The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes the joy of sharing delicious meals with our loved ones. For those with gluten intolerance or sensitivity, it can be a challenge to find recipes that are both festive and safe to eat. Fear not, dear readers, for we have curated a list of 12 gluten-free Christmas recipes to try this holiday season.
These recipes are not only gluten-free but also packed with flavor and nutrients, ensuring that you and your guests have a wonderful time indulging in the holiday spirit. From savory main courses to sweet treats, we've got you covered.
Gluten-Free Christmas Recipes for a Stress-Free Holiday
Gluten-free cooking can be a breeze, especially when you have the right recipes. Here are some tips to keep in mind when cooking gluten-free:
- Always read labels carefully to ensure that the ingredients you're using are gluten-free.
- Use gluten-free flours like almond flour, coconut flour, or rice flour as substitutes in recipes.
- Be mindful of cross-contamination with gluten-containing ingredients in the kitchen.
With these tips in mind, let's dive into our list of gluten-free Christmas recipes!
1. Gluten-Free Gingerbread Cookies
These classic Christmas cookies get a gluten-free twist with the use of almond flour and coconut sugar. Spices like ginger and cinnamon add warmth and depth to these sweet treats.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together almond flour, coconut sugar, and spices.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together coconut oil and eggs.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
- Roll out the dough and use a cookie cutter to cut out shapes.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden.
2. Gluten-Free Christmas Tree Brownies
These rich and fudgy brownies are made with gluten-free flours and topped with a festive Christmas tree design.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, and coconut sugar.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together coconut oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
3. Gluten-Free Cranberry Sauce
This tangy and sweet cranberry sauce is made with fresh or frozen cranberries and is perfect for serving alongside your holiday meal.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz (340g) fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Rinse the cranberries and pick out any stems or debris.
- In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, water, and salt.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the cranberries have popped and the sauce has thickened.
4. Gluten-Free Green Bean Casserole
This classic casserole gets a gluten-free makeover with the use of gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and french-fried onions.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh or frozen green beans
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 cup gluten-free cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup french-fried onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Steam the green beans until tender. Set aside.
- In a large skillet, sauté the chopped onion until softened.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup and milk.
- Add the cooked green beans and sautéed onion to the bowl and stir until combined.
- Pour the mixture into a 9x13-inch baking dish and top with french-fried onions.
5. Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Casserole
This sweet and nutty casserole is made with cooked sweet potatoes, gluten-free marshmallows, and a crunchy pecan topping.
Ingredients:
- 2 large sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup gluten-free marshmallows
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, and marshmallows.
- In a separate bowl, mix together chopped pecans and salt.
- Pour the sweet potato mixture into a 9x13-inch baking dish and top with the pecan mixture.
6. Gluten-Free Eggnog Cheesecake
This creamy and rich cheesecake is made with gluten-free graham cracker crumbs and infused with the warm spices of eggnog.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups gluten-free graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 pounds cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup eggnog
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, mix together graham cracker crumbs and sugar.
- Add the melted butter and mix until well combined.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
- Add the granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and eggnog. Mix until well combined.
- Pour the cheesecake batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
7. Gluten-Free Peppermint Bark
This easy and elegant dessert is made with melted chocolate, crushed candy canes, and gluten-free peppermint extract.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup melted chocolate
- 1/2 cup crushed candy canes
- 1/4 teaspoon gluten-free peppermint extract
Instructions:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Pour the melted chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Sprinkle the crushed candy canes and peppermint extract over the top of the chocolate.
- Refrigerate until set, then break into pieces.
8. Gluten-Free Gingerbread Trifle
This show-stopping dessert is made with layers of gluten-free gingerbread cake, whipped cream, and caramel sauce.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, butter, sugar, eggs, ginger, cinnamon, and salt.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool completely.
- In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- In a separate bowl, mix together caramel sauce and whipped cream.
- Assemble the trifle by layering the gingerbread cake, whipped cream, and caramel sauce.
9. Gluten-Free Cranberry Apple Crisp
This warm and comforting dessert is made with fresh cranberries, apples, and a crunchy gluten-free oat topping.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 large apple, peeled and chopped
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons gluten-free oats
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, mix together cranberries, apple, and sugar.
- In a separate bowl, mix together gluten-free oats, chopped pecans, and salt.
- Pour the cranberry mixture into a 9x9-inch baking dish and top with the oat mixture.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is tender.
10. Gluten-Free Chocolate Yule Log
This impressive dessert is made with gluten-free chocolate cake, chocolate buttercream, and festive holly sprigs.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool completely.
- In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- In a separate bowl, mix together chocolate chips, butter, and powdered sugar.
- Assemble the yule log by spreading the chocolate buttercream over the cooled cake and decorating with holly sprigs.
11. Gluten-Free Peppermint Mocha Cake
This decadent cake is made with gluten-free flours, peppermint extract, and a rich mocha flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons peppermint extract
- 1 teaspoon instant coffee powder
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, butter, sugar, eggs, peppermint extract, and coffee powder.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool completely.
- In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- In a separate bowl, mix together butter, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract.
- Assemble the cake by spreading the mocha buttercream over the cooled cake.
12. Gluten-Free Snowball Cookies
These crumbly and sweet cookies are made with gluten-free flours, powdered sugar, and a hint of vanilla.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, butter, powdered sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Roll the dough into balls and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar.
Gallery of Gluten-Free Christmas Recipes
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