21 Gluten-Free Easter Desserts That’ll Get You Hoppin’

Gluten-free Easter dessert options go well beyond animal-shaped chocolates and candy. This year, fill your basket with these gluten-free (and dairy-free!) desserts that celebrate the spring season.

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No Easter celebration is complete without a sweet treat. From chocolate bunnies and marshmallow chicks to layered cakes and creamy pies, Easter desserts are the holiday’s mainstay. Luckily, there are plenty of choices for gluten-free Easter desserts, so everyone at the table can indulge, even those sensitive to gluten.

We’ve rounded up our best gluten-free desserts to serve after Easter dinner (and many of them work as a brunch dish, too). Chocolatey cakes, cookies and custards are fantastic options if you’re looking for light, airy options to serve on a perfect spring day. Seasonal flavors like strawberries, rhubarb and lemon are always welcome at the Easter table, too. Of course, there are always the gluten-free versions of Easter classics (lookin’ at you, carrot cake!) if you want to keep it traditional.

Whether one or all of your guests are gluten-free, everyone will love these springy Easter desserts.

1/21

Flourless Chocolate Torte

Skill Level Beginner
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Here's the perfect dessert 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

This French chocolate torte has zero flour—not even gluten-free flour. Instead, the cake gets its signature structure and lightness from whipped egg whites, which are beaten to stiff peaks and then blended with egg yolks for richness.

2/21

Gluten-Free Carrot Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

Skill Level Intermediate
Total Time 45 min
Servings 1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: When my husband had to start eating gluten-free almost 15 years ago, we soon learned that most gluten-free baked goods are deeply disappointing. Imagine his delight when I discovered how to make his favorite carrot cake without wheat flour! It's been a hit with everyone I've made it for, whether or not they need to eat gluten-free. —Yvonne Anderson, McComb, Ohio

It’s hard to imagine a list of Easter desserts without carrot cake! Even in its gluten-free cupcake variation, this traditional Easter dessert will be welcomed on any holiday table.

3/21

Gluten-Free Lemon Cake

Skill Level Beginner
Total Time 45 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: My mother-in-law follows a gluten-free diet, so when she comes to visit I like to make her a delicious dessert. I decided to convert my grandma's whipped pound cake to be gluten- and dairy-free. My husband, who is NOT a fan of gluten-free baked goods, thought my version was amazing. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin

Break out the best favorite gluten-free flour blend for these darling lemon cakes! Dusted with confectioners’ sugar or finished with a drizzle of lemon glaze, these tender, single-serving desserts look elegant. They’re an ideal choice when you need a gluten-free, dairy-free dessert for Easter.

4/21

Gluten-Free Angel Food Cake

Skill Level Beginner
Total Time 50 min
Servings 16 servings
From the Recipe Creator: My daughter can’t have gluten and my husband is diabetic, so there are a lot of special recipes at our house. This gluten-free angel food cake is one of them. —Anne Wiebe, Gladstone, Manitoba

One reader claimed it was the best angel food cake they’ve ever had—gluten-free or not. This magnificently spongey angel cake tastes fantastic with fresh berries, whipped cream or a little chocolate sauce.

5/21

Berry Rhubarb Fool

Skill Level Beginner
Total Time 30 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: 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

This traditional British dessert usually takes a bit of time and finesse, but our recipe simplifies the process. Whipped cream replaces homemade custard, so it’s much easier to make. The strawberry and rhubarb layers are perfect for springtime.

6/21

Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake

Skill Level Beginner
Total Time 1 hour 10 min
Servings 16 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This gluten-free chocolate cake is a yummy treat that everyone can enjoy. Sometimes I stir in gluten-free chocolate chips or chopped nuts for variety. —Nichele McCague, Poway, California

This gluten-free chocolate cake is secretly vegan but tastes as rich as a cake made with eggs and cream. Just make sure you properly grease the bundt pan so the cake doesn’t crumble apart when you remove it from the pan.

7/21

Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Blondies

Skill Level Beginner
Total Time 35 min
Servings 16 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I converted these blondies to be gluten free so that my family could enjoy a comforting dessert. We were craving brownies one night, and these cakelike treats hit the spot. They are a fantastic spin on gluten-free peanut butter chocolate chip cookies. —Becky Klope, Loudonville, New York

Here’s a quick Easter dessert that’s easy for bakers of all skill levels. We typically make it with creamy peanut butter and add texture with mix-ins like chocolate chips and salted peanuts, but feel free to swap in crunchy peanut butter or include other mix-ins as desired.

8/21

Peach Bavarian

Skill Level Advanced
Total Time 15 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Fruit molds are my specialty. This one, with its refreshing peach taste, makes a colorful salad or dessert. —Adeline Piscitelli, Sayreville, New Jersey

Didn’t you hear? Vintage desserts are making a comeback, and anything pastel-colored and gelatin-molded is at the helm. I love the color and flavor of this peach and apricot Bavarian for a spring dessert.

9/21

Tangerine Chocolate Semifreddo

Skill Level Intermediate
Total Time 35 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: When I wanted a new frozen treat for my family, I came up with this citrusy, chocolaty version of classic Italian semifreddo. For an elegant presentation on special occasions, top each serving with whipped cream, a tangerine section and baking cocoa. —Claire Cruce, Atlanta, Georgia

This tangerine and chocolate semifreddo is just as impressive to look at as it is to eat. The almost-ice cream base needs to set in the freezer for at least four hours, so it’s a good one to prepare the day before Easter.

10/21

Gluten-Free Peach Cobbler

Skill Level Beginner
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This peach cobbler recipe has all of the comfort but none of the gluten found in classic peach cobbler. Enjoy it with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

One of my favorite things about cobblers is that they’re supposed to look rustic, so there’s no need to stress or fret over the presentation. All you have to worry about is the flavor. With a big scoop of vanilla ice cream, this peach cobbler recipe certainly delivers.

11/21

Church Window Cookies

Skill Level Beginner
Total Time 20 min
Servings 5 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: These church window cookies are a hit with kids—the little ones just love the colored marshmallows! —Emmilie Gaston, Wabash, Indiana

Between their pastel hue and nod to a church’s stained glass window, these cookies are perfect for Easter. Did we mention this recipe is an easy no-bake dessert, too?

12/21

Custard

Skill Level Beginner
Total Time 1 hour 10 min
Servings 10 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Whenever a friend or relative was ailing, my mother-in-law would bake this fresh custard recipe and take it along when she visited. Because she took folks this special treat so often, our family began calling it get-well custard! —Ruth Van Dyke, Traverse City, Michigan

Serve this gluten-free custard with fresh berries, and it’ll be just as welcome for Easter brunch as for dessert. Finishing the creamy mixture with a sprinkle of ground nutmeg makes the custard absolutely sing.

13/21

Grape and Berry Crumble

Skill Level Beginner
Total Time 1 hour 20 min
Servings 10 servings
From the Recipe Creator: My daughter follows a restricted diet and told me that I nailed it with this dairy-free berry crumble recipe. I combined grapes from my garden with blueberries and strawberries, and used gluten-free flour and coconut oil. We had eaten nearly the whole pan when I realized I'd better write down the recipe. —Kallee Krong-McCreery, Escondido, California

Crumbles are a quintessential spring dessert. They’re super forgiving, too, so feel free to swap in fruits from your favorite crisp, cobbler and crumble recipes.

14/21

Cool Strawberry Cream

Skill Level Advanced
Total Time 30 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This fruity, luscious 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

This berries-and-cream dessert isn’t too far off from homemade ice cream. It needs to chill overnight, so prepare this loaf-pan dessert (and the tasty blueberry sauce it’s served with) in advance.

15/21

Gluten-Free Vanilla Cupcakes

Skill Level Beginner
Total Time 35 min
Servings 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: Decorate these simple gluten-free vanilla cupcakes for any special occasion or holiday. Since the frosting recipe includes cream cheese, be sure to refrigerate leftovers. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Feeding picky palates? You can’t go wrong with a simple vanilla cupcake. Decorate it with pastel-colored or Easter-shaped sprinkles to fit the theme.

16/21

Coconut Pistachio Pie

Skill Level Beginner
Total Time 20 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: 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

We use shredded coconut and a little melted butter for this pie’s naturally gluten-free crust. Boxed pistachio pudding mix creates a super flavorful filling that’s perfectly pastel-hued for Easter.

17/21

Gluten-Free Rhubarb Bars

Skill Level Beginner
Total Time 55 min
Servings 3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: Nothing tastes like spring more than rhubarb and strawberry. The crust and crumb topping on these bars are so tasty, nobody will know they’re eating gluten-free. —Lisa Wilson, Virginia, Minnesota

These easy bars come together in a snap, and their bright red color will look gorgeous on your Easter dessert table. Serve them warm with ice cream or at room temperature so little hands can carry them around as they hunt for Easter eggs.

18/21

Strawberry-Chocolate Meringue Torte

Skill Level Intermediate
Total Time 1 hour 55 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I make this rich and delicious torte whenever I'm asked to bring dessert to any occasion. Use reduced-calorie whipped topping to create a lighter version. —Christine McCullough, Auburn, Massachusetts

Naturally gluten-free meringue takes the place of cake layers in this festive torte. Assemble it with whipped cream, fresh strawberries and melted chocolate, or swap in Nutella for a nutty treat.

19/21

Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry Meringue Roses

Skill Level Intermediate
Total Time 1 hour 5 min
Servings 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: Eat these pretty treats as is or crush them into a bowl of strawberries and whipped cream. Readers of my blog, utry.it, went wild when I posted that idea.—Amy Tong, Anaheim, California

These pretty rose-shaped cookies are made by dipping strawberry-flavored meringue in melted chocolate. Arrange them on a platter with green-dyed shredded coconut so they look like spring flowers sitting in a field.

20/21

Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies

Skill Level Beginner
Total Time 30 min
Servings 5 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: When I had to give up gluten, my husband and I started tweaking my favorite baking recipes. Our new-and-improved GF chocolate chip cookies are crispy on the outside, chewy in the middle—exactly how I like 'em. —Ellie Martin Cliffe, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Everyone loves chocolate chip cookies, no matter the holiday. And these gluten-free cookies taste just as good as a classic chocolate chip cookie. Pro tip: Chill the cookie dough for 24 hours before baking so the cookies are extra flavorful.

21/21

Cheesecake-Stuffed Strawberries

Skill Level Beginner
Total Time 20 min
Servings 3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: These luscious cheesecake-stuffed strawberries are the perfect bite-sized dessert. —Stephen Munro, Beaver Bank, Nova Scotia

These stuffed strawberries have all the yummy flavor of a strawberry cheesecake with a fraction of the effort and none of the gluten. Top them with chocolate shavings for an even prettier presentation.

Gluten-Free Easter Desserts FAQs

What gluten-free Easter desserts are also dairy-free?

This collection includes several options for gluten-free Easter desserts that are also dairy-free. Try our gluten-free lemon cake or angel food cake for something light. For something a little more indulgent but still dairy-free, opt for our rich gluten-free chocolate cake (which is actually vegan!) or grape and berry crumble.

What do you serve with gluten-free Easter desserts?

I like to pair gluten-free desserts with after-dinner drinks like dessert wine or a snifter of certified gluten-free rum or brandy. Espresso-based drinks or coffee or tea lattes would also pair well alongside these desserts.

What is the best gluten-free flour for baking?

As an avid gluten-free baker, my go-to is King Arthur’s Gluten-Free Measure for Measure blend. I use this gluten-free flour in many recipes calling for regular flour and always get stellar results. However, I don’t recommend using it for choux pastry or yeasted bread. These recipes won’t turn out quite right with alternate flour, so I recommend using eclair recipes or gluten-free bread recipes specifically developed with gluten-free ingredients in mind.