Texas is famous for its barbecue and Tex-Mex cuisine, but there’s a sweet side to the Lone Star State that’s often overlooked. For those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, finding delicious desserts can be challenging. Luckily, Texas has a growing number of bakeries and restaurants offering mouthwatering gluten-free treats that don’t sacrifice flavor or texture. From Austin to Dallas and beyond, these ten spots are revolutionizing gluten-free desserts with creativity and passion.
1. Company Cafe & Bar: Brunch-to-Dessert Gluten-Free Paradise
Company Cafe & Bar stands out as a DFW institution where gluten-free isn’t just accommodated – it’s celebrated. This full-service restaurant offers a complete gluten-free experience from savory meals to decadent desserts. The stylish, industrial-chic space with exposed brick and pendant lighting creates an atmosphere where diners forget they’re at a “special diet” establishment.
Their dessert menu changes seasonally, but the gluten-free bread pudding with whiskey sauce remains a year-round favorite. Made with house-baked bread and local eggs, it achieves a custardy interior and caramelized edges that traditional versions rarely match.
Weekend brunches draw crowds for their gluten-free pancakes and chicken-fried steak, but save room for dessert. The kitchen maintains separate preparation areas and dedicated fryers to prevent cross-contamination. For a truly special experience, visit during their monthly dessert nights when the pastry chef creates limited-edition gluten-free confections like bourbon pecan pie bars and lavender crème brûlée that showcase the boundless possibilities of gluten-free baking.
2. OMG Squee: Japanese-Inspired Gluten-Free Heaven
Nestled in East Austin, OMG Squee has transformed gluten-free baking into an art form with its Japanese-American treats. The bakery’s signature taiyaki sundaes – served in fish-shaped waffle cones – bring a playful element to serious gluten-free craftsmanship. Owner Sarah Lim creates everything in a 100% dedicated gluten-free kitchen, ensuring safety for even the most sensitive customers.
Their colorful mochi donuts have become Instagram sensations, with rotating seasonal flavors like black sesame, matcha, and strawberry milk. The textures are so spot-on that most customers can’t believe they’re eating gluten-free desserts.
Visit early on weekends, as their most popular items sell out quickly. The small shop offers limited seating, but the vibrant atmosphere and friendly staff make even a brief visit worthwhile. Don’t miss their adorable macarons shaped like cartoon characters – they taste as good as they look!
3. Zucchini Kill Bakery: Punk Rock Meets Gluten-Free Goodness
Who says gluten-free can’t be rebellious? Zucchini Kill Bakery in Austin breaks all the rules with its punk-rock aesthetic and female-led team of baking revolutionaries. Their vegan and gluten-free cupcakes come in unexpected flavors like Golden Mylk and Black Metal Forest, proving dietary restrictions don’t mean boring desserts.
The bakery’s industrial-chic space features local artwork and vintage punk posters, creating an atmosphere that’s as unique as their baked goods. Beyond cupcakes, their cookie sandwiches and savory treats have developed a cult following among Austin locals with dietary restrictions.
Everything is made from scratch using organic ingredients whenever possible. The staff takes allergies seriously and can guide you through safe options. For the full experience, grab a cold brew coffee with their housemade cashew milk and enjoy it with a gluten-free coconut cream pie bar while sitting at their reclaimed wood tables.
4. Sweet Charli Girl: Custom Gluten-Free Creations That Fool Everyone
The magic of Sweet Charli Girl lies in its ability to create gluten-free treats that even wheat-lovers can’t distinguish from traditional baked goods. This Austin gem specializes in custom, from-scratch desserts that defy expectations of what gluten-free can taste like. Owner Charlotte (Charli) began baking after her own celiac diagnosis, determined to create treats she missed without compromising on taste.
Her gluten-free chocolate chip cookies have a perfect crisp edge and chewy center that’s converted many skeptics. The bakery requires 48-hour advance orders for custom cakes, but maintains a daily selection of cookies, cupcakes, and seasonal specialties available for walk-ins.
The quaint storefront features a small tasting area where customers can sample mini versions of popular items. What makes this spot truly special is Charli’s willingness to recreate family recipes in gluten-free versions, helping those with celiac disease reconnect with cherished food memories.
5. Blissful Buns: The Croissant Revolution
Creating a truly flaky, buttery gluten-free croissant seemed impossible until Blissful Buns came along. This Austin-based pre-order bakery has mastered what many considered the holy grail of gluten-free baking. Their dedicated kitchen produces croissants with the delicate layers and satisfying pull that celiacs had given up hope of ever experiencing again.
Founded by former pastry chef Emma Landry after her daughter’s celiac diagnosis, Blissful Buns operates on a pre-order model with weekly pickup dates. Their cinnamon rolls – soft, gooey, and generously sized – have developed such a following that they regularly sell out within hours of order windows opening.
The bakery doesn’t have a storefront, instead offering pickup at a commercial kitchen space in South Austin. Pro tip: join their email list for early access to limited specialty items like seasonal fruit danishes and chocolate-filled croissants. Their holiday pre-orders open months in advance and fill quickly, so plan ahead for special occasions.
6. Cupprimo: Where Gluten-Free Cupcakes Steal the Show
Tucked away in North Austin, Cupprimo might not be exclusively gluten-free, but their dedicated gluten-free cupcake line deserves special recognition. Unlike many bakeries that treat gluten-free as an afterthought, Cupprimo’s owner spent months perfecting recipes that stand on their own merits, not just as substitutes for the “real thing.”
The bakery’s bright, cheerful interior features a display case with at least eight gluten-free flavors daily, clearly marked and stored separately. Their red velvet cupcake with cream cheese frosting has won local awards, competing against traditional wheat-based versions. The secret to their exceptional moisture and texture? A proprietary blend of rice and tapioca flours enhanced with a touch of sorghum.
Families appreciate the nut-free kitchen and the staff’s knowledge about cross-contamination concerns. For special occasions, their gluten-free cupcake towers make stunning centerpieces. Visit on “Wacky Wednesdays” when they introduce experimental gluten-free flavors like lavender honey and chocolate-covered strawberry.
7. Maaribu Cafe & Gifts: Cozy Corner for Gluten-Free Indulgence
Maaribu Cafe & Gifts offers a unique experience combining retail therapy with gluten-free treats. Located in a converted bungalow in Austin’s Hyde Park neighborhood, this charming spot feels more like visiting a friend’s home than a commercial establishment. The cafe area features mismatched vintage furniture and local art, creating a welcoming atmosphere for lingering over coffee and desserts.
Their gluten-free donuts – cake-style with creative toppings like lavender glaze and candied pecans – have developed a loyal following. Each recipe comes from owner Maria’s family collection, adapted to be gluten-free without losing the nostalgic flavors of her childhood.
While browsing handmade jewelry and home goods, customers can enjoy seasonal specialties like pumpkin bread pudding or lemon-blueberry scones. The small-batch approach means everything tastes freshly made because it is – they bake throughout the day rather than just in the morning. For those with multiple dietary restrictions, their labeled menu indicates which items are also dairy-free, egg-free, or vegan.
8. Unrefined Bakery: Family Legacy of Gluten-Free Excellence
Started by a mother-daughter team after their own celiac diagnoses, Unrefined Bakery has grown from a small farmers’ market stand to multiple locations across Dallas. Their success stems from treating gluten-free baking as an opportunity for innovation rather than limitation. Each recipe undergoes rigorous testing until it meets the family’s exacting standards.
The bakery’s bright, airy spaces feature reclaimed wood counters and chalkboard menus listing daily specials. Beyond traditional sweets, they’ve mastered gluten-free sandwich bread that doesn’t crumble – a revelation for those who’ve suffered through subpar commercial options. Their cinnamon coffee cake, moist and generously topped with streusel, frequently sells out before noon.
Unrefined also caters to keto, paleo, and vegan diets without compromising flavor. Staff members receive extensive training on ingredient sourcing and cross-contamination prevention. Many customers drive hours to stock up on their freezer-friendly items like dinner rolls and birthday cakes that can be enjoyed later. First-timers should try their signature “breakfast cookie” – packed with nuts, seeds, and just enough sweetness.
9. Emporium Pies: Gluten-Free Pie Perfection in Bishop Arts
Housed in a renovated 1930s bungalow in Dallas’s eclectic Bishop Arts District, Emporium Pies has turned gluten-free pie crust from an afterthought into an art form. The charming space features vintage furniture, handwritten menus, and the constant aroma of butter and spices. Unlike many bakeries that offer limited gluten-free options, Emporium rotates several gluten-free pies daily.
Their “Gluten Schmuten” chocolate cream pie features a crust made from ground pecans and cocoa, topped with silky chocolate custard and fresh whipped cream. The texture achieves what many gluten-free crusts miss – a perfect balance between tender and sturdy. Seasonal offerings like their apple crumble with gluten-free oat topping showcase locally sourced fruit.
The shop gets crowded on weekends, so weekday afternoons provide a more relaxed experience. Each pie slice comes with a card noting ingredients and allergens. For the full experience, pair your pie with their house-made gluten-free ice cream in flavors like bourbon vanilla or Texas honey. Pre-ordering whole pies for holidays is essential – they book up weeks in advance.
10. Haute Sweets Lake Highlands: Neighborhood Gem with Gluten-Free Flair
Haute Sweets in Dallas’s Lake Highlands neighborhood proves that gluten-free desserts can be both approachable and sophisticated. The bakery’s sleek, modern interior with teal accents and copper light fixtures creates an inviting space where locals gather for coffee and treats. What began as a few gluten-free options has expanded into a substantial menu due to overwhelming customer demand.
Their gluten-free macarons – in flavors ranging from classic vanilla to adventurous combinations like blackberry-thyme – achieve the perfect chewy-crisp texture that even French pastry chefs would approve. The bakery’s signature “Miracle Bars” combine gluten-free shortbread with layers of caramel, chocolate, and toasted coconut for an indulgent treat that’s become a Dallas favorite.
Owner Tida Pichakron, with training from the Culinary Institute of America, approaches gluten-free baking with technical precision. The staff can guide customers through allergen information for each item. For special occasions, their custom gluten-free cakes require two weeks’ notice but result in showstopping centerpieces that taste as good as they look.
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