Reader-Favorite GF DF Desserts: Our Top 27 Sweet Selections

27 Irresistibly Delicious Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Desserts: Your Ultimate Guide to Allergy-Friendly Baking

Embark on a delightful culinary journey with our collection of 27 top-rated gluten-free and dairy-free desserts! Say goodbye to bland, dry, or lifeless allergy-friendly treats. This comprehensive guide proves that living with dietary restrictions doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor, texture, or the joy of a truly decadent dessert. From chewy cookies and fudgy brownies to elegant cakes and creamy ice cream sandwiches, every single recipe shared here boasts a 4.5-star review or higher, a testament to their exceptional taste and widespread appeal. Whether you follow a gluten-free or dairy-free diet out of necessity or choice, or simply want to explore healthier and equally delicious options, you’ll find an abundance of inspiration and satisfaction within these pages.

Gluten-free double chocolate cookies with marshmallows.

Navigating life with food allergies can present its own set of challenges, but eating dull or uninspiring food doesn’t have to be one of them! My passion has always been to craft exceptional gluten-free and dairy-free desserts that not only meet dietary needs but also exceed expectations. These recipes are carefully developed to demonstrate that going sans gluten and dairy means absolutely no compromise on indulging in classic delights, enjoying comforting treats, or experiencing the therapeutic joy of baking. Prepare to rediscover your favorite desserts, transformed into allergy-friendly masterpieces that are so good, everyone at the table will ask for seconds.

Table of contents

  • Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Cakes and Cupcakes
    • Gluten-Free German Chocolate Cake
    • Vegan Apple Cake
    • Gluten-Free Lemon Poppy Seed Cake
    • Gluten-Free Tres Leches Cake
    • Carrot Cake with Brigadeiro Frosting
    • Dairy-Free Vanilla Cupcakes
  • Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Cookies
    • Dairy-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
    • Lemon Curd Cookies
    • Vegan Coconut Macaroons
    • Gluten-Free Stuffed Marshmallow Cookies
    • Chocolate Chip Chickpea Cookies
    • Easter Egg Cookies
    • Gluten-Free Thumbprint Cookies
  • Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Brownies and Bars
    • Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars
    • Dairy-Free Fudge
    • Gluten-Free Brownies
  • Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Fruit Desserts
    • Gluten-Free Rhubarb Crisp
    • Vegan Coconut Cream Pie
    • Vegan Lemon Curd
  • Gluten-Free And Dairy-Free No-Bake Recipes
    • Dairy-Free Buttercream Frosting
    • Vegan Edible Cookie Dough
    • Vegan Rice Pudding
  • Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Donuts, Breads, Muffins, and More
    • Vegan Donuts
    • Dairy-Free Leche Flan
    • Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bread
    • Cranberry Orange Muffins
    • Gluten-Free Ice Cream Sandwiches
  • More Gluten-Free Desserts (with Dairy-Free Variations)
  • More Dairy-Free Desserts (with Gluten-Free Variations)
Taking a slice out of gluten-free German chocolate cake.
Overhead shot of a sliced lemon poppyseed loaf with two slices laying in front of it.

Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Cakes and Cupcakes

Indulge in a slice of pure joy with our collection of gluten-free and dairy-free cakes and cupcakes. These recipes redefine what’s possible in allergy-friendly baking, offering moist, flavorful, and celebratory treats for any occasion without compromising on taste or texture.

Gluten-Free German Chocolate Cake

Experience the iconic flavors of a traditional German Chocolate cake, reimagined for dietary needs! This gluten-free and dairy-free rendition boasts an unbelievably rich, deeply chocolaty, and tender crumb that will surprise even the most discerning palates. It’s perfectly complemented by a decadent and sweet coconut pecan frosting, delivering all the classic indulgence you remember, but without any of the common allergens. Get ready for a dessert that’s truly unforgettable!

Vegan Apple Cake

Elevate your gluten-free and dairy-free dessert repertoire with this sensational caramel apple upside-down cake! Each bite is a symphony of flavors and textures, featuring a luscious dairy-free salted caramel sauce that drapes over perfectly cooked, sweet fresh apples. Below this delightful topping lies a tender and moist cake sponge, creating an irresistible treat. This recipe proves that allergy-friendly baking can be both comforting and spectacularly delicious.

Gluten-Free Lemon Poppy Seed Cake

If the bright, zesty flavors of lemon poppy seed muffins are among your favorites, then you are absolutely going to adore this cake! This delightful gluten-free and dairy-free cake offers a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness, with a wonderfully buttery and tender texture that melts in your mouth. It’s an ideal companion for a comforting cup of hot tea or a refreshing mug of fresh coffee, making it a perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon pick-me-up.

Taking a bite out of a piece of the gluten-free and dairy-free tres leches cake.
Dairy-free vanilla cupcakes on a wooden cake stand.

Gluten-Free Tres Leches Cake

Prepare to be amazed by this authentic-tasting gluten-free and dairy-free Tres Leches Cake, also affectionately known as the “three milks cake”! Through the clever use of gluten-free flour and innovative dairy-free sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk alternatives, this recipe achieves a truly remarkable texture and flavor profile. It’s a 100% dairy-free and gluten-free dessert that’s so genuine in taste, no one will ever suspect it’s missing traditional dairy. Get ready for a moist, rich, and utterly delightful experience that will transport you to a culinary paradise!

Carrot Cake with Brigadeiro Frosting

Discover a truly unique and irresistible take on the classic carrot cake! This spectacular gluten-free and dairy-free dessert recipe features a moist cake base made with beautifully roasted carrots, which adds an incredible depth of flavor. It’s then crowned with a luxurious and decadent brigadeiro frosting, transforming it into an unforgettable treat. This recipe is not only a fantastic addition to your Easter dinner spread or any elegant spring brunch, but also a perfect choice for any occasion where you want to impress with a special, allergy-friendly creation.

Dairy-Free Vanilla Cupcakes

Meet your new favorite go-to recipe for dairy-free vanilla cupcakes! These delightful treats are incredibly fluffy and light, offering a tender crumb that perfectly complements their airy texture. Each cupcake is generously topped with a smooth, creamy, and wonderfully light frosting that will have you reaching for more. Best of all, they’re incredibly quick to prepare, ready in less than 15 minutes, and made with simple pantry staples, making them the ultimate convenient and delicious gluten and dairy-free dessert for any craving or celebration.

A bunch of gluten-free and dairy-free chocolate chip cookies on a piece of parchment with one in the middle that has a bite taken out.
A white plate of the dairy-free macaroons on top of a napkin.

Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Cookies

Who doesn’t love a good cookie? Our selection of gluten-free and dairy-free cookies proves that everyone can enjoy these classic handheld treats. From chewy chocolate chip to delicate macaroons, these recipes deliver on flavor, texture, and pure cookie bliss, ensuring no one misses out.

Dairy-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies

Get ready for an irresistible experience – we bet you won’t be able to have just one bite of these dairy-free chocolate chip cookies! They are everything a perfect chocolate chip cookie should be: wonderfully chewy, delightfully buttery, and intensely chocolaty. These cookies are so incredibly delicious that even your friends and family who regularly eat gluten and dairy will happily devour them, proving that allergy-friendly treats can truly be enjoyed by all.

Lemon Curd Cookies

Indulge your senses with these exquisite vegan lemon thumbprint cookies, celebrated as one of our top-rated vegan and gluten-free desserts! Each cookie is a little pocket of sunshine, featuring a perfectly buttery shortcrust base that cradles a dollop of luscious and silky 100% vegan lemon curd. With every bite, you’ll experience a burst of bright, tangy citrus perfectly balanced with sweet notes, making these treats a truly joyous and refreshing experience that everyone will love.

Vegan Coconut Macaroons

Prepare for rave reviews with these incredibly simple yet utterly delicious vegan coconut macaroons! Not only are these treats wonderfully chewy, satisfyingly sweet, and delightfully nutty, but they are also made with just three, yes, *three*, easy ingredients. They’re a fantastic choice to bring to your next potluck, bake sale, or book club meeting, guaranteed to impress everyone with their delightful flavor and effortless preparation. Enjoy these naturally gluten-free and dairy-free bites of tropical paradise!

Gluten-Free Stuffed Marshmallow Cookies

These gluten-free and dairy-free cookies are a verified double chocolate delight that will capture the hearts of chocolate lovers everywhere! Each cookie is ultra-chocolaty, thanks to the inclusion of rich black cocoa powder, creating a deep and intense flavor. But the real magic happens when you discover they are generously stuffed with gooey marshmallows, adding a delightful chewiness and sweetness to every bite. They are perfectly designed to be a favorite treat for kids of all ages, and adults who are still kids at heart!

Gluten free thumbprint cookies next to a small spoon of jam on a brown parchment paper.
Easter egg sugar cookies decorated with different colored icing on parchment paper.

Chocolate Chip Chickpea Cookies

Prepare to have your mind blown by this gluten and dairy-free dessert recipe that’s so abundantly gooey and chocolatey, even the most unsuspecting eaters will never guess its secret ingredient! Made with wholesome chickpeas, these cookies are surprisingly low in processed sugar while still delivering maximum flavor. They’re an ingenious way to enjoy a sweet treat while sneaking in more fiber and plant protein, making them absolutely perfect for picky eaters, kids, or anyone looking to enjoy a healthier twist on a classic.

Easter Egg Cookies

Beautiful holiday sugar cookies are no longer exclusively for our dairy and gluten-eating friends! In fact, these incredibly soft, sweet, and idyllically decorated Easter Egg Cookies are a triumphant gluten-free and vegan dessert recipe, crafted without any animal or wheat products. They offer all the festive charm and deliciousness you crave, making them the perfect allergy-friendly treat to celebrate Easter, a spring gathering, or simply to enjoy as a wonderfully sweet and vibrant cookie any time of year.

Gluten-Free Thumbprint Cookies

Give your leftover cranberry sauce a delicious new purpose with these delightful dairy-free and gluten-free thumbprint cookies! These charming cookies are the perfect way to kick off the holiday season, transforming Thanksgiving leftovers into a festive treat. However, their sweet, buttery, and jam-filled goodness isn’t just for the holidays; this versatile dairy and gluten-free dessert recipe can be made any time the craving hits, offering a comforting and satisfying bite that’s easy to customize with your favorite fruit fillings.

An overhead shot of a pan of sliced brownies on parchment paper.
A stack of the peanut butter banana oatmeal bars on the counter.

Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Brownies and Bars

Sometimes you just need a rich, chewy, and satisfying bar or brownie. Our gluten-free and dairy-free versions of these beloved treats are packed with flavor, ensuring that satisfying your cravings never means compromising on taste. Dive into these recipes for pure comfort.

Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars

Satisfy your deepest peanut butter and chocolate cravings with a delightful recipe you can truly feel great about enjoying! These incredible peanut butter oatmeal bars are not only bursting with flavor but are also incredibly easy to make, requiring just one bowl for mixing and only common pantry staples. They offer a wholesome yet indulgent treat that’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or a guilt-free dessert, proving that healthy and delicious can go hand in hand.

Dairy-Free Fudge

Prepare for an explosion of rich, chocolaty, and unbelievably creamy goodness with this dairy-free fudge! This delectable treat is not only free from dairy but is also vegan and naturally gluten-free, making it accessible to many. The best part? You only need a handful of simple ingredients and a mere 5 minutes of your time to create this easy gluten-free and dairy-free dessert. It’s the perfect quick fix for a chocolate craving or an effortless homemade gift.

Gluten-Free Brownies

Calling all brownie lovers – rejoice! Just because you follow a gluten-free or dairy-free diet doesn’t mean you have to miss out on sinking your teeth into a stack of classic, irresistible brownies. These gluten-free brownies are the epitome of perfection: supremely fudgy, wonderfully gooey, and intensely rich, all without any of the unpleasant side effects often associated with allergen-free baking. Prepare for an experience of pure brownie bliss that will satisfy every single one of your chocolate desires!

Two bowls of vegan, gluten-free rhubarb crisp with vanilla ice cream next to the larger casserole dish filled with the rest of the dessert.
Overhead shot of vegan gluten-free coconut cream pie in a pie dish with two slices prepped to serve.

Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Fruit Desserts

Brighten your day with our selection of gluten-free and dairy-free fruit desserts! These recipes celebrate the natural sweetness and vibrant flavors of fruits, transforming them into refreshing and satisfying treats. From tangy crisps to creamy pies, discover delightful ways to enjoy fruit-based desserts without dietary concerns.

Gluten-Free Rhubarb Crisp

Celebrate the delightful early spring rhubarb harvest with this incredible gluten-free rhubarb crisp! This comforting dessert perfectly balances the sweet and tart notes of fresh rhubarb, all nestled beneath a tender, crumbly, and wonderfully buttery streusel topping – which is, surprisingly, completely dairy-free! It’s comfort food nirvana in every spoonful, delivering a satisfying blend of textures and flavors that will make this sweet-tart treat a springtime staple in your home.

Vegan Coconut Cream Pie

Plant-based foodies, rejoice: your ultimate vegan coconut cream pie is finally here! This divine gluten-free dessert features a lusciously sweet and silky coconut filling that truly captures the essence of tropical indulgence. It’s crowned with a light, fluffy, and perfectly sweet dairy-free whipped cream topping, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. This vegan and gluten-free dessert recipe is so incredibly delicious and satisfying, it will have you singing its praises from the rooftops and sharing with everyone you know!

Vegan Lemon Curd

Prepare to be enchanted by this vegan lemon curd: a tart, bright, sweet, and wonderfully lustrous spread that is so authentically craveable and versatile, you will genuinely never miss the dairy or eggs! Its vibrant flavor and silky smooth texture make it an incredible addition to countless dishes. Spread this delightful lemon curd generously on toast, dollop it artistically on dairy-free yogurt for a refreshing snack, or simply scoop it with a spoon straight from the jar for an instant burst of tangy sweetness. It’s an indispensable ingredient for any allergy-friendly kitchen!

A spoonful of vegan rice pudding over a cup of the pudding.
Hand taking a spoonful of dairy-free edible cookie dough from the bowl.

Gluten-Free And Dairy-Free No-Bake Recipes

When time is of the essence or the oven is otherwise occupied, our gluten-free and dairy-free no-bake recipes come to the rescue! These convenient and delicious treats require minimal effort but deliver maximum satisfaction, proving that incredible desserts don’t always need to be baked.

Dairy-Free Buttercream Frosting

No dairy? No problem! This dairy-free buttercream frosting is a game-changer for all your baking needs. It’s wonderfully smooth, incredibly creamy, surprisingly light, and infused with the perfect amount of vanilla flavor. This recipe will banish those waxy, lackluster vegan frostings to the past, offering a truly superior alternative that will elevate any cake or cupcake. Get ready for frosting perfection that everyone can enjoy!

Vegan Edible Cookie Dough

Satisfy those last-minute sweet treat cravings instantly with this phenomenal vegan and gluten-free edible cookie dough recipe! It’s a true lifesaver, ready in less than 5 minutes, making it the ultimate quick fix for a dessert emergency. The best part? You don’t even need to bother with heat-treating the flour for this safe-to-eat cookie dough, making preparation even more effortless. Dive into a bowl of pure, guilt-free indulgence whenever the mood strikes!

Vegan Rice Pudding

Dig into a comforting bowl of classic rice pudding, completely reimagined for a vegan diet! This nostalgic dessert is crafted using rich and creamy non-dairy milk, resulting in a dish that is 100% vegan while retaining all the familiar warmth and comforting flavors you love. Of course, you’d truly never guess it’s dairy-free and gluten-free, making it a perfect, inclusive treat that brings a smile to everyone’s face, whether for breakfast, a snack, or a delightful dessert.

Close up shot of vanilla and chocolate glazed vegan baked donuts on a crumpled piece of parchment.
A stack of ice cream sandwich cookies on a small white dish with a large bite taken out of one of the cookies.

Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Donuts, Breads, Muffins, and More

Beyond cakes, cookies, and brownies, the world of gluten-free and dairy-free desserts offers an incredible variety of delightful treats. This section explores unique and comforting baked goods, from fluffy donuts to spiced breads and refreshing ice cream sandwiches, all crafted to be entirely allergy-friendly without sacrificing flavor.

Vegan Donuts

Just because you’re embracing a dairy-free and gluten-free lifestyle doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the sheer delight of tender and fluffy glazed donuts! These delectable vegan donuts are made with readily available pantry staples, making them easy to whip up anytime. They can be perfectly topped with either a simple and delicious chocolate or vanilla glaze, offering a classic treat that is suitable for any time of day – whether it’s a sweet breakfast, a delightful snack, or a satisfying dessert. Enjoy this iconic comfort food, completely allergy-friendly!

Dairy-Free Leche Flan

Introducing our dairy-free Leche Flan: a cherished family recipe that is so exquisitely good, you won’t even spare a thought for traditional dairy! This smooth, creamy, and undeniably luscious Filipino dessert is generously covered with a sweet, rich coconut caramel sauce, creating an irresistible flavor profile. Naturally gluten-free, this unique treat is guaranteed to satisfy almost any sweet craving, offering an authentic taste experience that’s both comforting and exotic, all while being completely dairy-free.

Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bread

Slice into the very best of fall flavors with this incredibly moist and tender gluten-free pumpkin bread! This delightful loaf is perfectly spiced, offering a warm and inviting aroma that fills your kitchen. Its sweet and tender crumb makes it an ideal treat for breakfast, a cozy afternoon snack, or a comforting dessert. Consider doubling the recipe to enjoy one delicious loaf yourself and share another with a friend – it’s a taste of autumn everyone will appreciate, regardless of dietary needs.

Cranberry Orange Muffins

If you’ve yet to experience the magical flavor combination of cranberries and oranges, you are truly in for a treat with these gluten-free and dairy-free muffins! Each bite offers delightful bursts of tart cranberries, perfectly complemented by the bright, zingy zest of fresh oranges. These muffins are wonderfully light, sweet, and incredibly flavorful, making them an ideal bake for the holidays, a festive brunch, or simply to prepare on a Sunday before a busy week. They’re a cheerful and delicious way to start any day, completely allergy-friendly.

Gluten-Free Ice Cream Sandwiches

Allergy-friendly ice cream sandwiches? You read that right! Prepare for the ultimate summer treat that everyone can enjoy without a worry. These delightful gluten-free ice cream sandwiches feature perfectly creamy and refreshingly cool dairy-free ice cream, generously sandwiched between two decadent gluten-free chocolate biscuit-style cookies. It’s a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that creates a truly satisfying dessert, perfect for beating the heat or celebrating any time of year. Finally, a classic summer indulgence you can always feel good about enjoying!

We sincerely hope you’ve savored this extensive list of gluten-free and dairy-free dessert recipes and discovered your next favorite sweet treat! As you’ve surely noticed, these dessert recipes aren’t just satisfying allergen-friendly versions of traditional delights; they are also consistently easy to make and impressively delicious. We’ve meticulously crafted each one to ensure they offer incredible flavor and texture, proving that dietary restrictions don’t have to limit your culinary adventures. Best of all, these indulgent treats are so remarkably tasty and well-balanced that none of your gluten and dairy-eating friends and family will ever realize they are made without the traditional ingredients. Happy baking and even happier eating!

More Gluten-Free Desserts (with Dairy-Free Variations)

  • Gluten-Free Coffee Cake (Moist & Fluffy)
  • Gluten-Free Pound Cake
  • Gluten-Free Whoopie Pies (Gobs)
  • Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

More Dairy-Free Desserts (with Gluten-Free Variations)

  • Dairy- Free Lemon Bars
  • Dairy-Free Peanut Butter Cookies
  • Vegan Bread Pudding
  • Dairy-Free Pumpkin Pie