California Restaurants Serving Gluten Free Desserts You Can’t Miss

Finding amazing desserts when you’re gluten-free used to be a challenge, but California has become a paradise for those with dietary restrictions. From fancy bakeries to casual cafés, the Golden State offers some of the most delicious gluten-free treats you’ll ever taste. These restaurants have mastered the art of creating desserts so good that even those without gluten sensitivities keep coming back for more.

1. Mariposa Baking Company’s Cherry Pie Dreams in Oakland

Cherry pie lovers rejoice! Mariposa Baking Company in Oakland, California creates a gluten-free cherry pie that will transport you straight to dessert heaven. Their flaky, buttery crust shatters perfectly with each forkful, while the filling balances sweet-tart cherries with just the right amount of cinnamon and sugar.

Founded by a celiac patient, this dedicated gluten-free bakery takes allergies seriously. Everything in the shop is 100% gluten-free, so there’s zero risk of cross-contamination.

Beyond the cherry pie, their display cases overflow with cookies, cupcakes, and breads that have earned a cult following among Bay Area residents. The cozy Ferry Building location makes it a perfect stop during a San Francisco visit, though locals know their Oakland headquarters offers the freshest selections daily.

2. Decadent Flourless Chocolate Cake at The Rotunda in San Francisco

Shopping becomes secondary when The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus serves their famous gluten-free flourless chocolate cake. Dense, fudgy, and intensely chocolatey, this sophisticated dessert sits in a pool of raspberry coulis that provides the perfect fruity counterpoint to its richness.

The elegant setting beneath the historic stained-glass dome adds to the experience. White-gloved servers deliver this signature dessert with a flourish, often accompanied by their famous popovers (not gluten-free, but your companions will appreciate them).

Executive Chef has perfected this recipe over decades, using premium Guittard chocolate sourced from just across the Bay. The cake contains no flour substitutes – it’s naturally gluten-free by design, making it a pure expression of chocolate decadence. Reservations recommended for lunch, especially during holiday shopping season when tables fill quickly with fashionable San Franciscans.

3. Heavenly Cupcakes at Erin McKenna’s Bakery in Los Angeles

Erin McKenna’s Bakery in Los Angeles is a cornerstone of gluten-free and vegan baking, known for its playful approach to classic desserts. Located on Larchmont Boulevard, this cheerful shop offers cupcakes, donuts, cookies, and brownies – all made without gluten, dairy, eggs, or refined sugar.

Founded by Erin McKenna, the bakery began in New York and later expanded to Los Angeles, where it quickly became a favorite for those with food sensitivities. Every treat is baked fresh daily using high-quality ingredients like coconut oil, brown rice flour, and agave. The bakery’s pink-and-brown décor matches its sweet, nostalgic charm.

Locals love the cookie sandwiches and cinnamon sugar donuts, which stay moist and flavorful despite being gluten-free. Consistency, creativity, and allergen-friendly care make Erin McKenna’s Bakery a must-stop for dessert lovers seeking indulgence without compromise in the heart of Los Angeles.

4. Innovative Ice Cream Sandwiches at CREAM in Berkeley

College students and locals line up around the block for CREAM’s customizable gluten-free ice cream sandwiches. The Berkeley institution offers chewy gluten-free cookies in chocolate chip, double chocolate, and snickerdoodle varieties that somehow maintain the perfect texture without wheat flour.

Choose from over 20 ice cream flavors to create your dream combination. The staff changes gloves and uses separate scoops when preparing gluten-free orders, showing commitment to preventing cross-contamination.

Founded by a Bay Area family, CREAM (which stands for Cookies Rule Everything Around Me) has expanded throughout California while maintaining quality and allergen awareness. Their gluten-free cookies are made in a separate facility and delivered fresh daily. Visit late at night for the full experience – they’re open until midnight on weekends, making them a favorite post-study or post-concert treat for Berkeley students.

5. Signature Muffins at Pushkin’s Bakery in Sacramento

Pushkin’s Bakery in Sacramento stands out as a completely gluten-free and dairy-free bakery that caters to everyone – from those with allergies to those who simply love good food. Located on Capitol Avenue, this family-run bakery opened in 2013 and has since become a Northern California staple.

Customers praise its signature morning muffins, coconut cupcakes, and chocolate cakes for their rich flavor and perfect texture. The bakery also offers breakfast items and sandwiches on gluten-free bread made in-house. Everything is baked fresh each day in a dedicated gluten-free kitchen to avoid cross-contamination.

The space has a cozy, inviting feel, often buzzing with regulars who appreciate both the quality and the care put into each pastry. Pushkin’s commitment to using clean, natural ingredients and their attention to detail have made it a destination for anyone searching for trustworthy gluten-free treats in California’s capital city.

6. Artisan Pastries at Breadblok in Santa Monica

Breadblok in Santa Monica has redefined what gluten-free bread and pastries can be. Founded by Chloé Charlier, the bakery uses organic, gluten-free flours like buckwheat, almond, and millet to create croissants, baguettes, and tarts that rival their traditional counterparts.

Located on Montana Avenue, Breadblok is both stylish and health-conscious, offering breakfast pastries, quiches, and cakes in a minimalist, sunlit space. The bakery’s dedication to clean, wholesome baking practices has earned it a loyal following among locals and visitors alike. Customers rave about the pistachio financiers, lemon tarts, and chocolate hazelnut loaf.

Each product is made without refined sugar or preservatives, appealing to those who value natural ingredients as much as great taste. Everything is prepared in a fully gluten-free kitchen, ensuring safety for sensitive diners. Breadblok continues to set the standard for artisanal, gluten-free baking on the West Coast.

7. Zingy Key Lime Pie at Lilac Pâtisserie in Santa Barbara

Sunshine in dessert form awaits at Lilac Pâtisserie, where their gluten-free Key lime pie delivers the perfect balance of tart and sweet. The graham cracker crust, made from their special gluten-free blend, provides a buttery, crunchy foundation for the smooth, citrusy filling topped with peaks of toasted meringue.

Owner Gillian Muralles opened this 100% gluten-free bakery after her own celiac diagnosis, ensuring that everything – from the equipment to ingredients – is completely safe for those with gluten sensitivities. The charming State Street location features a case full of gorgeous cakes, tarts, and pastries that look too beautiful to eat.

Sit on their sunny patio with a slice of this refreshing pie and a cup of locally-roasted coffee for a quintessential Santa Barbara afternoon. Even better, they can pack whole pies for beach picnics or weekend getaways along the Central Coast.

8. Comfort Classics at Marston’s Restaurant in Pasadena

Marston’s Restaurant in Pasadena has become a favorite among gluten-free diners for its thoughtful approach to classic American comfort food. Located on Walnut Street, this long-standing local spot offers a clearly labeled gluten-free menu that includes pancakes, French toast, and desserts prepared with care to avoid cross-contact.

The restaurant’s famous bread pudding and flourless chocolate cake are top picks for those avoiding gluten. Everything is made from scratch using fresh, seasonal ingredients, and the staff is well-trained in accommodating dietary needs. The cozy bungalow-style setting gives Marston’s a welcoming, homey feel that appeals to families and solo diners alike.

Regulars appreciate the combination of generous portions, friendly service, and reliable gluten-free options that make it easy to dine safely and enjoyably. Marston’s continues to prove that comfort food and gluten-free living can go hand in hand in Southern California..

9. Magical Chocolate Soufflé at Mélisse in Santa Monica

Chef Josiah Citrin’s two-Michelin-starred Mélisse offers a gluten-free chocolate soufflé that defies gravity and expectations. Rising dramatically above its ramekin, this cloud-like creation arrives at your table with a server ceremoniously breaking its top to pour in warm chocolate sauce.

Made with premium Valrhona chocolate and stabilized with a touch of cornstarch instead of flour, the soufflé maintains its perfect texture while remaining completely gluten-free.

While Mélisse represents a splurge, their attention to dietary restrictions makes everyone feel pampered. Reservations are essential at this fine-dining establishment, where celebrities and food enthusiasts alike come for special occasions and leave with memories of this ethereal chocolate creation.

10. Allergen-Free Sweets at Starry Lane Bakery in San Diego

Starry Lane Bakery in San Diego is a dedicated gluten-free and allergen-free bakery beloved for its inclusive approach to dessert. Located in the Hillcrest neighborhood, it’s entirely free of gluten, dairy, eggs, nuts, soy, and sesame.

Every treat – from chewy chocolate chip cookies to lemon bars and cinnamon rolls – is baked fresh daily in a dedicated facility that ensures total safety for sensitive eaters. Customers praise the soft cupcakes and rich brownies that taste indistinguishable from traditional versions. Staff are trained in food safety and take great care with every order.

The bakery’s bright, welcoming atmosphere makes it a destination for families, travelers, and anyone seeking indulgence without worry. Starry Lane continues to thrive in 2025 as one of Southern California’s most trusted names in gluten-free baking.