21 Best Flourless Desserts

chocolate and amaretto torte — The Spruce / Elaine Lemm

Whether you're looking for Passover-friendly sweets, follow a gluten-free diet, or just love the rich decadence of flourless cakes, there's a fantastic selection to bake up at home. Chocoholics and sweet teeth of all types will find something to enjoy—many of which can be made ahead and stored to make dessert even easier. Explore the variety of flavors and styles to add to your repertoire.

01 of 21

Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies

The Spruce / Claire Cohen

These flourless peanut butter cookies couldn't be easier and you probably have the ingredients on hand already. They're simple, nutty, and delicious as is, but you can add rolled oats, chocolate chips, nuts, or all of the above to mix things up a little, too.
02 of 21

Gluten-Free Fudge Brownies

The Spruce / Miri Rotkovitz

You don't have to miss out on bake-sale favorite brownies just because you're avoiding gluten. Almond flour or meal gives these rich, fudgy brownies that signature texture. Flour or meal work interchangeably in this recipe and you can make your own by grinding almonds into a fine texture if you can't find it in the store. It keeps tightly-covered in the cupboard if you make extra.
03 of 21

Gluten-Free Pistachio and Strawberry Roll

Sterling Epicure

The pink and green colors of this gluten-free pistachio and strawberry roll will remind you of spring, regardless of what the weather might look like outside. It does require three hours to chill the mousse and six hours to freeze the roll, so plan ahead. You can make the mousse a day in advance to save time.
04 of 21

Flourless Chocolate Banana Cookies

The Spruce / Miri Rotkovitz

Whether you're avoiding gluten, dairy, and wheat or just want a decadent flourless cookie, you're going to love this recipe. Mashed bananas give these a nice, moist texture that lends itself to either rolling them in powdered sugar for "crinkle" cookies or simply dropping them on the cookie sheet for speedier baking.

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05 of 21

Apple and Date Charoset Truffles

The Spruce / Anita Schecter

Charoset is a traditional Passover food because the texture of the apple and date balls is reminiscent of the mortar the Israelites used when they were enslaved people in Egypt. But you don't have to limit these fruit and nut truffles to Passover; they're delectable any time of year. Kids would love helping to roll the truffles in sugar and spices.
06 of 21

Chocolate Flan

The Spruce Eats / Elaine Lemm

The Spanish egg custard known as flan doesn't include flour. For a delicious twist on the original, try this chocolate flan recipe. It requires just four ingredients and is stunning when adorned with fruit, caramel sauce, or chocolate shavings.
07 of 21

Coconut Cookies

Kristina Vanni

Chewy and perfectly sweet, these coconut cookies are gluten-free. A whipped egg white holds the whole low-fat mixture together, and coconut adds a tropical flavor. Add a handful of finely chopped nuts or drizzle with a little dark chocolate to make them extra special.
08 of 21

Gluten-Free Coconut Flour Cookies

The Spruce / Jessie Sheehan

While the other coconut cookies recipe in this collection is made without any gluten-free flour at all, this gluten-free coconut flour cookies recipe is made with coconut flour, a celiac-friendly ingredient. Roughly chopped chocolate, coconut extract, and sweetened shredded coconut add just the right touches to make this a standout.

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09 of 21

Gluten-Free Yellow Cake

Kristina Vanni

This flourless recipe is perfect to have on hand for any occasion where a gluten-free cake is called for. Unsweetened coconut and almond flour eliminate the need for not only regular flour but also gluten-free alternatives. The five egg yolks give the cake a lovely golden color, and as it is made in one bowl, the recipe is simple to prepare and clean up. A sprinkling of powdered sugar and a few raspberries on top are the finishing touch.
10 of 21

Flourless Chocolate Torte

The Spruce / Elaine Lemm

This rich chocolate torte doesn’t miss the flour, thanks to decadent chocolate, eggs, butter, sugar, and a generous helping of amaretto. It comes together quickly and easily, and will keep in an airtight container for several days. Make it ahead to bring to a holiday celebration, enjoy it on Valentine's Day, or have on hand for surprise guests.
11 of 21

Almond Joy Cookies

Kristina Vanni

Not only are these cookies flour and grain-free, they are also no-bake. With all of the flavors of the popular candy bar, Almond Joy cookies only take a few ingredients and a few minutes to whip up. An almond pressed into the top makes for a pretty dessert.
12 of 21

Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Cookies

The Spruce / Jennifer Perillo

These cookies have all of the qualities of the beloved chocolate chip but without the gluten. Almond flour is substituted for all-purpose, adding a nice hint of flavor to these crispy, thin cookies with a slightly chewy texture. Be mindful the dough spreads a lot while baking so make sure to leave space between scoops.

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13 of 21

Gluten-Free Macarons

Maria Kallin / Getty Images

Almond flour, egg whites, and cream of tartar gives these easy macarons their light and airy texture and delightful crunch. Once you make this recipe, you'll never buy a box of macarons instead. Color them any tint you like, for a beautiful platter that your friends will swear you bought at the local bakery.
14 of 21

Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake With Chocolate Glaze

NightAndDayImages / Getty Images

While this cake comes out smaller than many recipes, don't let that fool you. One small slice of this fudge-tastic, flourless confection is more than enough. If you have a tart pan with fluted edges, it will make for a beautiful presentation that'll truly wow guests. A silky chocolate glaze rounds out the whole package.
15 of 21

Kosher Nut Sponge Roulade

Alexandra Grablewski / Photolibrary / Getty Images

This gluten-free nut sponge roulade is perfect for Passover or any gathering you want to make extra special. Sweet roulades—or "rolled" cakes—originated in Central Europe and refers to a sponge cake filled with sweet cream or other fillings. You can grind your own hazelnuts or mixed nuts for this recipe or buy ground nuts to make it easier.
16 of 21

Flourless Chocolate Peanut Butter Kisses

m01229 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0

You'll never miss the flour in these soft, classic peanut butter chocolate Kiss cookies. Use dark, semisweet, or even white and chocolate swirled Kisses to mix up the flavor. Pro tip: Unwrap the bite-sized chocolates ahead of time, so you can press the candies into the cookies quickly.

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17 of 21

Flourless Orange Cake

Lena_Zajchikova / Getty Images

Packed with bright citrus flavor, this orange cake with mascarpone cream and orange syrup makes a lovely light dessert, a snack with coffee or tea, or even a sweet brunch treat. And because it's flourless, your gluten-free friends and family member can enjoy it without worry. You can also make the cake in advance and slice just before guests arrive.
18 of 21

Polish Amaretti Cookies

The Spruce

These crispy, crackly almond or "amaretti" cookies are light, airy, and delicious. While the recipe does have multiple steps, it's not at all difficult to make. Using ground nuts instead of flour makes them allergy-friendly and they taste great with a cup of coffee, tea, or cocoa. Make these to share with friends and have the recipe handy. Everyone will be asking for it.
19 of 21

Flourless Chocolate Cake

chanelcoco872 / Flickr / CC BY 2.0

A hint of brown sugar gives this classic flourless chocolate cake a deep caramel note guests will love. The dense, fudgy texture makes it taste like a special-occasion dessert, even if you make it for a weekday treat. If you like a darker chocolate taste, increase the intensity with a mix of dark and bittersweet cocoa.
20 of 21

Hazelnut Chocolate Chip Cookies

Batke / Getty Images

Even if you don't need to stay gluten-free, you'll fall in love with these chocolate chip cookies, which use potato starch instead of all-purpose flour. Hazelnuts give them a delightfully nutty note that goes perfectly with chocolate chips. Use either chopped chocolate or chips or a mix of both for an interesting texture.

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21 of 21

Banana Nut Cake With Chocolate Icing

matka_Wariatka/Getty Images

This moist chocolate-iced banana cake is great for Passover or a sweet brunch or tea time cake. Use a very ripe banana for easier mashing and that nice, sweet flavor. You can make the icing parve by using parve chocolate or you can leave it off entirely for a slightly less sweet snack cake.

21 Flourless Desserts Everyone Will Love

Gluten-Free and Delicious

Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies

Flourless Chocolate Banana Cookies

Kosher Nut Sponge Roulade

Flourless Chocolate Peanut Butter Kisses