What Desserts Are Gluten-Free? An Ultimate Guide

Decadent, satisfying, and completely gluten-free—because dessert should be easy and indulgent, no matter your diet.

Why Do People Eat Gluten-Free or Choose Gluten-Free Desserts?

Gluten is a protein found in wheat and several other grains, so when you go gluten-free, you focus on eating foods like fruits, vegetables, meat, nuts (oh hey, almonds and walnuts), seeds, legumes, and eggs. However, not all people respond to gluten positively. Mainly because of:

• Celiac disease - This condition prohibits individuals from eating gluten because it causes an unpleasant immune response.

• Gluten intolerance - Gas, bloating, nausea, and cramping are just a few symptoms of gluten intolerance and as such, many people avoid gluten to dodge these health issues.

• Gluten sensitivity - While those with gluten sensitivity don’t have celiac disease, eating gluten can lead to similar issues (GI damage and more) as those with the disease.

Going gluten free can be a choice or a necessity. Either way, gluten free desserts are a definite in your diet because they can be so dang good!

What Desserts Usually Contain Gluten?

Many classic desserts rely on gluten-containing ingredients, like wheat flour, cookie crusts, or gluten-containing thickeners, making them a no-go for those avoiding gluten. So, if you're on a gluten-free diet, make sure you avoid buying or making these (it's hard, we know!):

• Cakes, cupcakes, and cookies – Traditional recipes use wheat flour, though gluten-free flour alternatives exist.

• Brownies and bars – Unless specifically made with gluten-free flour, these often contain wheat.

• Pie crusts and pastries – Most are made with buttery, flaky dough that relies on wheat flour.

At this point you're probably thinking, “Nah, this is too difficult to give up cake, cookies, and pie!”, and we get you! But if you look around, you'll see that there are plenty of other options that are just as equally delicious! In the next section, we'll explore just that. 

Can You Still Enjoy Dessert on a Gluten-Free Diet? Absolutely.

Going gluten-free doesn’t mean skipping out on the sweet stuff. Whether you’re avoiding gluten due to celiac disease, gluten intolerance, or simply looking for better-for-you alternatives, there’s a world of delicious, naturally gluten-free desserts waiting to be enjoyed!

From creamy, berry smoothies and flourless chocolate cake to coconut macaroons, pavlova, and even gluten-free banana bread, there’s no shortage of sweet treats that are just as yummy as their traditional counterparts—without the wheat flour or gluten-containing ingredients.

Naturally Gluten-Free Desserts You’ll Love

Fruits & Chocolate: The Perfect Gluten-Free Pairing

Some of the best gluten-free desserts are the simplest. Dark chocolate is naturally gluten-free, although it may contain dairy (just check for added fillers), and when paired with naturally sweet fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or bananas, it makes for an easy, satisfying treat!

Classic Gluten-Free Bakery Favorites

Some traditional desserts just happen to be naturally gluten-free, making them perfect for those avoiding wheat flour and other gluten ingredients:

• Crème Brûlée – Rich, custardy, and naturally gluten-free with simple ingredients like vanilla, cream, and sugar.

• Coconut Macaroons – Chewy, slightly crisp, and made with coconut and egg whites, these are a naturally gluten-free dessert staple.

• Meringues & French Macarons – These light, airy treats use egg whites and sugar instead of flour, making them a perfect gluten-free dessert option.

• Rice Pudding & Coconut Rice Pudding – Made with rice instead of wheat flour, these desserts are creamy, cozy, and completely gluten-free.

Tips for Gluten-Free Baking & Dessert Swaps

If you want to master gluten-free baking, explore easy gluten free recipes, and select the right flour substitutes, binders, and naturally sweet ingredients to create desserts that are just as delicious, moist, and satisfying as their gluten-containing counterparts.

Whether you’re whipping up a batch of gluten-free chocolate chip cookies or a flourless chocolate cake, these ingredients will help you achieve the perfect texture and flavor—even without the gluten!

The Best Gluten-Free Ingredients for Baking

• Gluten-Free Flour Alternatives – Swap wheat flour for almond flour, coconut flour, or gluten-free oat flour to maintain a light, fluffy texture essential for cookies and bread. 

• Nut Butters & Seed Butters – Almond butter, peanut butter, and cashew butter add richness and structure without needing gluten-based binders.

• Chia Seeds & Flaxseeds – These can replace eggs or flour in some gluten-free dessert recipes while adding fiber and texture.

Avoiding Cross-Contamination in Gluten-Free Desserts

If you’re baking desserts at home, avoiding contact with gluten is key—especially if you have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Here are some important reminders to ensure your gluten-free dessert is free from cross-contamination:

• Use separate baking tools – Keep mixing bowls, utensils, and baking sheets dedicated to gluten-free ingredients.

• Check ingredient labels carefully – Many baking essentials like vanilla extract, baking powder, and powdered sugar can contain gluten-based fillers.

• Stick to certified gluten-free oats – Oats are naturally gluten-free but often cross-contaminated with wheat during processing.

Creative Gluten-Free Dessert Ideas

Seasonal & Holiday-Themed Gluten-Free Desserts

If you're looking for gluten-free desserts for a particular season, there's always an option that fits the occasion. From refreshing fruit-based treats in the summer to cozy, spiced flavors in the winter, gluten-free sweets can be just as festive and delicious! Here are some ideas for each season:

• Summer – Fresh berry parfaits, coconut mango pops, and fruit sorbets.

• Fall – Pumpkin spice bars, baked apples, and almond butter brownies.

• Winter – Chocolate chia pudding, peppermint coconut bites, and flourless chocolate cake.

• Spring – Gluten-free lemon bars, strawberry flourless shortcake with almond flour biscuits, and vanilla bean coconut pudding.

How Daily Harvest Makes Gluten-Free Sweets Effortless 

With all these recipes and suggestions, you might be thinking, “Where do I start?” Well, the good news is that you don’t need to be a gluten-free baking pro to enjoy delicious, gluten-free sweets. 

It’s lovely to have gluten-free desserts when you’re out and about, but what about when that 10pm craving hits and you're cozied up on your couch? No worries ‘cause that’s where Daily Harvest comes in.

Every single item we make is gluten-free, so you never have to worry about hidden ingredients. Since whipping up a gluten-free dessert recipe from scratch isn’t always in the cards, we've made it simple for you! With our ready-made, pre-portioned desserts, your sweet treat is ready when you are! Plus, they're delivered to your doorstep!

Explore Daily Harvest's options and satisfy your sweet tooth with some of our favorite plant-based, naturally gluten-free dessert options. Let's go!

Smoothies: The Ultimate Naturally Sweet, Gluten-Free Treat

Traditional desserts can be heavy on refined sugar and gluten, but smoothies offer a naturally sweet, fiber-rich alternative—without the hassle of baking.

• Strawberry + Peach Smoothie – A blend of strawberries, peaches, and bananas, with golden flaxseed for fiber and omega-3s. Like a fruit cobbler—without the flour.

• Mint + Cacao Smoothie – A cool, creamy, chocolate chip-inspired smoothie made with organic cacao, fresh mint, banana, and cashews—giving you all the dessert vibes without the dairy or gluten.

• Acai + Cherry Smoothie – Packed with antioxidant-rich berries, bananas, and a hint of kale, this smoothie is a better-for-you take on a berry crumble.

Pops: A Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free Frozen Dessert

A good deal of store-bought ice cream treats contain hidden gluten in stabilizers and additives—but Daily Harvest’s Pops keep it simple, refreshing, and naturally sweet.

• Mango + Passion Fruit Pops – A blend of juicy mango and passion fruit this frozen treat is like a tropical sorbet—without the added sugar.

• Blueberry + Banana Pops – Bright, antioxidant-packed blueberries and bananas combined for a naturally sweet, gluten-free dessert.

• Strawberry + Dragon Fruit Pops – A naturally sweet mix of strawberry, banana, dragon fruit, and cherry—with a hidden veggie twist (cauliflower!) for extra nutrients.

Bites: Pop-In-Your-Mouth Bliss, No Baking Required

If you’re craving a quick, gluten-free treat but don’t feel like baking, Daily Harvest Bites are here to save the day (and your sweet tooth). These pre-portioned, nutrient-dense snacks are made with real, whole ingredients—so you can indulge without the sugar crash.

• Fudgy Hazelnut Brownie Bites – Imagine the center of a rich, fudgy brownie, but packed with superfoods. Toasty hazelnuts provide a nutty flavor and a hint of crunch, while creamy avocado adds a luscious texture and healthy fats. Infused with reishi mushroom and magnesium-rich cacao, these bites might even inspire a sense of bliss.

• Cacao + Peppermint Bites – A refreshing twist on classic chocolate truffles, these bites combine rich cacao with cool peppermint for a delightful, guilt-free indulgence. Perfect for a midday pick-me-up or an after-dinner treat

• Nutty Banana Bread Bites – Craving the comforting taste of banana bread without the baking? These bites blend ripe bananas with crunchy almonds and a touch of sweetness, capturing the essence of homemade banana bread in a convenient, ready-to-eat form.

• Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bites – Indulge in the nostalgic flavor of cookie dough with these bites, featuring creamy sunflower seed butter, rich cacao, and a sprinkle of chocolate chips. A perfect treat for satisfying your sweet tooth while on the go.

With no prep, no gluten, and zero mystery ingredients, these Bites make it effortless to enjoy a better-for-you sweet—anytime, anywhere.

Enjoy Effortless, Indulgent, and 100% Gluten-Free Desserts with Daily Harvest

Whether you’re looking for a naturally gluten-free dessert, experimenting with gluten-free baking, or just want a quick, satisfying sweet treat, you don’t have to settle for dry, flavorless alternatives.

With Daily Harvest, you can skip the complicated gluten-free dessert recipes and enjoy something decadent, dairy-free, and completely gluten-free—without the prep. Explore Daily Harvest's gluten-free desserts and find the item that will satisfy your sweet tooth!