Vegan Desserts: Sweet, Plant-Based Treats for Every Occasion

Vegan desserts are not only a great way to reduce your environmental impact, but they also offer a delicious, cruelty-free way to indulge your sweet tooth. These treats are made without any animal-derived ingredients like dairy, eggs, or honey, relying instead on plant-based alternatives such as non-dairy milk, fruits, nuts, and more.

Whether you’re fully vegan or just looking to try something new, vegan desserts can satisfy all your cravings. In this post, we’ll explore some of the best vegan dessert recipes, from chocolate cakes to pies and even ice creams. Each recipe is great paired with a vegan breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Types of Vegan Desserts and How They’re Made

Vegan desserts are made by replacing traditional animal products with plant-based alternatives. These include:

• Vegan Brownies and Cakes: Traditional eggs are replaced with flax eggs or applesauce, and dairy butter is substituted with plant-based oils or non-dairy butters.
• Vegan Pies and Tarts: These often use coconut oil or vegetable oils in place of butter, and dairy-free milks for creamy fillings.
• Vegan Ice Cream: Made with plant-based milk like coconut, almond, or soy, vegan ice cream is creamy and indulgent, with countless flavors to choose from.
• Vegan Muffins, Cookies, and Cupcakes: Egg substitutes like mashed bananas, applesauce, or flaxseeds provide moisture and binding power in these baked goods.

Now, let’s dive into some of the most popular and delicious vegan dessert recipes.

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Vegan Brownies: Rich and Fudgy Desserts

Vegan brownies are a favorite for chocolate lovers and are incredibly easy to make without eggs or dairy. Here’s a simple recipe to enjoy this classic vegan dessert.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup flour (all-purpose or whole wheat)
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1 cup sugar (coconut sugar or brown sugar works well)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup almond milk (or other plant-based milk)
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup vegan chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add almond milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients and stir until smooth.
4. Fold in chocolate chips if using.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
6. Let the brownies cool before cutting them into squares.

Nutritional Info (per serving):

• Calories: 200
• Carbs: 30g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 8g

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Vegan Pecan Pie: Sweet and Nutty Desserts

A holiday favorite, pecan pie can easily be made vegan by swapping butter for coconut oil or plant-based butter and using maple syrup for sweetness.

Ingredients:

• 1 pre-made vegan pie crust
• 1 1/2 cups pecans
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup vegan butter
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Melt vegan butter in a small saucepan. Add maple syrup, brown sugar, and cornstarch, and simmer for 5-7 minutes.
3. Stir in vanilla extract and salt.
4. Spread pecans evenly in the pie crust, then pour the syrup mixture over them.
5. Bake for 40-45 minutes, until the filling is set. Allow cooling completely before serving.

Nutritional Info (per serving):

• Calories: 300
• Carbs: 35g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 18g

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Vegan Apple Crisp: A Cozy Fall Treat

Apple crisp is a simple, comforting dessert that is vegan-friendly without sacrificing any flavor. Warm, spiced apples are topped with a crumbly oat mixture and baked until golden.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups sliced apples (such as Granny Smith)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/3 cup flour
• 1/4 cup coconut sugar
• 1/4 cup vegan butter (melted)
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Toss the sliced apples with lemon juice and place them in a baking dish.
3. In a separate bowl, combine oats, flour, coconut sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
4. Add the melted vegan butter and stir until crumbly.
5. Spread the oat mixture over the apples and bake for 35-40 minutes, until the topping is golden.

Nutritional Info (per serving):

• Calories: 250
• Carbs: 45g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 10g

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Vegan Dessert Cake Basic Recipe: A Versatile Base

This basic vegan cake recipe is great on its own or can be customized with different flavors and fillings.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup almond milk
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a round cake pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients.
3. Add the wet ingredients and stir until smooth.
4. Pour the batter into the cake pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
5. Let it cool before frosting or serving.

Nutritional Info (per serving):

• Calories: 180
• Carbs: 35g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 7g

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Vegan Frosting: The Perfect Topping

A simple, creamy vegan frosting that goes well with cakes, cupcakes, and more.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup vegan butter (softened)
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons almond milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, beat the vegan butter until smooth.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar, almond milk, and vanilla extract. Beat until fluffy.
3. Frost your favorite cake or cupcakes.

Nutritional Info (per serving):

• Calories: 100
• Carbs: 20g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 3g

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Vegan Chocolate Cake: Rich and Decadent

A rich and moist chocolate cake that everyone will love, vegan or not.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup almond milk
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch cake pans.
2. Mix the dry ingredients in a large bowl, then add the wet ingredients and mix until smooth.
3. Divide the batter between the two pans and bake for 30 minutes.
4. Let it cool before frosting or serving.

Nutritional Info (per serving):

• Calories: 220
• Carbs: 35g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 8g

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Vegan Carrot Cake: Perfectly Moist and Spiced

This carrot cake is soft, moist, and spiced just right.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup grated carrots
• 1/2 cup almond milk
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch round cake pan.
2. Mix the dry ingredients in one bowl and the wet ingredients in another, then combine.
3. Fold in the grated carrots.
4. Pour into the pan and bake for 30 minutes.

Nutritional Info (per serving):

• Calories: 250
• Carbs: 40g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 9g

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Vegan Lemon Cake Dessert: Zesty and Light

A fresh, light lemon cake that’s perfect for spring and summer.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup almond milk
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a cake pan.
2. Combine the dry and wet ingredients, then stir until smooth.
3. Pour into the pan and bake for 30-35 minutes.

Nutritional Info (per serving):

• Calories: 200
• Carbs: 38g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 7g

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Vegan Coffee Cake: Great for Breakfast or Dessert

This vegan coffee cake is fluffy, slightly sweet, and perfect with a cup of coffee.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup almond milk
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish.
2. Mix the dry and wet ingredients separately, then combine and pour into the dish.
3. Sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top and bake for 30 minutes.

Nutritional Info (per serving):

• Calories: 220
• Carbs: 35g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 8g

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Vegan Banana Muffins: Moist and Sweet

These banana muffins are soft, sweet, and full of flavor.

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe bananas
• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup almond milk
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a muffin tin.
2. Mash the bananas and mix with the wet ingredients.
3. Stir in the dry ingredients, then spoon into the muffin tin.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes.

Nutritional Info (per serving):

• Calories: 180
• Carbs: 35g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 6g

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Vegan Cinnamon Buns: Soft and Gooey

These cinnamon buns are warm, sweet, and perfect for breakfast or dessert.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 cup almond milk
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup brown sugar

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish.
2. Roll out dough and spread cinnamon-sugar mixture on top.
3. Roll up, cut into buns, and bake for 25 minutes.

Nutritional Info (per serving):

• Calories: 250
• Carbs: 45g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 8g

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Vegan Cupcakes: Perfectly Sweet

These vegan cupcakes are simple, light, and fluffy. Another tasty vegan desserts.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup almond milk
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake tin.
2. Mix the dry and wet ingredients and combine.
3. Pour into the liners and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Nutritional Info (per serving):

• Calories: 200
• Carbs: 30g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 8g

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Vegan Apple Pie: A Comforting Classic

This vegan apple pie is filled with spiced apples and a flaky, plant-based crust.

Ingredients:

• 1 pre-made vegan pie crust
• 6 apples, peeled and sliced
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Toss the apples with sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice.
3. Place in the pie crust and bake for 45 minutes.

Nutritional Info (per serving):

• Calories: 250
• Carbs: 45g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 8g

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Vegan Tiramisu Recipe: A Coffee Lover’s Delight

A classic tiramisu made vegan, using coconut cream and coffee-soaked cookies. One of many tasty vegan desserts!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup coconut cream
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 cup brewed coffee
• 1 package vegan ladyfingers

Instructions:

1. Whip the coconut cream with sugar until smooth.
2. Dip the ladyfingers in coffee and layer in a dish.
3. Spread coconut cream on top and refrigerate.

Nutritional Info (per serving):

• Calories: 250
• Carbs: 35g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 12g

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Vegan Pie Crust Recipe: A Simple, Flaky Base

A vegan pie crust made with just a few simple ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup vegan butter
• 3-4 tablespoons cold water

Instructions:

1. Mix the flour and salt. Cut in the vegan butter until crumbly.
2. Slowly add cold water and form dough. Roll out and use in any pie recipe.

Nutritional Info (per serving):

• Calories: 150
• Carbs: 20g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 7g

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Vegan Cheesecake Dessert: Creamy and Rich

This creamy, dairy-free cheesecake will satisfy your dessert cravings.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups soaked cashews
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Blend the cashews, coconut milk, maple syrup, and lemon juice until smooth.
2. Pour into a pie crust and refrigerate until set.

Nutritional Info (per serving):

• Calories: 300
• Carbs: 25g
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 20g

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Vegan Pumpkin Pie: A Fall Vegan Desserts Classic

This pumpkin pie is rich, creamy, and full of flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 pre-made vegan pie crust
• 2 cups pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix all ingredients together and pour into the pie crust.
3. Bake for 45 minutes, or until set.

Nutritional Info (per serving):

• Calories: 230
• Carbs: 35g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 10g

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Vegan Ice Cream: Creamy and Delicious Vegan Desserts

This coconut milk-based ice cream is rich, creamy, and vegan-approved.

Ingredients:

• 2 cans full-fat coconut milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Combine coconut milk, sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl.
2. Churn in an ice cream maker according to manufacturer’s instructions.

Nutritional Info (per serving):

• Calories: 150
• Carbs: 20g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 9g

You may also like to try Vegan Banana Bread  or Vegan Cookies!

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Conclusion

From vegan brownies to vegan pecan pie and vegan ice cream, these plant-based vegan desserts are perfect for every occasion. Whether you’re vegan or just looking to try healthier alternatives, these recipes prove that you don’t have to compromise on taste or texture. Enjoy these delicious vegan desserts, knowing they’re cruelty-free and full of flavor!