20 Things To Bake That Are Gluten-Free

Special diets get kind of a bad rap, don't they? Gluten-free baking is a prime example of an allergen-specific restriction that has gotten so much press in recent years that it has become a somewhat infamous form of eating. But, finding things to bake that are gluten-free is a great strategy, regardless of what your diet is. People who aren't necessarily gluten intolerant sometimes turn to baking sans wheat protein for a number of reasons. While I am perfectly tolerant of gluten, there are some gluten-free baked goods that taste better than their traditionally prepared counterparts, in my opinion. For instance, I have significantly improved my mom's world-famous banana bread by subbing almond flour for white; Sorry, Mom, you just can't argue with results.

The hunt for the perfect gluten-free pastries is never ending, mainly because it can be tough to recreate the exact texture of pizza crust without those wheat proteins, but that is what makes an amazing GF recipe so valuable. Whether you simply prefer the taste of gluten-free baked goods or you really want a tasty brownie substitute that doesn't set off your allergies, you will love the 20 gluten-free baked goods in this roundup. It's time to preheat that oven.

1. The Very Best Granola

A crunchy, salty, sweet breakfast option when you're over eggs and salsa.

Image and Recipe: Cookie and Kate

2. Almond Cake with Roasted Strawberries & Rhubarb on Top

Savory rhubarb is the perfect foil to super sweet strawberries in a cake that will keep you coming back for just one more slice.

Image and Recipe: Cookie and Kate

3. Honey Almond Cake with Raspberries, Orange, & Pistachios

Fresh, fragrant, and free of gastrointestinal stressors!

Image and Recipe: Cookie and Kate

4. Peanut Butter, Banana, Honey, & Oat Chocolate Chip Cookies

A yummy twist on a classic cookie. Plus, look how cute those sprinkles are.

Image and Recipe: Cookie and Kate

5. Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies

A gluten-free version of a staple. Chances are, your friends won't even realize these aren't made with white flour.

Image and Recipe: Cookie and Kate

6. Easy Gluten-Free Oat Waffles

Another breakfast option, this time in a snackable and nostalgic shape. Break out the waffle iron and the maple syrup, ladies and gents.

Image and Recipe: Cookie and Kate

7. Gluten-Free Blackberry Corn Cake

When you're craving something light and sweet with maximum mouthfeel, this blackberry corncake is just an obvious choice.

Image and Recipe: Naturally Ella

8. Gluten-Free Hazelnut Brownies

Dark, rich brownies made more sinful with hazelnut flour, expect these to become your new standby for movie night.

Image and Recipe: Naturally Ella

9. Gluten-Free Strawberry Banana Bread

Great with coffee, tea, or on its own, this light banana-strawberry conglomeration is moist and delish.

Image and Recipe: Whitney Bond

10. Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls

Perfect for a Sunday morning that only calls for espresso, lounging, and taking a slow approach to the afternoon.

Image and Recipe: Whitney Bond

11. Gluten-Free Garlic Cheddar Biscuits

If you want a little something to go with dinner, these biscuits pair perfectly with tomato soup.

Image and Recipe: Whitney Bond

12. Gluten-Free Nutella Brownies

Is it just me, or does everything taste better swirled with Nutella?

Image and Recipe: Whitney Bond

13. Gluten-Free S'mores Waffles

Chocolate and marshmallows round out a chewy, powdered sugar-dusted morning treat in an easy-to-make presentation.

Image and Recipe: Whitney Bond

14. Gluten-Free Irish Cream Glazed Doughnuts

Cakey and moist, Baileys Irish Cream gives these doughnuts the coffee-injected punch you deserve on a Friday.

Image and Recipe: Whitney Bond

15. Gluten-Free Chorizo Empanadas

Successfully creating a mock-empanada dough is tough, which is what makes these little pockets of heaven so worth the time and effort it takes to make them.

Image and Recipe: Whitney Bond

16. Gluten-Free Carrot Date Muffins

These muffins are easy to grab when you're on your way out the door, and full of enough fiber to stave off hunger until lunchtime.

Image and Recipe: Whitney Bond

17. Gluten-Free Italian Garlic Rolls

If you like a doughy roll, check these flavorful dinner sides out; garlicky and ready to be dipped into the nearest butter sauce.

Image and Recipe: Whitney Bond

18. Maple & Candied Bacon Blonde Brownies

A dessert you'll really only need a few nibbles of to be satisfied, these blondies pack salt, sweet, and meat into one gluten-free bite.

Image and Recipe: The Urban Poser

19. Chocolate Bundt Cake with Blackberries

If you're ready to impress a crowd, this blackberry bundt cake is a gorgeous, gluten-free dessert anyone would be lucky to taste.

Image and Recipe: The Urban Poser

20. Vanilla Poppy Seed Cake Doughnuts with Lemon Glaze & Iced Rooibos Masala Chai

If you like chai tea, this spicy doughnut is cooled by masala and brightened with a lemon glaze — perfect for a summer afternoon nosh.

Image and Recipe: The Urban Poser

Images: Brian Chan/Unsplash