5 Plant-Based and Gluten-Free Dessert Ideas for the Holidays

It seems no matter how great you are managing with adhering to a plant-based diet going into December, the holidays (and those holiday people – you know who you are) are set on ruining your convictions. If you’re headed off to a holiday party and know you’ll have a hard time resisting the sweet stuff, consider bringing your own plant-based, gluten-free dessert dish so you know you’ll have a healthy option when it comes time to indulge. With this in mind, we’ve pulled together a few delicious, plant-based, vegan, and gluten-free treats that will have you saying “yes please!” when someone asks you if you’d like dessert, without the next day guilt trip:

1. Super Easy Pumpkin Pie

If you’re craving this classic holiday dessert, then here’s one to try from Gluten-Free Goddess. Combine all the ingredients in a food processor, blend, and bake – seriously, it’s that easy! Being crustless, you don’t have to worry about added oil or butter, and just a bit of brown sugar adds sweetness. It’s divine.

2. Cranberry Cheesecake Squares

Wait, what? Not only is this recipe from Healthful Pursuit vegan and gluten-free – it’s also a no bake (so no brainer, really). Whip these babies up and be the talk of your office party or friendly gathering. Or just keep them for yourself – we won’t judge.

3. Coconut Flour Shortbread

Melt-in-your-mouth shortbread cookies are one of those recipes that vegan and gluten-free eaters just assume they’ll have to go without, but not this year! This simple recipe from The Pink Sprinkle has just 4 ingredients so they are quick to put together for your next gathering.

4. Pumpkin Pie Chocolate Truffles

This recipe from Chocolate Covered Katie is perfect for when you just don’t have time to make dessert, but need something that looks like it took time. These truffles require no cooking but they look absolutely spectacular. Wrap them in a pretty box and you have a perfect hostess gift.

5. Thumbprint Cookies

Thumbprint cookies are a standard on cookie platters. Oh so decadent and usually off limits for vegans due to their butter usage. But not this year, this year it’s all about having your cake (or cookie) and eating it too. So whip these babies up and enjoy! You might want to make two batches, in case one of them goes…missing…before it’s party time. What’s your go-to holiday treat? Do you feel like sharing? We’d love to hear any recipes that you think other readers would love to try out this holiday season – so please let us know!