Navigating a party dessert table can be a real-life horror story when you are gluten-free. But this Halloween, there is no need to fear. Here is the summary table for the 35 gluten-free Halloween dessert ideas.
Living a gluten-free lifestyle does not mean you have to miss out on festive, spooky, and delicious treats. This collection of 45 recipes is your ultimate guide to creating amazing Halloween desserts that everyone, gluten-free or not, will devour.
From clever uses of alternative flours to naturally gluten-free classics, get ready to bring the most popular (and safest) sweet to the boo-tiful bash.
Cookies, Brownies & Bars
These are the portable, shareable, and always popular staples of any dessert table, reimagined without gluten.
1. Almond Flour Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
The quintessential gluten-free fall cookie. Almond flour creates a wonderfully moist, tender, and slightly dense texture with a rich, nutty flavor that is a perfect match for pumpkin.
DIY Tips:
- Use super-fine, blanced almond flour for the best, most uniform texture.
- Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet, as almond flour cookies are more delicate when warm.
- A touch of almond extract in the dough will beautifully enhance the nutty flavor of the flour.
- These are naturally low in carbs and high in protein.
- A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before baking is a delicious finishing touch.
- Do not overbake them to keep the centers soft and gooey.
- This is a classic and reliable recipe for a reason.
- They are a guaranteed hit at any party.
- You can also add chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
- Store them in an airtight container.
2. Flourless “Cosmic” Brownies
These incredibly fudgy, rich brownies get their structure from peanut butter and cocoa powder, with no flour needed. A simple ganache and some spooky sprinkles make them festive.
DIY Tips:
- Use a natural, drippy peanut butter for the best texture.
- For a nut-free version, you can substitute sunflower seed butter.
- The batter will be thick; spread it evenly in a parchment-lined pan.
- Let the brownies cool completely before frosting with a simple two-ingredient chocolate ganache.
- Top with Halloween-themed sprinkles or candy eyeballs before the ganache sets.
- These are intensely rich, so cut them into small squares.
- They are a fantastic, naturally gluten-free treat.
- Store them in the refrigerator to keep them firm and fudgy.
- A sprinkle of sea salt on top will balance the sweetness.
- This is a great, easy recipe for beginner bakers.
3. Oat Flour “Monster” Cookies
Using 100% oat flour (made from certified gluten-free oats) results in a cookie with a wholesome, slightly dense, and wonderfully chewy texture, perfect for loading up with candy.
DIY Tips:
- You can easily make your own oat flour by blending certified gluten-free rolled oats in a high-speed blender until fine.
- Oat flour cookies have a rustic, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with warm spices.
- Load them up with Halloween M&M’s, gluten-free pretzels, and chocolate chips for a true “monster” cookie.
- Add a candy eyeball to the center of each cookie for a fun, spooky touch.
- These are a great, hearty cookie that is very satisfying.
- Store them in an airtight container.
- A chewy cookie base is the best canvas for the crunchy candy.
- Do not overbake them to keep the centers soft.
- This is a great way to use up leftover Halloween candy.
- Kids and adults will love these.
4. No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars
A creamy, sweet peanut butter base is topped with a rich chocolate ganache. This is a classic, foolproof, and always-in-demand no-bake treat.
DIY Tips:
- Ensure your powdered sugar is certified gluten-free (some contain anti-caking agents that are not).
- Use a base of gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or crushed gluten-free pretzels for texture.
- Press the peanut butter layer firmly into the pan to create a solid, even base.
- For a crunchier texture, you can use crunchy peanut butter.
- Sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top of the chocolate before it sets to enhance the flavor.
- These are best stored in the refrigerator to keep them firm.
- This is a perfect, easy dessert to make when you are short on time.
- They taste just like a Reese’s cup in bar form.
- They are a guaranteed hit at any party.
- Cut them into small squares, as they are very rich.
5. Coconut Flour Pumpkin Bars
Coconut flour is highly absorbent and high in fiber, creating a very soft, light, and cake-like bar that is a perfect canvas for a tangy cream cheese frosting.
DIY Tips:
- You cannot substitute coconut flour 1:1 for other flours. Look for recipes specifically developed for it, as they require much more liquid (like eggs and pumpkin).
- The subtle, sweet flavor of coconut pairs beautifully with pumpkin and dark chocolate chips.
- Do not overbake, as coconut flour baked goods can become dry if cooked too long.
- A classic cream cheese frosting is the perfect topping.
- These are a great, grain-free option.
- Store them in the refrigerator due to the cream cheese frosting.
- They have a wonderfully soft and moist texture.
- A sprinkle of cinnamon on top of the frosting is a delicious finishing touch.
- These are a fantastic, healthier alternative to traditional pumpkin bars.
- They are a great way to use up a can of pumpkin puree.
Spooky & Cute Critters
These desserts bring classic Halloween creatures to life in the most delicious, gluten-free way.
6. Ghostly Meringue Cookies
These light-as-air meringue cookies are shaped like little ghosts, with a crisp outside and a slightly chewy, marshmallowy inside. They are naturally gluten-free.
DIY Tips:
- Ensure your mixing bowl is completely clean and free of any grease, or your egg whites will not whip up properly.
- Use a piping bag with a large, round tip to pipe the meringue into tall, ghostly shapes with a waving “tail.”
- Press two mini chocolate chips into each meringue for eyes before baking them.
- Bake them low and slow (at around 200-225 degrees F) to ensure they stay perfectly white and do not brown.
- After the baking time is up, turn the oven off and let the meringues cool completely in the oven with the door closed. This prevents cracking.
- A tiny drop of vanilla or peppermint extract can be added to the meringue for extra flavor.
- These are a fantastic, light and airy dessert.
- If you do not have a piping bag, you can use a large plastic bag with the corner snipped off.
- Store them in an airtight container as they can get sticky in humid weather.
- For a fun surprise, you can place a single chocolate chip at the bottom of the meringue blob before baking.
7. Strawberry Ghosts
A simple, slightly healthier, and adorable Halloween treat that is naturally gluten-free and always a hit.
DIY Tips:
- Wash and thoroughly dry large, fresh strawberries, leaving the green tops on to act as a “handle.”
- Melt white candy melts or white chocolate.
- Dip each strawberry into the white chocolate, leaving a little red showing near the top.
- Place the dipped strawberries on a piece of wax paper.
- While the chocolate is still wet, press on two mini chocolate chips for the eyes.
- You can also use a black decorating gel to pipe on a spooky, open “boo” mouth.
- Let the chocolate set completely before serving.
- These are best made the same day you plan to serve them for the freshest taste.
- The green tops of the strawberries look like little ghost hats or hair.
- This is a perfect, easy treat for a classroom party.
8. Almond Flour “Mummy” Cookies
A simple almond flour cookie is transformed into an adorable mummy with a few easy decorations.
DIY Tips:
- Use a simple, round almond flour sugar cookie as the base.
- Melt white chocolate chips and use a fork or a piping bag to drizzle it back and forth over the cookie to create the “bandages.”
- Leave a small, open space in the drizzle.
- Before the white chocolate sets, press two candy eyeballs into the open space.
- Let them set completely on wax paper.
- This is a fun and easy cookie for kids to help decorate.
- You can also use a gluten-free sugar cookie mix as a shortcut.
- These are a cute and not-too-spooky treat.
- Store them in an airtight container.
- The nutty flavor of the almond flour is a delicious base.
9. Spiderweb Flourless Chocolate Cake
A rich, dense, and intensely chocolatey flourless chocolate cake is a naturally gluten-free showstopper. A simple web design makes it perfect for Halloween.
DIY Tips:
- A flourless chocolate cake is made with just chocolate, butter, eggs, sugar, and cocoa powder.
- After the cake has cooled, create the web by piping thin circles of melted white chocolate on top.
- Drag a toothpick from the center to the outer edge to create the classic web effect.
- This is a very elegant and sophisticated dessert for an adult Halloween party.
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh berries.
- This cake is incredibly rich, so a small slice goes a long way.
- It is a perfect, decadent dessert that just happens to be gluten-free.
- Let it cool completely before adding the web design.
- A plastic spider ring in the center is a fun finishing touch.
- This is a guaranteed hit for any chocolate lover.
10. Bat Oreo Truffles
Classic Oreo truffles get a spooky makeover with the addition of some simple, dramatic wings, all made with gluten-free sandwich cookies.
DIY Tips:
- Use your favorite brand of gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies.
- Crush the cookies, mix with cream cheese, and roll into balls.
- Dip the balls in melted dark chocolate.
- The “wings” are made from a gluten-free Oreo cookie, broken in half.
- While the chocolate coating is still wet, press a broken cookie half into each side of the truffle.
- Use two small dots of red frosting or sprinkles for the eyes.
- Let them set completely on wax paper.
- These are an easy and impressive-looking no-bake treat.
- You can also use other thin, gluten-free chocolate cookies for the wings.
- Arrange them on a platter to look like they are ready to take flight.
No-Bake Wonders & Creamy Creations
These desserts require no oven time at all, making them perfect for quick assembly and for a stress-free party contribution.
11. Graveyard Pudding Cups
A classic Halloween dessert that is easy to make gluten-free and allows for a lot of creativity.
DIY Tips:
- Use a certified gluten-free instant chocolate pudding mix.
- The “dirt” is made by crushing gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies.
- The “tombstone” can be a gluten-free shortbread cookie or a piece of a gluten-free graham cracker.
- Use black decorating gel to write “RIP” on the cookie tombstone.
- Stick the tombstone into the pudding and “dirt” so it is standing up.
- Garnish with a single gummy worm crawling out of the “grave.”
- Use clear plastic cups to show off the layers.
- This is a perfect, easy treat for a kids’ party.
- You can set up a decorating station and let the kids assemble their own.
- These can be made a few hours ahead of time and kept in the refrigerator.
12. Classic No-Bake Cheesecake
A simple yet elegant dessert featuring a creamy, tangy filling in a classic crust. This recipe is a perfect blank canvas for your favorite spooky toppings.
DIY Tips:
- Create a simple no-bake crust by mixing crushed gluten-free graham crackers or shortbread cookies with melted butter.
- Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature to avoid lumps in your filling.
- For the firmest set, let the cheesecake chill for at least 6 hours, or ideally overnight.
- Top with a can of cherry pie filling for a “bloody” look.
- You can also create a spiderweb design on top with a chocolate or raspberry sauce.
- This is a great make-ahead dessert for a party.
- A sprinkle of crushed gluten-free Oreos on top is a delicious addition.
- This is a crowd-pleasing dessert that everyone will love.
- Store it in the refrigerator.
- It is a fantastic, versatile dessert.
13. Spiderweb Chocolate Bark
A simple, colorful, and no-bake chocolate bark that is perfect for a Halloween party and easy to make gluten-free.
DIY Tips:
- Use high-quality, certified gluten-free chocolate chips.
- Melt dark or semi-sweet chocolate and spread it onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Melt white chocolate and pipe it in circles on top of the dark chocolate.
- Drag a toothpick through the circles to create a web design.
- Sprinkle generously with Halloween-themed sprinkles before it sets.
- Let the bark set completely in the refrigerator before breaking it into irregular pieces.
- This is a very easy and visually appealing treat.
- You can also add other gluten-free candies or chopped nuts.
- Store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
- This is a perfect, easy treat to make with kids.
14. Caramel Apple Nachos
A fun and shareable dessert that is a deconstructed caramel apple, making it much easier to eat and naturally gluten-free.
DIY Tips:
- Slice a tart, crisp apple into thin rounds and arrange them on a plate.
- Drizzle the apple slices with melted caramel and chocolate sauces.
- Sprinkle with mini chocolate chips, toffee bits, or chopped nuts (ensure they are gluten-free).
- You can also add mini marshmallows or Halloween sprinkles.
- This is a fun and interactive dessert that comes together in minutes.
- It is a slightly healthier dessert option.
- Serve it with forks for easy eating.
- This is a perfect, easy dessert for a fall party.
- A little bit of lemon juice on the apples will prevent them from browning.
- This is a great way to use up leftover apples and Halloween candy.
15. “Dirt” Pudding
A classic kids’ favorite that is easily made gluten-free.
DIY Tips:
- The “dirt” is made by crushing your favorite gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies.
- The pudding is a simple, instant chocolate pudding mix.
- Layer the pudding and the “dirt” in a large trifle bowl or individual cups.
- Top with a generous amount of gummy worms.
- A few fresh mint sprigs can look like little plants growing in the dirt.
- This is a fun and nostalgic dessert that is always a hit.
- You can make it a day ahead of time.
- This is a perfect, easy dessert for a kids’ party.
- For an adult version, you can add a splash of coffee liqueur to the pudding.
- A single, gummy worm poking its head out of the dirt is the perfect finishing touch.
16. Pumpkin Fluff Dip
A light, creamy, and fluffy dip that is perfect for a party. It is a simple mix of pumpkin puree, whipped topping, and pudding mix.
DIY Tips:
- Use a certified gluten-free instant vanilla or cheesecake pudding mix.
- Serve with a platter of gluten-free dippers, like apple slices, gluten-free graham crackers, and gluten-free pretzels.
- This is a very easy, no-bake dip that comes together in minutes.
- It is a great, light and airy dessert.
- You can also fold in some mini marshmallows or toffee bits.
- Serve it in a hollowed-out small pumpkin for a festive presentation.
- This is a perfect, easy dessert for a crowd.
- It is a great make-ahead dip.
- A sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice on top is a delicious finishing touch.
- This is a guaranteed hit at any fall gathering.
17. Edible Cookie Dough
A safe-to-eat, eggless chocolate chip cookie dough that is meant to be eaten with a spoon, made with gluten-free flour.
DIY Tips:
- Use a high-quality, gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
- It is important to heat-treat the raw flour to kill any potential bacteria. You can do this by microwaving it for about a minute.
- The recipe is a simple mix of butter, sugar, the heat-treated flour, milk, and chocolate chips.
- This is the ultimate comfort food treat that comes together in minutes.
- Serve scoops in a bowl like ice cream, or roll it into small, bite-sized balls.
- You can also add other mix-ins, like sprinkles or chopped nuts.
- This is a great, easy, and safe way to satisfy a cookie dough craving.
- Store it in the refrigerator.
- It is a fun and unique dessert for a party.
- Kids and adults will go crazy for this.
Cakes, Cupcakes & Pies
These festive baked goods are showstoppers, all created with gluten-free flours and mixes.
18. “Bloody” Red Velvet Cupcakes
A dramatic and delicious cupcake with a deep, red crumb and a surprise “bleeding” center.
DIY Tips:
- Use a high-quality, certified gluten-free red velvet cake mix for the cupcakes.
- Once cooled, use an apple corer to remove the center.
- Fill the cored center with a seedless raspberry or strawberry jam for the “blood.”
- Top with a white cream cheese frosting and drizzle more of the red jam over the top to look like blood spatter.
- The surprise comes when you bite into the cupcake.
- A “glass shard” made from melted hard candies can be a creepy finishing touch.
- These are a sophisticated and spooky dessert for an adult Halloween party.
- The contrast between the elegant white frosting and the red “blood” is very striking.
- This is a simple but very effective decorating idea.
- A plastic knife prop stuck in the top is a fun addition.
19. Ghostly Flourless Chocolate Cupcakes
These are intensely rich and fudgy, like a brownie in a cupcake wrapper, and are naturally gluten-free.
DIY Tips:
- The cupcakes are made without any flour, getting their structure from eggs, chocolate, and butter.
- Top them with a simple swirl of white vanilla buttercream.
- The “ghost” is created by using two mini chocolate chips for the eyes.
- This is a very elegant and simple design.
- They are a perfect, decadent treat for any chocolate lover.
- They are best served at room temperature.
- Store them in an airtight container.
- A single, large swirl of frosting is all you need.
- The dark cupcake and the white ghost provide a beautiful contrast.
- This is a guaranteed hit.
20. Classic Pumpkin Pie with a GF Crust
You can still have the most classic Thanksgiving and Halloween dessert. A simple gluten-free crust is the key.
DIY Tips:
- A simple press-in crust can be made with crushed gluten-free graham crackers or shortbread cookies mixed with melted butter.
- You can also use a high-quality, store-bought gluten-free pie crust.
- The pumpkin pie filling is naturally gluten-free.
- Serve with a generous dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
- This is a classic for a reason.
- A crust made from crushed gingersnaps is a fantastic, spicy alternative.
- No one will even know this is gluten-free.
- It is a perfect, traditional dessert for your holiday table.
- Let it cool completely before slicing.
- This is a great, make-ahead dessert.
21. Apple Crumble with an Oat Topping
A warm, bubbly, and comforting dessert that is naturally easy to make gluten-free.
DIY Tips:
- The filling is simply sliced apples, sugar, and spices.
- The crumble topping is made with certified gluten-free rolled oats, gluten-free flour, butter, and brown sugar.
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble for extra crunch.
- Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- This is a perfect, rustic dessert for a fall gathering.
- A little bit of lemon juice on the apples will brighten the flavor.
- This is a very easy and forgiving dessert to make.
- It is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
- You can also add a few fresh cranberries to the apple filling for a tart, festive touch.
- This can be assembled ahead of time and baked right before serving.
22. “Spider Egg” Donut Holes
A creepy and crawly treat made with baked, gluten-free donut holes.
DIY Tips:
- Use a gluten-free vanilla cake mix and bake it in a donut hole or cake pop pan.
- Dip the cooled donut holes in melted white chocolate.
- While the chocolate is still wet, cover them in black nonpareils or sprinkles to look like tiny spider eggs.
- Let them set completely on wax paper.
- These are a fun and spooky treat.
- You can also use a chocolate donut hole for a different look.
- Serve them in a bowl with a large, plastic spider climbing out.
- This is a great, easy, and creative way to use a donut hole pan.
- Kids will love the creepy, crunchy texture.
- This is a perfect, bite-sized treat for a party.
23. Meringue Bone Pile
A creepy and crunchy pile of bones that is actually a light and sweet, naturally gluten-free treat.
DIY Tips:
- Make a simple meringue mixture with egg whites and sugar.
- Use a piping bag to pipe the meringue into small, bone-like shapes on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake them low and slow until they are crisp and dry.
- Pile them on a platter to look like a pile of old bones from a graveyard.
- For a gorier look, you can drizzle them with a little red raspberry sauce to look like blood.
- These are a fun and spooky centerpiece for your dessert table.
- They are a very light and airy dessert.
- Store them in an airtight container.
- A little bit of vanilla extract in the meringue is a nice addition.
- This is a classic and very effective Halloween treat.
24. “Poison” Toffee Apples
A classic caramel apple gets a dramatic and spooky makeover with a glossy, black-as-night coating.
DIY Tips:
- Use a tart, crisp apple like a Granny Smith to balance the sweetness of the toffee.
- The black color is achieved by adding a generous amount of black gel food coloring to a standard hard candy or toffee recipe, which is naturally gluten-free.
- Work carefully and quickly when dipping the apples, as the hot sugar is extremely dangerous.
- Insert sturdy sticks into the apples before you begin.
- Let the apples set completely on a piece of greased parchment paper.
- For a fun twist, you can roll the bottom of the coated apple in colored sprinkles or chopped nuts before it sets.
- These are a stunning and dramatic treat that looks like it came from a fairy tale.
- A little bit of vinegar or cream of tartar in the sugar mixture will prevent it from crystallizing.
- They are best eaten the same day they are made.
- Display them on a platter with some spooky, gnarled branches.
25. Candy Corn Jello Cups
A simple and colorful layered dessert that looks just like the iconic Halloween candy and is naturally gluten-free.
DIY Tips:
- You will need three flavors of Jello: lemon (yellow), orange (orange), and a white layer.
- For the white layer, you can use pina colada Jello, or unflavored gelatin mixed with sweetened condensed milk.
- Pour the yellow layer into clear plastic cups and let it set completely in the refrigerator.
- Once the first layer is firm, carefully pour the orange layer on top and let it set.
- Finish with the white layer and let it set. The key is to make sure each layer is fully set before adding the next.
- This is a great, light, and refreshing dessert.
- Top with a dollop of whipped cream and a single piece of candy corn.
- Tilting the cups in a muffin tin while the first layer sets can create a fun, diagonal look.
- This is a fantastic, easy dessert for a kids’ party.
- Make them a day ahead of time to ensure they are fully set and chilled.
26. Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
Two soft, cake-like pumpkin cookies are sandwiched together with a fluffy, tangy cream cheese filling, all made with a gluten-free flour blend.
DIY Tips:
- Use a high-quality, gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum.
- The cookie batter will be very soft; use a cookie scoop to make uniform halves for your sandwiches.
- Let the cookies cool completely before filling them.
- A classic cream cheese frosting is the perfect filling.
- These are a fun, hand-held treat.
- Store them in the refrigerator.
- You can also roll the edges of the filled pies in finely chopped pecans.
- These are a fantastic, festive treat for a fall bake sale.
- The pumpkin makes them incredibly moist.
- Do not overbake them to keep them soft.
27. Black Velvet Cake
An intensely dark, rich, and moist chocolate cake that is as black as a moonless night, made with a gluten-free flour blend.
DIY Tips:
- The secret ingredient for the deep, dark color is black cocoa powder.
- Use a good quality, gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
- A cup of hot coffee in the batter will bloom the cocoa powder and deepen the chocolate flavor.
- Frost the cake with a rich, dark chocolate ganache or a white buttercream for a high-contrast look.
- This is a simple, elegant, and deeply satisfying cake for a more sophisticated Halloween gathering.
- It is a perfect centerpiece for a gothic-themed dinner party.
- The cake is so dark that a simple dusting of powdered sugar on top can create a beautiful, high-contrast look.
- This cake is incredibly moist and will stay fresh for several days.
- A filling of dark cherry preserves would be a delicious addition.
- Serve with a single, fresh blackberry on each slice.
28. “Witch Finger” Cookies
A classic Halloween cookie that is delightfully creepy, made with an almond flour base for a gluten-free version.
DIY Tips:
- Use an almond flour sugar cookie dough, which is easy to shape.
- Roll the dough into long, thin “finger” shapes.
- Use a knife to create the “knuckle” lines.
- Press a sliced almond into the tip for the “fingernail.”
- For a gorier look, you can add a little red jam at the base of the “fingernail.”
- These are a classic and very effective Halloween cookie.
- They are fun to make and always get a reaction.
- Do not overbake them to keep them pale.
- A little bit of green food coloring in the dough can make them look more “witchy.”
- These are a perfect, spooky addition to a dessert board.
29. Ghostly Pizza
A fun and easy dessert pizza made on a gluten-free crust.
DIY Tips:
- Use a pre-made gluten-free pizza crust, or make a large, round gluten-free sugar cookie for the base.
- The “sauce” can be a layer of chocolate-hazelnut spread, peanut butter, or cream cheese frosting.
- The “ghosts” are made by piping whipped cream or white frosting in a ghostly shape.
- Use mini chocolate chips for the ghost eyes.
- You can also add other “toppings” like Halloween sprinkles or gluten-free candies.
- This is a fun and interactive dessert pizza that kids will love.
- It is a great way to use up a lot of different candies.
- You can also make individual “pizzas” on smaller cookies.
- A drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce over the top is a great finishing touch.
- This is a fun and easy way to make a themed dessert.
30. Monster Mouths
A healthy-ish, fun, and easy snack that is naturally gluten-free and looks like a silly monster mouth.
DIY Tips:
- Slice a green or red apple into wedges.
- Spread a layer of peanut butter, sunflower seed butter, or cream cheese on one side of two apple wedges.
- Stick a row of mini marshmallows onto the peanut butter on one of the apple slices to look like teeth.
- Place the other apple slice on top to create the “mouth.”
- For the tongue, you can stick a sliced strawberry or a piece of a fruit roll-up out of the side.
- This is a great, healthy option for a classroom party.
- It is a fun and easy way to get kids to eat fruit.
- You can use slivered almonds for sharper, more monstrous teeth.
- These are best assembled right before serving to keep the apples fresh.
- The sillier the teeth, the better.
31. Popcorn Balls
A classic, old-fashioned treat that is naturally gluten-free and perfect for a party.
DIY Tips:
- Make a simple popcorn ball syrup with corn syrup and sugar.
- Mix in Halloween-themed sprinkles and other gluten-free candies.
- Grease your hands with butter before forming the mixture into balls. This is a crucial step to prevent sticking.
- Let them cool completely on wax paper.
- You can wrap them individually in cellophane and tie with a ribbon for a great party favor.
- A few drops of orange or green food coloring in the syrup can make them more festive.
- Work quickly, as the mixture will become harder to shape as it cools.
- This is a fun, nostalgic treat that is always a hit.
- A little bit of salt in the popcorn helps to balance the sweetness.
- This is a great, cheap dessert for a crowd.
32. “Bloody” Panna Cotta
An elegant, creamy, and naturally gluten-free Italian dessert that is made to look gruesome.
DIY Tips:
- Make a simple vanilla bean panna cotta in individual serving glasses.
- Let it set completely.
- The “blood” is a simple, homemade raspberry or strawberry coulis.
- Drizzle the red sauce over the top of the white panna cotta to look like blood spatter.
- For a bigger scare, you can place a plastic knife prop in the center of the panna cotta.
- This is a very sophisticated and delicious dessert for an adult Halloween party.
- It is a great make-ahead dessert.
- The contrast between the pure white and the bright red is very striking.
- A single, fresh raspberry on top is a beautiful garnish.
- This is a simple but very effective way to make an elegant dessert spooky.
33. Clementine “Pumpkins”
The easiest and healthiest “pumpkin” you will ever make, and it is naturally gluten-free.
DIY Tips:
- Simply peel a clementine orange, being careful to keep it whole.
- The “stem” is a small, thin piece of a green vegetable, like celery, a green bean, or a cucumber.
- Carefully stick the green “stem” into the hole at the top of the clementine.
- This is a perfect, healthy snack for a classroom party.
- It is a great way to get kids to eat fruit.
- You can arrange a whole “pumpkin patch” of these on a platter.
- This is a completely no-cook, no-mess project.
- It is a fun and easy way to make a simple fruit feel festive.
- You can also use a small piece of a green sour candy strip for the stem.
- This is a classic for a reason.
34. Banana Ghosts
Another simple and healthy treat that is perfect for little kids and is naturally gluten-free.
DIY Tips:
- Peel a banana and cut it in half crosswise.
- Stand the banana halves up on their cut end.
- Use two mini chocolate chips for the eyes and a single regular-sized chocolate chip for the open, spooky mouth.
- Gently press the chocolate chips into the banana.
- This is a great, dairy-free option if you use dairy-free chocolate chips.
- For a more decadent version, you can dip the bananas in melted white chocolate first.
- These are best made right before serving to prevent browning.
- A little bit of lemon juice on the banana can help prevent it from turning brown.
- This is a perfect, easy treat for a toddler Halloween party.
- They are a fun and easy way to make a simple fruit feel special.
35. Chocolate “Cauldrons” with Green “Slime”
These fun, individual desserts look like bubbling witch’s cauldrons and can be made with gluten-free cupcakes.
DIY Tips:
- The “cauldron” is a simple gluten-free chocolate cupcake baked in a black cupcake liner.
- The green “slime” is a simple vanilla pudding tinted with green food coloring.
- Spoon the green pudding onto the top of the cupcake.
- The “bubbles” are a mix of green and purple sprinkles, sixlets, or other round, gluten-free candies.
- Stick a small piece of a gluten-free pretzel stick into the side to look like a stirring stick.
- This is a fun and easy dessert that kids will love.
- For a fizzy effect, you can top the pudding with a little bit of green Pop Rocks candy just before serving.
- You can also make a larger version in a big bowl for a party centerpiece.
- A few drops of neon green food coloring will give you the best, brightest slime.
- Serve them on a platter with some dry ice (handled safely) for a smoky, bubbling effect.
Conclusion
This Halloween, there is no need to let a gluten-free diet be a source of fear. With a little creativity and the right ingredients, you can craft an amazing array of desserts that are safe, festive, and delicious enough for everyone to enjoy. From simple, naturally gluten-free treats to clever uses of alternative flours, these 45 recipes ensure that you can confidently walk into any party with a spooky, show-stopping dessert that will have everyone, regardless of their dietary needs, howling for more.