Thanksgiving dessert is one thing nobody should have to miss out on, even if they can't eat gluten! These gluten-free thanksgiving desserts include plenty of sweet treats that everyone at the table can enjoy. And thankfully, you don't need to be an expert baker to make something good.
You'll find everything from traditional holiday pies and pumpkin cakes to creamy no-bake desserts, fruity treats, and bite-sized goodies. Some are old favorites made without gluten, while others are a little different if you feel like trying something new. Just remember to check your ingredients to make sure everything is gluten-free!
1. Creamy Panna Cotta for Thanksgiving Dessert
This creamy panna cotta is a lovely choice when you want something light and elegant after a big Thanksgiving meal. It has a smooth, silky texture with a sweet blackberry sauce that adds a refreshing fruity flavor. The dessert is naturally gluten-free when made with gluten-free ingredients, since traditional panna cotta doesn't require flour or a pastry crust. You can also prepare it ahead of time, leaving one less thing to worry about on Thanksgiving Day.
2. Gluten-Free Pavlova Dessert with Fresh Berries
If you want a dessert that looks impressive without being too heavy, this pavlova is a beautiful option. It has a crisp meringue shell with a soft center, topped with whipped cream and fresh berries. The meringue is made without wheat flour, making it a naturally gluten-free dessert when all toppings are gluten-free. Its light texture and colorful presentation make it a refreshing change from traditional Thanksgiving pies.
3. Warm Baked Apples with Cinnamon
Nothing makes the kitchen feel more like fall than the smell of apples baking with warm spices. These baked apples are soft, sweet, and comforting, especially when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They offer a simple alternative to traditional apple pie without needing a pastry crust. For a gluten-free version, use certified gluten-free oats if the filling contains oatmeal, and check any other toppings.
4. Mini Gluten-Free Pumpkin Cheesecake Bites
These little pumpkin cheesecake bites are perfect when everyone wants something sweet but doesn't have room for a big slice of dessert. They combine creamy cheesecake with cozy pumpkin spice flavors in convenient individual portions. The recipe is made with gluten-free ingredients and is also refined sugar-free, making it a nice option for guests with different preferences. Their small size makes them easy to serve on a Thanksgiving dessert platter.
5. Paleo Cinnamon Crumble Baked Apples
These cinnamon crumble baked apples bring together tender fruit and a delicious crunchy topping. The warm cinnamon flavor makes them especially inviting during Thanksgiving, while the crumble adds a little texture to every bite. This paleo-style dessert avoids traditional wheat-based crumble ingredients, making it a gluten-free option when all ingredients are checked. Serve them warm for a comforting treat that feels just right after a holiday meal.
6. Rich Flourless Chocolate Cake for Thanksgiving
Not everyone wants pumpkin or apple desserts on Thanksgiving, and this flourless chocolate cake is a wonderful alternative. It has a rich chocolate flavor and a dense, fudgy texture that makes every slice feel special. Since the cake is made without wheat flour, it can be a gluten-free choice when the chocolate and other ingredients are gluten-free. Add fresh berries or whipped cream for a simple finishing touch that makes it look even more inviting.
7. Oatmeal Cranberry Bars for a Sweet Holiday Treat
These oatmeal cranberry bars combine the cozy flavor of oats with the sweet and tart taste of cranberries. They're easy to slice into smaller portions, making them convenient for Thanksgiving gatherings or dessert trays. The chewy texture and fruity flavor offer something different from the usual holiday cakes and pies. To make sure they're gluten-free, the recipe must use certified gluten-free oats and no regular wheat flour.
8. Vegan Apple Turnovers with Flaky Pastry
These apple turnovers are filled with sweet, warmly spiced apples and wrapped in a golden, flaky pastry. They're a lovely handheld dessert for Thanksgiving, especially if you want something guests can enjoy without needing a plate and fork. The combination of crisp pastry and tender apple filling gives you all the comforting flavors of apple pie in a smaller treat. Keep in mind that vegan doesn't mean gluten-free, so these turnovers only qualify if the pastry is made with gluten-free ingredients.
9. Pumpkin Spice Smoothie for a Lighter Sweet Treat
This pumpkin spice smoothie is a refreshing way to enjoy familiar fall flavors without another slice of cake or pie. It has a creamy texture and warm pumpkin spice flavor that makes it feel like a seasonal treat. The recipe is described as gluten-free, vegan, and paleo, giving you an option for guests with different dietary preferences. Serve it in small glasses as a chilled sweet treat alongside your Thanksgiving desserts.
10. Crustless Apple Pie with Warm Fall Spices
This crustless apple pie gives you the comforting flavor of traditional apple pie without the extra pastry. The apples become soft and tender as they cook, creating a naturally sweet dessert with plenty of warm fall flavor. Skipping the crust also makes it easier to prepare a gluten-free dessert, provided the remaining ingredients and toppings contain no gluten. It's especially delicious served warm with a little dairy-free whipped topping or your favorite gluten-free ice cream.
11. Easy Gluten-Free Pumpkin Mousse
This pumpkin mousse is a great choice when you want something creamy, light, and full of fall flavor. It has a smooth, fluffy texture with just the right touch of pumpkin spice, making it a nice alternative to heavier Thanksgiving desserts. The recipe is specifically made to be gluten-free, so you can enjoy those familiar pumpkin flavors without a traditional pie crust. Serve it in individual glasses for a pretty presentation that also makes portioning easy.
12. Bloomin' Apples with Caramel and Ice Cream
These bloomin' apples turn a simple fall fruit into a fun Thanksgiving dessert. Each apple opens up as it bakes, creating tender slices that are perfect for holding caramel sauce and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The combination of warm apples, cold ice cream, and sweet caramel makes every bite extra comforting. Since there's no traditional pastry crust, this can be a gluten-free option when the sauce, ice cream, and any toppings are gluten-free.
13. Classic Gluten-Free Pumpkin Roll with Cream Cheese Filling
This pumpkin roll is a beautiful dessert to bring to the Thanksgiving table, especially with its pretty swirls of cream cheese filling. The soft pumpkin sponge has warm fall spices, while the creamy center adds a delicious contrast. It's made with gluten-free flour, so you still get the tender cake texture without regular wheat flour. Slice it before serving to show off the swirl and make it easy for everyone to grab a piece.
14. Homemade Gluten-Free Apple Pie for Thanksgiving
Apple pie is one of those desserts that always feels right at a Thanksgiving gathering. This version has a tender apple filling with warm spices tucked inside a golden, flaky gluten-free crust. Using gluten-free pastry means you can enjoy the familiar flavors and textures of traditional apple pie without regular wheat flour. Serve it slightly warm with vanilla ice cream for a classic holiday dessert that's hard to resist.
15. Easy Gluten-Free Crustless Pumpkin Pie
If pumpkin pie is a must-have at your Thanksgiving dinner, this crustless version keeps things simple. It has the creamy pumpkin filling and warm spices you expect from the traditional dessert, just without the pastry shell. Removing the crust makes it easier to prepare and eliminates one common source of gluten, while the recipe itself is designed to be gluten-free. Add a spoonful of whipped cream for a familiar holiday treat with less preparation.
16. Gluten-Free Gingerbread Cake with Cranberries
This gingerbread cake brings warm spices and festive flavors to the Thanksgiving dessert table. The soft cake layers are paired with creamy frosting and topped with cranberries for a beautiful seasonal finish. It's prepared with gluten-free baking ingredients, making it a suitable alternative to traditional wheat-based gingerbread cake. The combination of sweet frosting, warming spices, and tart cranberries makes it a lovely dessert for fall celebrations.
17. Moist Gluten-Free Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
This carrot cake is soft, moist, and full of cozy spice flavors that fit perfectly with Thanksgiving. The cream cheese frosting adds a smooth, sweet finish that pairs beautifully with the tender cake. It uses gluten-free flour instead of regular wheat flour, and the recipe also offers a dairy-free option for those who need it. Slice it into smaller portions for an easy addition to a holiday dessert spread.
18. Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bundt Cake with Sweet Icing
This pumpkin Bundt cake is a lovely centerpiece for Thanksgiving without needing complicated decorations. It has a soft, moist crumb with warm pumpkin spice flavors and a sweet icing that drips beautifully over the top. The recipe uses gluten-free flour and also includes a dairy-free option, making it easier to accommodate different dietary needs. Its beautiful shape makes it look special enough for a holiday gathering while still being simple to serve.
19. Gluten-Free Pumpkin Whoopie Pies with Cream Filling
These pumpkin whoopie pies are a fun alternative to the usual Thanksgiving cookies and cakes. Each one has two soft pumpkin cookies sandwiched around a sweet, creamy filling for a delicious handheld dessert. They're made with gluten-free baking ingredients, so you can enjoy the soft cookie texture without traditional wheat flour. Their individual portions make them especially convenient for dessert platters, potlucks, and family gatherings.
20. Creamy Pumpkin Rice Pudding with Cinnamon
This pumpkin rice pudding is a comforting dessert that brings together creamy rice, pumpkin, and warm fall spices. It's a nice change from traditional pies and cakes, especially if you want something simple and spoonable after Thanksgiving dinner. Rice is naturally gluten-free, so this pudding can be a good option when all the other ingredients are gluten-free as well. Serve it warm for a cozy treat or chilled if you prefer preparing dessert ahead of time.
Need a few ideas for when you're feeling hungry? Check these out:
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