Gluten-free: 18 fabulous flour-less desserts

Whether your household is entirely gluten-free, you're expecting gluten-free guests, or you're experimenting with a new diet, this list will satisfy dessert cravings of all sorts. 

Coconut rice pudding

Beyond The Peel
Made from pantry staples, this recipe is easy to make, and hits the sweet spot.

By France MorissetteBeyond The Peel 

2 cups sprouted brown rice

2-1/2 cups water

1-1/2 cups coconut milk

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/2 cup palm sugar (also known as coconut sugar)

1. Add all the ingredients to a large pot. Bring the rice to a boil, cover with a lid and reduce heat to gentle simmer for 45 minutes.

2. Stir every 5 minutes during the last 10 minutes of cooking process. Add water if the rice is beginning to dry out or begins to stick to the bottom of the pot, adding 1/2 cup of water at a time.

Recipe Notes: If you choose to use a different type of rice, you will probably need to adjust the ratio of liquid to rice. Sprouted rice requires less water to cook. Just keep your eye on it during the simmering process and add more as needed. When you first make this, you want it to be slightly runny, like warm pudding. The rice will absorb a lot of the moisture if it is allowed to cool overnight. Reheating the rice pudding the next day will most likely require you to add more water. I added a cup of water the next day during the reheating process. Different types of rice also have different cooking times. Adjust accordingly.

Sugar Substitute: Use any amount of sweetener you need to make it taste good to you. If you’re new to whole foods you may require more sugar. That’s OK. You can adjust it over time as your need for sugar decreases. I love using honey in this recipe as well. Any sweetener can be used here and add a little bit at a time until you get the desired result. Each type of sweetener will also give a slightly different flavor.

Spices: Cinnamon is a lovely addition, as is cardamom. A 1/2 teaspoon of each or of just one makes for a nice change.

Other Yummy Additions: One of my favorite additions is coconut or cranberries. Both can be added during the cooking process. Don’t underestimate adding roasted cashews, pistachios or coconut ribbons as a garnish which are all completely delicious. Nuts and seeds of any kind are delightful as well. It helps add diversity in the textures which lends to a pleasant mouth feel.

Fruit or yogurt: Serve this with fresh or roasted fruit and/or yogurt.

Caramelized bananas

1/2 banana per person

Honey (use maple syrup if vegan)

Preheat the oven to broil. Cut the banana in half and again in half lengthwise. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the banana cut side up on baking sheet. Brush with warm honey or maple syrup. Broil until golden brown on top. About 5 minutes.

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