Thanksgiving without dessert? That feels wrong to me. But if you’re gluten-free, things can get tricky.
Everyone else is enjoying pies, cakes, and cookies while you eye the pumpkin pie crust like it’s your enemy. I’ve been there. :/
The good news? Gluten-free Thanksgiving desserts are not just possible; they’re truly tasty. And I promise, they don’t taste like cardboard.
I’ve gathered some of my favorite recipes along with a few game-changing products to make it easier. Ready to sweeten your holiday without the gluten crash? Let’s go!
1. Classic Gluten Free Pumpkin Pie
Let’s start with the MVP of Thanksgiving desserts: pumpkin pie. Only this time, it’s completely gluten free.
- Use a gluten free pie crust mix like Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Pie Crust Mix (a lifesaver IMO).
- The filling? Same dreamy mix of pumpkin purée, eggs, sugar, and spices.
- Bake until golden, cool, and boom—you’ve got a pie that nobody will know is gluten free.
Pro tip: Top it with Reddi-wip Non-Dairy Coconut Whipped Cream for bonus points.
2. Flourless Chocolate Cake
You want drama? This cake delivers. It’s rich, fudgy, and so chocolatey it should come with a warning label.
- No flour needed—just eggs, sugar, butter, and cocoa.
- For extra smoothness, grab Ghirardelli Unsweetened Cocoa Powder.
- Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with raspberry sauce if you’re feeling fancy.
Question: Do you really need gluten when you’ve got this much chocolate? (No. No, you don’t.)
3. Gluten Free Apple Crisp
Apple pie gets all the attention, but let’s be honest: apple crisp is easier and better. No rolling dough, no stressing about crusts.
- Slice up Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples.
- Mix with cinnamon, sugar, and lemon juice.
- Top with a blend of Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Oats, almond flour, and brown sugar.
Bake it until bubbly and golden. The smell alone will make your house feel like a Hallmark movie.
4. Pecan Pie Bars (Gluten Free)
Want pecan pie without babysitting a crust? Enter: pecan pie bars. These are portable, crowd-pleasing, and way easier to slice.
- Use King Arthur Gluten Free Measure-for-Measure Flour for the shortbread base.
- Mix up the pecan filling with maple syrup, eggs, and pecans.
- Bake, slice, and try not to eat half the pan yourself.
FYI: These bars freeze like a dream, so you can make them ahead of time.
5. Gluten Free Pumpkin Cheesecake
Yes, this is as decadent as it sounds. Think creamy cheesecake meets spiced pumpkin pie.
- Use a crust made with gluten free graham crackers like Kinnikinnick S’moreables.
- Fill with cream cheese, pumpkin, sugar, and fall spices.
- Bake until set and serve chilled.
This one always gets the “are you sure this is gluten free?” question. Every time. 🙂
6. Cranberry Orange Upside-Down Cake
Okay, let’s get a little fancy. Cranberries don’t just belong in sauce—they make desserts pop with color and tartness.
- Arrange fresh cranberries and orange zest at the bottom of a pan.
- Pour in batter made with Cup4Cup Gluten Free Flour.
- Flip after baking for that wow-factor reveal.
It’s sweet, tart, and slightly bougie. Honestly, it looks way harder than it is.
7. Gluten Free Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Swirl
Pumpkin bread already slaps, but add cream cheese swirl and it’s chef’s kiss.
- Mix pumpkin, sugar, oil, eggs, and spices.
- Use Krusteaz Gluten Free All Purpose Flour for the batter.
- Swirl in sweetened cream cheese before baking.
Result? A loaf so good you’ll “accidentally” forget to share.
8. Chocolate-Dipped Pumpkin Spice Cookies
Cookies are mandatory at any holiday table. And if you dip them in chocolate? Even better.
- Start with a gluten free cookie mix like Pillsbury Gluten Free Sugar Cookie Mix.
- Add pumpkin purée and pumpkin pie spice.
- Bake, cool, then dip half in melted chocolate.
Warning: These disappear faster than you can say “pass the gravy.”
9. No-Bake Pumpkin Mousse Cups
Need a last-minute dessert that won’t hog your oven? Say hello to mousse cups.
- Blend pumpkin, cream cheese, sugar, and spices.
- Fold in whipped cream (use So Delicious Dairy Free CocoWhip if you want dairy-free too).
- Layer into cups with gluten free ginger snaps like Schar Gluten Free Ginger Cookies.
They’re light, creamy, and ridiculously easy. No one will suspect you whipped them up in under 15 minutes.
10. Gluten Free Sweet Potato Pie
Sweet potato pie doesn’t always get the love it deserves, but it’s basically pumpkin pie’s underrated cousin.
- Mash roasted sweet potatoes with butter, sugar, eggs, and warm spices.
- Pour into a gluten free pie shell (again, Bob’s Red Mill works great).
- Bake until set and top with toasted marshmallows if you’re feeling rebellious.
IMO: This pie deserves just as much hype as pumpkin. Fight me on it.
Final Thoughts
So there you go—10 gluten free Thanksgiving dessert recipes that actually taste amazing (and don’t leave you crying into your mashed potatoes).
With the right products—like Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Pie Crust Mix, King Arthur Gluten Free Flour, or Schar Ginger Cookies—you can whip up desserts that everyone will love, gluten-free or not.
Bottom line? Being gluten free doesn’t mean you sit out the dessert table. In fact, these recipes prove the opposite.
So grab your whisk, stock up on your favorite gluten free staples, and wow your family this Thanksgiving. Just don’t forget to save yourself a slice…because these desserts will disappear fast. 😉