Gluten-Free Dessert Recipes for a Merry Christmas

The festive season is nearly upon us, and if you or someone in your family is gluten intolerant, Christmas can be tricky with traditional desserts off the table.

Fortunately, gluten-free desserts can be just as decadent, delicious, and festive as any! 

Below, you'll find some wonderful gluten-free dessert recipes that will keep everyone in high spirits this Christmas.

1. Gluten-Free Christmas Pudding

Nothing says Christmas quite like a traditional Christmas pudding, rich with fruits and spices. Here’s a gluten-free version that’s moist, delicious, and captures the essence of this classic British dessert.

Ingredients:

100g raisins

100g sultanas

100g currants

50g chopped dates

50g chopped apricots

100g gluten-free plain flour

100g suet or dairy-free alternative

100g soft brown sugar

1 apple, grated

Zest of 1 lemon and 1 orange

2 tbsp brandy (or apple juice for a non-alcoholic option)

1 tsp mixed spice

½ tsp ground cinnamon

2 large eggs, beaten

Instructions:

Soak all dried fruits in brandy overnight.

In a large bowl, mix the soaked fruit, grated apple, zest, sugar, suet, and spices.

Stir in the flour and beaten eggs until well combined.

Spoon the mixture into a greased pudding basin, cover with greaseproof paper, and secure with foil.

Steam for 5-6 hours in a large pot with water halfway up the basin, checking the water level occasionally.

Serve with brandy butter, custard or cream.

2. Gluten-Free Mince Pies

Mince pies are a must-have during the Christmas season, and with a buttery, crumbly gluten-free pastry, these will be a huge hit.

Ingredients:

200g gluten-free plain flour

100g unsalted butter, chilled and cubed

1 tbsp caster sugar

1 large egg yolk

1-2 tbsp cold water

200g mincemeat (make sure it’s gluten-free)

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan).

In a bowl, rub the butter into the flour until it resembles breadcrumbs. Mix in sugar, egg yolk, and water to form a dough.

Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut out circles for the bases and stars for the tops.

Place a spoonful of mincemeat into each pie and top with a pastry star.

Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden. Dust with icing sugar to serve.

3. Chocolate Yule Log (Gluten-Free)

A yule log is a showstopper on any Christmas table, and this gluten-free version is as light and indulgent as the original.

Ingredients:

4 large eggs

100g caster sugar

65g gluten-free self-raising flour

25g cocoa powder

200ml double cream, whipped

Icing sugar, for dusting

For the Chocolate Ganache:

100g dark chocolate

100ml double cream

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and line a Swiss roll tin with baking paper.

Whisk eggs and sugar until pale and thick. Sift in the flour and cocoa, folding carefully.

Spread the mixture into the tin and bake for 10 minutes. Once out, roll up with baking paper inside and cool.

For the ganache, melt chocolate and cream together, stirring until smooth. Let it cool slightly.

Unroll the sponge, spread with whipped cream, and roll up again. Spread ganache on top and decorate with holly.

4. Gluten-Free Trifle with Berries and Custard

Layered with sponge, berries, custard, and cream, this trifle is both beautiful and delicious, offering a light but indulgent treat.

Ingredients:

1 gluten-free sponge cake, cubed

300g mixed berries

100ml sherry (optional)

500ml gluten-free custard

300ml double cream, whipped

Chocolate shavings, for garnish

Instructions:

Layer the sponge cake at the bottom of a trifle bowl, pouring over sherry if desired.

Layer berries over the cake, followed by custard.

Top with whipped cream and garnish with chocolate shavings. Chill before serving.

5. Cranberry and Orange Cheesecake (No-Bake and Gluten-Free)

This bright, zesty cheesecake is the perfect festive end to a Christmas feast and requires no baking at all.

Ingredients:

200g gluten-free digestive biscuits, crushed

100g unsalted butter, melted

500g cream cheese

100g caster sugar

Zest of 1 orange

200ml double cream

100g fresh cranberries, for topping

Instructions:

Combine biscuit crumbs with melted butter and press into the base of a springform tin. Chill in the fridge.

In a bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and orange zest until smooth. Fold in whipped cream.

Spread the mixture over the base and top with cranberries.

Chill for at least 4 hours or overnight. Slice and serve.

With these gluten-free treats, everyone can indulge without worry. Wishing you a Merry Christmas filled with warmth, cheer, and the sweet taste of festive joy!

My wife has coeliac disease so we have to look out for gluten free recipes for her.