Next-level paleo dessert recipes to satisfy any craving! These well-tested cookies, cakes, pies, tarts, bars, puddings, chocolate treats, and fruit desserts are easy to make and great for bakers of all levels. All use wholesome ingredients appropriate for a paleo diet. Each recipe is undetectably free of dairy, gluten, grains, and refined sugar, and some are even eggless, vegan, and nut-free.
Whether you're in need of a quick treat or a show-stopping dessert to impress guests, you won't feel deprived with this collection of delicious, paleo-friendly sweets!
If you're on a paleo diet, you can still enjoy desserts that are every bit as delicious as their wheat-, dairy-, and sugar-laden counterparts.
As a trained pastry chef, I've developed these paleo dessert recipes to taste and feel as close to classic as possible. There are pillow-soft cakes, chewy cookies, creamy puddings, and elegant pies and tarts. Whether you're on a paleo diet or not, dessert will be effortless and rewarding with these well-tested, reader-loved sweet treats!
These recipes range from quick and easy treats (hello, paleo chocolate chip cookies) to seasonal favorites (almond flour apple crumble) to company-worthy desserts (maple-sweetened apple pie, coconut flour vanilla layer cake).
Find more paleo-friendly recipes here!
Paleo Baking Ingredients
The secret to great paleo desserts? Harnessing the power of grain-free flours, unrefined sweeteners, and dairy substitutes. Here are some commonly-used ingredients with which to stock your pantry. You won't need all of these ingredients for each recipe, but with these staples on hand, you'll be able to make most of the desserts here.
Grain-Free Flours
These grain-free flours create great structure, texture, and flavor in paleo desserts. You can read more about them in my gluten-free flour guide for bakers, which covers other gluten-free flours too.
- blanched almond flour
- cassava flour
- coconut flour
- tapioca flour / arrowroot powder
- tiger nut flour (can work as a nut-free substitute for almond flour)
Grass-fed Dairy & Dairy Substitutes
Some paleo dieters include grass-fed dairy products such as butter and ghee. Others prefer to keep a dairy-free diet. Here are some ingredients that I commonly use for both options.
- grass-fed butter (Strauss and Organic Valley brands)
- grass-fed ghee (Organic Valley brand)
- unrefined coconut oil
- extra-virgin olive oil
- avocado oil
- pastured eggs
- coconut yogurt / cashew yogurt
- almond milk
Sweeteners & Pantry Staples
Refined sugar isn't paleo-friendly, but here are some sweeteners and other baking ingredients that are.
- maple syrup
- coconut sugar
- cashew butter
- tahini
- nuts (almonds, hazelnuts, cashews)
- canned coconut milk
- vanilla extract
- baking soda & baking powder
- fine sea salt and flaky salt, for finishing
FAQ
Are paleo desserts healthier than conventional desserts?
Generally speaking, yes! Paleo desserts are made with whole food ingredients including nuts, seeds, grain-free flours, grass-fed butter or ghee, unrefined sweeteners, and eggs. These foods are naturally high in fiber, healthy fats, and antioxidants. Additionally, paleo desserts are free of foods that can cause inflammation such as sugar, dairy, seed oils, gluten, and preservatives.
What desserts can I eat on a paleo diet?
Anything made without dairy, grains, legumes, or refined sugar, including cookies, cakes, pies, tarts, bars, puddings, chocolate treats, and fruit desserts.
Here are 25 paleo-friendly dessert recipes that are easy to make at home but will make you feel like a professional pastry chef!
Paleo Apple Crisp with Almond Flour Crumble
Paleo Apple Crisp with Almond Flour Crumble
With tender sweet-tart apples and a crunchy spiced topping, this paleo apple crisp makes a cozy fall (or anytime!) dessert.
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Super Moist Chocolate Cake with Coconut Flour
Super Moist Chocolate Cake with Coconut Flour
Gluten- and dairy-full cakes *wish* they could be as moist and tender as this easy one-bowl coconut flour chocolate cake. This super-moist cake keeps beautifully for days. You’d never guess that it’s free of dairy, gluten, grains, nuts, and refined sugar because it tastes like the most perfectly decadent chocolate cake ever.
Top it with my creamy vegan 5-minute chocolate ganache for an extra-chocolatey treat.
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With crisp edges and gooey middles, these vegan paleo tahini chocolate chip cookies are a snap to make. You won't believe they're plant-based and free of dairy, eggs, grains, gluten, nuts, and refined sugar.
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5-Minute Paleo Chocolate Blender Pudding
5-Minute Paleo Chocolate Blender Pudding
Rich & creamy paleo chocolate pudding made with 7 good-for-you ingredients in 5 minutes of active time; no cooking required. Chill in the fridge or freezer before serving for luscious chocolate bliss!
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Vegan Paleo Banana Bread with Cassava Flour
Vegan Paleo Banana Bread with Cassava Flour
Vegan paleo banana bread that's super moist, gooey, decadent-tasting, yet deceptively healthy. Made with one bowl and 10 minutes of active time.
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Fudgy Coconut Flour Chocolate Cupcakes
Fudgy Coconut Flour Chocolate Cupcakes
These coconut flour cupcakes are loaded with rich cocoa flavor, and they're unbelievably moist and tender. Easy to make in one bowl in about 30 minutes. Allergy-friendly and free of dairy, gluten, grains, nuts, and refined sugar – though your guests will never know!
Top them with a double or triple batch of coconut milk chocolate ganache for an extra-chocolatey treat.
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Pillowy Coconut Flour Vanilla Layer Cake
Pillowy Coconut Flour Vanilla Layer Cake
A moist and fluffy vanilla cake that comes together with a whisk and bowl in under an hour! Free of gluten, dairy, grains, refined sugar, and nuts. Top it with a double batch of paleo cream cheese frosting for a layer cake worthy of birthdays and other celebrations.
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Vegan & paleo chocolate chip cookies with crispy edges and chewy middles! So easy to make in 30 minutes with 10 ingredients & 1 bowl.
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No-Bake Hazelnut Ganache Brownies {gluten-free, vegan, refined sugar-free}
No-Bake Hazelnut Ganache Brownies {gluten-free, vegan, refined sugar-free}
Dates, nuts, and cocoa powder form a fudgy base crowned with creamy coconut maple ganache in these chocolate hazelnut no-bake brownies. These brownies are gluten-free, raw, vegan, and refined sugar-free.
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Paleo Lemon Cake with Coconut Flour
Paleo Lemon Cake with Coconut Flour
This paleo lemon cake recipe uses coconut flour for a light, springy cake you won't believe is dairy-free, nut-free, and refined sugar-free! Slather it with paleo cream cheese frosting for a decadent yet healthy layer cake.
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Chewy gooey matcha chocolate chip cookies made with almond flour and pantry-friendly ingredients. These healthy matcha cookies are vegan, gluten-free, and paleo-friendly. Mix them up in one bowl and have them in and out of the oven in under an hour.
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Paleo pumpkin pie filling made with 9 ingredients in 10 minutes of active time nestled in a flaky & tender paleo pie crust. Top it with whipped coconut cream for a festive fall dessert. Be sure to give the pie at least 3 hours to cool and set after baking.
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No-Bake Chocolate Hazelnut Cheesecake Slice
No-Bake Chocolate Hazelnut Cheesecake Slice
This no-bake chocolate hazelnut cheesecake comes together in minutes with just a blender or food processor for layers of chocolate hazelnut love!
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Lacy Paleo Crepes with Almond Flour
Lacy Paleo Crepes with Almond Flour
These easy almond flour paleo crepes have a delicate, lacy texture and perfectly crisp, golden edges. Made with 6 ingredients and ready in under an hour! Shown here with blueberry chia jam, coconut yogurt, honey, and hemp seeds.
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How to Make Vegan Key Lime Pie
How to Make Vegan Key Lime Pie
Vegan key lime pie that's entirely grain-free, paleo-friendly, and refined sugar-free bursting with the flavors of bright citrus and luscious coconut.This pie takes only 30 minutes of active time to make; give yourself at least 1 hour to soak the cashews and 4 hours to chill the pie (or an hour in the freezer).
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15-Minute Stovetop Butterscotch Pudding (no eggs!)
15-Minute Stovetop Butterscotch Pudding (no eggs!)
The comforting, effortless dessert you didn't know you needed. Now with dairy-free, vegan, and paleo options.
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Paleo Apple Pie
Paleo Apple Pie
Gooey, maple-sweetened apples, tender almond flour pie crust, all kissed with a hint of cinnamon. This paleo apple pie tastes like fall on a plate.
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Flaky Paleo Pie Crust with Cassava Flour
Flaky Paleo Pie Crust with Cassava Flour
A paleo pie crust recipe that actually rivals a wheat crust! Almond, cassava, and tapioca flours build a smooth, pliant dough that you can roll, fold, flute, and weave. Gluten-free, grain-free, dairy-free, egg-free, plus vegan and nut-free options.
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Paleo Peach Cobbler with Almond Flour Biscuits
Paleo Peach Cobbler with Almond Flour Biscuits
Paleo peach cobbler with fluffy, golden almond flour & cassava biscuits made in about an hour. Gluten-free with vegan & dairy-free options. Plus lots of fruit variations in the recipe notes, below!
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This paleo zucchini bread starts with a base of tahini and maple, and gets a tender crumb from cassava and tapioca flours, all studded with pockets of gooey melted chocolate. This healthy, easy recipe is also grain-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, nut-free, and refined sugar-free.
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No-Bake Chocolate Cream Tart {vegan, gluten-free, grain-free, refined sugar-free}
No-Bake Chocolate Cream Tart {vegan, gluten-free, grain-free, refined sugar-free}
With a grain-free press-in crust, vegan cashew cream filling, and maple sweetened coconut whip, this no-bake chocolate cream tart is as nourishing as it is delicious.
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Grain-Free Banana Bread with Cinnamon, Dates, and Walnuts
Grain-Free Banana Bread with Cinnamon, Dates, and Walnuts
Super moist, gooey, decadent-tasting, yet deceptively healthy, this grain-free banana bread gets a baklava vibe from toasted walnuts, cinnamon, and dates.
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No-Bake Lemon Berry Coconut Cream Tart {vegan, gluten-free, refined sugar-free}
No-Bake Lemon Berry Coconut Cream Tart {vegan, gluten-free, refined sugar-free}
Almonds, cashews, maple, and coconut form the base for this über-lemony tart topped with coconut cream and summerberries. Naturally vegan, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free.
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No-Bake Matcha Mint Grasshopper Pies in Jars {gluten-free, vegan}
No-Bake Matcha Mint Grasshopper Pies in Jars {gluten-free, vegan}
Grasshopper pie never looked so healthy and adorable. Cashew cream, coconut oil, almonds, and maple syrup make a silky-smooth filling kissed with fresh mint and matcha, all topped with peppermint coconut cream atop a nutty cocoa crust.
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Raw Chocolate + Pistachio Butter Cups
Raw Chocolate + Pistachio Butter Cups
Homemade honeyed pistachio butter fills raw chocolate made from cacao butter, cacao powder, and maple syrup for a healthier take on peanut butter cups.
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15-Minute Creamy Stovetop Pumpkin Pudding
15-Minute Creamy Stovetop Pumpkin Pudding
Silky pumpkin pudding kissed with brown sugar and spices tastes just like the best pumpkin pie ever, only way easier. See the notes for a vegan option!
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Vegan Chocolate Fig Tart (grain-free, refined sugar-free, paleo-friendly)
Vegan Chocolate Fig Tart (grain-free, refined sugar-free, paleo-friendly)
With a nutty cocoa crust, creamy chocolate filling, and zippy fresh figs, this chocolate fig tart makes a stunning early fall dessert. Gluten-free, grain-free, vegan, paleo, and refined sugar-free options.
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"PBJ" Tahini Chia Pudding
"PBJ" Tahini Chia Pudding
Nutty tahini chia pudding meets sweet-tart fruit compote and creamy plant yogurt in this vegan dessert, breakfast, or anytime snack. Be sure to give yourself several hours (or preferably overnight) to chill the pudding and let it set.With inspiration from Minimalist Baker.
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No-Bake Pumpkin Tart {vegan, paleo, raw-ish}
No-Bake Pumpkin Tart {vegan, paleo, raw-ish}
A healthier take on pumpkin pie made with a spiced nut crust and maple-cashew filling. Paleo, vegan, gluten-free, and maple-sweetened.
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Vegan Chocolate Pie with Gluten-Free Graham Cracker Crust
Vegan Chocolate Pie with Gluten-Free Graham Cracker Crust
For chocophiles only! This vegan chocolate pie has a luscious filling made with nut butter, maple syrup, and cocoa. See the recipe for paleo crust options.
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Raspberry Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches {Vegan, Gluten-Free, Raw-ish, Naturally Sweetened}
Raspberry Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches {Vegan, Gluten-Free, Raw-ish, Naturally Sweetened}
Cool and creamy ice cream sandwiches made with vegan raspberry ice cream and no-bake paleo brownies.
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25 Deliciously Foolproof Paleo Dessert Recipes: Chocolate Chip Cookies
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Paleo dessert recipes to satisfy every craving, including these paleo chocolate chip cookies. Easy to make in 30 minutes with pantry ingredients, and ultra-addictive – whether you're paleo or not.
Alanna Taylor-Tobin
Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes minutes
Total: 27 minutes minutes
Servings: 9 cookies
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup (130 g) room temperature, well-stirred cashew butter* (Artisana brand)
- ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons (110 g) maple syrup (preferably dark)
- 1 tablespoon (8 g) coconut sugar
- 3 tablespoons (35 g) melted, cooled coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon gluten-free vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons (55 g) cassava flour* (Bob's Red Mill brand)
- ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons (40 g) tiger nut flour or almond flour (Anthony's brand tiger nut flour)
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 4 ounces (115 g) coarsely chopped bittersweet chocolate, plus extra for the tops (70-75% cacao mass)
- flaky salt such as Maldon, for sprinkling
Instructions
Position a rack in the upper third of the oven and preheat to 375ºF. Line a rimless cookie sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cashew butter, maple syrup, coconut sugar, coconut oil, and vanilla until smooth and emulsified.
Place a strainer over the bowl and sift in the cassava and tiger nut flours with the baking soda and sea salt. Stir to combine, then stir in the chocolate chunks.
Scoop 2-inch diameter balls of dough (3 tablespoons or a #24 spring-loaded ice cream scoop) onto the prepared cookie sheet, spaced 2-3 inches apart. Top each cookie with a chunk or two of chocolate and a pinch of flaky salt.
Bake the cookies in the top rack of the oven until golden and puffed, with the edges beginning to set and the centers soft, 8-12 minutes. Rotate the baking sheet at 8 minutes for even baking.
Remove the cookies from the oven and slide them, parchment and all, onto a cooling rack. Let them cool as long as you can stand it. Enjoy warm from the oven, at room temperature, or let cool completely and store, covered at room temperature, for up to 3 days.
Video
Notes
*Substitutions: If you’re trying a substitution, I would advise baking off a single test cookie, that way you can adjust the remaining dough if need be (i.e. add more flour if the cookies spread too much, or flatten the dough balls if they don’t spread enough).
You can also try omitting all of the flours and using 165 grams (about 1 cup + 2 -4 tablespoons) all-purpose flour (wheat, GF, or paleo).
- In place of cashew butter, sub by weight almond butter or peanut butter
- In place of cassava flour, sub by weight paleo AP flour, or sweet rice flour for non-paleo
Tips for better cookies:
Since cookies are sensitive to slight changes in moisture and temperature, here are some ways to get foolproof cookies:
- measure by weight, not volume
- if measuring by volume, use the dip and sweep (aka scoop and swoop) method
- make sure your oven is the correct temperature by using an external oven thermometer
- bake off a single test cookie to make sure your cookies spread the right amount
- if your cookies spread too much, add more flour or increase the oven temperature
- if they don't spread enough, flatten the dough balls or decrease the oven temperature
Make-ahead:
- Make the dough as directed, then let sit until firm enough to scoop (or chill for a few minutes).
- Scoop into balls, place the dough balls on a small baking sheet lined with parchment, and chill until firm, about 1 hour.
- Transfer the cold dough balls into a container and chill for up to a week or so.
- When you’re ready to bake, just plop the dough balls on a cookie sheet as directed, top with flaky salt, and bake.
- You can also freeze dough balls for up to several months.
Nutrition facts are for 1 of 9 cookies.
Nutrition
Calories: 277kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 4gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 133mgPotassium: 185mgFiber: 1gSugar: 16gVitamin A: 6IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 45mgIron: 2mg
Making this? I'd love to see!Tag your snaps @The_Bojon_Gourmet and #bojongourmet!
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