17 Irresistible Gluten-Free Desserts From Around the World You Need to Try!
Going gluten-free doesn’t have to mean giving up on delicious desserts. There are mouthwatering gluten-free treats worldwide that fulfill the dietary requirements and make even the strongest of late-night hankerings vanish.
From creamy Italian panna cotta to rich flourless chocolate cake, these desserts prove you don’t need to miss out on flavor or variety. According to a Statista report, the global gluten-free food market will grow substantially from 6.7 billion to 14 billion U.S. dollars by 2032.
From creamy delicacies to crispy bites, this list shares 17 irresistible gluten-free desserts filled with flavor, texture, and soul-soothing sweetness you need to try.
France: Decadent Macarons, The Gluten-Free Way
What are macarons, if not edible works of art? How can something with such crisp shells and chewy almond flour interiors, then piped with such chewy, gooey, fabulously flavored filling, rise from a tiny oven tray?
Fortunately, these Parisian delights are intrinsically gluten-free (no tricky, no gluten digression here!), so they are safe and delicious. Flavors like raspberry, pistachio, and lavender take center stage, while the visual appeal of pastel-colored perfection adds that “je ne sais quoi.”
Taste them with a strong espresso, and you’ll feel like you’re walking from Montmartre. Bonus? Many bakeries engage in vegan and dairy-free creations for even more inclusive sweetness.
Italy: Indulge in Tiramisu, Made Gluten-Free
Tiramisu, the beloved Italian dessert made of ladyfingers dipped in espresso and layered with velvety mascarpone cream, has long been a staple on most “must-try” lists. Did you know that the traditional tiramisu is gluten-free?
That’s right! The dessert is made with ladyfingers, usually cornstarch or rice flour, rather than wheat flour, making this a decadent treat for the gluten-free diner. The next time you venture near Via Cavour or any place you see Neapolitans in Rome (or even your local Italian restaurant), don’t hesitate to order a slice; you won’t regret it.
Japan: Mochi Ice Cream – A Sweet Gluten-Free Treat
What are you waiting for if you haven’t tried mochi ice cream? Gluten-free, 100% refreshing, and utterly fun, these rice dough balls filled with ice cream are perfectly chewy. The flavors? Endless. For example, matcha green tea, yuzu citrus, traditional vanilla, etc.
Each bite of mochi is slightly sticky, bringing excitement to the bite, while the cool, creamy filling is a welcome treat in any season. They are the perfect combo of light and indulgent. The ultimate experience is if you enjoy them with chopsticks!
Middle East: Savor the Flavor of Baklava, Sans Gluten
The Middle Eastern pastry baklava consists of sweetened nuts layered between layers of flaky phyllo dough. It is a treat for all senses. Traditional versions, however, often use wheat flour, but that is quickly changing. We have made it utterly gluten-free while continuing to enjoy the same irresistible crunchy honey syrup.
This dessert is packed with the nutty goodness of pistachios or walnuts and would almost pass for a guilt-free indulgence. Enjoy (or two) slices and enjoy the magic. A small piece of baklava pairs perfectly with a strong, aromatic cup of coffee—pure bliss in every bite, as BBC Food agrees.
South America: Enjoy Alfajores, A Gluten-Free Cookie
The melt-in-your-mouth South American sandwich cookies, Alfajores, are filled with sweet, creamy dulce de leche (gently simmered milk and sugar for over an hour until thickened and golden). Traditionally, cornstarch is reminiscent of how it used to be made, minus the wheat.
Either dusted with powdered sugar or coated in silky chocolate, these cookies taste like utter caramel-filled perfection. And this is a tip: Enjoy them with a hot cup of yerba mate tea, which is the whole cultural experience.
India: Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth with Gulab Jamun
One of the favorites on the Indian plate, gulab jamun is a deep-fried dumpling made from milk powder, eaten warm in saffron-tinged syrup. These delicious gluten-free fritters are eaten at festivals or special occasions.
With the cardamom, rose water flavor, and soft texture, this is an unforgettable experience you will want to go on forever! Pair the trifles with chai tea for extra cozy points.
Sweden: Indulge in Kanelbullar (Cinnamon Rolls), Gluten-Free Style
The smell of newly baked cinnamon rolls is just nothing short of amazement when they are gluten-free on top of it. It’s no surprise that Swedish Kanelbullar is a classic.
The soft, golden brown pastries are a buttery treat filled with the most sugar (pearl sugar) for extra crunch. Every bite will have hints of cardamom and nutmeg to bring you right to the cozy coffee shops of Stockholm. Pro tip? Ultimate Scandinavian vibes go with pairing them with hot cocoa.
United States: Go Classic with Flourless Chocolate Cake
Good old-fashioned flourless chocolate cake must be mentioned; its gluten-free status was inherent! It’s excellent for a chocoholic who is not willing to add gluten. Topped with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream, it’s perfect and will have you returning for second (or third) helpings. Believe me, you will not even miss the flour.
India: Dive into Rasgulla, A Gluten-Free Sweet Delight
A sponge-like texture with sweetness from syrup is what Rasgulla is known for among Indian sweets. Gluten-free treats made from Indian cottage cheese: chhena with semolina-free dough, which is boiled in sugar syrup until they are irresistible and juicy.
Each bite comes with syrup that sounds pure joy to your taste buds. And guess what? This treat comes in versions flavored with saffron or rose and turns luxurious. The dessert was born with plenty of heritage and a heart full of love, ideal for a guilt-free splurge.
Scandinavia: Discover Gluten-Free Cardamom Buns
But otherwise, cardamom buns are the star of fika, a Swedish tradition of the coffee break. And the gluten-free versions? Equally swoon-worthy. These tiny bites of perfection are warm cardamom spice, soft flourless dough, and a light glaze.
Have them with strong coffee to be like a Swede, and you will know that fika is a lifestyle, not just a snack. An extra crunch can be added to some crushed pistachios on top.
Australia: Delight in Pavlova, A Gluten-Free Meringue Dessert
A gluten-free meringue. In Australia. The BBC reports that this meringue-based dessert is supposedly named after the famous Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova. It is light as air and naturally gluten-free.
Pavlova is topped with whipped cream and fresh fruits such as kiwi and strawberries, and is crisp on the outside and marshmallowy on the inside. The meringue in the pies supposedly has perfection down to a dash of vinegar and cornstarch. Pavlova is smooth, elegant, ethereal, and—alternately—perfect for celebrations.
Brazil: Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth with Brigadeiros, Gluten-Free Style
Brazilian dessert staple brigadeiros are easy to love. These cookies are made with condensed milk, butter, and cocoa powder and have a vibrant and silky texture that melts in your mouth.
The best part? They’re naturally gluten-free! Lastly, they are rolled with sprinkles or shredded coconut for sweetness and crunch, making them perfect for parties.
Indonesia: Have a Slice of Kue Lapis, A Gluten-Free Cake
A Gluten-Free Cake. Obtaining the Indonesian rainbow-colored Kue Lapis is a quintessential cake with scrumptious layers in every bite by LapisLapis since 1980. This gluten-free dessert is made with tapioca flour and coconut milk and has a chewy texture so mouthwatering that you want more.
Yes, each layer has a unique flavor and color. In the more modern version, even spurring out inventive flavors such as matcha, chocolate, or even durian (a stinky Southeast Asian fruit), the pandan—the greenish leaf with a grassy aroma—is usually condemned to the history books. Still, here it stays for the real deal.
Thailand: Treat Yourself to Mango Sticky Rice, Gluten-Free Style
Make a trip down the streets of Bangkok to a country delicacy: mango sticky rice, a time-tested Thai dessert that is gluten-free and delicious. Combining chewy glutinous rice with creamy coconut milk and chilled fresh ripe mango is pure tropical heaven.
Some vendors add toasted sesame seeds for an extra twist on texture and nuttiness. Dessert is not the only thing; it is. You will never see rice pudding the same way again.
USA: Classic Gluten-Free Brownies Done Right
A firm, fudgy brownie is better—a fudgy, gluten-free brownie. Almond or coconut flour makes an excellent substitute for all-purpose flour in everyone’s favorite chocolatey treat.
And, yes, even some recipes sneak ingredients such as avocado or sweet potato to give them a healthy twist—yet we assure you, you would not know. The exhibition finish screams indulgence when you top it with flaky sea salt.
Canada: Maple Pecan Pie, Gluten-Free and Delicious
Nothing says Canada like maple syrup. Substitute the crust for a gluten-free kind, and you have a gooey, nutty, satisfying maple pecan pie.
While earthen roasted pecans bring out the best, maple’s natural sweetness combines to form a taste mash that is just too good. Extra magic is had when served with whipped cream or a dollop of vanilla ice cream.
Mexico: Treat Yourself to Churros, Gluten-Free Style
Churros are loved around the world because they have a crispy outside and soft dough inside. And guess what? They’re naturally gluten-free!
The Spanish version of these treats is made with corn flour instead of wheat flour, and they have become popular in many other cultures, including Mexico.
They are topped with cinnamon sugar and then dipped in chocolate, a total indulgence. Place a cup of Mexican hot chocolate next to them for a truly decadent fiesta in your mouth.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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