that you should cut down slightly on the other liquids you are using in the recipe, as honey and agave are not solid ingredients. Adding an extra egg or oil can also help, but use caution.

What is surprisingly not gluten-free? ›

Here are some foods likely to contain gluten:
  • Beer, ale and lagers.
  • Bouillon cubes.
  • Brown rice syrup.
  • Candy.
  • Chips.
  • Communion wafers.
  • Couscous.
  • Deli meats.
Aug 7, 2020

What candy can a gluten-free person eat? ›

Gluten-Free Candy by Maker
  • Almond Joy – all except Almond Joy Pieces candy.
  • Heath.
  • Hershey's milk chocolate kisses.
  • Hershey's milk chocolate bars (1.55oz only)
  • Milk Duds.
  • Mounds.
  • Payday.
  • Reese's Peanut Butter Cups – all except seasonal shaped items.

What can gluten-free people eat that is sweet? ›

Let's start with the naturally gluten free ideas. Fruits (strawberries, bananas, blueberries, mangos, and more) are all gluten and dairy free desserts. Chocolate is also naturally gluten free (although it does contain dairy). An easy chocolate mousse can be made in a snap, too. And hooray, coconut is gluten free.

What are the challenges of gluten-free baking? ›

One of the main challenges in making gluten-free bread is achieving the same texture and rise as traditional wheat bread. Gluten provides the structure and elasticity that allows bread dough to rise and hold its shape, so gluten-free doughs can be sticky and difficult to work with.

Does eating gluten-free really make people healthier? ›

A gluten-free diet is essential for those with celiac disease. However, there is little evidence to support its use in people without celiac disease, and it may increase the risk of nutritional deficiencies. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. This protein helps foods hold their shape.

Do gluten-free desserts taste different? ›

All gluten-free flours have a different taste. Some gluten-free flours are naturally sweet, some are nutty, while others have a strong flavor. When you're just getting started baking gluten-free, experiment with as many different flours as you can. Be sure to keep notes about which flours you like and which you don't.

How do you add moisture to a gluten-free cake? ›

Tips for best results
  1. Add some almond flour: Using a small amount of almond flour in your baking can enhance the taste and texture dramatically. ...
  2. Add more fat or liquid: It might just be that you need a bit more moisture in your recipe, especially if you're converting a regular “gluten-ful” recipe to gluten-free.
Jan 8, 2022

Why are my gluten-free cakes so dry? ›

Some gluten free flours will produce a cake which is on the dry side. This might be due to the lack of gluten but can be for many other reasons. Lots of gluten free flour is rice based and this can result in a dry and slightly gritty texture.

How to keep gluten-free cookies from being dry? ›

7- If your cookie dough is too dry and crumbly, just add back to the mixing bowl and stir in a couple tablespoons of your favorite milk or an egg. Add more if needed – the dough needs to hold together, but most cookie doughs shouldn't be sticky.

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