Thanksgiving is a time to indulge, share, and savor. But when dietary restrictions come into play—whether it’s gluten sensitivity or a plant-based lifestyle—dessert can often be tricky. The good news? You don’t need dairy, eggs, or gluten to create delicious, crowd-pleasing desserts that make everyone at the table happy.
This guide to gluten-free vegan Thanksgiving dessert ideas brings together indulgent, festive, and inclusive recipes that prove no one has to miss out on the best part of the meal. From rich pumpkin pies to fudgy brownies, every treat here is completely plant-based and gluten-free—no compromises, no confusion, just pure flavor and joy.
And if you want to express your plant-powered pride while baking, check out The Dharma Store — they offer vegan-themed t-shirts made from organic cotton, perfect for compassionate food lovers during the holidays.
Let’s dive into decadent yet wholesome desserts that will make your Thanksgiving table truly special.
Why Gluten-Free and Vegan Desserts Deserve a Spot at Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is built around abundance and inclusion—so why not extend that to dessert? Gluten-free and vegan sweets are more than dietary alternatives; they’re flavorful, creative, and welcoming to everyone at the table.
Here’s why it’s worth embracing gluten-free and vegan baking this year:
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Inclusive: No one feels left out—these desserts can be enjoyed by guests with dairy allergies, gluten intolerance, or ethical dietary choices.
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Wholesome Ingredients: You’ll find nutrient-rich ingredients like almond flour, oats, coconut milk, and maple syrup replacing processed items.
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Flavorful & Satisfying: Plant-based and gluten-free ingredients add unique depth—think nutty flours, creamy coconut, and warm spices.
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Sustainable & Compassionate: You celebrate gratitude without animal products, aligning your feast with kindness and mindful living.
Ready to impress your guests with desserts that check every box? Here are the best gluten-free vegan Thanksgiving dessert ideas for your holiday table.
1. Classic Vegan Pumpkin Pie (Gluten-Free Crust)
No Thanksgiving dessert list is complete without pumpkin pie. This version uses creamy coconut milk and a gluten-free almond oat crust that tastes buttery without any butter.
Ingredients:
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Pumpkin puree
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Coconut milk
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Maple syrup
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Cornstarch or arrowroot
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Pumpkin pie spice
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Almond flour and rolled oats for the crust
How to Make:
Blend filling ingredients until smooth. Press crust mixture into a pie dish and bake slightly before adding the filling. Pour in the pumpkin mixture and bake until set. Cool completely before slicing.
Why It Works:
This pie captures everything you love about Thanksgiving—spice, sweetness, and smooth texture—without eggs, dairy, or gluten.
2. Apple Crisp with Almond-Oat Topping
This comforting dessert fills your home with the scent of cinnamon and baked apples. The crisp topping is made from gluten-free oats and almond flour, creating a golden, crunchy layer over tender fruit.
Ingredients:
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Apples, sliced thin
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Maple syrup
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Lemon juice
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Cinnamon and nutmeg
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Gluten-free rolled oats
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Almond flour
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Coconut oil
How to Make:
Toss apples with maple syrup and spices, then spread in a baking dish. Mix oats, almond flour, and coconut oil into a crumbly topping and sprinkle over the apples. Bake until bubbly and golden.
Serving Tip:
Serve warm with vegan vanilla ice cream or coconut whipped cream.
3. Pecan Pie Bars (No Corn Syrup, Gluten-Free)
These bars bring all the flavor of traditional pecan pie but without gluten or animal products. They’re easy to cut, share, and perfect for potlucks.
Ingredients:
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Almond flour base
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Maple syrup and coconut sugar for sweetness
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Chopped pecans
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Coconut oil
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Vanilla extract
How to Make:
Press the almond flour crust into a baking dish and pre-bake it. Mix the pecan topping ingredients, pour over the crust, and bake until caramelized and sticky. Cool completely before slicing into bars.
Why Families Love It:
They’re mess-free, portable, and still have that irresistible nutty sweetness everyone expects from pecan pie.
4. Vegan Chocolate Mousse Cups
This rich yet light mousse uses avocado and melted dark chocolate to create an ultra-creamy dessert that feels indulgent but is surprisingly healthy.
Ingredients:
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Ripe avocados
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Vegan dark chocolate
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Maple syrup
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Vanilla extract
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Coconut cream (optional for topping)
How to Make:
Blend avocado, melted chocolate, and maple syrup until silky. Chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving.
Serving Tip:
Top with whipped coconut cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder or crushed pistachios for a restaurant-worthy presentation.
5. Cranberry Orange Cheesecake Bars
This festive dessert combines tangy cranberries and zesty orange with a creamy cashew-based filling over a gluten-free date crust.
Ingredients:
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Raw cashews (soaked)
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Coconut cream
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Maple syrup
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Orange zest and juice
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Fresh cranberries
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Almond flour and dates for crust
How to Make:
Blend crust ingredients and press into a pan. Blend filling and pour over crust. Swirl cranberry puree on top and freeze until set.
Why It Shines:
It’s elegant, festive, and perfect for those who love fruity desserts with a rich, cheesecake-like texture—minus the dairy and gluten.
6. Sweet Potato Brownies
These fudgy brownies are naturally sweetened and deeply chocolatey thanks to mashed sweet potato. You’d never guess they’re vegan and gluten-free.
Ingredients:
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Mashed sweet potatoes
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Almond butter
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Cocoa powder
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Maple syrup
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Gluten-free flour blend
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Dark chocolate chips
How to Make:
Mix all ingredients into a thick batter, pour into a pan, and bake until firm around the edges. Let cool before slicing.
Why It Works:
The sweet potato adds moisture, making the brownies rich without needing butter or eggs.
7. Pumpkin Cheesecake Parfaits
These parfaits layer creamy pumpkin cashew filling with crushed gluten-free cookies and coconut whipped cream for a show-stopping dessert.
Ingredients:
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Pumpkin puree
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Soaked cashews
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Coconut milk
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Maple syrup
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Pumpkin spice
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Gluten-free cookie crumbs
How to Make:
Blend the pumpkin filling until smooth. Layer with cookie crumbs and whipped cream in glasses. Chill before serving.
Pro Tip:
Prepare ahead for easy entertaining—they look elegant and taste even better chilled.
8. Vegan Lemon Bars
A refreshing twist on Thanksgiving dessert, lemon bars cut through the heaviness of a big meal with their bright, tangy flavor.
Ingredients:
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Gluten-free crust (almond flour, coconut oil, maple syrup)
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Lemon juice and zest
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Cornstarch
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Coconut milk
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Turmeric for natural color
How to Make:
Pre-bake crust, then pour lemon filling over and bake until just set. Cool, refrigerate, and dust with powdered sugar before slicing.
Why It’s Special:
These bars balance sweet and tart perfectly and are naturally gluten-free and dairy-free.
9. Maple Pumpkin Truffles
For a bite-sized dessert that’s rich and satisfying, these no-bake truffles are irresistible.
Ingredients:
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Pumpkin puree
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Almond butter
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Maple syrup
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Oat flour
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Pumpkin spice
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Dark chocolate (for coating)
How to Make:
Mix all ingredients into a dough, form balls, and chill. Dip in melted chocolate and refrigerate until firm.
Why It Works:
They’re easy, mess-free, and can be made days in advance—a perfect treat for busy hosts.
10. Vegan Apple Pie with Gluten-Free Crust
A classic Thanksgiving dessert made totally inclusive. This apple pie has tender cinnamon-spiced apples wrapped in a flaky, golden crust that’s both vegan and gluten-free.
Ingredients:
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Gluten-free flour blend
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Vegan butter or coconut oil
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Apples
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Maple syrup or coconut sugar
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Cinnamon and nutmeg
How to Make:
Prepare the crust, roll out, and line your pie dish. Fill with apple mixture and top with another crust layer. Bake until bubbly and golden.
Serving Suggestion:
Pair with vegan vanilla ice cream or coconut whipped cream for a timeless dessert everyone will love.
11. No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie
Rich, creamy, and decadent, this no-bake pie delivers indulgence without the effort.
Ingredients:
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Almond or oat crust
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Peanut butter
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Coconut cream
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Maple syrup
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Vegan chocolate ganache topping
How to Make:
Press the crust into a pan, mix filling ingredients until smooth, pour in, and chill. Top with ganache before serving.
Why It’s Great for Thanksgiving:
No oven needed, freeing up space for all your other holiday dishes.
12. Spiced Pear Cake with Maple Glaze
If you want something warm and lightly spiced, this pear cake is perfect. It’s moist, subtly sweet, and finished with a glossy maple glaze.
Ingredients:
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Gluten-free flour blend
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Pears, diced
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Coconut oil
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Maple syrup
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Cinnamon and cardamom
How to Make:
Mix batter, fold in pears, and bake until a toothpick comes out clean. Drizzle with maple glaze once cool.
Serving Tip:
Serve with warm tea for a cozy, rustic dessert experience.
13. Chocolate Pumpkin Bread
This hybrid dessert combines the richness of chocolate with the warmth of pumpkin spice. It’s perfect for breakfast leftovers or dessert.
Ingredients:
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Pumpkin puree
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Cocoa powder
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Almond flour
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Coconut sugar
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Baking soda
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Almond milk
How to Make:
Whisk wet and dry ingredients separately, combine, and bake in a loaf pan. Cool before slicing.
Why Families Love It:
It’s kid-approved, naturally sweet, and tastes even better the next day.
Tips for Perfect Gluten-Free Vegan Baking
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Use a Blend of Flours: Combine almond flour, oat flour, and tapioca starch for the best texture.
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Watch Moisture Levels: Gluten-free flours absorb differently, so adjust liquid amounts gradually.
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Chill Dough When Needed: Helps prevent crumbling and ensures shape retention.
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Sweeten Naturally: Maple syrup and coconut sugar add flavor and balance.
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Add a Touch of Salt: Even sweet desserts benefit from a small pinch of sea salt to enhance flavor.
A Sweet Finish to a Compassionate Feast
Thanksgiving is about gratitude, comfort, and sharing—and these gluten-free vegan desserts make sure everyone at your table can join in. From luscious pies to chocolatey truffles, these recipes prove that plant-based and gluten-free desserts can be just as indulgent as traditional ones.
Bake with love, serve with pride, and enjoy every moment of sweetness this holiday season. And if you want to carry your compassion beyond the kitchen, explore The Dharma Store — their vegan-themed t-shirts made from organic cotton are a stylish reminder that kindness never goes out of season.