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It’s no news that foods containing gluten and/or dairy make up a good portion of the yummy stuff most of us love to enjoy today.
From our favorite cookies, to pies, to milkshakes, cupcakes, you name it. However, some of us, either due to dietary, health or personal reasons, may want to cut out these foods from our diet.
But here’s the good news. Choosing to cut out gluten and/or dairy, doesn’t necessarily mean you need to give up on your favorite cheesecakes, cookies, or other yummy treats.
With a few healthier food swaps, you can enjoy these tasty desserts without having to worry about the gluten or dairy.
In this post you’ll learn what foods have gluten and dairy, their possible substitutes, as well as over 25 delicious gluten free and dairy free dessert recipes to satisfy your cravings.
Don’t worry. These healthy desserts are super easy to put together, and come out every bit as tasty and delicious.
Let’s get right into it.
Making Yummy Gluten and Dairy-free Desserts
Desserts are the cherry on top of any meal, but for those with gluten and/or sensitivities, enjoying traditional treats can be a challenge.
Fortunately, there’s no need to miss out on the delicious world of desserts. With some clever food swaps, you can create mouthwatering desserts that are both safe to eat and irresistibly tasty.
In this guide, we’ll explore some gluten-free and dairy-free dessert alternatives and swaps to elevate your sweet indulgences.
1. Flour Alternatives
Traditional desserts often rely on wheat flour for structure and texture. However, there are several gluten-free flour options that can work wonders in your sweet creations:
Almond Flour: Almond flour is a versatile and nutrient-rich choice. It adds a nutty flavor and a delightful moistness to your baked goods. It’s excellent for making cookies, cakes, and brownies.
Coconut Flour: Coconut flour is another popular gluten-free option. It’s absorbent, so you’ll need less of it in recipes. It lends a subtle coconut flavor and works well in muffins, pancakes, and pie crusts.
Oat Flour: Ground oats make an excellent gluten-free flour substitute, especially in recipes like oatmeal cookies and oatmeal bars. Be sure to use certified gluten-free oats if you have celiac disease.
Rice Flour: Rice flour is a neutral option that works well in many recipes, including gluten-free pie crusts and shortbread cookies.
Tapioca Flour: Tapioca flour is often used in combination with other gluten-free flours to improve texture and structure in baked goods.
2. Dairy-Free Options
Many individuals with gluten sensitivities also have dairy intolerances. Fortunately, there are plenty of dairy-free options for creamy, satisfying desserts:
Coconut Milk: Coconut milk is a versatile dairy substitute that works well in ice creams, custards, and creamy pies.
Almond Milk: Almond milk is a great choice for puddings, smoothies, and dairy-free whipped cream.
Cashew Cream: Cashew cream is a luxurious dairy alternative that can be used in cheesecakes and creamy frostings.
Soy or Rice Yogurt: Dairy-free yogurt options can be used as a base for parfaits, fruit desserts, or even as a topping for waffles.
3. Binders and Thickeners
In gluten-free baking, you’ll need alternatives to gluten to hold your desserts together and create the right texture:
Xanthan Gum: Xanthan gum is a common gluten substitute in gluten-free recipes. It helps bind ingredients together and provides structure, making it ideal for gluten-free bread and cake recipes.
Psyllium Husk: Psyllium husk is a natural fiber that can be used as a binder in gluten-free bread and muffins.
Chia Seeds: Chia seeds, when mixed with water, form a gel-like substance that can be used as a binding agent in gluten-free recipes like puddings and jams.
4. Sweeteners
Many traditional sweeteners, such as refined sugar, can be gluten-free. However, some people prefer natural alternatives that offer a unique flavor profile and added health benefits:
Honey: Honey is a natural sweetener that adds a rich, distinct flavor to your desserts. It’s perfect for drizzling over gluten-free pancakes, waffles, or yogurt parfaits.
Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup brings a delightful earthy sweetness to desserts. Use it to sweeten gluten-free oatmeal, baked goods, or even as a topping for ice cream.
Stevia: Stevia is a calorie-free sweetener derived from the stevia plant. It’s an excellent option for reducing sugar content in recipes like sugar-free cheesecake or diabetic-friendly desserts.
Dates: Dates are a naturally sweet fruit that can be blended into a paste and used as a sweetener in energy bars, brownies, and no-bake desserts.
Coconut Sugar: Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index than regular sugar and works well in recipes like gluten-free chocolate chip cookies.
5. Nut and Seed Butters
Nut and seed butters are excellent additions to your treats, providing both flavor and a creamy texture:
Peanut Butter: Peanut butter can be used to make gluten-free cookies, brownies, and even fudge.
Almond Butter: Almond butter adds a nutty richness to gluten-free muffins, energy balls, and dessert bars.
Sunflower Seed Butter: Sunflower seed butter is a nut-free option that works well in nut-allergy-friendly recipes, such as seed butter cups and cookies.
With these gluten and dairy free dessert swaps, you can embark on a culinary journey that embraces both flavor and health.
Whether you’re baking for yourself or for a group with diverse dietary needs, these alternatives open the door to a world of sweet possibilities, ensuring that everyone can savor the joy of dessert without compromising on taste or well-being.
So go ahead, whip up your favorite gluten and dairy-free dessert, and indulge in the irresistible flavors of a sweet treat done right.
25+ Gluten Free Dairy Free Desserts
1) Healthy Paleo Carrot Cake
Get the recipe at – Cupcake Project
2) Cinnamon Roll Muffins
Get the recipe at – Mama Knows Gluten-Free
3) No Bake Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars
Get the recipe at – Emilie Eats
4) Bittersweet Chocolate Pots de Crème
Get the recipe at – Clean Eats Factory
5) Caramel Mousse Cakes
Get the recipe at – The Loopy Whisk
Also See: 24 Delicious Sugar-Free Desserts To Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth
6) Vegan and Gluten-free Chocolate Chip Cookies
Get the recipe at – Making Thyme For Health
7) Vegan Gluten-Free Brownies
8) Easy Dairy-Free Fudge
Get the recipe at – Wife Mama Foodie
9) Raspberry Fool
Get the recipe at – Salted Plains
10) Black Forest Mug Cake
Get the recipe at – Downshiftology
Also See: 30 Tasty Chocolate Desserts You’ve Got To Try
11) No Bake Vegan Brownie Balls
Get the recipe at – Gina Burgess Nutrition
12) Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bundt Cake
Get the recipe at – Wheat By The Wayside
13) Almond Flour Cupcakes
Get the recipe at – Sweet As Honey
14) Vegan Malai Burfi (Milk Cake)
Get the recipe at – Vegan Richa
15) Sticky Toffee Pudding
Get the recipe at – Gluten-Free Cuppa Tea
Also See: 15 Healthy Dessert Recipes Under 150 Calories
16) Paleo Pumpkin Roll Cake
Get the recipe at – Unbound Wellness
17) Easy Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
Get the recipe at – Beaming Baker
18) Gluten Free Vegan Chocolate Cake
Get the recipe at – Petite Allergy Treats
19) Pumpkin Crumble
Get the recipe at – Paleo Running Momma
20) S’mores Icebox Cake
Get the recipe at – Iowa Girl Eats
Also See: 21 Amazing Keto Desserts To Make With 5 Ingredients Or Less
21) No Bake Lemon Cheesecake Bites
Get the recipe at – Paleo Gluten-Free
22) Dreamy Paleo S’mores Bars
Get the recipe at – Paleo Grubs
23) Brownie Crinkle Cookies
Get the recipe at – Rachl Mansfield
24) Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Truffles
Get the recipe at – Wholesome Delicious
25) Easy Paleo 7 Layer Bars
Get the recipe at – A Sweet Pea Chef
26) Healthy Chocolate Banana Bread
Get the recipe at – Ambitious Kitchen
Which of these yummy GF, DF and paleo desserts did you enjoy the most? Let me know down in the comments.
