Vegan baking offers a wonderful way to enjoy your favorite desserts without using any animal products. By swapping out dairy, eggs, and butter for plant-based alternatives, you can create delicious treats that are kind to animals, good for the planet, and suitable for those with dietary restrictions. From cookies to cakes, here are some mouthwatering vegan baking recipes that everyone will love.
1. Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
These vegan chocolate chip cookies are soft, chewy, and loaded with melty chocolate chips. You won’t miss the butter or eggs in this classic recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup coconut oil or vegan butter, melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup vegan chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Stir in the almond milk and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
- Fold in the vegan chocolate chips.
- Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Vegan Banana Bread
This moist and flavorful banana bread is naturally sweetened with ripe bananas and has a tender, cake-like texture. It’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack.
Ingredients:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/2 cup maple syrup or agave syrup
- 1/4 cup almond milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour or whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup walnuts or chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Stir in the melted coconut oil, maple syrup, almond milk, and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in walnuts or chocolate chips, if using.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Vegan Brownies
These vegan brownies are rich, fudgy, and indulgent—perfect for satisfying your chocolate cravings without any dairy or eggs.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup almond milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup vegan chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil and sugar until smooth.
- Stir in the almond milk and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until a thick batter forms.
- Fold in the vegan chocolate chips, if desired.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is set and a toothpick comes out mostly clean (a few crumbs are fine).
- Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before slicing.
4. Vegan Lemon Cake
This light and zesty vegan lemon cake is perfect for any occasion. With a tender crumb and fresh citrus flavor, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup almond milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (for glaze)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8-inch round cake pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the almond milk, vegetable oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the glaze, mix the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake before serving.
5. Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies
These vegan peanut butter cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with peanut butter flavor. They’re simple to make and perfect for a quick dessert or snack.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup almond milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix the peanut butter, melted coconut oil, brown sugar, almond milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until a dough forms.
- Roll tablespoon-sized balls of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Flatten each ball with a fork to create a crisscross pattern.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Vegan Pumpkin Muffins
These moist and flavorful vegan pumpkin muffins are filled with warm spices, making them a perfect fall treat. They’re also great for breakfast or a snack.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup almond milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil, brown sugar, maple syrup, pumpkin puree, almond milk, and vanilla extract.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Conclusion: Indulge in Vegan Baking
Vegan baking proves that you don’t need eggs, butter, or dairy to create delicious treats. These plant-based recipes are easy to make and taste just as good as their traditional counterparts. Whether you’re looking for cookies, cakes, or brownies, these vegan baked goods are sure to satisfy your cravings while keeping your treats cruelty-free and healthier. Happy baking!