Delicious Plant-Based Desserts
Satisfy your sweet cravings while staying true to a plant-based lifestyle with a range of indulgent, nourishing treats. From naturally sweet options to decadent dairy-free and egg-free recipes, these desserts prove that plant-based doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or texture. Whether you’re craving creamy frozen delights or warm, comforting crumbles, these plant-based alternatives will surely hit the spot.
Naturally Sweetened Treats: Dates, Maple Syrup, and Fruit
Skip refined sugar and opt for whole ingredients like dates, maple syrup, and fruit to naturally sweeten your desserts. These options not only bring out a deeper, more complex sweetness but also provide additional nutrients.
Date-Sweetened Chocolate Truffles
Rich, fudgy truffles sweetened naturally with dates.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Medjool dates, pitted
- ½ cup raw almonds
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
Directions:
- In a food processor, blend dates, almonds, cocoa powder, coconut oil, vanilla, and sea salt until smooth.
- Roll the mixture into small balls and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.
- Optionally, coat with extra cocoa powder or shredded coconut.
Maple Pecan Bars
A delightful blend of maple syrup and crunchy pecans.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ½ cup almond flour
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup melted coconut oil
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup chopped pecans
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix oats, almond flour, maple syrup, coconut oil, vanilla, and chopped pecans in a bowl.
- Press mixture into the prepared pan and bake for 20 minutes, until golden.
- Let cool and slice into bars.
Dairy-Free Desserts: Coconut Milk and Cashew Cream
Coconut milk and cashews create luxurious textures in desserts, providing creamy, dairy-free alternatives perfect for indulgence.
Coconut Milk Panna Cotta
A tropical twist on the classic panna cotta using coconut milk for a rich, silky texture.
Ingredients:
- 1 can (14 oz) full-fat coconut milk
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp agar agar powder (or gelatin for non-vegan version)
Directions:
- Simmer coconut milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract in a saucepan.
- Stir in agar agar powder and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Pour into molds and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, until set.
- Serve with fresh berries or fruit compote.
Cashew Cream Cheesecake
A creamy, no-bake cheesecake made from cashews, perfect for a plant-based treat.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups raw cashews, soaked overnight
- ¼ cup melted coconut oil
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- ½ tsp sea salt
- For the crust: 1 cup almond flour, ¼ cup shredded coconut, 2 tbsp maple syrup
Directions:
- For the crust: Combine almond flour, shredded coconut, and maple syrup. Press into the bottom of a springform pan.
- For the filling: Blend soaked cashews, coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla, lemon juice, and sea salt until smooth.
- Pour filling into prepared crust and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
- Top with fresh berries before serving.
Egg-Free Baking: Cakes, Cookies, and Muffins Without Eggs
Replace eggs in baking with flaxseed, chia seeds, or applesauce to create moist, fluffy treats without compromising flavor or texture.
Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chewy cookies packed with chocolate chips, made without eggs.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup melted coconut oil
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup almond flour
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup dairy-free chocolate chips
- 1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2 tbsp water (flax egg)
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix flaxseed meal and water and let sit for 5 minutes to form a flax egg.
- Combine coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla, almond flour, oats, and flax egg. Stir in chocolate chips.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, until golden.
Egg-Free Banana Muffins
Sweet and moist muffins made with ripe bananas, perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- ¼ cup melted coconut oil
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp cinnamon
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- Combine mashed bananas, coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla.
- Stir in flour, baking powder, and cinnamon.
- Pour batter into muffin tin and bake for 20 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
Frozen Treats: Sorbets, Dairy-Free Ice Cream, and Popsicles
Cool off with refreshing frozen desserts that are just as indulgent and dairy-free.
Mango Sorbet
A sweet, fruit-forward sorbet that’s simple and refreshing.
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and diced
- ¼ cup coconut water
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp maple syrup (optional)
Directions:
- Blend mangoes, coconut water, lime juice, and maple syrup (if using) until smooth.
- Pour into a shallow dish and freeze for 3-4 hours, stirring every 30 minutes to break up ice crystals.
Coconut Milk Ice Cream
Rich, creamy coconut ice cream made without dairy.
Ingredients:
- 1 can (14 oz) full-fat coconut milk
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Directions:
- Mix coconut milk, maple syrup, and vanilla.
- Pour into an ice cream maker and churn according to instructions.
- Freeze for 2 hours before serving.
Fruit Popsicles
Naturally sweet popsicles made with fresh fruit and coconut water.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups mixed berries
- 1 cup coconut water
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
Directions:
- Blend berries, coconut water, and sweetener (if using) until smooth.
- Pour into popsicle molds and freeze for 4 hours, until solid.
Comforting Warm Desserts: Crumbles, Cobblers, and Puddings
These warm, cozy desserts are perfect for when you want something sweet and satisfying on a cool evening.
Apple Crisp
A comforting dessert with a crispy oat topping.
Ingredients:
- 4 apples, peeled and sliced
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ¼ cup almond flour
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup coconut oil
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Arrange sliced apples in a baking dish.
- Combine oats, almond flour, maple syrup, coconut oil, and cinnamon. Sprinkle over apples.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the topping is golden and apples are tender.
Vegan Bread Pudding
A spiced, comforting bread pudding without eggs or dairy.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups cubed stale bread
- 2 cups almond milk
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Whisk together almond milk, maple syrup, vanilla, and cinnamon. Pour over bread and let soak for 15 minutes.
- Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 35-40 minutes, until golden.
Elegant Desserts for Special Occasions
These show-stopping desserts are perfect for impressing guests or celebrating special moments.
Raw Chocolate Tart
A rich, no-bake tart that’s decadent and creamy.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup almond flour
- ¼ cup coconut oil
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ½ cup raw cacao powder
- ¼ cup cashew cream (soaked cashews blended with water)
Directions:
- Press almond flour, coconut oil, and maple syrup into a tart pan to form a crust.
- Mix cacao powder and cashew cream until smooth. Pour into crust.
- Freeze for 3 hours, slice, and serve.
Vegan Chocolate Mousse
A creamy, rich chocolate mousse made with ripe avocados for a silky texture.
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe avocados
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Directions:
- Blend all ingredients until smooth.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.
These plant-based dessert recipes are perfect for indulging your sweet tooth while staying true to your plant-based lifestyle. With a wide range of flavors and textures, these treats will leave you feeling satisfied and nourished.