Even though I’m a nutritional therapy practitioner, I’d never ask a client to completely give up dessert—especially on a holiday. Rather than avoiding all indulgences, which may or may not lead to a binge later on, I recommend whipping up sweet treats that you can feel good about. Fortunately, there are hundreds of allergy-free dessert recipes to choose from. Not only will these healthier alternatives taste just as good (if not better), you won’t have to sacrifice your diet or endure the painful side effects of eating restricted foods.
If you don’t have lots of time, you’re in luck! On top of being better for you, wholesome desserts are usually easier to make than their gluten and dairy-filled counterparts. The recipes I enjoy require simple, real ingredients.
Below, I’ve listed a sampling of my holiday dessert suggestions just in time for all your holiday gatherings.
7 Allergy-Free Dessert Recipes
Mexican Chocolate Pots de Creme:
picture from nomnompaleo.com
This rich and satisfying pot de creme from Nom Nom Paleo will satisfy any chocolate craving. It is dense and creamy, just like a quality chocolate dessert should be. It is dairy free and made with coconut milk. And she shows you how to make coconut milk whipped cream in the recipe as well. Get the recipe on her blog page here.
Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake
picture from back porch paleo
Don’t let the name or the ingredients scare you off. I have tried these “mayo” cakes and they are incredible. You put eggs in your cake anyway, this is just another way of getting them in the cake. This is an updated, Paleo version of a very old, classic cake using Cassava Flour. Mark Sisson of The Primal Kitchen has a mayo cake using almond flour in his Primal Kitchen Cookbook. I highly recommend you check it out. Get the recipe on their blog page here.
The Best Paleo Chocolate Cake with Paleo Frosting
Picture by Ambitious Kitchen
And here is one more chocolate recipe (yeah, I definitely like chocolate). Just look at that how moist this cake looks. It looks a lot like my own gluten free chocolate cake. This recipe is gluten and dairy free, uses almond flour, a little coconut flour and coconut sugar for the sweetener. Get the recipe from ambitious kitchen.
Almond Flour Sugar Cookies
photo by meaningfuleats.com
I really miss making rolled sugar cookies. I made them every year at Christmas and gave them out as presents. I have not found any gluten free recipe that is quite like the traditional, but many come close. I really like this recipe using almond flour. If you give these a try, make sure to read through her entire blog as she gives lots of helpful tips for how to make these cookies come out great. Get the recipe here!
Gluten Free Gingerbread Cookies
photo by kingarthurflour.com
Yes, you can make gluten free gingerbread cookies too! I am impressed by the cooking resources provided by King Arthur Flours. There is so much great content on their website, even gluten free baked goods. If you want to make your own mix of flours, then absolutely use Bob’s Red Mill, but if you want a premade mix, then this one from King Arthur is a great place to start. Check out the recipe here.
Dairy Free Strawberry Panna Cotta
photo from savorylotus.com
This is a wonderful dessert especially if you are new to being dairy free and you miss the flavor and texture of yogurt or vanilla pudding. And you don’t have to be dairy free to love this recipe. The fresh strawberries make a nice combination with the creamy vanilla topping, and it uses chia seeds to thicken the jam. The panna cotta is thickened with gelatin which is soothing to your digestive system. Get the recipe on the savory lotus website.
Coconut Oil Apple Crisp
Photo by pinchofyum.com
This warm, cozy indulgence is a modern update on everyone’s favorite Apple Pie. Just be sure to use gluten-free oats. If you don’t have a dairy intolerance, try the Honey Goat Cheese Drizzle. You can find the recipe on the Pinch of Yum website.
I hope this gives you some ideas for what to make this month, especially if you need a quick dessert to bring to a party or have ready when a gluten free friend comes over.