Allergy-friendly Fall Desserts Made Easy: 3 Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Recipes with Partake

How can you make the holidays more inclusive and delicious as loved ones gather around the table?

Quick answer: These three fall desserts can be made free of the top 9 allergens (milk, eggs, wheat, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, sesame, fish, and shellfish), so they're also gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, nut-free, and plant-based. Each one uses a Partake cookie or graham cracker as a key ingredient: a maple pumpkin pie with a graham cracker crust, a caramel apple vanilla wafer trifle, and caramel apple grapes rolled in chocolate chip cookie crumble.

November is a month of gratitude, and nothing says "thank you" like a dessert more people at the table can enjoy. That's why we baked up three new allergy-friendly fall recipes for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, and every cozy gathering in between, each made with a Partake favorite.

Whether you're hosting Thanksgiving, heading to Friendsgiving, or just craving something cozy on a chilly weeknight, these treats were made to sit right in the middle of the table, where everyone can reach for them. No separate plates and less "What's in this?" Just good food, shared.

Here's what's on the menu:

• Maple Pumpkin Pie with a Partake Graham Crust, a Thanksgiving classic made with our Classic Graham Crackers
• Caramel Apple Vanilla Wafer Trifle, a layered, crowd-pleasing showstopper made with our Vanilla Wafers
• Caramel Apple Grapes with Chocolate Chip Cookie Crumble, a bite-sized party treat made with our Crunchy Chocolate Chip Cookies

A quick note before you bake: formulations change, so always check the label on every ingredient you buy, even the ones you've used before.

Maple Pumpkin Pie with Graham Cracker Crust (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Egg-Free)

Every Thanksgiving table needs a pumpkin pie, and this one is creamy, warmly spiced, and sweetened with real maple syrup. The secret is the crust: our Classic Graham Crackers already have a hint of cinnamon, so they bring fall flavor to every bite. No eggs, no dairy, and nobody will miss them.

Serves 8 · Prep 20 min · Bake 60 min · Chill 4 hrs

Ingredients

For the crust

• 1 box (6.75 oz) Partake Classic Graham Crackers, crushed into fine crumbs (about 1½ cups)
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 5 tbsp melted coconut oil or top 9 free plant butter
• Pinch of salt

For the filling

• 1 can (15 oz) pure pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
• ¾ cup full-fat canned coconut milk
• ½ cup pure maple syrup
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp salt

Instructions

1. Make the crust. Heat your oven to 350°F. Mix the graham crumbs, brown sugar, salt, and melted coconut oil until the mixture looks like wet sand. Press it firmly into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie dish, then bake for 10 minutes.
2. Mix the filling. While the crust bakes, whisk all the filling ingredients together until completely smooth.
3. Bake. Pour the filling into the warm crust and bake for 50–60 minutes, until the edges are set and the center has just a slight jiggle.
4. Chill. Let the pie cool on the counter for 1 hour, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight is even better) so it slices cleanly.
5. Serve. Top with whipped coconut cream and a sprinkle of extra graham crumbs.

Make-ahead tip: This pie is best made the day before, which frees up your oven on Thanksgiving Day.

No-Bake Caramel Apple Vanilla Wafer Trifle (Dairy-Free and Gluten-Free)

Think of this as fall's answer to banana pudding. Layers of cinnamon apples, silky vanilla pudding, homemade caramel, and fluffy whipped coconut cream meet our Vanilla Wafers, which soften into cake-like bites as the trifle chills. It looks impressive, feeds a crowd, and comes together without turning on the oven.

Serves 8–10 · Prep 30 min · Chill 4 hrs · Free of the top 9 allergens

Ingredients

For the cinnamon apples

• 4 medium apples (Honeycrisp or Gala), diced
• 2 tbsp coconut oil
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Pinch of salt

For the vanilla pudding

• 3 cups certified gluten-free oat milk
• ½ cup sugar
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• ¼ tsp salt
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp coconut oil

For the quick caramel

• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup full-fat canned coconut milk
• 2 tbsp coconut oil
• Pinch of salt

To assemble

• 1 box Partake Vanilla Wafers
• 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut cream, chilled overnight and whipped with 2 tbsp powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Cook the apples. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the apples with the coconut oil, brown sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and salt for 8–10 minutes, until tender. Let them cool.
2. Make the pudding. In a saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and salt, then whisk in the oat milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thick (5–7 minutes). Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla and coconut oil. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface and chill for 2 hours.
3. Make the caramel. Simmer the brown sugar, coconut milk, coconut oil, and salt for about 5 minutes, stirring, until slightly thickened. Let it cool.
4. Layer it up. In a trifle dish or individual jars, layer the wafers, pudding, apples, a drizzle of caramel, and whipped coconut cream. Repeat until you reach the top.
5. Chill and serve. Refrigerate for 2 hours so the wafers soften. Just before serving, top with whole wafers and an extra drizzle of caramel.

Serving tip: Individual jars make this easy to pack up for Friendsgiving or a potluck, and everyone gets their own.

Caramel Apple Grapes with Chocolate Chip Cookie Crumble (Nut-Free and Dairy-Free)

All the fun of a caramel apple, shrunk down to one perfect bite. Crisp, tart green grapes get dipped in homemade caramel and rolled in crushed Crunchy Chocolate Chip Cookies for a sweet, salty, crunchy treat that disappears fast. They're ideal for parties, game days, and dessert boards.

Makes about 30 · Prep 20 min · Cook 15 min · Chill 20 min · Free of the top 9 allergens

Ingredients

• 1 lb crisp green grapes (about 30), washed and completely dried
• About 8 Partake Crunchy Chocolate Chip Cookies, finely crushed (about 1 cup)
• ¼ tsp cinnamon (optional, mixed into the crumbs)
• Toothpicks or short lollipop sticks

For the caramel

• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• ½ cup full-fat canned coconut milk
• ¼ cup light corn syrup
• 2 tbsp coconut oil
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

You'll also need a candy thermometer.

Instructions

1. Prep the grapes. Pat the grapes completely dry, then chill them in the fridge while you make the caramel. Dry, cold grapes are the key to caramel that stays put. Insert a toothpick into each grape and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prep the crumble. Add the crushed cookies (and cinnamon, if using) to a shallow bowl.
3. Make the caramel. In a small heavy saucepan, combine the brown sugar, coconut milk, corn syrup, coconut oil, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring, then cook without stirring until it reaches 240–245°F on a candy thermometer (about 8–10 minutes). Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla.
4. Dip and roll. Let the caramel cool for 3–5 minutes so it thickens slightly. Dip each grape about two-thirds of the way in, let the excess drip off, then roll the caramel in the cookie crumble.
5. Set. Place the grapes on the parchment and chill for 20 minutes until set. Serve the same day for the best texture.

Shortcut: Skip the stovetop with store-bought caramel labeled free of the top 9 allergens. Most caramel candies contain milk, so read that label carefully.

Good to know: Whole grapes are a choking hazard for young children, so this one is best for older kids and grown-ups. Hot caramel can cause serious burns, so little helpers are best kept on crumb-rolling duty.

Your Top 9 Free Swap Guide

All three recipes are built to be free of the top 9 allergens: milk, eggs, wheat, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, sesame, fish, and shellfish. Here are the swaps we used, so you can bring the same approach to your other holiday favorites.

Usually calls for	Top 9 free swap	Watch for
Butter	Coconut oil or top 9 free plant butter	Many vegan butters contain soy or nuts
Milk	Certified gluten-free oat milk or rice milk	Skip almond, cashew, and soy milks
Heavy or whipping cream	Full-fat canned coconut cream	Chill the can overnight for the best whip
Eggs (in custards and fillings)	Cornstarch as the thickener	Already built into these recipes
Caramel	Homemade coconut caramel or top 9 free store-bought caramel	Most caramel candies and sauces contain milk
Graham crackers and cookies	Partake Classic Grahams, Vanilla Wafers, and Crunchy Chocolate Chip Cookies	Most conventional brands contain wheat, milk, or soy

 

A note on coconut: The FDA no longer classifies coconut as a tree nut, but some people with tree nut allergies still avoid it. If that's your family, sunflower-based butter and oat-based whipped toppings make good backups.

As always: Check with your allergist, if you're unsure about any ingredients listed above.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Partake cookies and graham crackers free of the top 9 allergens?

Yes. Every Partake product is made without the top 9 allergens and is certified gluten-free, vegan, and non-GMO.

Will pumpkin pie set without eggs?

Yes. Cornstarch does the job eggs normally do, thickening the filling as it bakes. Chilling the pie for at least 4 hours gives it clean, sliceable texture.

What can I use for a gluten-free pie crust?

Crushed Partake Classic Graham Crackers mixed with coconut oil and a little brown sugar make an easy press-in crust with no rolling. The hint of cinnamon pairs especially well with pumpkin and apple fillings.

Is coconut safe for people with tree nut allergies?

The FDA no longer classifies coconut as a tree nut, but always check with your allergist when you have ingredient questions.

Can I make these desserts ahead of time?

The pumpkin pie is best made a day ahead, and the trifle can be assembled up to a day before serving. The caramel apple grapes are best served the same day they're made.

How long do caramel apple grapes last?

Serve them within a few hours of dipping. Moisture from the grapes slowly softens the caramel, so keep them chilled until serving.

Made for the Whole Table

We hope these recipes find a spot on your table this season, right in the middle where everyone can reach. If you make one, we'd love to see it! Tag us @partakefoods and share your fall creations.

Ready to bake? Stock up on Classic Graham Crackers in your favorite store or shop Mini Grahams, Vanilla Wafers, and Crunchy Chocolate Chip Cookies right here.

Always read ingredient labels before use, as formulations can change.