Dairy-Free & Lactose-Free Dessert Recipes

Find healthy, delicious dairy-free and lactose-free dessert recipes including dairy and lactose-free frozen desserts, ice cream and pudding. Healthier recipes, from the food and nutrition experts at EatingWell.

Most Popular

Almond Flour Cake

Rating: 4.5 stars 6
This light and fluffy almond flour cake is flavored simply with almond extract and orange zest. Whipped egg whites give this gluten-free cake a light texture. Serve with fresh seasonal fruit and whipped cream.
headshot of Laura Kanya in a blue shirt against a pink background
By Laura Kanya

Peanut Butter-Oat Energy Balls

Rating: 4.5 stars 10
Sweet, sticky dates act as the glue for these no-bake energy balls. Perfect for hikes or during sports, this healthy snack travels well. For the best flavor and texture, use Medjool dates--the largest and most luscious date variety. Look for them in the produce department or near other dried fruits.
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By EatingWell Test Kitchen

Super-Seed Snack Bars

Rating: 4 stars 5
Thanks to a mix of pumpkin, sunflower, hemp and chia seeds, these healthy snack bars are packed with protein, fiber, minerals and healthy fats. Because these bars pack well, they're great for taking along on all-day adventures.
By Beth Lipton

Crispy Peanut Butter Balls

Rating: 5 stars 5
All you need are four simple ingredients to make healthier crispy peanut butter balls that kids and grownups will love. Make this easy recipe for a bite-size treat, on-the-go snack or easy homemade gift. You can swap the peanut butter for almond butter or even sunflower seed butter if you need a nut-free snack for school.
By Devon O'Brien

Pineapple Nice Cream

Rating: 5 stars 4
All-fruit, dairy-free and with no added sugar--these are the hallmarks of nice cream, a healthy alternative to ice cream. This pineapple nice cream has tropical flavors, thanks to a hit of mango and lime. It takes just minutes to make this naturally sweet frozen dessert in the food processor or a blender. Enjoy it alone, or top with fresh fruit and toasted coconut.
By Carolyn Casner

Strawberry Nice Cream

Rating: 4.5 stars 3
This luscious strawberry nice cream is a wonderful healthy ice cream alternative. It's all fruit, dairy-free, vegan and contains no added sugar, but is bursting with sweet berry flavor. And it takes just minutes to whip up this easy healthy dessert in a food processor if you freeze the fruit ahead. While you'll get the best flavor from fresh berries, if you don't have them on hand, feel free to use store-bought frozen fruit in this recipe. Serve the nice cream on its own or top it with more fresh berries for a refreshing summer treat.
By Karen Rankin

Fresh Apple Squares

Rating: 3.5 stars 5
One batch of dough does double duty as both the crust and streusel topping to make one of the easiest desserts around.
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By EatingWell Test Kitchen

Spiced Pumpkin Cookies

Rating: 4 stars 13
The deep flavors of molasses, cinnamon, ginger, allspice and nutmeg make these wholesome pumpkin cookies delicious without the addition of butter--and they lend themselves beautifully to the inclusion of whole-wheat flour. They are also the perfect texture for a sandwich cookie--fill them with a slightly sweetened cream cheese frosting.
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By EatingWell Test Kitchen

No-Sugar-Added Oatmeal Cookies

Rating: 3 stars 6
Classic oatmeal cookies without all the sugar, these better-for-you gluten-free treats get their sweetness from ripe bananas and chopped dates.
By Carolyn Casner

Flourless Chocolate Cookies

Rating: 4 stars 8
These flourless cookies get their volume from whipped egg whites (like a meringue) instead of grains, making them gluten-free and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. A chocolate chip in each bite adds to the rich chocolate flavor.
Hilary Meyer
By Hilary Meyer

Air-Fryer Apples

Rating: 5 stars 1
These air-fryer apples are warm and tender, with cinnamon and orange zest adding subtle spice and flavor. Maple syrup makes these air-fryer apples just sweet enough.
headshot of Laura Kanya in a blue shirt against a pink background
By Laura Kanya

Lemon-Blueberry Nice Cream

Nice cream is for everyone, regardless of dietary restrictions. This dairy- and lactose-free, no- added-sugar version requires only five ingredients, including cold water, and comes together as fast as the blades in your food processor can spin. It's bright with blueberries and creamy from bananas, making it a simple and easy dessert with a good dose of dietary fiber—how much more can you ask from a delicious frozen summer dessert?
By Carolyn Casner
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Inspiration and Ideas

11 Whole30 Desserts to Make When You Want a Sweet Treat
From easy, nutrient-packed scoops of "nice" cream to citrusy fruit salads and kebabs, these desserts will satisfy your sweet tooth and help you stick to the parameters of the Whole30 diet.
13 Dessert Recipes to Celebrate Passover
End your Passover meal with these healthy and delicious desserts.
Gingerbread Tea Cake
Rating: 5 stars 4

This low-calorie cake gets its festive flavor from molasses, cinnamon, ginger and ground cloves. Serve it for dessert at the holidays.