Wheat-free & Dairy-free Desserts

If you are on a restricted eating plan and cannot eat wheat or dairy products, you don't have to feel deprived. While many traditional desserts are off limits, you can still create sweet, satisfying treats to end your meals. Use alternative flours, soy or almond milk, fruits and dairy-free chocolate as ingredients in desserts so decadent that you will not miss the dairy and wheat.

Fruit Crisps

Fruit crisps use naturally sweet fruits and oats or gluten-free flours as a topping. For a simple apple version, use a 21-ounce can of gluten-free apple pie filling and spread into a 1 1/2-quart baking dish. In a bowl, stir together 2/3 cup of sorghum flour, 1/3 cup cornstarch, 3/4 cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon and a pinch of salt. Rub in 1/2 cup of natural shortening -- choose one made from non-hydrogenated oils -- until the mixture forms a crumbly texture. Sprinkle over the apples and bake for 35 to 40 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Upside-Down Cherry Cobbler

Canned cherries make this dessert a year-round possibility. Stir together 3/4 cup sugar with 3 tablespoons melted coconut oil, 1/4 cup sorghum flour, 1 teaspoon xanthan gum, 2 teaspoons baking powder, a dash of salt and 3/4 cup almond or soy milk. Pour into a deep baking pan coated with non-stick cooking spray. Drain a 14-ounce can of red cherries and reserve 1 cup of the juice. In a separate bowl, mix together the cherries, 3/4 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil and the 1 cup reserved cherry juice. Pour over the crust in the baking pan and put in a 350 degree Fahrenheit oven for about 45 minutes, until the crust is a deep, golden brown.

Brownie Cookies

Create chewy, flourless cookies with a rich chocolate flavor and brownie-like texture. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Use an electric beater to whip six egg whites and a pinch of salt into soft peaks. Add 3/4 cup of evaporated cane juice -- found in health-food stores -- gradually until you form stiff peaks. Fold in 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder, 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1 ounce shaved, dairy-free dark chocolate and 1/2 cup chopped walnuts. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of the mixture about 2 inches apart onto the baking sheets and cook for about 10 minutes to make two dozen cookies.

Quick Options

If you crave ice cream, look for soy or rice milk frozen desserts as an alternative. Several manufacturers also make a coconut milk frozen dessert that has the taste and texture of dairy ice cream. Another quick option for dessert are peeled and cored whole pears poached in a cup of Sauternes or other dessert wine with 1/2 cup water, a cinnamon stick and two whole cloves. Simmer lightly until the pears are soft, but still holding their shape. For a quick milkshake, blend together 1 cup soy milk with 1 frozen banana, 2 tablespoons almond butter and agave nectar to taste.