10 Simple Delicious Vegan Gluten Free Desserts to Make

Discover the Joy of Easy Vegan Gluten Free Desserts

Finding desserts that are both gluten-free and vegan can sometimes feel like a challenge. Either the recipes seem overly complicated, or the ingredients are hard to find! But don’t worry—creating delicious vegan gluten free desserts at home is much easier than you might think. With these simple, mouthwatering recipes, you’ll be able to satisfy your sweet tooth without the fuss.

Why Vegan Gluten Free Desserts?

Health Benefits:
These Vegan Gluten Free desserts are crafted from wholesome, plant-based ingredients that are free from common allergens, such as dairy and gluten. Many are rich in nutrients from nuts, seeds, fruits, and natural sweeteners, making these desserts as nutritious as they are delicious.

Easy and Accessible:
You don’t need to be a professional baker or own specialized ingredients. Each recipe is straightforward and requires minimal equipment and easy-to-find ingredients—perfect for anyone looking to whip up something sweet, whether it’s a quick weeknight dessert or a treat for a special occasion.

Inclusive Treats for All:
vegan Gluten free desserts are ideal for gatherings, holidays, or any celebration where dietary needs might vary. These recipes make it easy to create desserts that everyone can enjoy, regardless of dietary restrictions, ensuring no one is left out of the fun!

With these easy, gluten-free vegan dessert recipes, you’ll see just how simple and satisfying it is to make treats that everyone can indulge in. Ready to get started? Let’s dive in!

Quick and Easy No-Bake Desserts

For those days when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to turn on the oven, these no-bake desserts are perfect. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can enjoy a delicious gluten-free vegan treat in no time!

No-Bake Chocolate Coconut Bars

These decadent, chewy chocolate coconut bars are a breeze to make and perfect for satisfying your chocolate cravings. Here’s how to make them:

Ingredients: Shredded coconut, cocoa powder, maple syrup, and coconut oil.
Instructions: Combine shredded coconut, cocoa powder, and maple syrup in a bowl. Melt the coconut oil and mix it in until all ingredients are well-coated. Press the mixture into a lined baking dish and refrigerate for at least an hour until firm. Slice into bars and enjoy!

Pro Tip: Store these bars in the fridge for a softer, chewier texture, or freeze them for a firmer bite that melts in your mouth!

Peanut Butter Banana Bites

Peanut butter banana bites are an easy, satisfying dessert that combines the natural sweetness of bananas with rich, creamy peanut butter.

Ingredients: Bananas, peanut butter, and dairy-free chocolate chips.
Instructions: Slice bananas into thick rounds and top each slice with a dollop of peanut butter. Melt the dairy-free chocolate chips and drizzle over the banana bites. Chill in the freezer for 10–15 minutes until the chocolate sets.

Optional Add-Ins: Sprinkle crushed nuts, shredded coconut, or chia seeds over the peanut butter for extra crunch and flavor.

Raw Brownies

These rich, fudgy raw brownies are naturally sweetened and packed with nutrients—perfect for when you want a quick chocolate fix.

Ingredients: Medjool dates, almonds, and cocoa powder.
Instructions: In a food processor, blend the dates and almonds until they form a sticky dough. Add cocoa powder and pulse until fully combined. Press the mixture into a lined dish, refrigerate, and slice into brownie squares.

Pro Tip: Add a pinch of sea salt to enhance the chocolate flavor, or sprinkle shredded coconut on top for a tropical twist.

Classic Vegan Baked Gluten Free Desserts

Baking gluten-free and vegan desserts doesn’t have to be complicated. These classic favorites offer simple yet delicious options that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re craving cookies, tangy lemon bars, or a warm, comforting crumble, these treats are sure to impress!

Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Cookies

Almond flour is a fantastic gluten-free alternative that provides a moist, soft texture to baked goods. It’s rich in protein and healthy fats, making these cookies not only delicious but also satisfying.

Ingredients: Almond flour, coconut oil, dairy-free chocolate chips, maple syrup.
Instructions: In a large bowl, mix almond flour with coconut oil, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt. Stir in dairy-free chocolate chips. Scoop dough onto a baking sheet and bake until golden and soft. Let them cool before enjoying their melt-in-your-mouth goodness!

Pro Tip: The almond flour gives these cookies a chewy texture that pairs perfectly with dairy-free chocolate chips. For an extra flavor boost, try adding a dash of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of sea salt before baking.

Vegan Lemon Bars

These tangy and refreshing lemon bars feature a zesty lemon filling atop a gluten-free crust. The perfect balance of tart and sweet, these bars are light yet indulgent, making them an ideal treat for any season.

Ingredients: Almond flour, coconut flour, lemon juice, maple syrup, coconut oil.
Instructions: Create the crust by combining almond flour, coconut flour, coconut oil, and a little maple syrup. Press into a baking pan and bake until golden. For the lemon filling, whisk together lemon juice, maple syrup, and coconut oil, and pour over the crust. Bake until set, and allow the bars to cool before slicing.

Pro Tip: Top with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a pretty, classic finish that adds a touch of sweetness to the zesty lemon flavor.

Cinnamon Apple Crumble

A warm and comforting dessert, this cinnamon apple crumble is perfect for chilly evenings. With a blend of oats, almond flour, cinnamon, and sweet apples, this dessert will fill your home with a delightful aroma while being completely gluten-free and vegan.

Ingredients: Apples, oats, almond flour, cinnamon, coconut oil, maple syrup.
Instructions: Toss sliced apples with cinnamon and maple syrup, then spread in a baking dish. For the crumble topping, mix oats, almond flour, and coconut oil, and sprinkle over the apples. Bake until golden and bubbly, and let the crumble cool slightly before serving.

Optional Twist: For a perfect fall treat, add a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream on top! The cold, creamy ice cream pairs wonderfully with the warm, spiced apples.

Light and Refreshing Fruit-Based Desserts

For a naturally sweet, light treat, these fruit-based desserts are the perfect choice. They’re refreshing, packed with flavor, and easy to customize with your favorite ingredients. These recipes are great for summer days or any time you’re craving a light dessert!

Chia Seed Pudding with Fresh Berries

Chia seeds are a powerhouse ingredient that, when soaked, create a pudding-like texture that’s rich in fiber and omega-3s. This versatile dessert can be made in countless flavors and topped with fresh berries for a burst of color and freshness.

Ingredients: Chia seeds, dairy-free milk (almond, coconut, or oat milk), maple syrup, fresh berries.
Instructions: In a bowl or jar, combine chia seeds with your choice of dairy-free milk and a touch of maple syrup. Stir well and refrigerate for at least two hours or overnight, allowing the chia seeds to absorb the liquid and thicken into a pudding-like consistency. Top with fresh berries before serving.

Flavor Variations: Try adding a splash of vanilla extract for a classic flavor, a tablespoon of cocoa powder for a chocolate twist, or swap almond milk for coconut milk to give it a tropical flair.

Vegan Mango Sorbet

Mango sorbet is a simple, refreshing dessert that highlights the natural sweetness of ripe mangoes. This recipe requires minimal ingredients, making it an easy and healthy option that’s perfect for warm weather.

Ingredients: Ripe mango, maple syrup or agave (optional), a bit of water.
Instructions: Blend ripe mango chunks with a touch of water until smooth. Add a bit of maple syrup or agave if you prefer a sweeter taste. Pour the mixture into a container and freeze for at least 2–3 hours, stirring every 30 minutes for a smoother texture, or until it reaches your desired consistency.

Optional Add-In: Add a splash of lime juice for a tropical twist that enhances the mango flavor and adds a hint of citrus zest.

Coconut Yogurt Parfaits

These beautiful coconut yogurt parfaits are as delicious as they are easy to make. Layered with fresh berries and gluten-free granola, they make a perfect light dessert, breakfast, or snack.

Ingredients: Coconut yogurt, fresh berries (such as strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries), gluten-free granola.
Instructions: In a serving glass, layer coconut yogurt with a handful of fresh berries and a sprinkle of gluten-free granola. Repeat the layers as desired for a beautiful parfait that’s packed with flavor and nutrients.

Pro Tip: Try mixing a bit of maple syrup or vanilla extract into the yogurt for added flavor, or sprinkle shredded coconut or chia seeds on top for extra texture.

Decadent Treats for Special Occasions

When you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to indulge, these decadent, gluten-free vegan desserts will elevate any gathering. From rich chocolate cake to creamy cheesecake and spiced cupcakes, these recipes are sure to impress!

Gluten-Free Vegan Chocolate Cake

This rich, fudgy chocolate cake is everything you could want in a dessert: decadent, moist, and deeply chocolaty. Made with almond or oat flour, cocoa powder, and a flaxseed egg replacement, it’s completely gluten-free and vegan without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients: Almond or oat flour, cocoa powder, flaxseed (for egg replacement), coconut sugar, dairy-free milk, coconut oil.
Instructions: Start by mixing flaxseed with water to create an “egg” substitute. In a large bowl, combine almond or oat flour with cocoa powder, coconut sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Add the flaxseed mixture, dairy-free milk, and melted coconut oil. Pour the batter into a prepared cake pan and bake until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool before frosting or dusting with powdered sugar.

Pro Tip: For an extra-indulgent treat, frost with vegan chocolate ganache made from melted dairy-free chocolate and coconut cream.

Vegan Cheesecake

This no-bake vegan cheesecake is creamy, smooth, and incredibly versatile. Made with cashews, coconut milk, and a gluten-free crust, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any celebration.

Ingredients: Raw cashews, coconut milk, maple syrup, lemon juice, vanilla extract, gluten-free graham crackers or nuts (for the crust).
Instructions: Start by soaking cashews in warm water to soften them. For the crust, blend gluten-free graham crackers or nuts with melted coconut oil and press the mixture into the base of a springform pan. In a blender, combine the soaked cashews, coconut milk, maple syrup, lemon juice, and vanilla until smooth. Pour the filling over the crust and freeze until set.

Flavor Options: Top with a layer of fresh strawberries, blueberries, or even a drizzle of dairy-free chocolate. For a twist, blend in some cocoa powder or berries directly into the filling for chocolate or fruit-flavored cheesecake.

Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes

These perfectly spiced pumpkin cupcakes capture the flavors of fall in every bite. Made with gluten-free flour, pumpkin puree, and warm spices, they’re soft, moist, and ideal for any autumn or holiday celebration.

Ingredients: Gluten-free flour blend, pumpkin puree, coconut sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger.
Instructions: In a bowl, mix the gluten-free flour with baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. In a separate bowl, combine pumpkin puree, coconut sugar, and melted coconut oil. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Pour the batter into cupcake liners and bake until a toothpick comes out clean.

Pro Tip: Top with a vegan cream cheese frosting for an extra layer of flavor, or sprinkle with chopped pecans or cinnamon for a festive touch.

Common Challenges & Solutions in Gluten-Free Vegan Baking

Baking gluten-free and vegan can be a rewarding adventure, but it comes with its unique challenges. From texture issues to ingredient separation, here are some common challenges and simple solutions to help you achieve perfect results every time.

Troubleshooting Texture Issues

One of the most common issues in gluten-free vegan baking is achieving the right texture. Gluten-free baked goods can sometimes turn out crumbly or dry due to the lack of gluten, which provides structure, and eggs, which add moisture and binding. Here’s how to fix it:

Add Moisture with Applesauce or Mashed Banana: If your baked goods feel too dry, try adding a few tablespoons of unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana to the batter. These ingredients add natural moisture and act as binders, helping to prevent crumbliness.
Increase Fat Content: Gluten-free flours can absorb more moisture, so adding a bit more fat, such as coconut oil, avocado oil, or even a scoop of nut butter, can create a softer, richer texture.

Pro Tip: Experiment with different types of gluten-free flour blends to find the one that works best for your recipes. Almond flour, oat flour, and coconut flour each have unique textures and absorb moisture differently.

Avoiding Ingredient Separation

In gluten-free vegan baking, plant-based ingredients can sometimes separate, especially when using oils or non-dairy milk. This can lead to an uneven texture in the final product. Here’s how to avoid this issue:

Use Emulsifiers Like Ground Flaxseed or Chia Seeds: Mixing a tablespoon of ground flaxseed or chia seeds with water to create a “gel” can help stabilize your batter and prevent separation. This trick works particularly well in recipes with oils or melted vegan butter.
Combine Ingredients at Room Temperature: If possible, use room-temperature ingredients, especially plant-based milk and oils. Cold ingredients can cause certain oils to solidify, which can lead to separation in the batter.

Pro Tip: If you’re using coconut oil, gently warm it along with other liquid ingredients to prevent solidification and ensure a smooth blend.

Maintaining Moisture Without Eggs

Eggs are traditionally used in baking to provide structure and moisture, but in vegan recipes, there are plenty of plant-based substitutes that can maintain moisture and add richness:

Add Nut Butter or Seed Butter: A few tablespoons of almond butter, peanut butter, or sunflower seed butter add moisture, richness, and a subtle flavor that complements many desserts.
Use Bananas or Applesauce as Binders: Mashed bananas or applesauce are excellent egg replacements that help maintain moisture and softness in baked goods. They also add natural sweetness, which can enhance the flavor profile of your dessert.
Incorporate Coconut Milk or Cream: Full-fat coconut milk or coconut cream provides a rich texture and keeps gluten-free vegan desserts moist. It’s especially effective in cakes, cupcakes, and brownies.

Pro Tip: Adjust the baking time when adding moisture-rich ingredients like bananas or coconut milk, as these can extend the baking time needed to reach the desired consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions about Vegan Gluten-Free Desserts

When baking gluten-free and vegan, common questions arise about ingredient substitutions, storage, and the best ways to achieve delicious results. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions to help you make the most of your gluten-free vegan dessert recipes.

Can I substitute gluten-free flour in any recipe?

Gluten-free flours can be used in many recipes, but it’s important to note that they don’t always behave the same way as traditional wheat flour. Some gluten-free flours, like almond flour and oat flour, can be substituted in a 1:1 ratio in certain recipes, particularly those that don’t rely heavily on gluten for structure. However, many gluten-free flours require specific combinations or additional binders, such as xanthan gum or guar gum, to replicate the texture of gluten-containing recipes.

Pro Tip: For best results, look for gluten-free flour blends specifically formulated for baking, as these often include a balanced mix of flours and starches designed to mimic the properties of all-purpose flour.

What’s the best egg substitute for desserts?

The best egg substitute depends on the dessert you’re making and the role the egg plays in the recipe. Here are some common options:

Flax Eggs: Made by mixing one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water, flax eggs work well as binders and are ideal for brownies, cookies, and dense cakes.
Chia Seeds: Like flax eggs, chia seeds can be mixed with water to form a gel that acts as a binding agent. Chia seeds are slightly denser, so they’re great for recipes where you want a bit more structure, like muffins or loaves.
Applesauce or Mashed Banana: These fruit-based substitutes add moisture and a bit of sweetness, making them perfect for cakes, muffins, and quick breads. Use ¼ cup of applesauce or mashed banana per egg.

Pro Tip: Experiment with different substitutes to find the best one for each recipe—flax and chia seeds are generally more neutral, while banana and applesauce can add a hint of flavor.

How long can I store these desserts?

Storage times vary depending on the type of dessert, but here are some general guidelines to help keep your vegan gluten-free treats fresh:

Brownies and Cookies: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them for up to three months.
Cakes and Cupcakes: Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4–5 days. If they’re frosted, refrigerate to maintain freshness, and let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
Mousse, Chia Pudding, and No-Bake Desserts: Store in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days. These desserts often taste better after a day as the flavors meld together.
Frozen Desserts (like sorbet or cheesecake): These can be stored in the freezer for up to a month. Let them thaw slightly before serving to enjoy the best texture and flavor.

Pro Tip: Label your containers with the date you made each dessert to keep track of freshness, especially for items stored in the freezer.

Here’s a thoughtful and encouraging Conclusion to wrap up the article:

Embrace the Joy of Baking Gluten-Free Vegan Desserts

There’s no need to be intimidated by gluten-free vegan baking. With these simple and delicious recipes, you’ll see that baking without gluten and animal products is not only easy, but incredibly rewarding. Whether you’re trying to accommodate dietary restrictions or simply exploring new flavors, these desserts offer a healthier twist on classic treats, without compromising on taste or indulgence.

The best part? The versatility of these recipes allows you to experiment with ingredients and flavors, making it easy to customize each dessert to suit your personal preferences. You’ll be surprised at how delicious and satisfying these treats can be—even those who aren’t following a gluten-free or vegan diet will love them!

With these easy and delicious recipes, you’ll discover that baking vegan and gluten-free can be just as indulgent and satisfying. Try one today and surprise yourself—and others—with the incredible flavors of plant-based, gluten-free baking!

Delicious and Simple Vegan Gluten Free Desserts You Can Make at Home