80 Flourless Desserts We Can’t Stop Making

Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies

When my mother (who’s now a great-grandmother) gave me this peanut butter cookie recipe about 15 years ago, I was skeptical. Flourless desserts? Only three ingredients? But I get rave reviews and I’ve never had a failure stirring these up. Three ingredients are really all you need. —Maggie Schimmel, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

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These cookies are just the start! Try dozens more of our favorite gluten-free cookie recipes.

Icebox Cake

You don’t have to bake to serve a wonderful dessert! This icebox cake is made from chocolate wafers and whipping cream. It is so delicious.—Cindy Hawkins, New York, New York

This cake is a great place to start if you’re craving a creamy, cool dessert. Try these other popular icebox cakes next.

Magic Bars

These rich bar cookies will melt in your mouth! They’re ideal to have on hand for a snack. —Pauline Schrag, Theresa, New York

This recipe is just the start! Try 10 other variations on magic cookie bars.

Millionaire Candy

Of the 35 kinds of candy I make each Christmas, millionaire candy is by far the favorite of family and friends. These treats taste like a million bucks!—Theda Andres, Appleton, Wisconsin

Coconut Pistachio Pie

We simply love the lightly toasted coconut crust that pairs so well with the pistachio pudding in this quick pie. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Want to make a traditional pie crust without all-purpose flour? Try this gluten-free pie crust.

Flourless Chocolate Torte

This is the quintessential flourless dessert—and one that’s perfect for chocoholics like me. I bake this melt-in-your-mouth torte all the time for special occasions. For an elegant finish, dust it with confectioners’ sugar. —Kayla Albrecht, Freeport, Illinois

If you want more flourless desserts that are also gluten-free like this cake, check out our favorite gluten-free dessert recipes.

Cherry Kisses

Meringue cookies are one of my favorite flourless desserts. They melt in your mouth and are practically fat free. Is it any wonder these crispy meringue morsels disappear as fast as I can whip them up? Friends and family love them. —Jo Ann Blomquest, Freeport, Illinois

Classic Creme Brulee

My favorite dessert is this creme brulee recipe. Recently I was at a party where the guests finished preparing their own desserts by “broiling” the sugar on their portions with a small torch. What a great idea! —Joylyn Trickel, Helendale, California

Easy Banana Pudding with Cream Cheese

I blend cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk and whipped topping into instant pudding then layer it with vanilla wafers and sliced bananas. Served in a pretty glass bowl, this banana pudding with cream cheese makes for a fancy yet fuss-free dessert. —Edna Perry, Rice, Texas

Cocoa Meringues with Berries

Meringues are a perfect flourless dessert. Add this sweet sauce and berries, and you’re all set! —Raymonde Bourgeois, Swastika, Ontario

Get busy in the kitchen with more gluten-free baking recipes.

Easy Cake Mix Bars

Don’t stress if you don’t have flour. You can use a package of cake mix to make these bars. I love to share them because they’re so easy to eat, easy to make and easy on the wallet. —Amy Rose, Ballwin, Missouri

5-Ingredient Fudge

Need flourless desserts? Opt for homemade candy! You’re moments away from a pan of creamy fudge. Just microwave, stir and spread. This easy homemade fudge recipe is the best. —Sue Tucker, Edgemoor, South Carolina

Macaroon Bars

Guests will never recognize the refrigerated crescent roll dough that goes into these almond-flavored bars. You can assemble these chewy coconut treats in no time. —Carolyn Kyzer, Alexander, Arkansas

Cathedral Cookies

Children love the colorful marshmallows in these festive confections, which look like stained glass when they’re sliced. They practically light up the room from the serving platter at our holiday parties. —Carol Shaffer, Cape Girardeau, Missouri

Need a flourless dessert to share? These potluck desserts are all gluten-free.

Easy Ice Cream Sandwich Cake

Impress guests with this gooey, chocolaty can’t-resist ice cream sandwich cake. They’ll never guess it’s store-bought treats dressed up! —Taste of Home Cooking School

Lemon Icebox Cake

Coconut Cranberry Yummies

When my husband came home from the grocery store with six bags of fresh cranberries, I launched a full-scale effort to creatively use them all. Bursting with tart and sweet flavors, these cranberry coconut cookies are my favorite result from that experiment. —Amy Alberts, Appleton, Wisconsin

Black Bean Brownies

You’d never guess these rich, velvety chocolate treats contain a can of black beans. Who would have thought black bean brownies would be so amazing? —Kathy Hewitt, Cranston, Rhode Island

Strawberry Sorbet

I actually first made a raspberry sorbet with an abundance of raspberries I had growing, but this simple and easy strawberry sorbet is one of my go-tos. —Karen Bailey, Golden, Colorado

Flourless Chocolate Cake with Rosemary Ganache

This rich cake is the essence of moist, dense and chocolaty. A silky chocolate ganache infused with rosemary really takes it over the top. —Kelly Gardner, Alton, Illinois

Coconut Rice Pudding

This coconut rice pudding has a hint of citrus and a mild coconut flavor. Look for unsweetened coconut milk in the Asian aisle of your grocery store. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry Meringue Roses

Eat these pretty treats as is or crush them into a bowl of strawberries and whipped cream. Readers of my blog, utry.it, went nuts when I posted that idea.—Amy Tong, Anaheim, California

Frozen Fruit Whip

A fast finale to any meal is as close as the freezer. Everyone has room for some of this light, refreshing dessert.—Tanya McKay, Wells, Nevada

Lazy Cake

This lazy cake will fix that sweet tooth craving. The no-bake treat is made with cookie pieces stirred with hazelnut spread. Then chill it for a super simple dessert. —Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Strawberry Banana Pudding

I add in additional fruit to get a little closer to all those servings you need every day. You can also try using different flavored puddings and fruit to switch up the recipe. —Jackie Termont, Richmond, Virginia

Dark Chocolate Bourbon Balls

Remember the days at Grandma and Grandpa’s house when you made these wonderfully traditional treats? We love these Kentucky Derby bourbon balls—the blended taste of bourbon and pecans is irresistible! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Swiss Meringue Shells

Folks will know you fussed when you bring out these sweet, cloud-like cups topped with fresh berries (or a tart fruit filling if you like). Crispy outside and chewy inside, this Swiss meringue recipe from the American Egg Board makes an elegant ending to a company dinner.

Festive Cranberry-Topped Cheesecake

When my daughter was 4 months old, my husband and I hosted both our families for Christmas dinner. I served this cheesecake for dessert. It’s quite festive and was thoroughly enjoyed by all. —Stacy Dutka, Bienfait, Saskatchewan

Honey-Roasted Pears

My family has passed down this recipe for generations. The elegant pears are simple to make and only require a few minutes of prep, but the results are sensational. —Jan Sokol, Overland Park, Kansas

Layered Sherbet Dessert

Macaroons and pecans combine in this special layered sherbet dessert. Try garnishing with fresh strawberries and just listen to folks “ooh” and “ahh” when you bring this in! —Kathryn Dunn, Axton, Virginia

Chocolate Scotcheroos

This chocolate scotcheroos recipe was given to me by one of my students at school. It has become one of my family’s favorites and is so easy to make.—Lois Mays, Covington, Pennsylvania

Mini Brownie Treats

I like to take these quick and easy treats to potlucks and family gatherings. They're always well received! —Pam Kokes, North Loup, Nebraska

Honey Cinnamon Roll-Ups

This cinnamon treat reminds me of baklava, but with only a few easy ingredients, it's a fraction of the work. It's my aunt's recipe, and I think of her when I make it. —Sue Falk, Sterling Heights, Michigan

Five-Minute Blueberry Pie

If you like the taste of fresh blueberries, you’ll love this pie. Since it’s a breeze to whip up, I make it often, especially in summer. -Milda Anderson, Osceola, Wisconsin

Chocolate-Raspberry Rice Krispies Treats

Move over, chocolate and strawberries! Dried raspberries paired with chocolate may become your new favorite flavor combo. Watch them shine in this Rice Krispies Treat. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Pumpkin Pie Custard

Instead of pumpkin pie, try this flavorful light holiday dessert. My husband’s aunt shared the recipe after she brought this treat to a family party. —Nancy Zimmerman, Cape May Court House, New Jersey

Peanut Butter Brownie Trifle

This rich, tempting, peanut butter brownie trifle feeds a crowd and features the ever-popular combination of chocolate and peanut butter. Try this dessert for your next get-together. —Nancy Foust, Stoneboro, Pennsylvania

Bing Cherry-Amaretti Fool

When Bing cherries are in season, I make this fruity custard-style fool. The sweet cherries and whipped cream balance perfectly with the sour cream. —Mary Ann Lee, Clifton Park, New York

Palmiers

It takes just two ingredients to make these impressive but easy-to-do French pastries, which are often called palm leaves. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Homemade Chocolate Pudding

This delightful chocolate pudding is always a treat and easy to whip up. I usually top the pudding with M&M’s. My husband likes whipped topping on his and our daughter loves to dip fresh strawberries in hers. —Carrina Cooper, McAlpin, Florida

Chocolate Caramel Wafers

To keep my holiday cooking quick, I’ve come to rely on fast recipes like this one. The crunchy-chewy tidbits are our youngster’s favorite. —Susan Laubach, Vida, Montana

Simple Lemon Mousse

This classic, simple lemon mousse recipe is the refreshing dessert you need. Serve it with fresh fruit or eat it alone. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Tiger Butter Fudge

My younger brother and I share a passion for candy making. This smooth and creamy tiger butter fudge is from a co-worker of mine. —Peg Kipp, Lewisburg, Pennsylvania

Cheesecake Berry Parfaits

The summer berry season is a real treat. This is an easy way to enjoy berries with cheesecake, which is a refreshing change from traditional pudding and fruit parfaits. —Patricia Schroedl, Jefferson, Wisconsin

Gluten-Free Almond Cookies

My friend loved these gluten-free almond cookies so much, she had to ask for the recipe! Quick and easy, they taste as good as the decadent treats I make using puff pastry and almond paste. Everyone loves these! —Sherri Cox, Lucasville, Ohio. Next, learn how to bake a gluten-free lemon cake.

Rose Water Rice Pudding

Rose water rice pudding is a popular Middle Eastern treat. Pomegranate seeds and chopped pistachios add a simple yet elegant touch to this floral Lebanese specialty. —Michael & Mathil Chebat, Layla’s Lebanese Restaurant, Lake Ridge, Virginia

No-Fry Fried Ice Cream

This ice cream has a crispy cinnamon coating just like the fried ice cream served at Mexican restaurants, but minus the oily mess. Make ahead of time and freeze until serving. —Tim White, Windsor, ON

Coconut Milk Strawberry-Banana Pops

These four-ingredient freezer pops are a delicious way to use up a pint of fresh strawberries. You’ll love the hint of tropical flavor, thanks to the coconut milk. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Cherry Upside-Down Bread Pudding

I’ve always loved bread pudding, and I enjoy fixing this for my family on a chilly day. You could use a different flavor of pie filling and omit the chocolate chips to make a completely different dessert. It’s always delicious! —Ronna Farley, Rockville, Maryland

Gluten-Free Brownie Bars

I can’t eat dairy or gluten, but these gluten-free brownie bars are a satisfying substitute. The brownies will still seem soft when you pull them from the oven. They are done when the edges look very lightly browned. And this flourless dessert is so good, no one will kknow it’s gluten-free! —Linda Speranza, Buckeye, Arizona

Raspberry Mousse

Flourless desserts don’t require fancy, gluten-free ingredients. Instead try naturally gluten-free recipes like a mousse. This raspberry mousse recipe guarantees a creamy, smooth finale to any summer meal. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Slow-Cooked Gingered Pears

My slow cooker allows me to serve a heartwarming dessert without much effort. Topped with caramel sauce, these tender pears feature a surprise filling of nuts and brown sugar.—Catherine Mueller, St. Paul, Minnesota

Mixed Berry Tiramisu

Because I love tiramisu, I came up with this deliciously refreshing twist on the traditional coffee-flavored Italian dessert. Fresh softened berries star with crisp ladyfinger cookies and mascarpone cheese. Serve it from a glass bowl or in clear dishes to show off the luscious layers.
—Najmussahar Ahmed, Ypsilanti, Michigan

Easy Almond Joy Chia Pudding

I enjoy making this coconut milk chia pudding recipe because it’s easy and I can find all the ingredients at my local market. No baking is required, and it’s served in individual jars for guests. For more flavor, add shredded coconut. —Ashley Altan, Hanover, Maryland

Chocolate Peanut Butter Dream Bars

Who doesn't like this dessert duo? Add your favorite combination of candies to garnish the tops of these chocolate peanut butter dream bars. —Cindi DeClue, Anchorage, Alaska

Grand Marnier Frozen Souffles

This delicious frozen souffle is perfect for summer and will impress just about anyone. It’s a great make-ahead dessert! —Andrea Potischman, Menlo Park, California

Creamy Butterscotch Pudding for 2

One day when I had a craving for something homemade, I tried from-scratch pudding. It’s much better than the store-bought kind! —EMR, tasteofhome.com

Lemon Tiramisu

I created this lemon tiramisu to please everyone in my family. It’s a cross between cheesecake and tiramisu with a refreshing lemony flavor. Garnish with fresh berries if you have them on hand. —Monica Marolt, Willowick, Ohio

Chocolate Pecan Pavlova

This will definitely capture your taste buds! This recipe is one of my family’s favorites—especially at the holidays. Although it may take a little longer to make and assemble, it is truly worth the work. It’s a rich-tasting, light dessert that everyone will enjoy. I usually use pecans, but you can substitute walnuts, hazelnuts or other nuts. —Nancy Preussner, Delhi, Iowa

Creamy Rice Pudding

I was fortunate to grow up around fabulous cooks. My mother and grandmother taught me to experiment with recipes, and we tried a lot of variations on this one. No matter how we chose to embellish it, it was always tasty. When I make this, it brings fond memories to mind. —Laura German, North Brookfield, Massachusetts

Broken Glass Dessert

When it’s cut into squares, this dessert looks just like stained-glass windows. The buttery graham cracker crust pairs perfectly with the lovely creamy topping. —Kathy Crow, Cordova, Alaska

Air-Fryer Bread Pudding

This air-fryer bread pudding is a fun dish because the chocolate makes it different from traditional recipes. It’s a rich, comforting dessert. —Mildred Sherrer, Fort Worth, Texas

Dirt Dessert

My mom used to serve this yummy dessert, and I just loved it. It's so fun to eat and a snap to make. Add some gummy worms on top for the kids if you'd like. —Kristi Linton, Bay City, Michigan

Semisweet Chocolate Mousse

A friend shared this rich velvety chocolate mousse recipe with me. I love to cook and have tons of recipes, but this one is a favorite. Best of all, it’s easy to make. —Judy Spencer, San Diego, California

Peanut Butter and Jelly Ice Cream

What could be better than peanut butter and jelly ice cream? You’ll love the sweet-salty combination. Use your favorite flavor of jelly and switch to crunchy peanut butter if you like extra texture. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Peppermint Stick Dessert

With every spoonful of this cool, creamy concoction, my family goes back in time to when our Grandma Dagmar made it each Christmas. The minty, refreshing flavor can’t be topped. —Dianne Oertel, Racine, Wisconsin

Buckeyes

These chocolate peanut butter balls (no bake!) are always popular at my church's annual Christmas fundraiser. They resemble chestnuts or buckeyes—hence the name. —Merry Kay Opitz, Elkhorn, Wisconsin

Praline Pumpkin Pecan Pie

My husband and I are not big fans of traditional pumpkin pie, but my mother and others are, so we must have pumpkin pie as one of the desserts at Thanksgiving. I decided to meet everyone halfway with this pumpkin pecan pie recipe and it was a hit. Now I bring it to Thanksgiving every year. My mother doesn't even feel the need to bake her own pumpkin pie! —Emily Reese, Glade Hill, Virginia

Strawberry Crunch Ice Cream Cake

While growing up, I loved treats from the ice cream truck that rolled through my neighborhood. This ice cream cake is inspired by one of those crunchy, strawberry novelties. —Lisa Kaminski, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

Chocolate Espresso-Nut Torte

I love chocolate and nuts, and they come together deliciously in this torte. Serve it with sweetened whipped cream or your favorite ice cream. —Thomas Faglon, Somerset, New Jersey

Pumpkin Charlotte

My mother-in-law gave me this recipe a while back and I just love it! I make it for my husband and his friends during hunting season and it’s a big hit.
—Lorelle Edgcomb, Granville, Illinois

Chocolate Almond Drops

So much rich, chocolaty flavor, so little time! My trufflelike cookies are deceptively easy to make and look so elegant on a party tray. —Betsy King, Duluth, Minnesota

Frozen Margarita Mousse

Who doesn’t love a frozen margarita? This creamy frozen mousse combines ready-to-drink margarita mix and whipped topping (you could use this whipped topping substitute instead). It’s easy to put together and the freezer does all the work. Garnish with additional crushed pretzels and kosher salt to enhance the sweet and salty flavor. —Debbie Glasscock, Conway, Arkansas

Dipped Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies

You’ll love to give tins of these chocolate-coated cookies to your lucky friends. The shortcut holiday recipe is almost too simple to believe! Here’s how to make peanut butter cookies without eggs. —Jackie Howell, Gordo, Alabama

Berry Rhubarb Fool

A “fool” is a British dessert that’s usually made with custard. This is a modified, quicker version I created. My kids love it because it doesn’t taste like rhubarb—so I guess it’s well named! —Cheryl Miller, Fort Collins, Colorado

No-Bake Cookie Butter Blossoms

Chewy and sweet, these easy treats mix Rice Krispies, cookie spread and chocolate kisses in an unforgettable spin on an old favorite. —Jessie Sarrazin, Livingston, Montana

Pretzel Fruit Pizza

I created this recipe while working as an independent kitchen consultant for a national company. It’s wonderful! —Bethany Perry, Beverly, Massachusetts

Cherry No-Bake Cookies

I always loved my no-bake cookie recipe, but I was never able to place at the fair with it. So I mixed in some maraschino cherries, added almond extract and voila! I won a blue ribbon at the county fair in 2010. —Denise Wheeler, Newaygo, Michigan

Berry Pistachio Pie

My grandmother used to make this pie when I was a small child. A Brooklyn woman gave her the recipe, but my grandmother could never remember the woman’s name or the name of the pie, comically dubbing it Lady from Brooklyn’s Pie. Feel free to use any flavored gelatin, or try walnuts or pecans instead of pistachios. I use a store-bought graham cracker crust, but you can also use a chocolate graham cracker crust. —Judy DeGrottole, New York, New York

Cool Strawberry Cream

This fruity, luscious, flourless dessert makes a wonderful ending to a special dinner. When fresh strawberries are not available, substitute two packages frozen unsweetened strawberries, thawed and drained, for the fresh. —Joyce Cooper, Mount Forest, Ontario