Vegan Holiday Recipes: The Best Desserts (2024)

My favorite thing about the holidays is time spent with family, however, my second favorite thing has to be the delicious food! After you’ve finished your holiday feast it’s time to dig into delicious desserts! We have compiled some of the most drool-worthy desserts you’ll want to make sure are on your table this year.

These desserts range from pie recipes to cakes and a few unique recipes you may not have thought of. All of these recipes are dairy-free and vegan-friendly! This just means all the more guests can indulge in these treats! The best part is even if you don’t follow a plant-based diet you’ll love them too!

2

1. Pecan Pie

Enjoy the flavors of pecan pie in the perfect sized portion for one! These mini pies are adorable and would look lovely on your dessert table.

If you can’t find store-bought vegan pie crust this recipe will provide you with a link to make your own at home. The pecan pie filling is made up of maple syrup, coconut sugar, raw pecans, and a few other ingredients. Everyone will be begging you for this recipe!

https://www.yummymummykitchen.com/2016/12/mini-pecan-pies-vegan.html PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: YUMMY MUMMY KITCHEN

3

2. Salted Caramel Apple Pie

Apple pie may be one of the most traditional holiday desserts. This apple pie recipes get an upgrade for two reasons. Firstly, it’s dairy-free and vegan-friendly and second, it has delicious flavors of salted caramel.

Make this pie to complete your holiday dinner and your guests will go crazy for it. Don’t be surprised when there aren’t any leftovers.

http://wallflowerkitchen.com/salted-caramel-apple-pie-vegan/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: WALLFLOWER KITCHEN

4

3. Cherry Pie

Enjoy a delicious cherry pie this holiday season! This recipe gets a healthy makeover because it doesn’t contain any butter or refined sugars.

This recipe will walk you through step-by-step on how to make the homemade crust and filling. It has the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors and could be the perfect guilt-free dessert you’ve been looking for!

https://www.savorynothings.com/vegan-cherry-pie/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: SAVORY NOTHINGS

5

4. Pumpkin Pie

Do you enjoy traditional pumpkin pie over the holidays? Then you need to try this delicious vegan pumpkin pie recipe.

You’ll need to begin with a pie crust. If you’d like to save time and if it’s available, purchase a store-bought vegan pie crust. If not, within the ingredient list you’ll be provided with a link to make your own at home! Further, the creamy pumpkin pie filling is made with full-fat coconut milk, brown sugar, pumpkin, and a few delicious seasonings!

https://itdoesnttastelikechicken.com/easy-vegan-pumpkin-pie/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: IT DOESN’T TASTE LIKE CHICKEN

6

5. Gingerbread Cake

The smell of gingerbread always reminds me of the holidays! It has this lovely spicy aroma that is nostalgic. Instead of a pie, perhaps you’d enjoy indulging in a delightful gingerbread cake for dessert.

The spicy and delicious flavors come from ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and fancy molasses. If you aren’t drooling already the smell of it baking will surely make you!

https://www.imagelicious.com/blog/vegan-gingerbread-cake PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: IMAGELICIOUS

7

6. Peppermint Chocolate Cupcakes

Along with gingerbread, peppermint also reminds me of the holidays. The red and white colors fit in perfectly with the festive colors of the holidays!

Also, peppermint and chocolate make an excellent pair and that is why you need to try these vegan peppermint chocolate cupcakes. Not only does this recipe provide instructions on how to create the cupcake batter but they’ll walk you through how to make the delicious frosting too!

https://itdoesnttastelikechicken.com/vegan-peppermint-chocolate-cupcakes/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=pinterest&utm_campaign=tailwind_tribes&utm_content=tribes&utm_term=471373318_16526938_104863 PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: IT DOESN’T TASTE LIKE CHICKEN

8

7. Cranberry Orange Loaf Cake

While you sip on a cranberry co*cktail this holiday season consider making this cranberry orange loaf cake for your holiday dessert! This loaf cake contains the perfect balance of tart and sweet flavors and will have your guests dazzled just by the sight of it.

You’ll experience flavors of tart cranberries, sweet sugar, and zesty orange. While you wait for the cake to bake in the oven, whip up the lovely orange glaze that you can drizzle on top.

https://neuroticmommy.com/2015/11/25/vegan-cranberry-orange-loaf-cake PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: NEUROTIC MOMMY

9

8. Fruit Cake

I’ll admit it, fruitcake isn’t generally on my dessert radar when it comes to the holidays. However, when I stumbled upon this recipe it had to make this delicious dessert list!

A traditional fruitcake gets a healthy vegan makeover! It’s so simple all you need are 3 ingredients! You can enjoy it as is or spice it up by adding in a dash of cinnamon and allspice! You may really surprise yourself when you discover how much you like this version of fruitcake.

http://www.southerninlaw.com/2014/12/easy-gluten-free-and-vegan-fruit-cake-recipe-with-no-added-sugar-healthy.html PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: SOUTHERN IN LAW

10

9. Peppermint Brownies

In addition to peppermint cupcakes, you may want to make a batch of these lovely peppermint brownies. I love brownies because they’re ooey-gooey and chocolatey! And this recipe proves that you can still obtain that same consistency in a vegan version!

In replacement of an egg, you’ll create a flax egg. This will help bind all the ingredients together! Then you’ll combine flour with cocoa powder, white and brown sugar and a few other ingredients. To give the brownies the lovely festive flavor you’ll add a dash of peppermint extract.

https://www.mydarlingvegan.com/vegan-peppermint-brownies/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: MY DARLING VEGAN

11

10. Healthy Christmas Tree Cupcakes

These adorable Christmas tree cupcakes would look lovely on your dessert table. Everyone will be lured in by the vibrant green color and will be shocked to hear that they are healthy too!

The cupcakes are not only vegan-friendly but they’re gluten-free too! The rich chocolate cupcake is complimented with creamy cashew and matcha green tea frosting.

https://www.wayfair.co.uk/ideas-and-advice/chocolate-christmas-tree-cupcakes-with-matcha-icing-S8917.html PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: WAYFAIR

12

11. Sugar Cookies

Cookiesmight be the most underrated dessert. Cakes and pies are delicious but cookies can earn a spot on your dessert table too!

Share a plate of classic sugar cookies this holiday season. This lovely treat is definitely vegan but you won’t even notice! They’re made up of simple ingredient’s and your kids will have fun making them with you! For more vegan holiday cookie recipes read HERE.

https://www.yummymummykitchen.com/2012/12/the-best-sugar-cookies-shhhh-theyre.html PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: YUMMY MUMMY KITCHEN

13

12. Candy Cane Fudge

Gourmet fudge would make another delightful dessert to enjoy this holiday season! This fudge, however, is perfect for the holidays because it has flavors of peppermint!

Its velvety texture is so drool-worthy and everyone will want the recipe! All you’ll need to make this fudge is vegan margarine, icing sugar, cocoa powder, peppermint flavor, soy milk, and candy canes. You’ll prepare the fudge on the stovetop and then allow it to cool in the fridge!

https://www.womaninreallife.com/2013/12/vegan-candy-cane-fudge.html#.VjwPlrerTIU&_a5y_p=4758885 PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: WOMAN IN REAL LIFE

14

13. Black Forest Trifle

This black forest trifle is stunning but it’s also incredibly healthy too! Many of us tend to overindulge during the holidays so if you’re seeking a rich delicious dessert but need to scale back in the sugar department then you need to try this recipe!

The luxurious mousse is made up of avocados, bananas, cocoa powder, dates, and cinnamon. The whipped cream is made up of coconut milk, vanilla extract, and maple syrup. Lastly, the trifle is made up of frozen dark cherries! It’s sinfully delicious and secretly healthy, what is not to like?

https://karalydon.com/recipes/vegan-gluten-free-black-forest-trifle/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: KARALYDON

15

14. 3-Ingredient Chocolate Truffles

You don’t need a gourmet chocolate store when you can have an easy recipe like this! These delicious chocolate truffles only require 3 simple ingredients. These include vegan chocolate chips, full-fat coconut milk, and coconut oil.

Begin by making the chocolate ganache on the stovetop. Once complete you’ll need to let the ganache set for at least 6 hours to overnight. When it becomes hard you’ll be able to roll the ganache into teaspoon size balls. Freeze the rolled ganache and then dip in melted chocolate soon after. You can add a holiday touch to these chocolate truffles by sprinkling crushed candy canes on top!

https://www.mydarlingvegan.com/vegan-chocolate-truffles/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: MY DARLING VEGAN

16

15. Carmelitas

Squares can make excellent desserts too! ThisCarmelitadessert combines ooey-gooey caramel with decadent chocolate that together makes an unforgettable treat.

The ingredients list is simple and doesn’t require any strange or hard to find ingredients. This recipe is vegan-friendly and gluten-free too!

https://happyhealthymama.com/vegan-and-gluten-free-carmelitas.html PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: HAPPY HEALTHY MAMA

17

16. Spiced Baked Apples, Pears And Mandarins

Perhaps instead of cakes and pies, you’d enjoy a lovely bowl of freshly baked fruit for dessert! This recipe combines pears, apples, and mandarin oranges with pomegranate seeds and roasted pecans that together make a lovely treat.

You’ll bake the fruit on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes. Enjoy this dessert on its own or alongside a delicious scoop of vegan ice cream.

https://wonkywonderful.com/spiced-baked-apples-pears-and-mandarins/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: WONKY WONDERFUL

18

17. Chai Spiced Quick Bread

Extend the lovely flavors of chai tea into a delicious bread that you can indulge in for dessert! This loaf is soft, sweet and an excellent comforting treat that you can serve this holiday season.

This dessert is exploding in fragrant flavors of cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and cloves. It isn’t overly sweet, however, if you prefer a sweeter flavor you’ll be provided with tips on how to achieve that. In addition, you can optionally ice the bread with a delicious vegan vanilla frosting but we highly recommend it!

https://www.feastingonfruit.com/chai-spiced-quick-bread/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: FEASTING ON FRUIT

19

18. Blackberry, Apple And Gingerbread Crumble

A traditional apple crumble recipe gets a serious upgrade with delicious flavors of blackberries and gingerbread. This dessert is sweet and comforting and definitely perfect for the holidays!It’squitesimple to make too.

In just 25 minutes you’ll have this delightful treat to indulge in. Combine cubed apples, blackberries, and coconut sugar for the filling. Then, the crumble is made from almond flour, coconut sugar, and a few other ingredients! Lastly, the gingerbread flavor is achieved by adding in molasses, ground ginger, and mixed spice seasonings.

http://wallflowerkitchen.com/blackberry-apple-gingerbread-crumble/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: WALLFLOWER KITCHEN

20

19. Chocolate Dessert Hummus

You’ve surely enjoyed savory garlic hummus with veggies and crackers but this recipe is about to rock your world! You’ll swap savory flavors for sweet and serve this dessert hummus with wafer cookies!

Make this dessert festive by adding a dash of red and green sprinkles and watch everyone’s amazement once you tell them what this dessert is made out of!

https://www.forkly.com/recipes/chocolate-dessert-hummus/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: FORKLY

Vegan Holiday Recipes: The Best Desserts (2024)

FAQs

Is vegan desserts healthy? ›

Vegan Bakes are Nutrient-Rich

Instead, the nuts and seeds used as dairy substitutes are a great source of unsaturated fats, which help lower blood pressure and cholesterol. Many vegan baking recipes also include fruits such as dates, strawberries, apples with skin, bananas, and more.

What are vegan desserts made of? ›

In recipes, milk is replaced by plant milk (almond milk, oat milk, rice milk, soy milk and other plant milks) which can be also found with chocolate, vanilla and other flavors, butter is replaced by vegetable margarine (preferably non-hydrogenated) or oil, cow yogurt and cream are replaced by their plant-based ...

Why do vegans eat desserts? ›

Rich in Dietary Fiber

Dietary fiber is an essential component of a healthy diet. It is important for bowel movement and digestion. Plant-based ingredients in vegan desserts contain a high amount of dietary fiber you need.

Are all desserts vegan? ›

In short, vegan diets exclude any animal-based products. When you think about main ingredients in desserts, animal products like butter, milk, cream cheese, and eggs are typically included.

What is the healthiest dessert you can eat? ›

Healthier Desserts
  • Oat Apple Crisp. 5/12. ...
  • Fruit and Cheese. 6/12. ...
  • Chocolate-Covered Frozen Bananas. 7/12. ...
  • Nut Bar. 8/12. ...
  • Poached Pears. 9/12. ...
  • Sweetened Popcorn. 10/12. ...
  • Chocolate Milk. 11/12. ...
  • Frozen Yogurt Bars. 12/12. Brands vary, but it's possible to get that creamy, sweet goodness for just 80 calories per bar.
Dec 1, 2022

What food is surprisingly vegan? ›

18 Snacks and Foods You Didn't Know Were Vegan
  • Sriracha Mayo. I'm just as surprised as you are that Flying Goose's brilliant sriracha mayo is completely plant-based. ...
  • Hackney Gelato Dark Chocolate Sorbetto. ...
  • Lotus Biscoff Spread. ...
  • Lindt Excellence 70% Dark Chocolate. ...
  • Ritz Crackers. ...
  • Jacob's Cream Crackers. ...
  • Oreos. ...
  • Twiglets.
Jan 11, 2023

Can vegans eat Cool Whip? ›

Cool Whip is a store-bought whipped topping meant to be used as whipped cream. It's light, fluffy has a creamy texture, and can be used as an ingredient to make desserts or used as a dessert topping. What is this? It is not made with dairy whipping cream but it does contain dairy ingredients making it not vegan.

What sweets are OK for vegans? ›

Fruity Sweets: Many fruity sweets, such as Skittles, Starburst, and Sour Patch Kids, are vegan-friendly. Hard Candies: Hard candies, such as lollipops and candy canes, are often vegan-friendly.

What is the number one reason people go vegan? ›

Preventing the exploitation of animals is not the only reason for becoming vegan, but for many it remains the key factor in their decision to go vegan and stay vegan. Having emotional attachments with animals may form part of that reason, while many believe that all sentient creatures have a right to life and freedom.

Why are vegans so happy? ›

"It's no wonder vegans are happier," said Mimi Bekhechi, vice-president of PETA International Programmes, in response to the study findings. "By sparing animals atrocious suffering, helping to save the planet, and improving their own health, vegans can enjoy peace of mind and a clean conscience."

Why are vegans happier? ›

The main driver for going vegan or vegetarian, according to the study, is the environment, with 32% of the surveyed herbivores saying that protecting the environment was their biggest motive, and these were the people who had the highest happiness scores.

What is surprisingly not vegan? ›

Honey. Honey is a controversial food for many vegans. Bees do produce it, and it is also a food source in the hive. Because bees produce it, and bees have died to make it, honey is not considered vegan.

What candy is 100% vegan? ›

But don't let that stop your sweet tooth. A little candy, as a treat, every now and then is fine. If you're limiting your sugar intake, look for the brands SmartSweets (vegan-friendly) or Zolli Candy (100 percent vegan).

Do vegans eat cheesecake? ›

No, cheesecake is not usually vegan because it's made with dairy and often eggs. My recipe is 100% vegan and dairy free, of course!

Are vegan desserts healthier than regular desserts? ›

Vegan desserts often incorporate a variety of fruits, nuts, and seeds, all of which are rich in essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, making them healthier than traditional desserts, which may lack these nutritional benefits.

Are vegan products actually healthy? ›

Taking stock. The account presented above shows that vegan diets can fulfil all the nutritional requirements that are needed to support good health. Nutrients that present particular concerns are vitamin B12 and omega-3 fatty acids as few vegan foods that are currently used for human consumption contain these.

Is vegan bakery healthier? ›

So, vegan cakes are generally healthier because they: don't contain cholesterol. are mostly lower in saturated fat (unless they contain a lot of palm or coconut oil) are made without eggs and dairy, so they're generally lower in total fat and calories.

Are vegan baked goods healthier? ›

Are vegan cakes healthier than non-vegan cakes, you may ask? For the most part, not really; while the removal of butter can mean less saturated fat, the vegan friendly replacement, often cocoa butter, can be similar in saturated fat levels.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Jeremiah Abshire

Last Updated:

Views: 5781

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (54 voted)

Reviews: 85% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Jeremiah Abshire

Birthday: 1993-09-14

Address: Apt. 425 92748 Jannie Centers, Port Nikitaville, VT 82110

Phone: +8096210939894

Job: Lead Healthcare Manager

Hobby: Watching movies, Watching movies, Knapping, LARPing, Coffee roasting, Lacemaking, Gaming

Introduction: My name is Jeremiah Abshire, I am a outstanding, kind, clever, hilarious, curious, hilarious, outstanding person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.