Thanksgiving desserts are meant to be indulgent — creamy, spiced, and comforting. But if you’re catering to both vegan and gluten-free guests, traditional pies and cakes can feel off-limits. The good news? You can have it all.
These gluten-free vegan Thanksgiving desserts are proof that you don’t need eggs, butter, or wheat flour to create rich, crowd-pleasing treats. From silky pumpkin pie to fudgy chocolate torte, every recipe here is 100% plant-based and gluten-free — and just as decadent as their classic counterparts.
Whether you’re hosting dinner, bringing dessert to a potluck, or simply baking ahead for the holidays, these recipes are easy to prepare, travel-friendly, and guaranteed to impress.
Why Go Gluten-Free and Vegan for Thanksgiving?
Combining gluten-free and vegan baking may sound like a challenge, but it’s easier (and more delicious) than ever. With so many accessible plant-based ingredients and natural flours, you can bake with flavor and texture that rival traditional recipes.
Here’s why these desserts work for everyone:
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No allergens: Free of dairy, eggs, and gluten — perfect for guests with dietary restrictions.
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Rich flavor, naturally: Ingredients like coconut milk, almond flour, and maple syrup create natural sweetness and moisture.
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Easy substitutions: You don’t need specialty products — just everyday staples like oats, nuts, and fruits.
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Inclusive desserts: Everyone at the table can enjoy them without compromise.
Now, let’s dive into the nine best gluten-free vegan Thanksgiving desserts that even non-vegans will love.
1. Dairy-Free Pumpkin Pie with Oat Crust
Why it works: Classic, creamy, and perfectly spiced — it’s the ultimate Thanksgiving must-have.
Ingredients:
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1 ½ cups gluten-free oats
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2 tbsp coconut oil
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2 tbsp maple syrup
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1 can pumpkin purée
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½ cup coconut cream
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¼ cup maple syrup
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1 tbsp cornstarch
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1 tsp cinnamon, ½ tsp nutmeg, ½ tsp ginger
Instructions:
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Blend oats into a coarse flour and mix with coconut oil and maple syrup.
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Press into a pie pan and pre-bake at 350°F for 10 minutes.
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Whisk pumpkin, coconut cream, maple syrup, cornstarch, and spices.
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Pour into crust and bake for 45 minutes until set.
Make-ahead tip: Chill overnight for the best texture before slicing.
2. Flourless Chocolate Torte
Why it works: Dense, rich, and fudgy — a chocolate lover’s dream that’s naturally gluten-free.
Ingredients:
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1 ½ cups dark chocolate chips (dairy-free)
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½ cup coconut milk
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¼ cup almond butter
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¼ cup maple syrup
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1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
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Melt chocolate and coconut milk together over low heat.
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Stir in almond butter, maple syrup, and vanilla.
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Pour into a lined 8-inch pan and chill 4 hours until firm.
Serving idea: Dust with cocoa powder or serve with fresh raspberries.
3. Apple Crisp with Almond-Oat Topping
Why it works: Cozy and nostalgic — the perfect way to end Thanksgiving dinner.
Ingredients:
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5 apples, sliced
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1 tbsp lemon juice
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1 tsp cinnamon
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2 tbsp maple syrup
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1 cup gluten-free oats
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½ cup almond flour
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¼ cup coconut oil
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¼ cup brown sugar
Instructions:
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Toss apples with lemon, cinnamon, and maple syrup. Spread in a baking dish.
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Mix oats, almond flour, coconut oil, and sugar for the topping.
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Sprinkle over apples and bake at 375°F for 35 minutes until golden.
Bonus: Serve warm with vegan vanilla ice cream.
4. Pecan Pie Bars (No Corn Syrup)
Why it works: Sweet, nutty, and portable — ideal for potlucks and big family gatherings.
Ingredients:
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1 cup almond flour
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2 tbsp coconut oil
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¼ cup maple syrup
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1 cup chopped pecans
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½ cup coconut sugar
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¼ cup coconut cream
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1 tbsp flaxseed meal
Instructions:
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Mix almond flour, coconut oil, and maple syrup for the crust. Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes.
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Combine pecans, sugar, coconut cream, and flaxseed. Pour over crust.
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Bake for 20 minutes, cool, and slice into bars.
Storage tip: Keeps up to 5 days in the fridge or freezes beautifully.
5. Mini Sweet Potato Pies
Why it works: Individual servings that are creamy, subtly spiced, and adorable on a dessert table.
Ingredients:
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1 large sweet potato, cooked and mashed
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½ cup coconut milk
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2 tbsp maple syrup
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1 tsp cinnamon
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1 tsp vanilla
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Gluten-free mini tart shells
Instructions:
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Blend sweet potato, coconut milk, maple syrup, cinnamon, and vanilla.
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Spoon filling into tart shells and chill for 1 hour before serving.
Pro tip: Top with coconut whipped cream and crushed pecans.
6. Cranberry-Orange Cheesecake Bars
Why it works: Tart, sweet, and creamy — these no-bake bars look elegant but are easy to make.
Ingredients:
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1 cup dates
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1 cup almonds
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1 ½ cups soaked cashews
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½ cup coconut cream
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¼ cup orange juice
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2 tbsp maple syrup
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½ cup cranberry sauce
Instructions:
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Blend dates and almonds for the crust. Press into a pan.
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Blend cashews, coconut cream, orange juice, and maple syrup until smooth.
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Spread over crust, then swirl cranberry sauce on top.
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Chill for 3 hours before slicing.
Serving tip: Garnish with orange zest for a festive touch.
7. Chocolate-Pumpkin Mousse Cups
Why it works: Airy, rich, and quick — perfect for last-minute dessert prep.
Ingredients:
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½ cup pumpkin purée
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½ cup melted dark chocolate
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¼ cup coconut cream
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2 tbsp maple syrup
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½ tsp cinnamon
Instructions:
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Blend all ingredients until smooth and fluffy.
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Divide into cups and chill for at least 1 hour.
Optional topping: Add crushed cookies or coconut flakes before serving.
8. Gluten-Free Vegan Pumpkin Cheesecake
Why it works: Creamy, spiced, and decadent — everything you want in a Thanksgiving dessert.
Ingredients:
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1 cup almonds
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1 cup dates
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1 ½ cups soaked cashews
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½ cup pumpkin purée
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¼ cup maple syrup
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¼ cup coconut cream
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1 tsp cinnamon, ½ tsp ginger
Instructions:
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Blend almonds and dates for the crust, press into a springform pan.
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Blend cashews, pumpkin, maple syrup, coconut cream, and spices.
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Pour over crust and freeze for 4 hours.
Serving idea: Thaw slightly before serving for a smooth, creamy texture.
9. Chocolate-Dipped Pumpkin Truffles
Why it works: Bite-sized, decadent, and easy to transport — ideal for sharing.
Ingredients:
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1 cup pumpkin purée
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1 cup almond flour
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¼ cup maple syrup
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½ tsp pumpkin spice
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1 cup dark chocolate chips
Instructions:
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Mix pumpkin, almond flour, maple syrup, and spices until dough forms.
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Roll into small balls and chill for 30 minutes.
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Melt chocolate and dip each truffle until coated.
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Chill until set.
Make-ahead tip: Store in the freezer and thaw 10 minutes before serving.
Tips for Perfect Gluten-Free Vegan Baking
Getting both gluten-free and vegan desserts right comes down to balance — moisture, structure, and sweetness. Here’s how to nail it every time:
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Use a blend of flours: Almond flour adds moisture, oat flour adds structure, and coconut flour absorbs liquid (use sparingly).
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Add binding power: Flaxseed meal, chia seeds, or applesauce help mimic eggs.
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Keep things moist: Coconut cream, avocado, or nut butters prevent dryness.
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Sweeten naturally: Maple syrup, agave, or date paste add depth without refined sugar.
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Let it rest: Gluten-free batters often need a few minutes to hydrate before baking.
With these tips, you can confidently adapt almost any dessert into a gluten-free vegan version that tastes like the real thing.
Make-Ahead and Travel-Friendly Dessert Ideas
Thanksgiving can get busy, so choosing desserts that store and travel well makes life easier — especially if you’re bringing your dish to someone else’s home.
Best make-ahead options:
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Pumpkin pie: Make 1–2 days early, refrigerate covered.
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Flourless chocolate torte: Chill up to 3 days; serve cold or at room temp.
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Cheesecake bars: Freeze, then thaw before serving.
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Truffles: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Travel tip: For pies or cheesecakes, keep them in their baking pan during transport. Wrap tightly with foil and bring garnishes separately for easy assembly on arrival.
How to Create a Dessert Table Everyone Can Enjoy
Hosting a big Thanksgiving with a mix of dietary needs? Here’s how to build an inclusive dessert spread that looks as good as it tastes:
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Vary textures: Offer creamy (cheesecake), crunchy (pecan bars), and fruity (apple crisp) options.
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Label clearly: Let guests know which desserts are gluten-free and vegan — they’ll appreciate it.
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Add color: Garnish with berries, herbs, or edible flowers for a festive presentation.
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Keep portions small: Bite-sized servings encourage guests to try multiple desserts.
Your dessert table becomes not just a sweet ending, but a centerpiece for celebration and inclusivity.
Celebrate a Compassionate Thanksgiving
The spirit of Thanksgiving is about gratitude, generosity, and connection — values that align beautifully with vegan and gluten-free living. When you bake desserts that everyone can enjoy, you create an experience that’s inclusive, mindful, and memorable.
And if you want to carry that spirit beyond the kitchen, check out The Dharma Store. They create vegan-themed t-shirts made from organic cotton — sustainable, ethical, and stylish. It’s a meaningful way to celebrate compassion not just through food, but through lifestyle.
Final Thoughts: Sweet, Simple, and Crowd-Approved
Whether you’re making a single show-stopper or a full dessert spread, these gluten-free vegan Thanksgiving desserts deliver on flavor, texture, and wow factor. From silky pumpkin pie to rich chocolate truffles, they’re proof that plant-based baking can be every bit as indulgent as traditional recipes.
So this Thanksgiving, skip the compromises — bake desserts that everyone at your table will love, no matter their diet. With these recipes, you’ll end the night with full hearts, happy guests, and absolutely no leftovers.