Baking is my least favorite of all the forms of cooking, but the spoils are my favorite to eat! I combined all the things I actually like about baking and took out all the things I don’t with these no-bake gluten free holiday desserts. They are perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years! Truly making a dessert is so much easier when you don’t have to bake it. In our Strong Home, simplifying the holidays means fewer steps, fewer ingredients, and more time spent together. These gluten free and dairy free no-bake holiday desserts are the answer, keeping it simple while feeding a crowd for under $12. These 10 desserts are my best kept secret to a calm, allergy-safe holiday celebration!
- Why No-Bake Desserts Make Holiday Hosting Easier
- 10 No-Bake Dairy Free & Gluten Free Holiday Desserts
- Ingredient Tips for Safe, Budget-Friendly Gluten Free Holiday Desserts
- Hosting Tip: Label Everything
- Free Resource: Gather Safe: A Holiday Hosting Kit
- Keep Dessert Simple, Safe, and Special
Why No-Bake Desserts Make Holiday Hosting Easier
No-bake desserts are every allergy-aware family’s best-kept secret. They’re easy, affordable, and inclusive, while keeping oven space free for the main meal.
They’re:
- Budget-friendly: Each recipe here costs under $12 to make for a group.
- Allergy-conscious: Every recipe is gluten-free, dairy-free, and easy to adapt for additional sensitivities.
- Stress-reducing: Prep them ahead and let the fridge do the work—no baking marathons or last-minute disasters.
Simplify dessert prep this season so you can focus on what matters most: connection, gratitude, and time around the table.
10 No-Bake Dairy Free & Gluten Free Holiday Desserts
Gluten-Free Christmas Crack – Sweet, salty, and totally addictive. The perfect dessert for gifting or feeding a crowd.
If you can find a single person on this planet who isn’t obsessed with Christmas Crack it would be a miracle. No, seriously though there is a reason it is called crack, and not because of how it breaks haha! This dessert is all about sweet, salty and being INCREDIBLY EASY! You could make a ton of this for couple of dollars and it will get devoured. It’s high time my friends with allergies get in on this addiction!
Vegan Chocolate Pie – Silky and indulgent, this chocolate pie is perfection but comes together in minutes.
I don’t even like chocolate pie and I like this one. This gluten free (AND dairy free) holiday dessert will fit right in with the rest, except for the fact that it will be far more delicious. Since this is a no bake dessert there is no way to mess up this pie, so if holiday baking intimidates you but you want to impress your mother in law, make this one.
Related: 8 Healthy & Gluten Free Thanksgiving Sides Your Family Will Love
Vegan Pumpkin Pudding – All the cozy flavors of pumpkin pie in pudding form—make ahead and chill overnight.
For me the best part of the pumpkin pie is the filling. Who even needs the crust? If you feel the same way (or your kids do), then this vegan pumpkin pudding will be perfect for your holiday gatherings. Just because this is pudding DOES NOT mean we are skipping out on the coveted whipped cream (dairy free of course). So make sure this easy to make pudding is apart of your gluten free holiday desserts.
Vegan Chocolate Truffles – Bite-sized and rich, perfect for dessert trays or holiday gifts.
Did someone say chocolate… I’m guilty of being a chocolate lover and these chocolate truffles ALWAYS satisfy me and make me feel kind of fancy. These can be an elegant dessert or they can be a fun treat that your kids help decorate with sprinkles, candy cane bits, chocolate drizzle or anything else your heart desires. They are rich and decadent, no truffle vegan or not can beat these holiday winners.
Gluten-Free Edible Cookie Dough – Safe to snack straight from the bowl—or roll into mini cookie-dough bites.
You probably didn’t expect to find your guilty pleasure on this list, but this year our guilty pleasure is becoming a holiday party favorite! Every single guest old and young will be trying this gluten free holiday dessert. You could serve this holiday dessert truffle style or single serve ice cream scoop style. It’s unique and exactly what all your guests want as you gather around to watch your favorite Christmas movie.
Vegan Peppermint Patties – Cool, refreshing, and nostalgic. A must-have gluten-free Christmas dessert made allergy-safe.
Before milk started becoming an issue for me York peppermint patties were my go to candy bar, all year round, so you know I don’t mess around with just any peppermint patty recipe. This is one of my favorite gluten free holiday desserts. I loved making something I had only ever seen store bought right in my kitchen. It was random but a real ode to the truth ANY and ALL good food can come straight from our kitchen’s and we can know exactly what’s in it. These no bake peppermint patties show that we don’t need candy bars with all their allergens! We can make our own!
Vegan Cheesecake Cups – Creamy, dairy-free cheesecake jars that look elegant on any dessert table.
As a cheesecake lover being dairy free and finding a good cheesecake is not easy. Alot of vegan cheesecakes have weird ingredients or really specialized ones, but not these no bake cheesecake cups. Not baking the cheesecake takes out a whole bunch of scenarios where your dessert goes wrong. Your holiday wont be complete without these individual gluten free holiday desserts
Healthier Scotcharoos – A Midwest favorite re-imagined gluten- and dairy-free. Great for kids.
If you have no idea what these are, your life is about to be changed. I LOVE schotaroos. They are a much needed and welcomed twist on traditional rice crispies, making them an elevated gluten free holiday dessert. Kids love these, but you’ll love them more! Most recipes have corn syrup in them, not these. You can feel good enjoying this gluten free holiday dessert.
Dairy-Free Fudge – Classic fudge texture with zero dairy. Perfect for gifting or cookie swaps.
If you want a show stopper, this is it. Homemade fudge is superior to all other snacks or desserts in my opinion and this dairy free fudge is no exception. You’ll never know it’s dairy free and you’ll be so surprised how easy it is to make this homemade treat. This gluten free holiday dessert is perfect for Christmas parties, neighbor gifts, or… stuffing your face at midnight haha.
Dairy-Free Homemade Caramel Candies – Soft, chewy, and nostalgic—budget-friendly and crowd-pleasing.
Homemade caramel was a staple of my childhood. When mom made caramel, nothing else mattered. I thought my days of enjoying that delicious tradition was over until I found this recipe. I love that this caramel is easy to make and still reminds me of my family recipe. This one is a must try.
Related: Holiday Weight Gain Myths Debunked: How to Actually Feel Good This Season
Ingredient Tips for Safe, Budget-Friendly Gluten Free Holiday Desserts
I’ve said it once but I’ll say it again, allergy-safe baking doesn’t have to mean expensive specialty items. Here’s how to stretch ingredients and your wallet while still getting great results:
- Buy staples in bulk. Coconut milk, oats, and nut butters are used across multiple recipes and reduce cost per dessert.
- Shop sales. Dairy free chocolate chips and dairy free cream cheese are things you can’t get by without. Shopping sales on these ingredients and stocking up can save you tons.
- Check allergy certifications. “Certified Gluten-Free” and “Top 8 Free” labels are worth the extra minute.
- Chill longer for texture. Most no-bake treats need at least four hours in the fridge to fully set.
- Freeze extras. These desserts keep 3–4 weeks in the freezer; thaw overnight before serving.
Strong homes are built on efficiency and preparedness. Using these tips to prep for holiday baking removes even more chaos from your life, so you can spend more time doing what matters.
Hosting Tip: Label Everything
If you’re serving guests with allergies, labeling desserts goes a long way. Simple handwritten tags or washi-tape labels add charm and prevent mix-ups.
Related: How to Plan a Healthy Allergy-Safe Thanksgiving Menu on Any Budget
Free Resource: Gather Safe: A Holiday Hosting Kit
Love these gluten-free holiday desserts? Then you’ll love how easy hosting can be with my Gather Safe Holiday Hosting Kit.
This free printable bundle helps you plan, prep, and serve your holiday spread without stress (or cross-contamination). Inside, you’ll get:
- A Holiday Menu & Grocery Planner to organize every dish and ingredient
- A Budget Tracker to keep your celebration affordable
- Printable food & fridge labels — perfect for gluten-free, dairy-free, or nut-free dishes
- An Allergy-Safe Baking Swap List for easy substitutions that actually work
- Foldable table cards and music playlist ideas to create that cozy, intentional holiday feel
Don’t just bake — host with confidence.
[Download your free Gather Safe Holiday Hosting Kit] and make this year’s gathering safe, organized, and completely stress-free.
Keep Dessert Simple, Safe, and Special
This season, remember that simple doesn’t mean less special. Whether it’s a tray of peppermint patties or pumpkin-pudding cups, the memories come from sharing—not perfection. Here’s to allergy-safe, budget-friendly holidays that feel peaceful, not pressured.
