27 Reader-Favorite Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Treats

Indulge Guilt-Free: 27 Top-Rated Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free Desserts You’ll Adore

Prepare to delight your taste buds with an incredible collection of 27 top-rated gluten-free and dairy-free dessert recipes! For too long, living with food allergies or dietary restrictions has meant compromising on deliciousness, often leading to dry, lifeless, or simply uninspiring treats. But that era is over! This curated selection proves that allergy-friendly desserts can be just as decadent, satisfying, and utterly delightful as their traditional counterparts, if not more so. From irresistible cookies and fudgy brownies to luxurious ice cream sandwiches, elegant cakes, and beyond, every single recipe here boasts a 4.5-star review or higher. Get ready to discover your new favorite sweet escape, where taste knows no bounds!

Gluten-free double chocolate cookies with marshmallows.

Living with food allergies presents enough challenges; your culinary experiences shouldn’t have to suffer. My personal mission has always been to create outstanding gluten-free and dairy-free desserts that defy expectations. This collection is a testament to that commitment, proving definitively that omitting gluten and dairy doesn’t mean sacrificing the joy of classic delights, comforting treats, or the therapeutic pleasure of baking. Each recipe is crafted to deliver exceptional flavor and texture, ensuring that every bite is a delightful experience, whether you’re managing dietary needs or simply exploring healthier, equally delicious alternatives.

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 poppysead loaf with two slices laying in front of it.

Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Cakes and Cupcakes

Indulge in the celebratory joy of cakes and cupcakes without a hint of gluten or dairy. This section features moist, flavorful, and beautifully frosted treats perfect for birthdays, special occasions, or simply satisfying that sweet craving. Each recipe is designed to deliver the classic texture and rich taste you expect from a perfect cake.

Gluten-Free German Chocolate Cake

Experience the timeless appeal of German chocolate cake, masterfully re-imagined for dietary needs. This gluten-free and dairy-free version captures the essence of the beloved classic with a deeply rich, intensely chocolaty crumb that’s incredibly moist. It’s perfectly complemented by a decadent, sweet, and nutty coconut pecan frosting, tasting just like the traditional recipe you know and love, but without any common allergens. It’s truly a showstopper dessert for any celebration.

Vegan Apple Cake

Elevate your gluten-free and dairy-free dessert repertoire with this spectacular caramel apple upside-down cake. This moist and tender vegan apple cake boasts a luscious dairy-free salted caramel sauce that pools around beautifully softened, sweet apples. The cake sponge itself is wonderfully tender and moist, creating an irresistible combination of flavors and textures. It’s a delightful and comforting treat that promises pure indulgence with every forkful.

Gluten-Free Lemon Poppy Seed Cake

If the bright, zesty flavor of lemon poppy seed muffins calls to you, then you are absolutely going to adore this exquisite gluten-free lemon poppy seed cake. This cake is a harmonious blend of tart and sweet, with a wonderfully buttery and tender crumb. It’s light, refreshing, and incredibly satisfying, making it the perfect companion for a relaxing cup of hot tea or a freshly brewed coffee. A delightful treat for any time of day!

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 for a truly authentic experience with this gluten-free Tres Leches Cake, also known as the renowned “three milks cake.” Crafted with a blend of gluten-free flour and a rich dairy-free sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk, this dessert is 100% free of dairy and gluten. The incredible part? Its taste is so genuinely traditional and luscious that absolutely no one will miss the milk, making it a perfect, inclusive treat for all.

Carrot Cake with Brigadeiro Frosting

Discover a truly unique and delicious take on the classic carrot cake with this innovative recipe! Featuring a moist, perfectly spiced cake made with tender roasted carrots, it’s crowned with a lavish and velvety brigadeiro frosting. This exceptional gluten-free and dairy-free dessert is an outstanding addition to your Easter dinner spread, any spring brunch, or simply as a comforting treat that’s sure to impress everyone.

Dairy-Free Vanilla Cupcakes

Meet your new favorite go-to recipe for dairy-free vanilla cupcakes! These fluffy, light, and perfectly sweet treats are topped with a smooth, creamy, and airy frosting that melts in your mouth. What makes them even better is how quickly they come together – ready in less than 15 minutes, using simple pantry staples. They are truly the quintessential gluten and dairy-free dessert, ideal for any occasion when you need a quick and delicious sweet fix.

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 can resist a perfectly baked cookie? This selection of gluten-free and dairy-free cookies proves that dietary restrictions don’t mean saying goodbye to your favorite crunchy, chewy, or melt-in-your-mouth treats. Dive into a world of diverse cookie flavors and textures, all crafted to be deliciously allergy-friendly.

Dairy-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies

Warning: these dairy-free chocolate chip cookies are so irresistibly delicious, you truly won’t be able to stop at just one! With their perfectly chewy texture, rich buttery flavor (without any dairy!), and an abundance of melty chocolate chips, they are the epitome of cookie perfection. Even your gluten and dairy-eating friends will enthusiastically devour these, making them a guaranteed crowd-pl for any occasion.

Lemon Curd Cookies

Indulge in the bright, tangy delight of these vegan lemon thumbprint cookies, celebrated as one of our highest-rated vegan and gluten-free desserts! Each cookie features a delightful, buttery shortcrust base that beautifully cradles a dollop of luscious, silky, and 100% vegan lemon curd. These treats offer a burst of sunshine and exquisite flavor with every single bite, perfect for brightening any day or special gathering.

Vegan Coconut Macaroons

Prepare to be amazed by these wonderfully chewy, sweet, and nutty vegan coconut macaroons! What makes them truly incredible is that they are made with just three simple ingredients, proving that extraordinary flavor doesn’t require complexity. Whip up a batch for your next potluck, bake sale, or book club meeting, and get ready for a flurry of rave reviews. They are a delightful, naturally gluten-free and dairy-free treat.

Gluten-Free Stuffed Marshmallow Cookies

For the ultimate chocolate lover, these gluten-free and dairy-free stuffed marshmallow cookies are a verified double chocolate delight! Crafted with rich black cocoa powder, they deliver an ultra-chocolaty flavor that’s both deep and satisfying. Each cookie is generously stuffed with gooey marshmallows, creating a truly irresistible texture. They are the perfect decadent treat for kids and adults of all ages, promising pure joy with every bite.

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

This remarkable gluten and dairy-free dessert recipe will astound you with its abundantly gooey and wonderfully chocolatey goodness! Unsuspecting eaters will genuinely never guess that these indulgent cookies are cleverly made with chickpeas and are ultra-low in processed sugar. They’re an ingenious way to sneak in extra fiber and plant-based protein, making them absolutely perfect for picky eaters, kids, or anyone looking for a healthier, yet utterly delicious, sweet treat.

Easter Egg Cookies

Who says beautiful holiday sugar cookies are exclusively for those who eat dairy and gluten? These delightful Easter Egg Cookies are proof that everyone can enjoy festive treats! In fact, these soft, sweet, and exquisitely decorated cookies are a 100% gluten-free and vegan dessert recipe, crafted without any animal or wheat products. They are the perfect, inclusive sweet addition to your Easter basket or holiday spread, bringing joy to all.

Gluten-Free Thumbprint Cookies

Give your leftover cranberry sauce a starring role in these delightful dairy-free and gluten-free thumbprint cookies! These tender, buttery cookies with a sweet fruit filling are a fantastic way to kick off the holiday season with Thanksgiving leftovers. Or, simply bake up a batch any time the craving for a sweet, comforting, and allergy-friendly treat hits. They are incredibly versatile and utterly delicious.

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

For those moments when only a rich, chewy, and intensely satisfying brownie or bar will do, this collection has you covered. Discover gluten-free and dairy-free recipes that deliver on flavor and texture, ensuring you never have to miss out on these comforting, delectable treats.

Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars

Effortlessly satisfy your peanut butter and chocolate cravings with a delightful recipe you can truly feel great about enjoying! These delectable peanut butter oatmeal bars are incredibly simple to make, requiring just one bowl and a handful of common pantry staples. They offer a wholesome yet indulgent treat, perfect for a quick snack, a delightful breakfast on the go, or a guilt-free dessert that tastes wonderfully rich and satisfying.

Dairy-Free Fudge

Prepare for a rich, intensely chocolaty, and incredibly creamy experience with this sensational dairy-free fudge! Not only is it delightfully vegan, but it’s also naturally gluten-free, making it a perfect treat for many dietary needs. All you need to create this incredibly easy gluten-free and dairy-free dessert are a few basic ingredients and just five minutes of your time. It’s the ultimate fuss-free indulgence that delivers big on flavor.

Gluten-Free Brownies

Attention, all brownie aficionados! Just because you adhere to a gluten-free and dairy-free lifestyle doesn’t mean you have to forgo the sheer pleasure of a classic, luscious brownie. These remarkable gluten-free brownies are exceptionally fudgy, wonderfully gooey, and intensely rich, all without any unpleasant side effects. Each bite offers the perfect dense, chocolatey texture that defines brownie perfection, ensuring everyone can enjoy this timeless dessert.

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

Embrace the vibrant freshness of fruit-based desserts, reimagined without gluten or dairy. This section celebrates natural sweetness and bright flavors, offering refreshing and satisfying options perfect for lighter indulgence or a delightful seasonal treat. Prepare for desserts that burst with fruity goodness!

Gluten-Free Rhubarb Crisp

Savor the delightful taste of early spring’s rhubarb harvest with this incredible gluten-free rhubarb crisp! This comforting dessert features a perfectly sweet-tart rhubarb filling, beautifully topped with a tender, crumbly, and wonderfully buttery streusel – all surprisingly dairy-free. It’s truly comfort food nirvana, offering a harmonious balance of flavors and textures that will make it a seasonal favorite in your home.

Vegan Coconut Cream Pie

Calling all plant-based food enthusiasts: the ultimate vegan coconut cream pie has arrived! This exquisite dessert features a sweet, smooth, and silky coconut filling nestled in a delicious crust. It’s crowned with a light, fluffy, and perfectly sweet dairy-free whipped cream topping that will have you singing its praises from the rooftops! This vegan and gluten-free dessert recipe is a tropical dream come true, offering pure bliss with every spoonful.

Vegan Lemon Curd

Experience the bright, zesty, and lusciously smooth perfection of vegan lemon curd. This authentically craveable and incredibly versatile spread is so delicious, you’ll never miss the dairy or eggs! Its vibrant tartness and sweet undertones make it a culinary delight. Spread this luxurious lemon curd on gluten-free toast, dollop it generously onto dairy-free yogurt, or simply enjoy it straight from the spoon for an instant burst of sunshine.

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 you simply want a quick and easy sweet fix, our no-bake gluten-free and dairy-free recipes are your perfect solution. These delightful treats come together effortlessly, delivering incredible flavor without ever needing to turn on the oven.

Dairy-Free Buttercream Frosting

No dairy? No problem at all when it comes to achieving the perfect frosting! This dairy-free buttercream is incredibly smooth, wonderfully creamy, remarkably light, and bursting with perfect vanilla flavor. It completely transforms your baking, leaving those waxy, often disappointing vegan frostings a distant memory. Use it to elevate your cakes, cupcakes, or simply enjoy a spoonful for a delightful treat.

Vegan Edible Cookie Dough

Satisfy those sudden, last-minute sweet treat cravings with this incredible vegan and gluten-free edible cookie dough recipe! The best part? It’s ready in less than five minutes, making it the ultimate instant gratification dessert. As an added bonus, you don’t even need to heat treat the flour, making preparation absolutely foolproof. Dive into a bowl of pure cookie dough bliss, safely and deliciously.

Vegan Rice Pudding

Curl up with a comforting bowl of classic rice pudding, expertly re-imagined for a modern palate! This nostalgic dessert is crafted with creamy non-dairy milk, making it 100% vegan while retaining all the rich, comforting flavor you expect. You’d truly never guess it’s dairy-free, offering a deliciously inclusive take on a beloved sweet treat. Perfect for a cozy evening or a delightful breakfast.

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

This diverse category celebrates the comforting staples and unique delights that can still be enjoyed on a gluten-free and dairy-free diet. From fluffy donuts to hearty breads and zesty muffins, these recipes prove that versatility and flavor go hand-in-hand with dietary conscious baking.

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 joy of tender, fluffy glazed donuts! These irresistible vegan donuts are easily made with common pantry staples and can be customized with your choice of an easy and delicious chocolate or vanilla glaze. They offer a classic, comforting treat that’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or any time you desire a sweet indulgence.

Dairy-Free Leche Flan

Indulge in a beloved family recipe with this exquisite Dairy-Free Leche Flan! This Filipino dessert is so incredibly good, rich, and creamy that you’ll absolutely never miss the dairy. Covered generously with a sweet, luscious coconut caramel sauce, this naturally gluten-free treat promises to satisfy almost any sweet craving with its authentic flavor and smooth texture. It’s a truly remarkable and inclusive dessert.

Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bread

Slice into the very best of fall flavors with this incredibly tender and moist gluten-free pumpkin bread! Perfectly spiced with classic autumn aromatics, this bread is sweet, comforting, and has an exquisitely soft texture. It’s an ideal treat for a cozy morning or an afternoon snack. Consider doubling the recipe – enjoy one delicious loaf yourself and share the other with a friend or neighbor!

Cranberry Orange Muffins

If you haven’t yet experienced the delightful combination of cranberries and oranges, you are truly in for a treat! These light and sweet gluten-free and dairy-free muffins feature bursts of tart cranberries that are perfectly complemented by vibrant, zingy orange zest. Bake up a fresh batch for the holidays, enjoy them on a relaxed Sunday morning, or prepare them ahead for a busy week’s delightful snack or breakfast.

Gluten-Free Ice Cream Sandwiches

Allergy-friendly ice cream sandwiches? Yes, you read that right, and they are absolutely fantastic! Imagine creamy, cool, and utterly delicious dairy-free ice cream generously sandwiched between two perfectly baked gluten-free chocolate biscuit-style cookies. This creates the ultimate summer treat that you can always feel wonderful about enjoying. Indulge in this refreshing and satisfying dessert without any compromise!

I sincerely hope you’ve thoroughly enjoyed exploring this comprehensive list of gluten-free and dairy-free dessert recipes and have discovered your next favorite treat! As you’ve likely noticed, these dessert recipes are not merely satisfying allergen-friendly versions of traditional desserts; they are also remarkably easy to make and impressive enough to serve to anyone. The best part is that these delightful treats are so incredibly tasty, with textures and flavors so authentic, that none of your gluten and dairy-eating friends and family will ever realize they are made without the traditional ingredients. Happy baking and happy indulging!

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

  • Gluten-Free Coffee Cake
  • 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