Easy Gluten Free Desserts for Summer
Today I am sharing some easy gluten free desserts that are perfect for summer.
If you, or someone in your family, eats gluten free, you know that finding the right dessert can sometimes feel like a challenge. But it doesn’t have to be!
Whether we’re heading to a backyard barbecue, packing food for a pool or beach day, or simply enjoying dinner outside, having a few easy gluten free desserts ready to go makes summer feel a little sweeter (and a lot less stressful).
When we go to barbecues or or other get-togethers at someone's home, I like to volunteer to bring a dessert. This way the host does not need to worry about having something gluten free, or feel badly that my daughter and I can't have the dessert. I like to bring something that will be a crowd-pleaser for everyone.
These gluten free summer desserts are simple to pull together and perfect for warm weather gatherings.
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Sweet & Simple Gluten Free Dessert Ideas for Summer
Fruit Platter & Dip
For a super easy no-bake dessert idea, prepare a platter of berries and melons, and serve it alongside a delicious fruit dip. We like Marzetti's Cream Cheese Fruit Dip for a store-bought option, or try this recipe for a homemade version.
Grilled Peaches & Vanilla Ice Cream
Summer is peach season, and if you are hosting at your home, this is a delicious option. Halve your peaches and remove the pit. Grill them cut side down, and add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top - soooo good.
Strawberry Dump-It Cobbler
I made this strawberry dump-it cobbler several times last summer, and it's a winner. You literally dump and bake. This recipe is perfect for a summer brunch or just because on a Sunday morning. It's lower in sugar than most cobbler recipes, and a great way to use summer strawberries.
Gluten Free Cookiewiches
This is a favorite summer dessert in our house. I like to make a simple chocolate chip cookie from a mix (Trader Joe's Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix works well for this). You can also use a store-bought gluten free cookie, or make them from scratch (this recipe is a favorite).
After the cookies have cooled, place a scoop of vanilla ice cream on one cookie, sandwich it with another cookie, wrap individually in plastic wrap and place in the freezer. These are so delicious! You can watch us make them in this video!
Easy Banana Pudding
I just recently adapted this recipe from a reel I saw on Instagram and it is soooo good. My family loved it. You will need a box of vanilla instant pudding mix, milk, heavy cream (small carton), about 5 bananas, and gluten free vanilla wafers (I use these from Kinnikinnick).
Make pudding according to directions on the box. Let it set. Whip cream in a stand mixer, until stiff peaks form. Fold in pudding. In a large baking dish, layer vanilla wafers, then sliced bananas, and then the pudding/cream mix. Layer again, with the pudding/cream mix as the last layer. You can also sprinkle some crushed cookies on top. Let chill in the fridge for a few hours to soften the cookies.
This recipe is a crowd-pleaser and really easy to make!
Tips for Easy Gluten Free Summer Desserts
Lean on seasonal fruit.
Seasonal produce like berries, peaches, and melons are naturally sweet and easy to build desserts around. All naturally gluten free, and a healthy dessert option.
Aim for desserts you can prep ahead.
When you can prep a dessert in advance, you can easily grab it and go for summer events.
Keep it chilled.
Refrigerated and frozen treats are refreshing on a hot day, and often require no baking.
Whether you’re planning a summer party or just looking to treat your family after a day at the pool, these gluten free summer desserts are easy and delicious.
Have a favorite go-to dessert for warm weather? I’d love to hear what you’re making this summer!
For more gluten free resources, check out my guide to gluten free baking for beginners, my beginner's guide to a gluten free diet, and our favorite gluten free snacks.
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