If you've been exploring the vegan lifestyle, you might have found your way to the delightful realm of vegan baking. And if you haven't, prepare to be amazed! Vegan desserts can be as delicious, rich, and varied as any traditional dessert. Plus, they're perfect for those with dietary restrictions or who simply want to decrease their consumption of animal products. In this article, we're going on an adventure to explore five must-try vegan desserts.
Vegan Baking: The Basics
Baking without animal products like eggs, butter, and milk might seem challenging, but it's easier than you might think. There are plenty of plant-based alternatives available that can do the job just as well, if not better. For instance, mashed bananas, applesauce, flaxseeds, or chia seeds can be used to replace eggs, while coconut oil or vegan margarine can substitute butter.
When it comes to vegan baking, experimentation is key. But to get you started, here are five delicious dessert recipes.
1. Vegan Chocolate Cake
Who doesn't love a good chocolate cake? This vegan version is moist, rich, and absolutely divine. The secret to its richness is the use of unsweetened applesauce, which adds moisture without the need for eggs.
You'll need:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups unsweetened applesauce
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Directions:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, in a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, mix together the applesauce, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ones, mixing well until you have a smooth batter. Pour the batter into a greased cake pan and bake for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool before frosting.
2. Vegan Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins
Tangy and sweet, these lemon poppy seed muffins are a refreshing treat. Plus, they're super easy to make!
You'll need:
- 2 cups flour
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup almond milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
Directions:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a muffin tin with paper liners. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, combine the almond milk, vegetable oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, and poppy seeds. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Divide the batter among the muffin cups and bake for about 20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow the muffins to cool before serving.
3. Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
A classic dessert, these vegan chocolate chip cookies are just as delicious as their traditional counterparts.
You'll need:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup vegan butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 cups vegan chocolate chips
Directions:
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, beat the vegan butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until creamy. Add the applesauce and mix well. Gradually beat in the dry ingredients. Stir in the chocolate chips. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.
4. Vegan Brownies
These vegan brownies are dense, fudgy, and absolutely irresistible. The key to their richness is the use of high-quality dark chocolate.
You'll need:
- 200g dark chocolate
- 3 tablespoons ground flaxseeds
- 9 tablespoons water
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking pan with parchment paper. Melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water. In another bowl, combine the flaxseeds and water to make a flax egg. Set it aside for a few minutes to thicken. In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, combine the sugar, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Add the flax egg and melted chocolate, and mix well. Gradually add the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few crumbs. Let the brownies cool completely before cutting into squares.
5. Vegan Strawberry Cheesecake
This vegan strawberry cheesecake is creamy, fruity, and absolutely delicious. Plus, it's no-bake, making it perfect for those hot summer days.
You'll need:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup melted coconut oil
- 2 cups cashews, soaked overnight and drained
- 1 cup canned coconut milk
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries
Directions:
Begin by lining a springform pan with parchment paper. In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted coconut oil. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan and place it in the freezer to set. Meanwhile, in a blender, combine the soaked cashews, coconut milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and strawberries. Blend until smooth. Pour the filling over the crust and smooth the top. Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, or until firm. Before serving, garnish with more fresh strawberries.
These vegan dessert recipes prove that you can indulge in sweet treats without the need for animal products.
