Inclusive, Delicious, and 100% Holiday-Worthy
Dessert is often the grand finale of Thanksgiving — the sweet note that leaves everyone smiling. But when you’re hosting guests with both vegan and gluten-free preferences, dessert can feel tricky to get right. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can create gluten-free vegan Thanksgiving desserts that everyone at the table will devour — from the most health-conscious guest to the traditional pie lover.
This guide brings you a complete collection of easy, crowd-pleasing dessert ideas that are entirely plant-based and gluten-free, without compromising on flavor, texture, or presentation. These recipes use simple pantry ingredients, accessible flours, and smart swaps to recreate all the cozy Thanksgiving classics you love.
Before diving into the recipes, if you’re looking for another way to share your vegan values this season, visit The Dharma Store — a brand that creates vegan-themed t-shirts made from organic cotton. Perfect for your Thanksgiving hosting outfit or a thoughtful gift for a fellow vegan friend.
Why Gluten-Free and Vegan Can Still Mean Delicious
When people hear “gluten-free” or “vegan,” they often imagine dense, dry, or flavorless desserts. The secret to avoiding that? Balancing moisture, texture, and natural sweetness with ingredients that shine in plant-based baking.
Here’s how:
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Moisture magic: Use ingredients like applesauce, mashed banana, pumpkin puree, or non-dairy yogurt to replace eggs.
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Flavor richness: Coconut milk, nut butter, or vegan butter mimic the creaminess of traditional dairy.
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Texture fix: Almond flour, oat flour, and gluten-free all-purpose blends create soft, tender crumbs.
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Natural sweetness: Maple syrup, dates, and coconut sugar bring depth and a hint of caramel warmth.
With these basics in mind, you can make a dessert spread that’s as inclusive as it is irresistible.
1. Pumpkin Pie Bars (Gluten-Free & Vegan Classic)
Why you’ll love it: All the flavor of traditional pumpkin pie — without the crust drama. These bars are easier to slice, serve, and travel with, making them perfect for potlucks or casual gatherings.
Ingredients:
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1 ½ cups gluten-free oat flour
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¼ cup coconut oil, melted
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2 tbsp maple syrup
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1 ½ cups pumpkin puree
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½ cup coconut milk
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¼ cup coconut sugar
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2 tbsp cornstarch
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1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
Instructions:
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Combine oat flour, coconut oil, and maple syrup to form the crust. Press into a lined 8x8 baking dish.
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Whisk pumpkin puree, coconut milk, sugar, cornstarch, and spices until smooth.
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Pour over crust and bake at 350°F for 35 minutes.
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Cool completely before slicing into bars.
Serving tip: Dust with cinnamon and serve with a dollop of coconut whipped cream.
2. Apple Crisp with Oat Crumble Topping
Why you’ll love it: A warm, cozy classic that doubles as dessert or breakfast the next morning. This recipe naturally avoids gluten by using certified gluten-free oats.
Ingredients:
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4 apples, sliced
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2 tbsp maple syrup
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1 tsp cinnamon
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1 ½ cups gluten-free rolled oats
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¼ cup almond flour
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¼ cup coconut oil
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2 tbsp coconut sugar
Instructions:
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Toss apples with maple syrup and cinnamon; place in a baking dish.
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Mix oats, almond flour, coconut oil, and sugar for the topping.
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Sprinkle crumble over apples and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes.
Serving tip: Serve warm with vegan vanilla ice cream or chilled coconut cream.
3. Chocolate Mousse Cups (5 Ingredients)
Why you’ll love it: Elegant, decadent, and shockingly simple. This mousse takes less than 15 minutes to prepare and satisfies every chocolate lover at the table.
Ingredients:
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1 can full-fat coconut milk
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½ cup dairy-free dark chocolate chips
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2 tbsp maple syrup
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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A pinch of salt
Instructions:
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Melt chocolate with coconut milk over low heat.
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Stir in maple syrup, vanilla, and salt.
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Chill for 2–3 hours until set.
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Spoon into cups and top with berries or shaved chocolate.
Serving tip: Make ahead the day before Thanksgiving for effortless serving.
4. Pecan Pie Energy Bites
Why you’ll love it: No oven, no mess — and all the nutty, maple flavor of pecan pie in bite-sized, portable form. Perfect for guests who love to graze.
Ingredients:
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1 cup dates
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1 cup pecans
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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½ tsp cinnamon
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Pinch of salt
Instructions:
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Blend all ingredients in a food processor until sticky.
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Roll into 1-inch balls and refrigerate until firm.
Serving tip: Store in a festive tin or plate for easy nibbling throughout the day.
5. Sweet Potato Brownies
Why you’ll love it: Fudgy, moist, and rich in chocolate flavor — without gluten, eggs, or dairy. Sweet potato gives these brownies an unbelievably soft texture.
Ingredients:
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1 cup mashed sweet potato
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½ cup almond butter
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¼ cup cocoa powder
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¼ cup maple syrup
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½ tsp baking powder
Instructions:
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Mix all ingredients until smooth.
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Spread into a lined 8x8 baking pan.
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Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes, then cool completely.
Serving tip: Sprinkle sea salt on top for a gourmet touch.
6. Mini Cranberry Orange Cheesecakes
Why you’ll love it: Bright, tangy, and festive — these no-bake cheesecakes bring a refreshing twist to traditional heavy desserts.
Ingredients:
Crust:
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1 cup gluten-free oats
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½ cup dates
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2 tbsp coconut oil
Filling:
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1 cup soaked cashews
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¼ cup coconut cream
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2 tbsp maple syrup
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Zest of 1 orange
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½ cup cranberries
Instructions:
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Blend crust ingredients and press into muffin cups.
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Blend filling ingredients until smooth and pour over crusts.
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Freeze for at least 3 hours before serving.
Serving tip: Garnish with orange zest or fresh cranberries for color.
7. Pumpkin Spice Truffles
Why you’ll love it: Small, sweet bites that melt in your mouth — the ultimate low-effort dessert that looks sophisticated.
Ingredients:
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1 cup pumpkin puree
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½ cup almond flour
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2 tbsp maple syrup
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1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
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1 cup vegan dark chocolate chips
Instructions:
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Mix pumpkin, almond flour, syrup, and spice to form a dough.
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Roll into balls and freeze for 15 minutes.
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Dip in melted chocolate and chill until set.
Serving tip: Arrange on a platter lined with parchment for a fancy look.
8. Chai-Spiced Coconut Rice Pudding
Why you’ll love it: Creamy, comforting, and full of warming spices — a dessert that doubles as a cozy breakfast.
Ingredients:
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½ cup rice
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2 cups coconut milk
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2 tbsp maple syrup
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½ tsp cinnamon, ¼ tsp cardamom, ¼ tsp ginger
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Pinch of salt
Instructions:
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Cook rice in coconut milk and spices until thick and creamy.
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Stir in maple syrup and serve warm or chilled.
Serving tip: Top with toasted coconut flakes or chopped nuts.
9. No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Cups
Why you’ll love it: A creamy, spiced dessert that feels indulgent but requires zero baking. Perfect for potlucks or serving individual portions.
Ingredients:
Crust:
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½ cup crushed gluten-free cookies
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2 tbsp coconut oil
Filling:
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1 cup soaked cashews
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½ cup pumpkin puree
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¼ cup maple syrup
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½ tsp cinnamon
Instructions:
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Mix crust ingredients and press into cups.
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Blend filling until creamy and spoon on top.
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Chill overnight before serving.
Serving tip: Sprinkle with cinnamon and crushed cookies for a pretty finish.
10. Coconut Almond Macaroons
Why you’ll love it: Crisp outside, chewy inside, and naturally gluten-free. They’re light yet satisfying — ideal after a big meal.
Ingredients:
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2 cups shredded coconut
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¼ cup almond flour
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¼ cup maple syrup
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1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
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Mix ingredients until sticky.
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Scoop onto a baking sheet and bake at 325°F for 20 minutes.
Serving tip: Drizzle with melted dark chocolate for extra indulgence.
Budget and Ingredient Tips
Hosting a crowd doesn’t mean spending big. Here are ways to keep these desserts affordable and easy to prepare:
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Buy store-brand coconut milk, oats, and flour to save 30–40%.
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Use one ingredient across recipes — for example, pumpkin puree works for pie bars, truffles, and cheesecake cups.
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Freeze leftovers — most of these desserts store well for up to a month.
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Make ahead — many recipes above (like truffles and cheesecake cups) improve in flavor after chilling overnight.
Make-Ahead Dessert Timeline
3 Days Before:
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Make truffles, mousse, and cheesecake cups. Store refrigerated or frozen.
2 Days Before:
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Bake pumpkin pie bars and sweet potato brownies.
1 Day Before:
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Prepare apple crisp (reheat before serving).
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Make energy bites and macaroons.
Thanksgiving Day:
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Garnish, plate, and add toppings right before guests arrive.
This plan keeps prep stress-free, ensuring you have time to actually enjoy dessert with your guests.
Styling Your Dessert Table (Vegan & Eco-Friendly)
Presentation matters — and it doesn’t have to cost a thing.
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Use small jars or ramekins for individual servings.
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Decorate with autumn leaves, cranberries, or mini pumpkins.
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Display desserts on cutting boards or trays for a rustic look.
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Keep it eco-conscious by avoiding disposable plastics.
And if you want to match your cruelty-free celebration with fashion that reflects your values, visit The Dharma Store. Their vegan t-shirts made from organic cotton make the perfect sustainable outfit for Thanksgiving hosting.
Final Thoughts
Hosting guests with mixed dietary needs doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. These gluten-free vegan Thanksgiving desserts prove that inclusive desserts can still be rich, flavorful, and celebratory.
From pumpkin pie bars to chocolate mousse cups and sweet potato brownies, each recipe here brings joy to the table — no eggs, no gluten, no dairy, and absolutely no compromise.
With the right ingredients and planning, you can offer your guests a dessert spread that feels indulgent, wholesome, and 100% aligned with your vegan values.
Because at Thanksgiving, the sweetest part of the day isn’t just dessert — it’s knowing everyone can enjoy it together.
And when it’s time to relax after the feast, slip into a comfy, ethical tee from The Dharma Store — where compassion and comfort meet perfectly for the holidays.