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Flourless desserts are an easy way to make irresistible over 65 gluten-free recipes for cakes, cookies, brownies, and bars. No need to worry about mixing different types of flour and starch in the right combination. Just skip it altogether to get incredibly delicious results that everyone with a sweet tooth will love!
What desserts are gluten free?
When I first found out I had to give up gluten, I immediately filled my pantry with every kind of flour and starch and gum, ready to bake gluten free desserts. Yes, it is possible to make cookies and cakes that are gluten free and still taste delicious. But when you are first adopting a this lifestyle, just learning to read labels and navigate restaurants is enough of a challenge. Trying to understand the characteristics of different gluten free flours and blending them in the appropriate ratio with starches and gums is just another challenge you might not need.
You can definitely buy gluten free treats. And many “regular” desserts are naturally free of wheat on gluten-containing grains, including some brands of pudding, ice cream, and candy (always read labels and double-check manufacturers’ websites).
But sometimes bakers gotta bake. The solution? Flourless dessert recipes!
What are flourless desserts?
By the strictest definition, flourless desserts do not contain any kind of grain or flour made from grains. Some people may think this only means traditional wheat flours such as whole wheat or all-purpose. But it also means many of the gluten free flours, such as rice flour or even cornstarch.
I make two exceptions when it comes to my flourless recipes:
Oats and oat flour – since oats are a common ingredient and a great way to bind recipes and incorporate whole grains, I will include recipes that contain oat flour in my collection of flourless desserts. And while you can buy oat flour, it also can easily be made in your own kitchen by pulsing oats in a food processor or blender.
WARNING ABOUT OATS: If you have celiac disease or are highly sensitive, be aware that regular oats are often cross-contaminated. Therefore, you will want to be sure to purchase certified gluten free oats for your baking.
Almond meal – technically since almond flour or meal is made from nuts and not grains, it is not technically a flour anyway. Again, almond meal is so versatile that I consider it an essential in every gluten free kitchen (as long as you don’t also have a nut allergy). Besides brownies and cookies, it can also be used to make a crust for things like S’Mores Pudding Pie, or to bind turkey meatballs, and so much more. It helps to add texture and flavor to gluten free baked goods.
Does flourless mean gluten free?
Yes, typically these flourless recipes are gluten free desserts. However, always be sure all of your other ingredients are gluten free. Things like spices, some brands of white chocolate chips (including Ghirardelli), vanilla extract and other flavorings are not gluten free.
So then you may be wondering…
What are flourless cakes made of? Do cookies need flour?
- Nut butters – miraculously the combination of peanut butter or almond butter or another nut or seed butter plus eggs and sugar come together to form an amazing cookie or blonde dough. The possibilities for flavoring these gluten free dessert recipes are endless.
- Oat and oat flour – as mentioned, this common ingredient is a great substitute for wheat flour in many types of recipes.
- Almond meal – classic desserts like macarons, some flourless chocolate cakes, and even brownies achieve a perfect texture with just almond flour.
- Beans – yes, you read that right, black beans and chickpeas can be blended into batters for everything from cupcakes to blondies to other types of bars.
- Eggs – meringue cookies are nothing more than egg whites and sugar with whatever flavoring you choose to add.
And there are tons more ways to make flourless dessert recipes, like these…
65+ of the Best Flourless Dessert Recipes
In this collection of gluten free desserts, you'll find:
- Flourless Cookies
- Flourless Brownies, Blondies, and Bars
- Flourless Cakes
Easy Flourless Cookies
Grab a glass of milk but forget about the flour because you'll be ready to dig into a gluten free cookie, or make dozens to share with your friends and family.
Flourless Triple Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies
Flourless Triple Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies with three kinds of chocolate make classic peanut butter cookies even better.
Coconut Almond Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies
Coconut Almond Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies are a simple, rich treat with deep, dark chocolate that is also paleo-friendly.
Toffee Almond White Chocolate Chip Monster Cookies
Toffee Almond White Chocolate Chip Monster Cookies are an extra nutty and buttery twist on these fully-loaded cookies.
Flourless Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Cookies
Flourless Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Cookies might just be the essential cookie for the serious peanut butter lovers.
Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies for Two
Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies for Two are perfect to make two deep dish cookies to share or keep all for yourself.
Jam Thumbprint Breakfast Cookies
Jam Thumbprint Breakfast Cookies filled with healthy ingredients are the perfect way to start or end your day.
Flourless Fluffernutter Cookies
Flourless Fluffernutter Cookies turn that sandwich you always wanted as a kid into a cookie you can't resist.
Flourless Chocolate Almond Cookies
Flourless Chocolate Almond Cookies are nice and chewy with a crisp exterior and the crunch of almonds.
Cranberry Cashew White Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies
Cranberry Cashew White Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies are simple and perfect with the nutty richness of browned butter.
Almond Joy Macaroons
Almond Joy Macaroons are candy bar-inspired cookies that have only four ingredients.
Trail Mix Monster Cookies
Trail Mix Monster Cookies pack the traditional peanut butter oatmeal cookie with your favorite trail mix to fuel you through the day.
Fudgy Flourless Chocolate Cashew Cookies
Fudgy Flourless Chocolate Cashew Cookies are super chocolaty cookies are extra chewy in the middle.
Flourless Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
Flourless Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies are grain, dairy, and refined sugar free cookies packed with peanut butter, chewy oats and dark chocolate.
Flourless White Chocolate Chip Macadamia Cookies
Flourless White Chocolate Chip Macadamia Cookies is a classic combo that can be made without flour and with double the macadamia deliciousness.
Fudgy Gluten Free Brownie Cookies
Fudgy Gluten Free Brownie Cookies might look like a cookie, but the taste and texture are all brownie.
Flourless Chocolate Chip Cookies
Flourless Chocolate Chip Cookies will satisfy your CCC cravings.
Flourless Fudge Cookies
Flourless Fudge Cookies taste like the edges of a pan of brownies.
Coconut Lime Macaroons
Coconut Lime Macaroons put the lime in the coconut, but without any flour to these gluten free cookies.
Macarons
Macaron recipe with all the tips and tricks you need to master this naturally gluten free classic.
Meringue Cookies
Meringue Cookies are crisp, sweet, and light as a cloud.
Soft-Baked Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Cookies
Soft-Baked Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Cookies prove you won't miss the package of cookies with the elf on the front after you try these.
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe are ultra chewy and full of oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and chocolate chips.
Easy Flourless Almond Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Easy Flourless Almond Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies have only six ingredients in a surprisingly healthier dessert.
Coconut Almond Cookies
Coconut Almond Cookies have a double dose of coconut and almond, and you can even drizzle them with chocolate.
Easy Gluten Free Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Easy Gluten Free Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are so soft and full of juicy raisins.
Flourless Hot Chocolate Cookies
Flourless Hot Chocolate Cookies are perfect for the holidays or anytime a chocolate craving strikes.
Flourless Brownies, Blondies, and Bars
Fudgy and moist, loaded with chocolate or rich with vanilla flavor, full of peanut butter or chips or sprinkles, your favorite squares get a gluten free makeover.
Flourless Peanut Butter Cup Brownies
Flourless Peanut Butter Cup Brownies are swirled with peanut butter and studded with Reese's for the serious chocolate and peanut butter lovers.
Monster Cookie Bars
Monster Cookie Bars turn a fully-loaded favorite cookie into easy dessert recipe you can mix in one bowl in under 15 minutes.
Flourless Ricotta Cheesecake Brownies
Flourless Ricotta Cheesecake Brownies add a swirl of Italian-style cheesecake for a new and surprising flavor combination.
Flourless Turtle Cheesecake Brownies
Flourless Turtle Cheesecake Brownies are loaded with the irresistible combination of chocolate, caramel, and pecans, plus cheesecake.
Flourless Bailey's Fudge Swirl Brownies
Flourless Bailey's Fudge Swirl Brownies are dense and fudgy with a ribbon of Irish Cream-infused fudge.
Flourless Nutella Cheesecake Swirl Brownies
Flourless Nutella Cheesecake Swirl Brownies are the ultimate in decadence.
Flourless Cashew Caramel Cheesecake Swirl Brownies
Flourless Cashew Caramel Cheesecake Swirl Brownies give buttery, crunchy cashews the chance to shine in these fudgy brownies.
Flourless Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Cheesecake Brownies
Flourless Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Cheesecake Brownies have swirls of cheesecake and gobs of peanut butter cookie dough.
Gluten Free Chocolate Mint Flourless Brownies
Gluten Free Chocolate Mint Flourless Brownies baked in a skillet and calling to be topped with ice cream and hot fudge.
Nutella Brownies
Nutella Brownies made with only two ingredients are not too sweet and will satisfy those chocolate cravings.
Almond Butter Blondies with Dark Chocolate, Coconut and Sea Salt
Almond Butter Blondies with Dark Chocolate, Coconut and Sea Salt use nut butter instead of flour to make them extra moist and gooey.
Healthy Pumpkin Pie Bars
Healthy Pumpkin Pie Bars have all the flavors you love in a healthier sweet treat.
Healthy One-Bowl Flourless Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookie Bars
Healthy One-Bowl Flourless Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookie Bars are made in one bowl and you don't even need a mixer.
Dark Chocolate Chickpea Brownies
Dark Chocolate Chickpea Brownies sneak some legumes into dessert, and only requires a few pantry essentials you probably already have on-hand and a blender.
Flourless Chocolate Chip Zucchini Oat Brownies
Flourless Chocolate Chip Zucchini Oat Brownies are packed with chocolate chips and veggies.
Almond Flour Blondies
Almond Flour Blondies are chewy, gooey, and filled with delicious morsels of chocolate, white chocolate, and pecans.
Flourless Chocolate Chunk Almond Butter Cookie Bars
Flourless Chocolate Chunk Almond Butter Cookie Bars are soft and chewy with crunchy dry roasted almonds studded throughout.
Easy Gluten Free Dairy Free Brownies
Easy Gluten Free Dairy Free Brownies are a simple way to treat friends and family with allergies or following a paleo diet.
Cake Batter Blondies
Cake Batter Blondies are shockingly gluten- and dairy-free since they are made with protein-packed almond flour.
Tahini Swirl Brownies
Tahini Swirl Brownies plus two other flourless brownies add new flavors to your favorite chocolate dessert.
Flourless Cakes
From traditional flourless chocolate cake to creative cake rolls, mug cakes, cheesecake, and even an ice cream cake snuck in there, these are gluten free cakes worthy of a celebration.
Flourless Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Roll
Flourless Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Roll is sure to impress with its peanut butter mousse, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, and rich chocolate ganache.
Gluten Free Pineapple Upside Down Cake for Two
Gluten Free Pineapple Upside Down Cake for Two gives the classic a gluten free, healthy, and miniature makeover.
Homemade Ice Cream Cake
Homemade Ice Cream Cake might not technically be a "cake", but it is flourless and totally worthy of a birthday celebration.
Gluten Free Pumpkin Cheesecake Flourless Chocolate Roll
Gluten Free Pumpkin Cheesecake Flourless Chocolate Roll takes the classic pumpkin roll up a notch by pairing fluffy pumpkin mousse with chocolate.
Gluten-Free Carrot Cake for Two
Gluten-Free Carrot Cake for Two has veggies and a Greek yogurt cream cheese topping, which means they practically qualify as lunch.
Easy No-Churn Funfetti Birthday Cake Ice Cream Cake
Easy No-Churn Funfetti Birthday Cake Ice Cream Cake might be more ice cream than cake, but with the cake batter flavor and rainbow sprinkles, you might choose it over cake.
Flourless Chocolate Cake with Nutella Frosting
Flourless Chocolate Cake with Nutella Frosting has only four ingredients in the rich cake, then is topped with Nutella and pistachios.
Flourless Chocolate Cake with Marshmallow Frosting
Flourless Chocolate Cake with Marshmallow Frosting puts the basic flourless chocolate cake over-the-top by piling it with the fluffy topping.
Lemon Almond Cake
Lemon Almond Cake is made with whole lemons and is lovely with a cup of tea.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Mug Cake
Peanut Butter Chocolate Mug Cake satisfies those chocolate and peanut butter cravings in about a minute.
3-Ingredient Souffle Cheesecake
3-Ingredient Souffle Cheesecake melts in your mouth with its light, delicate texture.
Flourless Chocolate Cake with Ganache and Coconut
Flourless Chocolate Cake with Ganache and Coconutis worth every single decadent bite.
Gluten-Free Chocolate Magic Custard Cake
Gluten-Free Chocolate Magic Custard Cake starts with one batter and magically forms three distinct layers.
Torta Caprese
Torta Caprese is a flourless chocolate almond cake that is a timeless classic.
Red Velvet Flourless Cake
Red Velvet Flourless Cake makes the classic flourless chocolate cake extra festive.
Microwave Sweet Potato Mug Cake
Microwave Sweet Potato Mug Cake is a quick, healthy dessert ready in just a couple minutes.
Chocolate Flourless Cake with Frangelico Whipped Cream
Chocolate Flourless Cake with Frangelico Whipped Cream is sure to entice anyone.
Gluten-Free Sugar-Free Flourless Chocolate Cake Recipe
Gluten-Free Sugar-Free Flourless Chocolate Cake Recipe is the best chocolate cake for the low carb and keto folks.
Keto Gooey Butter Cake
Keto Gooey Butter Cake is incredibly buttery but totally keto-friendly.
Flourless Chocolate Kahlúa-Espresso Decadence Cake
Flourless Chocolate Kahlúa-Espresso Decadence Cake will have the coffee lovers looking for seconds and thirds.
Flourless Chocolate Cupcakes
Flourless Chocolate Cupcakes topped with just a bit of frosting and fresh strawberries are perfect when you don't want to make a big cake.
Gluten-Free Chocolate Orange Truffle Cake
Gluten-Free Chocolate Orange Truffle Cake is a classic flavor combination in a cake that is totally more than meets the eye.
Flourless Chocolate Mint Layer Cake
Flourless Chocolate Mint Layer Cake is three layers of minty, chocolaty decadence.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes are made with some sneaky black beans, but if you are gluten free, just be sure to use chopped full-size Reese's on top and not the unwrapped minis.
Enjoy!
And if you are ready to tackle some more adventurous gluten free baking, try these:
- Gluten Free Cake with Strawberries and Whipped Cream
- Apple Cider Donut Cake
- Gluten Free Almond Crescent Cookies
- Double Chocolate Chip Gluten Free Pumpkin Bundt Cake
- Gluten Free Yellow Cake with Chocolate Frosting
- Hot Fudge Gluten Free Brownies for Two
Or you could just always make no-churn ice cream and ice cream cakes!