Vegan Dessert Ideas for the Holidays

December 19, 2023

Holiday Meals

Photo by cleo stracuzza on Unsplash

Delicious and Dairy-Free Treats

The holiday season is a time for sharing and indulging in delicious treats. However, for those following a vegan lifestyle, finding desserts that fit their dietary restrictions can be a challenge. Fortunately, there are many delicious vegan dessert recipes that are perfect for the holidays.

From classic favorites like pumpkin pie and sugar cookies to creative new treats like vegan quinoa brittle, there are plenty of options for those looking to enjoy a sweet treat without compromising their vegan lifestyle. Many of these recipes use plant-based ingredients like coconut milk, almond flour, and dates to create desserts that are both healthy and delicious.

Whether you’re hosting a vegan holiday gathering or simply looking for a sweet treat to enjoy at home, these vegan dessert ideas are sure to satisfy. So why not try something new this holiday season and impress your guests with a delicious vegan dessert?

Holiday Cookies and Bars

The holidays are a time for indulgence, and what better way to treat yourself than with some delicious vegan cookies and bars? Whether you’re looking for classic sugar cookies or something a little more festive like gingerbread men, there are plenty of options to choose from.

Vegan Sugar Cookies

Sugar cookies are a holiday staple, and vegan versions are just as delicious as their non-vegan counterparts. Made with plant-based butter and almond milk, these cookies are soft and chewy with the perfect amount of sweetness. They can be decorated with icing and sprinkles for an extra festive touch.

Gingerbread Men

Gingerbread men are a classic holiday treat, and vegan versions are just as tasty. Made with molasses, ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg, these cookies are spicy and flavorful. They can be decorated with icing and candy for a fun and festive touch.

Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

For peanut butter lovers, these cookies are a must-try. Made with peanut butter, brown sugar, and chocolate chips, they are soft and chewy with a rich peanut butter flavor. They can be topped with a mini peanut butter cup for an extra indulgent treat.

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Oatmeal chocolate chip cookies are a crowd-pleaser, and vegan versions are just as delicious. Made with oats, almond butter, and chocolate chips, they are chewy and satisfying. They can be made with gluten-free oats for those with dietary restrictions.

Molasses Cookies

Molasses cookies are a holiday classic, and vegan versions are just as tasty. Made with molasses, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, they are spicy and sweet with a chewy texture. They can be topped with a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra festive touch.

Whether you’re looking for classic sugar cookies or something a little more adventurous like peanut butter cup cookies, there are plenty of vegan options to choose from this holiday season. Try making a few different varieties and sharing them with friends and family for a festive and delicious treat.

Vegan Cakes and Pies for the Holidays

When it comes to vegan desserts for the holidays, cakes and pies are always a popular choice. Whether you’re looking for something chocolatey or fruity, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are a few vegan cake and pie recipes to try this holiday season:

Vegan Chocolate Cake

For those who love chocolate, a vegan chocolate cake is a must-try. One recipe that is sure to impress is the Vegan Chocolate Cake by Sharon Palmer. This cake is moist, rich, and chocolatey, and it’s perfect for any holiday celebration.

Carrot Cake

Carrot cake is another classic dessert that is always a hit during the holidays. The Vegan Carrot Cake by EatPlant-Based is a delicious and easy-to-make recipe. It’s moist, flavorful, and topped with a creamy vegan frosting.

Apple Pie

Apple pie is a quintessential holiday dessert, and there are plenty of vegan recipes to choose from. The Vegan Apple Pie recipe by The Green Loot is a crowd-pleaser. It’s made with a flaky vegan pie crust and filled with juicy apples and warm spices.

Pecan Pie

Pecan pie is another classic dessert that is perfect for the holidays. The Vegan Pecan Pie recipe by DIYS.com is a great option for those who want a vegan version of this traditional dessert. It’s sweet, nutty, and perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Pumpkin Pie

No holiday season is complete without pumpkin pie. The Vegan Pumpkin Pie recipe by Make It Dairy Free is a delicious and easy-to-make recipe. It’s creamy, spiced, and perfect for any holiday gathering.

Whether you’re looking for a chocolate cake, carrot cake, apple pie, pecan pie, or pumpkin pie, there are plenty of vegan options to choose from for your holiday celebrations.

Specialty Vegan Desserts

For those who want to try something a little different than the usual dessert fare, these specialty vegan desserts are sure to impress.

Black Bean Brownies

Black bean brownies are a healthier twist on the classic dessert. They are rich, fudgy, and packed with protein and fiber. They are also gluten-free and refined sugar-free. These brownies are perfect for those who want a guilt-free indulgence.

Chocolate Truffles

Chocolate truffles are a decadent and luxurious dessert that are perfect for special occasions. They are easy to make and require only a few ingredients. Dark chocolate truffles are a healthier option as they contain less sugar and more antioxidants than milk chocolate truffles.

Banana Pecan Shortbread

Banana pecan shortbread is a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that is perfect for the holidays. It is made with ripe bananas, pecans, and coconut oil, making it dairy-free and vegan. This shortbread is perfect for those who want a dessert that is not too sweet but still satisfying.

Quinoa Brittle

Quinoa brittle is a crunchy and addictive dessert that is perfect for snacking. It is made with quinoa, maple syrup, and nuts, making it a healthier option than traditional brittle. Quinoa is a superfood that is packed with protein and fiber, making this dessert a guilt-free treat.

These specialty vegan desserts are perfect for those who want to try something new and exciting. They are also a great way to show off your culinary skills and impress your guests.

Photo by Pille R. Priske on Unsplash

Vegan Desserts for Christmas

The holiday season is the perfect time to indulge in sweet treats, and vegans can enjoy delicious desserts too! Here are a few vegan dessert recipes to add to your Christmas menu.

Vegan Gingerbread Cake

Gingerbread is a classic holiday flavor, and this vegan gingerbread cake is sure to be a hit at any Christmas gathering. Made with molasses, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, this cake is full of warm, cozy spices. Plus, it’s topped with a creamy vegan frosting that’s made with coconut cream and powdered sugar.

Chocolate Peppermint Cupcakes

Chocolate and peppermint are a match made in heaven, and these vegan chocolate peppermint cupcakes are no exception. Made with cocoa powder and peppermint extract, these cupcakes are rich and chocolatey with a refreshing hint of mint. Plus, they’re topped with a fluffy vegan buttercream frosting that’s flavored with peppermint extract.

Vegan Christmas Cookies

No Christmas dessert table is complete without cookies, and these vegan Christmas cookies are sure to impress. Made with wholesome ingredients like almond flour, coconut oil, and maple syrup, these cookies are both delicious and healthy. Plus, they’re decorated with festive sprinkles and icing to add a touch of holiday cheer.

Whether you’re hosting a Christmas party or just looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, these vegan dessert recipes are sure to please. And who knows, maybe even Santa will enjoy a bite or two!

Gluten-Free Vegan Desserts

For those looking for gluten-free options, there are plenty of delicious vegan desserts to choose from. Here are a few ideas to get started!

Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnamon rolls are a classic holiday treat, and they can easily be made vegan and gluten-free. Using a gluten-free flour blend and vegan butter, these cinnamon rolls are just as fluffy and delicious as the traditional version.

Raw Carrot Cake

For a healthier dessert option, try making a raw carrot cake. This recipe uses nuts, dates, and shredded carrots to create a sweet and satisfying dessert that is both vegan and gluten-free. Top with a cashew cream frosting for extra indulgence.

Coconut No Bake Cookies

These coconut no bake cookies are a quick and easy dessert that requires no baking at all. Made with coconut flakes, almond flour, and maple syrup, they are a tasty gluten-free and vegan option for holiday gatherings.

When making these desserts, be sure to use gluten-free ingredients and to check labels carefully. For crusts, try using gluten-free options like almond flour or oat flour instead of traditional wheat flour. With a little creativity and experimentation, it’s easy to create delicious and satisfying vegan desserts that are also gluten-free.

Dessert Ideas for Holiday Gatherings

For those who are looking for vegan dessert recipes for the holidays, there are plenty of delicious options to choose from. Whether you are hosting or attending a holiday gathering, these vegan dessert ideas are sure to impress everyone.

One classic dessert that can be easily made vegan is apple pie. Simply substitute butter with vegan butter and use a vegan-friendly pie crust. Another great option is pumpkin pie, which can be made vegan by using a vegan-friendly pie crust and substituting dairy with plant-based milk.

For those who prefer something chocolatey, there are plenty of vegan chocolate dessert options to choose from. A no-bake chocolate pie is a great option for those who don’t want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. Vegan chocolate cake is also a delicious option that can be made by substituting eggs with applesauce or flax eggs.

If you are looking for something a little more unique, try making vegan gingerbread cookies or vegan eggnog. These traditional holiday treats can be easily made vegan by substituting dairy and eggs with plant-based milk and flax eggs.

Overall, there are plenty of delicious vegan dessert options for holiday gatherings. Whether you prefer classic desserts or something a little more unique, these vegan dessert ideas are sure to impress everyone at your holiday gathering.

Ad for SanAntonioEats.com with pics of vegan dishes

Related Articles