7 Delicious Gluten-Free Desserts

If you’re already thinking of desserts for upcoming holiday parties, and want to make sure you accommodate friends and family who have a gluten sensitivity, look no further!

I’ve made seven delicious gluten-free desserts that have been tried and tested by both gluten-free and gluten-eating friends.

These do not contain any gluten (a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and malts). And while some people might consider gluten-free recipes to be healthier, these desserts are certainly  on the indulgent side. Enjoy!

7 Delicious Gluten-Free Desserts:

Salted Dulce De Leche Macaroons – these involve some of my favorite baking ingredients: dulce de leche (caramel’s more exotic sensual cousin; milkier, silkier, and thicker than caramel), espresso salt (which I often sprinkle on top of baked goods), and sweetened shredded coconut. These macaroons are so good and right on point with salty-sweet goodness. In fact one of my friends even said that he will die a happy man because of these macaroons. You know if your friends start hypothesizing about their happy demise with your baked goods, that you’re doing something right.

Dark Chocolate Nutella Cherry Truffles – These are no bake, silky, decadent little truffles, studded with dried cherries that plumped up from being soaked in orange liqueur. You read that right: cherries soaked in orange liqueur. I’m no stranger to soaking dried fruit in liqueur, or baking with rum and other kinds of alcohol. But this recipe doesn’t require any baking, and it doesn’t even involve egg yolks unlike some of my other decadent no bake desserts. Make no mistake though, these little truffles are not only decadent, they also taste elegant and sophisticated.

Strawberries and Cream Granita – this is an easy, make-ahead treat where you can use frozen strawberries (or really any other berry you like). I really like the silkiness that a touch of cream brings to a recipe, and it makes each spoonful of this granita taste luxurious. For a more adult version, you can drizzle vanilla vodka on top before serving.  Or better yet, if you’re a tequila fan like I am, look for Tequila Rose, which is a combination of strawberry cream liqueur and tequila.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Rice Crispy Cookies – these are THE BEST peanut butter cookies I’ve ever had. I know that’s a big statement but it’s true. I added brown rice crispies (I love Barbara’s Brown Rice Crisps, which are gluten-free) for a touch of pop and crackle to the subtly orange-flavored peanut butter cookies. The orange flavor was imparted by fresh orange zest, and it goes so well with the dark chocolate chips.

Coconut Chia Pudding – silky with coconut milk and almost jelly-like, topped with blueberries bursting with freshness.  This cool, creamy, sweet pudding tastes so delicious that it’s hard to believe it’s healthy. It’s packed with protein and omega 3 fatty acids (from the chia seeds) as well as antioxidants (if you top it with blueberries like I did). I like eating this for breakfast for a super-charged start to my day (plus, it satisfies my penchant for dessert for breakfast) but this could easily be a mid-afternoon or late-evening snack. And of course, it’s a nice little dessert!

Dark Chocolate Flourless Brownies – the richest, darkest, most decadent brownies I’ve ever made. And yes, they’re flourless. But while they are gluten-free, they are certainly not considered health food. These are, instead, considered sin food. Sinfully rich, these have the most intense dark chocolate flavor and thickest, silkiest texture. I am even hesitant to call them brownies. Sure, I baked them in a brownie pan, but these need to be served chilled, not warm. Imagine the fudgiest, most velvety, chilled chocolate cake you’ve ever had – these are much closer to that.

Chewy Almond Cookies – fluffy, chewy, lemony little rounds, these cookies taste like a French macaron, but sweeter and softer. t They’re slightly crisp outside, but moist and chewy inside. Light and airy, they also have a distinctive almond and vanilla flavor.  I used almond paste, which is expensive but really worth it.  I loved how these marzipan cookies stayed chewy for days, and how the almond, vanilla, and lemon flavors blended so well together.

Do you have a favorite gluten-free dessert? Please share in the comment section!

   

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