7 Gluten-Free French Pastries and Desserts to Make at Home

French pastries are known for their delicate pastry, buttery layers, creamy fillings, and beautifully balanced flavors. Making them gluten-free doesn’t mean giving up those classic textures.

I’ve been developing gluten-free recipes since 2012, and this collection brings together seven French-inspired favorites from my kitchen. You’ll find gluten-free puff pastry recipes, choux pastry, fruit-filled desserts, a classic lemon tart, and a rich chocolate mousse cake.

Whether you’re looking for a French pastry for a special occasion or a simple dessert to make with seasonal fruit, there’s something here to try.

7 Gluten-Free French Pastries and Desserts to Make at Home, featuring a cream puff

What to Expect From These Gluten-Free French Pastries

This collection includes a mix of classic French-inspired pastries and desserts, from gluten-free puff pastry and choux pastry to fruit-filled cakes, tarts, and chocolate desserts. Each recipe has its own texture and flavor, so you’ll find everything from flaky and buttery to creamy, custardy, and rich.

Gluten-Free Reminder: Make sure all packaged ingredients you use are labeled gluten-free or verified by the manufacturer.

7 Gluten-Free French Pastries and Desserts

Here are seven French-inspired favorites, both sweet and savory.

Gluten-Free Puff Pastry Spinach Cheese Cups

gluten-free puff pastry spinach cheese cups

These savory puff pastry cups are a delicious way to use homemade gluten-free puff pastry. Filled with spinach and cheese, they’re ideal as an appetizer, brunch bite, or simple addition to a party spread. Get the recipe →

Gluten-Free Cream Puffs Recipe

gluten free French pastry cream puffs filled with cream

Light and airy gluten-free choux pastry is baked until puffed and golden, then filled with a creamy filling. These classic cream puffs make an impressive dessert with just a few ingredients, plus the filling. Get the recipe →

Pear and Almond Frangipane Cake

a slice of best pie of 2023 pear and almond frangipane cake

This pear and almond cake combines tender fruit with a rich almond filling inspired by classic French frangipane desserts. It’s a beautiful choice for fall and winter baking, when pears are at their best. Get the recipe →

Easy Gluten-Free Blueberry Clafoutis

A slice of easy blueberry clafoutis with a custard-like texture, served warm on a plate alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream—simple, elegant

Clafoutis is a classic French dessert traditionally made with fruit baked in a soft, custard-like batter. This gluten-free version is especially good with juicy blueberries and makes an easy dessert for breakfast, brunch, or after dinner. Get the recipe →

Gluten-Free French Pastry Cheese Cups

gluten free French pastry cheese cups on a cooling rack

These savory cheese puffs are made with gluten-free puff pastry and plenty of cheesy flavor. They’re simple to serve as an appetizer or snack and are especially good when you want something warm and savory. Get the recipe →

Gluten-Free French Lemon Tart

gluten free French lemon tart with flaky gluten free pastry

A buttery gluten-free pastry crust is paired with a smooth, fresh lemon filling in this French-inspired tart. The tart lemon flavor balances the buttery crust, making this a great dessert for spring, summer, or whenever you want something fresh and citrusy. Get the recipe →

Gluten-Free Chocolate Mousse Cake

Sliced gluten-free French chocolate mousse cake on a pedestal with fresh berries, maple syrup, and cocoa powder

This rich chocolate dessert combines the texture of a cake with a smooth, airy egg-free chocolate mousse layer. It’s the kind of gluten-free French-inspired dessert that’s perfect for birthdays, dinner parties, and other special occasions. Get the recipe →

Which Gluten-Free French Dessert Should You Make?

For something savory: Try the Puff Pastry Spinach Cheese Cups or Puff Pastry Cheese Puffs.

For a classic pastry: The Gluten-Free Cream Puffs are a great choice if you want to try gluten-free choux pastry.

For fruit: Make the Pear and Almond Frangipane Cake or Blueberry Clafoutis.

For something bright and citrusy: The Gluten-Free French Lemon Tart is a great choice.

For chocolate lovers: Go with the Gluten-Free Chocolate Mousse Cake.

Gluten-Free French Pastries FAQs

Can French pastries be made gluten-free?

Yes. Traditional French pastry recipes can be adapted using gluten-free ingredients. The recipes in this collection have been developed specifically for gluten-free baking.

What is gluten-free choux pastry?

Choux pastry is a light pastry dough used to make desserts such as cream puffs. A gluten-free version uses gluten-free ingredients while still creating the characteristic light, airy pastry.

More Gluten-Free French Desserts to Try

If you’re looking for more gluten-free desserts, explore these recipes next:

Whether you’re craving flaky pastry, a rustic fruit-filled dessert, something creamy and citrusy, or a rich chocolate finish, these gluten-free French-inspired recipes give you plenty of ways to bring French-style baking into your kitchen.