18 Must-Try Vegan Desserts That Are Actually Delicious

Craving something sweet but want to keep it plant-based? You’re in for a treat. This list of must-try vegan desserts is proof that you don’t need eggs or dairy to whip up something absolutely delicious. From gooey brownies to creamy cheesecakes, these recipes are simple to make and packed with flavor. Let’s dive into these irresistible desserts—you might just discover your new favorite!

Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies

These classic cookies are soft, chewy, and loaded with gooey chocolate chips, making them a delightful treat for all ages. To prepare, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. In a separate bowl, mix ½ cup of softened vegan butter, ½ cup of brown sugar, and ¼ cup of granulated sugar until creamy. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of non-dairy milk, then gradually incorporate the dry ingredients. Fold in ¾ cup of vegan chocolate chips, scoop dough onto a baking sheet, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden.

Vegan Brownies

Experience the rich, fudgy decadence of these vegan brownies, perfect for satisfying any chocolate craving. Start by whisking together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of granulated sugar, ⅓ cup of cocoa powder, ½ teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. In another bowl, mix ½ cup of water, ½ cup of vegetable oil, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Combine the wet and dry ingredients until smooth, then pour the batter into a greased baking pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Vegan Banana Bread

This moist and flavorful banana bread is a fantastic way to use overripe bananas, offering a comforting slice perfect for breakfast or dessert. Mash 3 ripe bananas in a bowl, then stir in ¼ cup of melted coconut oil, ½ cup of brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, combine 1½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Vegan Chocolate Cake

Indulge in a rich and moist vegan chocolate cake that’s perfect for any celebration. In a large bowl, sift together 1½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of granulated sugar, ¼ cup of cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt. In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup of non-dairy milk, ⅓ cup of vegetable oil, 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Combine the wet and dry ingredients until smooth, then pour the batter into a greased cake pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Vegan Lemon Bars

These zesty lemon bars feature a tangy filling atop a buttery crust, offering a refreshing dessert option. For the crust, mix 1 cup of all-purpose flour, ¼ cup of granulated sugar, and ½ cup of softened vegan butter until crumbly. Press the mixture into a baking pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes. For the filling, whisk together 1 cup of granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, ¼ teaspoon of baking powder, ½ cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons of lemon zest. Pour the filling over the baked crust and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes. Allow to cool before slicing into bars.

Vegan Peanut Butter Cups

Enjoy the classic combination of chocolate and peanut butter with these homemade vegan peanut butter cups. Melt 1 cup of vegan chocolate chips with 1 tablespoon of coconut oil until smooth. In a separate bowl, mix ½ cup of creamy peanut butter with 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar. Line a muffin tin with paper liners and spoon a layer of melted chocolate into each. Add a dollop of the peanut butter mixture, then top with more melted chocolate. Refrigerate until set before serving.

Vegan Apple Crisp

This warm and comforting dessert combines tender, spiced apples with a crisp, buttery topping. Peel and slice 6 medium apples, then toss them with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, ¼ cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour. Transfer the apple mixture to a baking dish. For the topping, combine 1 cup of rolled oats, ½ cup of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of brown sugar, and ½ cup of softened vegan butter until crumbly. Sprinkle the topping over the apples and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the apples are tender.

Vegan Chocolate Mousse

This silky and decadent chocolate mousse is surprisingly simple to make and perfect for any chocolate lover. Melt 1 cup of vegan dark chocolate chips and let it cool slightly. In a separate bowl, whip 1 cup of chilled coconut cream until fluffy. Gently fold the melted chocolate into the whipped coconut cream until fully combined. Divide the mousse into serving dishes and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

Vegan Carrot Cake

This moist and flavorful carrot cake is filled with warm spices and topped with a creamy vegan frosting. In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1½ teaspoons of cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. In another bowl, mix ¾ cup of brown sugar, ½ cup of vegetable oil, ½ cup of applesauce, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, and 2 cups of grated carrots. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined. Pour the batter into a greased cake pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely before frosting with vegan cream cheese frosting.

Vegan Cheesecake

This creamy and luscious cheesecake is a showstopper, made entirely without dairy. For the crust, blend 1½ cups of crushed graham crackers with ⅓ cup of melted vegan butter and press the mixture into a springform pan. For the filling, blend 2 cups of soaked cashews, ¾ cup of coconut cream, ½ cup of maple syrup, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Pour the filling over the crust and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight to set. Top with fresh fruit or berry compote before serving for a vibrant finish.

Vegan Tiramisu

This plant-based tiramisu has all the classic flavors of coffee and cream, layered with light, spongy cake. Start by brewing 1 cup of strong coffee and letting it cool. Dip slices of vegan sponge cake or ladyfingers into the coffee and layer them in a dish. Whisk together 1 cup of coconut cream, ½ cup of vegan cream cheese, and ¼ cup of powdered sugar to create a creamy filling. Alternate layers of soaked cake and cream mixture, finishing with a dusting of cocoa powder. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.

Vegan Cinnamon Rolls

Warm and fluffy cinnamon rolls are a delightful dessert or breakfast treat. To make the dough, combine 2¾ cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of instant yeast, 3 tablespoons of sugar, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Add ¾ cup of warmed non-dairy milk and 3 tablespoons of melted vegan butter, mixing until a soft dough forms. Roll out the dough, spread with a mixture of ⅓ cup of brown sugar, 2 teaspoons of cinnamon, and 3 tablespoons of softened vegan butter, then roll tightly and cut into slices. Arrange in a baking dish and let rise for 30 minutes before baking at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes. Drizzle with vegan icing before serving.

Vegan Ice Cream

Creamy and indulgent, vegan ice cream is a versatile dessert that can be made in endless flavors. Blend 2 cups of full-fat coconut milk, ½ cup of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth. Add your desired flavorings, such as ½ cup of cocoa powder, pureed fruit, or nut butter. Churn in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions, or freeze in a shallow dish, stirring every hour for 3-4 hours to prevent ice crystals. Scoop into bowls or cones and enjoy your homemade frozen treat.

Vegan Pecan Pie

This gooey pecan pie is packed with nutty goodness and perfect for any special occasion. Prepare the crust by combining 1½ cups of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of vegan butter, and 2-4 tablespoons of cold water, then roll out and fit into a pie pan. For the filling, mix 1 cup of maple syrup, ½ cup of brown sugar, ¼ cup of melted vegan butter, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Fold in 2 cups of pecan halves and pour the mixture into the crust. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50-60 minutes, or until the filling is set.

Vegan Pumpkin Pie

This velvety pumpkin pie is a holiday favorite that everyone will enjoy. In a bowl, whisk together 1¾ cups of pumpkin puree, ¾ cup of coconut milk, ½ cup of brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of ginger, and ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg. Pour the filling into a prepared vegan pie crust. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50-55 minutes, or until the filling is set. Let it cool completely before slicing and serving with a dollop of coconut whipped cream.

Vegan Rice Pudding

Creamy and spiced with cinnamon, vegan rice pudding is a comforting dessert perfect for any season. In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of short-grain rice, 3 cups of non-dairy milk, ½ cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 cinnamon stick. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring frequently, until the rice is tender and the mixture thickens, about 25-30 minutes. Remove the cinnamon stick and divide the pudding into bowls. Serve warm or chilled, topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon or fresh fruit.

Vegan Chocolate Tart

Rich and decadent, this vegan chocolate tart is a must-try for chocolate lovers. For the crust, mix 1½ cups of crushed chocolate cookies with ¼ cup of melted vegan butter and press into a tart pan. For the filling, melt 1½ cups of dark chocolate with 1 cup of coconut cream and stir until smooth. Pour the filling into the crust and refrigerate for 4-6 hours to set. Garnish with fresh berries or a sprinkle of sea salt before serving.

Vegan Donuts

These fluffy and sweet vegan donuts are baked, not fried, for a lighter treat. Mix 2 cups of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. In another bowl, whisk together ¾ cup of non-dairy milk, 2 tablespoons of melted vegan butter, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, then pipe the batter into a greased donut pan. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, then glaze or sprinkle with powdered sugar for the perfect finish.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

More From RetailShout

What’s Trending at Aldi This Week (12/07/2024)

Aldi’s aisles are packed with fresh finds this week, perfect for adding some holiday sparkle to your home and kitchen. From festive decorations and cozy essentials to tasty treats and handy gadgets, there’s something exciting waiting for everyone. Read More.

20 Best Target Dollar Spot Finds for Christmas

The holiday season is here, and if you’re looking to decorate your home, create fun DIY crafts, or find affordable stocking stuffers, the Target Dollar Spot is a treasure trove waiting to be explored. This magical little section is packed with festive finds that won’t break the bank but will still add a touch of Christmas cheer to your celebrations. Read More.

25 Walmart Holiday Items to Make Your Home Extra Festive

Walmart has so many amazing finds this year that can turn your home into a cozy winter wonderland. From twinkling lights to playful decorations, there’s a little bit of everything to bring your holiday vibes to life. Read More.