5 Mouthwatering Gluten-Free Thanksgiving Desserts to Savor

Ah, Thanksgiving—the time of year when we gather with loved ones, embrace gratitude, and feast to our heart’s content. But for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, navigating the dessert table can be a tricky task. Fear not, dear readers, because we are here to show you that indulging in delectable gluten-free Thanksgiving desserts is not only possible but downright delightful. In this mouthwatering journey, we’ll explore five gluten-free desserts that will satisfy every sweet tooth around your festive table. From classic pumpkin pie with a gluten-free twist to luscious apple crisp and beyond, these treats are so delicious that no one will miss the gluten. Let’s dive into the world of gluten-free Thanksgiving desserts and discover the joy of indulgence without compromise.

Let’s dive into the world of gluten-free Thanksgiving desserts

5 Mouthwatering Gluten-Free Thanksgiving Desserts to Savor

Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pie

This pumpkin pie is a gluten-free take on a classic recipe

Image Credit: Real Food Whole Life 

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 1 ½ cups of gluten-free graham cracker crumbs
• ½ cup of melted butter (or dairy-free alternative)
• 2 ½ cups of canned pumpkin purée
• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon of salt
• 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon of ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon of ground cloves
• 4 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups of evaporated milk (or dairy-free milk)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 425 °F (220 °C).
2. In a bowl, combine the gluten-free graham cracker crumbs and melted butter, then press the mixture into a 9-inch pie dish to form the crust.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the pumpkin purée, sugar, salt, and spices.
4. Add the eggs and mix until well combined.
5. Gradually stir in the evaporated milk.
6. Pour the filling into the crust and bake for 15 minutes at 425 °F.
7. Reduce the oven temperature to 350 °F (175 °C) and continue baking for 40–50 minutes, or until the filling is set.
8. Allow the pie to cool before serving. Optionally, top with whipped cream or a dollop of dairy-free coconut whipped cream.

Who Should Make This Dessert?

If you’re a fan of classic pumpkin pie and want to savor the flavors of Thanksgiving without the gluten, this dessert is for you. It’s also an excellent choice if you’re hosting gluten-sensitive guests at your feast.

The flavor of Thanksgiving with a gluten-free crust

Image Credit: Real Food Whole Life 

Gluten-Free Apple Crisp

Another classic favorite — the apple pie crisp 

Image Credit: Sam Does Her Best

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 6 cups of peeled, sliced apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
• 1 cup of gluten-free rolled oats
• ½ cup of almond flour
• ½ cup of packed light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon of salt
• ½ cup of unsalted butter (or dairy-free alternative), cold and cubed

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C).
2. Toss the sliced apples with lemon juice and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. In a bowl, combine the gluten-free rolled oats, almond flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
4. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
5. Sprinkle the oat mixture evenly over the apples in the baking dish.
6. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown, and the apples are bubbling.
7. Let it cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with a scoop of gluten-free vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Who Should Make This Dessert?

If you’re a fan of warm, comforting desserts that celebrate the fall season, this gluten-free apple crisp is a must-try. It’s a crowd-pleaser and pairs wonderfully with a scoop of your favorite gluten-free ice cream.

This recipe is the perfect warming comfort food for Thanksgiving 

Image Credit: Sam Does Her Best

Flourless Chocolate Cake

Chocolate cake can be even better without the flour

Image Credit: Well Plated by Erin

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 1 cup of unsalted butter (or dairy-free alternative)
• 1 ¼ cups of semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
• 4 large eggs
• ¼ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
• ¼ teaspoon of salt
• Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375 °F (190 °C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and semisweet chocolate chips together, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat.
3. Stir in the granulated sugar and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
5. Sift the cocoa powder and salt over the mixture and fold it in until no streaks remain.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
7. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the cake is set but still slightly moist in the center.
8. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a serving plate.
9. Dust with powdered sugar if desired and slice before serving.

Who Should Make This Dessert?

Calling all chocolate lovers! If you crave a rich, velvety chocolate dessert that’s both flourless and gluten-free, this cake is your answer. It’s an elegant choice for any Thanksgiving celebration.

The perfect festive treat for all chocolate lovers 

Image Credit: Well Plated by Erin

Pecan Pie Bars

If you love chewy desserts with nuts, look no further 

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 1 ½ cups of gluten-free all-purpose flour
• ½ cup of powdered sugar
• ¾ cup of unsalted butter (or dairy-free alternative), cold and cubed
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• 1 cup of light corn syrup (check for gluten-free labeling)
• 2 tablespoons of melted butter (or dairy-free alternative)
• 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups of pecan halves

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
2. In a bowl, combine the gluten-free all-purpose flour and powdered sugar.
3. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish and bake for 20 minutes or until lightly golden.
5. While the crust is baking, prepare the filling. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
6. Stir in the pecan halves.
7. Pour the filling over the baked crust and return it to the oven.
8. Bake for an additional 30–35 minutes, or until the filling is set.
9. Allow the pecan pie bars to cool in the pan before using the parchment paper overhang to lift them out for easy slicing.

Who Should Make This Dessert?

Pecan pie is a Thanksgiving staple, and these gluten-free pecan pie bars capture its essence perfectly. They’re ideal for those who prefer a handheld treat with all the nutty goodness of traditional pecan pie.

This dessert captures the taste of a traditional pecan pie

Image Credit: I Heart Nap Time

Cranberry Orange Almond Cake

If you love fruity treats, this cranberry orange cake is the one for you 

Image Credit: Petit Demi

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 1 ½ cups of almond flour
• ½ cup of granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder
• ½ teaspoon of baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon of salt
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup of unsweetened applesauce
• ¼ cup of freshly squeezed orange juice
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1 cup of fresh cranberries
• ¼ cup of sliced almonds

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C) and grease an 8-inch round cake pan.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the almond flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, beat the eggs, then add the applesauce, orange juice, and orange zest. Mix until well combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until the batter is smooth.
5. Fold in the fresh cranberries.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
7. Sprinkle the sliced almonds evenly over the batter.
8. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a serving plate.

Who Should Make This Dessert?

If you’re looking to add a refreshing twist to your Thanksgiving dessert lineup, this cranberry orange almond cake is perfect. It’s a delightful balance of tangy cranberries and citrusy orange, making it an excellent choice for those who crave a lighter, fruit-forward treat.

This Thanksgiving cake is a rollercoaster of decadent flavors 

Image Credit: Petit Demi

A Sweet Conclusion

As we wrap up our culinary journey through these gluten-free Thanksgiving desserts, one thing is clear: you don’t have to compromise on flavor and indulgence, even when avoiding gluten. Whether you opt for the classic pumpkin pie, the rich flourless chocolate cake, or any of the other delightful creations, these desserts will add a touch of sweetness to your Thanksgiving celebration. So, go ahead and whip up these gluten-free treats, and watch as your guests indulge in the joy of Thanksgiving without missing a single gluten-filled crumb. After all, isn’t the essence of Thanksgiving about coming together, giving thanks, and savoring the moments shared over delicious food? Enjoy your gluten-free desserts and the cherished moments they create around!

Now you know how to make the best gluten-free Thanksgiving desserts!

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