20 Quick Gluten-Free Desserts You Can Make Tonight

Gluten who?

Flourless Spiced Hot Chocolate Cake on a purple glass plate
Photo: Caitlin Bensel

Whether you have a gluten intolerance or simply try to avoid the stuff, finding foods (specifically desserts) made without gluten can be a difficult task. That's because people who can't (or choose not to) have gluten don't eat the gluten protein that's found in wheat, barley, and rye. Unfortunately, that means traditional foods like bread, pasta, and baked goods are often off limits unless they are made with specialty flours. The good news is, there are countless gluten-free options these days at both restaurants and in supermarkets, so it's never been easier to enjoy some of your favorite dishes and snacks.

If you love to bake or simply can't resist a sweet treat at the end of the day, you'll want to check out these tasty gluten-free dessert recipes. From macaroons and peanut butter cookies, to hand-churned ice cream and chocolate truffles, it's possible to have your [gluten-free] cake and eat it too.

01 of 20

Chocolate Pecan Fudge Balls

Chocolate Pecan Fudge Balls
Caitlin Bensel

These chocolate-y, crunchy bite-sized treats are incredibly easy to whip up, even for an amateur baker.

02 of 20

Sheet Pan Pavlova With Berries and Mangoes

Sheet Pan Pavlova
Greg DuPree

This Australian dessert is light, refreshing, and absolutely perfect to serve at any summer gathering.

03 of 20

Strawberry Dust Meringues

Strawberry Dusted Meringues
Caitlin Bensel

Meringues may seem like a fancy and complicated treat to make, but they're simple to whip up and call for only seven ingredients.

04 of 20

Flourless Spiced Hot Chocolate Cake

Flourless Spiced Hot Chocolate Cake
Caitlin Bensel

If you're a fan of Mexican hot chocolate, you're going to love this spicy and sweet flourless cake.

05 of 20

Espresso and Chocolate Truffles

Espresso Truffles
Hector Sanchez

Make a big batch of these rich and decadent truffles to gift to friends and family during the holidays.

06 of 20

Watermelon Mojito Granita

Watermelon Mojito Granita
Antonis Achilleos

Take advantage of watermelon season with this boozy, refreshing dessert that's great to snack on poolside.

07 of 20

Almond Macaroon Cake

Macaroon Cake Recipe
Jennifer Causey

The best part about this tasty cake? You can make it with just three eggs and six common pantry staples like sugar, shredded coconut, flour, and almonds.

08 of 20

No-Churn Roasted Strawberry Ice Cream

No Churn Roasted Strawberry Ice Cream
Samantha Seneviratne

There's nothing quite as delicious as homemade ice cream, especially when it has chunks of juicy strawberries and fresh vanilla bean.

09 of 20

No-Churn Papaya Ice Cream

papaya-ice-cream
Victor Protasio

The combination of luscious vanilla ice cream with folded chunks of tropical papaya is almost too good to be true.

10 of 20

Cherries Jubilee

Cherries Jubilee
Joseph De Leo

This sweet and tart dessert is great to enjoy for date night at home, and it takes less than 30 minutes to make.

11 of 20

Cantaloupe-Coconut Ice Pops

Cantaloupe Coconut Ice Pops
Victor Protasio

These dairy-free ice pops are unique but full of flavor thanks to the juicy cantaloupe and sweet basil notes.

12 of 20

Vanilla Peaches in Rosé

Vanilla Peaches in Rosé
Victor Protasio

Make the most of your leftover rosé and ripe peaches by adding them to a bowl of vanilla ice cream.

13 of 20

Chocolate Bark with Dried Fruit and Spices

Chocolate Bark With Dried Fruit and Spices
Josh Wand

This sweet and spicy chocolate bark is a thoughtful homemade gift option for friends and family.

14 of 20

Raspberry Sorbet With Whipped Cream and Meringues

Raspberry Sorbet With Whipped Cream and Meringues
Marcus Nilsson

Used as a topping, light, airy meringues melt in your mouth and provide a delicious play on texture when served with smooth, cool sorbet.

15 of 20

Flourless Chocolate Cake

Flourless Chocolate Cake
Christopher Testani

Rich and dense, this cake will satisfy even the most serious chocoholic.

16 of 20

Strawberry Ice Cream Cake

Strawberry Ice Cream Cake
Anna Williams

Whip cut-up strawberries into softened vanilla ice cream and freeze in a pan for a homemade treat that's better than anything you can buy in the store.

17 of 20

Lemony Almond Macaroons

Lemony Almond Macaroons
Ellen Silverman

Grated lemon zest perks up these chewy coconut cookies, while sliced almonds add a nice crunch.

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Coconut Macaroons

Coconut Macaroons
Jennifer Causey

This five-ingredient coconut cookie is perfectly chewy, sweet, and highly addicting.

19 of 20

Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies

Peanut Butter Cookies
David Prince

These chewy, nutty peanut butter cookies are always a hit—and best of all, they don't contain any flour.

20 of 20

Chocolate Bar Fondue

Chocolate Bar Fondue
Anna Williams

Customize your very own chocolate fondue bar with gluten-free cookies, and fresh or dried fruit.

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