25 Easy Desserts So Delicious You'll Forget They're Vegan
Whether you're giving up animal products, or cooking for someone who is, these treats will please.
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Whether you call it plant-based, vegan, or something else, more and more folks these days are giving up animal-based foods. It makes a lot of sense: Vegetarian and vegan diets have been associated with strong health benefits, as well as being better for the environment.
Some dip their toes in with part-time veganism by following the "vegan before dinner" method advocated by Mark Bittman. It's a smart start because there are plenty of delicious vegan breakfasts and lunches, and it allows you to eat more typical dinners. Others are all-in, going vegan all the time, including vegan dinners and dessert. While there are plenty of ways to make savory meals meat and dairy free, we always end up feeling stuck when it comes to drumming up ideas for good vegan desserts. Perhaps this is because there are so many traditional desserts that include dairy: think ice cream, whipped cream, and the butter and eggs that help makes cakes and pie crusts so rich.
But that certainly doesn't mean that vegan desserts have to be second-rate. Plant-based cooking has come a long way in the last few years (you can even have vegan camping food recipes when you're in the great outdoors!), and end-of-meal treats are no exception. Whether you're cooking for a friend or family member who follows plant-based diet, or you're making the move yourself, here are more than two dozen ways to cap off a meal that are so good you may not even notice they're vegan.
Raspberry Crumb Bars
Of course one of the easiest ways to whip up a vegan sweet treat is with fresh fruit. Case in point: these raspberry bars. Though the recipe calls for butter, here it's easily switched out for a vegan alternative.
Quick and Easy Raspberry Tart
This smart tart uses just four ingredients: fresh berries, sugar, a puff pastry, and whipped cream. To make it vegan, use your favorite vegan whipped cream alternative, such as whipped coconut cream (Minimalist Baker has great instructions), or buy ready-made vegan whipped cream.
Apple-Pear Crisp with Peanut Butter
Here's an easy, delicious baked fruit dish that is as comfortingly sweet as it is easy to make.
Basic Chocolate Cake
Less is more with this single-layer cake adorned with a deep chocolate glaze.
Watermelon-Blackberry Popsicles
Blackberries, watermelon, lime juice, and a pinch of salt: It couldn't be simpler, or more refreshing.
Fruit Compote
Compote — fruit cooked in sugar — is one of the best ways to show off fresh fruit in season, while still making a show-stoppingly delicious dessert.
Cranberry Sorbet
Frozen cranberries and fresh ginger combine for a homemade sorbet that can't be beat.
Hearty Oat Cookies
These hearty oat cookies are chock-full of nuts and fruit, making a good midday snack as well as dessert. Swap vegan butter for the dairy kind, and use maple syrup for the honey to keep it vegan.
Microwave "Baked" Apples
Another quick, easy trick for taking fruit and getting the most sweetness out of it, these "baked" apples take just minutes and have all the spiced goodness of the oven-baked kind.
Asian-Pear Sorbet with Thyme
Thyme and vanilla bean deepen the flavor of fresh Asian pears in this refreshing summer treat.
Vegan Strawberry Cheesecake Bars (No-Bake)
These easy, no-bake bars make the most of almonds, coconut, and cashews for a treat you'd swear had dairy in it.
Get the recipe at Dishing Out Health.
Edible Brownie Batter
If you find yourself typically wanting to lick the bowl more than eat the brownies you baked, leave the oven off and whip up this egg-free, flour-free version instead.
Get the recipe at Joyful Healthy Eats.
Vegan Strawberries and Cream Ice Pops
Vegan ice pops are easy to make. Vegan creamy pops, however, are a little more of a feat.
Get the recipe at Recipe Runner.
Cranberry Mini Vegan Cheesecakes
Cranberries are delicious, but these would also be good with blueberries or even raspberries.
Get the recipe at Salt and Lavender.
No Cream Caramel Sauce
This simple, delicious topping is an easy way to turn some slices of apple or a piece of vegan cake into a decadent after-dinner treat.
Get the recipe at Well Plated.
S’mores Treats
Brown rice syrup, which is vegan, is the perfect flavor-and-sweetness replacement for marshmallows, which as many health-minded folks know, aren't vegan.
Get the recipe at Well Plated.
Superfood Chocolate Bark
Who says you can't lead a healthy lifestyle and still indulge in chocolate from time to time? This superfood bark is an easy way to get your fix without overindulging.
Get the recipe at Choosing Chia.
Vegan Donuts with Allergy-Friendly Topping Ideas
Vegan doughnuts are surprisingly easy to make. They're just the thing to take to a friend's dinner party or serve at a birthday brunch.
Get the recipe at Cotter Crunch.
Vegan No-Bake Peanut Butter Magic Bars
You won't believe how easy and delicious these bars are. No wonder they're called magic!
Get the recipe at Dishing Out Health.
Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
If chewy cookies are your jam, then these incredibly ooey cookies will be irresistible.
Get the recipe at Joyful Healthy Eats.
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