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Home » Courses » Desserts » 25 Plant-Based Desserts for Every Occassion

25 Plant-Based Desserts for Every Occassion

Published: Mar 27, 2020 Modified: Sep 22, 2020 by Alison Corey

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plant-based vegan desserts collage

This post may contain affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclaimer.

When it comes to plant-based desserts you can have your cake and eat it too! From brownies, to cookies, to cakes, and ice cream, here you’ll find irresistible recipes everyone will love!

plant based desserts collage

These plant-based dessert recipes are dairy-free, egg-free, and vegan friendly. Whether you’re looking for vegan dessert recipes or plant-based desserts, these recipes have you covered.

Can you eat sweets on a plant based diet?

Yes, you can eat sweets on a plant-based diet! As with all sweets and treats it’s best to eat them sparingly.

Depending on how you categorize your plant based diet, the types of desserts you allow yourself to enjoy may differ. Something simple like vegan baked apples are healthy and naturally sweet.

If you follow a vegan you can enjoy any dessert that doesn’t contain animal products. However, if you’re following a strictly whole food plant based diet you’ll need to take a closer look at the ingredients in your desserts.

What’s the difference between a vegan dessert and plant-based dessert?

Both vegan and plant-based desserts are free of animal products. That means that they do not include any dairy, milk, or egg products.

Vegan dessert recipes often include dairy-free vegan butters, oils, refined flours, and refined sugars.

Whole food plant-based dessert recipes exclude refined sugars, refined flours, and processed ingredients such as oil or vegan butters.

Instead whole food plant-based desserts use natural sweeteners, whole grain flours, or unrefined flour alternatives, and exclude oil.

Here at Keeping the Peas, the vegan desserts are most often plant-based.

What desserts can you eat on a plant-based diet?

You can truly enjoy any type of dessert when following a plant-based diet. You just need to make some adjustments to the recipe to make them refined flour, refined sugar, oil, dairy, and egg free.

From cake, to brownies, cookies, puddings, and more, you can virtually turn any recipe into a plant-based compliant dessert.

I have a big time sweet tooth. I think chocolate should be its own food group. However, I try to keep my sweet treats as healthy as possible using plant based ingredients.

You may have tried plant based desserts in the past and found them to be flavorless, dry, and unappealing. But when done right, they are not only way healthier than typical desserts, they are just as moist, flavorful and delicious.

It took me some time and many failed attempts before I figured out how to turn my favorite desserts into plant-based recipes. So if you’ve tried and had some missteps, these desserts have been tried, and tested to ensure they are absolutely the best.

Whether you’re making a dessert for one, your family, or a crowd, nobody will be any the wiser that these desserts are 100% plant-based!

Oil vs. No Oil

Most vegan desserts contain oil or vegan butter. Some common oils in vegan baking include canola oil, vegetable oil, coconut oil, and sometimes olive oil.

When making a plant based dessert you’ll need to make an oil substitute.

What oil substitutes can you use?

  • Unsweetened Applesauce
  • Pumpkin
  • Banana
  • Avocado
  • Raw Almond Butter

Refined Sugar vs. Natural Sugar

Refined sugar is sugar that has been processed from sugar cane or sugar beets to extract the sugar. White sugar, and brown sugar are refined sugars. Plant based sweets do not use refined sugars or artificial sweeteners.

In order to add sweetness to plant based desserts you’ll need to use an unrefined sweetener.

What type of natural sweeteners can you use in plant based desserts?

  • Pure Organic Maple Syrup
  • Coconut Sugar
  • Brown Rice Syrup
  • Dates
  • Turbinado sugar

Refined vs. Unrefined Flour

When making a plant based dessert you’ll need to avoid using refined flours. Refined flour has been processed so that it’s stripped of nutrients. Refined flours include all purpose four, white flours, bread flour, and pastry flour. and some gluten free flours.

You can still use flour in your desserts, but you want to use a type that is a whole grain and hasn’t been stripped of its nutrients.

What type of flour should you use?

  • Whole Wheat Flour
  • White Whole Wheat Flour
  • Almond flour
  • Oat flour
  • Spelt Flour

Plant-Based Milks and Egg-Free Substitutes

Most mainstream desserts call for milk and eggs. When making a plant-based or vegan dessert you’ll need to find substitutes for these ingredients.

In baking recipes milk is used to improve the texture by moisture and creating a soft crumb.

Eggs provide structure and stability in a baking recipes. They also help add moisture and bind the ingredients together.

They are both essential ingredients in baking. When making a plant-based vegan dessert it is important to find an appropriate substitute that mimics the role they play.

What milk substitutes can I use in baking recipes?

Fortunately, there are many types of plant-milks on the market that can add moisture and texture to your baked goods.

Pro tip #1: Always use an unsweetened plant-milk in your baking recipes.

Pro Tip #2: Use a 1:1 ratio when substituting plant milk for regular milk in a baking recipe.

  • Almond Milk
  • Cashew Milk
  • Coconut Milk
  • Rice Milk
  • Soy Milk
  • Oat Milk

What egg substitutes can I use in baking recipes?

Eggs can be a bit trickier to find an appropriate substitute. It is also important to note how much of each egg substitute you need depending on how many eggs a recipe calls for.

The Most Common Egg Substitutes:

  • Mashed Banana
  • Applesauce
  • Pumpkin Puree
  • Ground Flax and Water
  • Dairy-free yogurt
  • Silken Tofu

Egg Substitutes for Cakes and Cupcakes

For each egg a recipe calls for use the following recommendations:

  • ½ a medium Banana, mashed
  • ¼ cup Apple sauce
  • ¼ cup Silken Tofu

Egg Substitute for Brownies

For each egg a recipe calls for use the following recommendations:

  • 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoon water

Egg Substitutes for Cookies

For each egg a recipe calls for use the following recommendations:

  • 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoon water
  • ½ a medium Banana, mashed
  • ¼ cup Apple sauce
  • ¼ cup Silken Tofu
  • ¼ cups vegan yogurt

The BEST Plant-Based Desserts for Every Occasion

If you’re ready to have some fun in the kitchen and create dessert magic that will not only satisfy your sweet tooth, but will be healthy too, then you’ve got to give these tried and true recipes a try!

Plant-Based Desserts: Cookies

Soft and chewy? Thin and crunchy? How every you like your cookies there is a delicious plant-based vegan option! Here are a few of my favorites!

plant-based deserts gluten-free vegan peanut butter cookies
Vegan Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
These vegan pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are made with oats, sweetened with banana and maple syrup, and dotted with chocolate chips through a pumpkin flavored dough.
Check out this recipe
stack of pumpkin oatmeal cookies
Chickpea Cookies with Peanut Butter
These Peanut Butter Chickpea Cookies are soft, chewy, and easy to make. With whole food plant-based ingredients they're oil-free, refined sugar free, and gluten-free.
Check out this recipe
chickpea cookies on cooling rack
Vegan Oatmeal Cookies
These simple vegan oatmeal cookies are soft and chewy made with almond flour and sweetened with maple syrup. They're a whole food plant-based gluten-free version of the classic cookie but they aren't missing any of the sweet goodness of the original.
Check out this recipe
vegan oatmeal cookies in a stack
No-Bake Vegan Snowball Cookies
These no-bake vegan snowball cookies made with almond flour, and sugar-free coconut flakes are a healthy winter treat that are also paleo and gluten-free. They really hit the spot after you come inside from an afternoon of building a snowman!
Check out this recipe
vegan snowball cookie in hand
Gluten-Free Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies
These are the best and easiest one bowl gluten-free vegan peanut butter cookies. They're soft melt in your mouth delicious. Made with simple whole food ingredients, they're dairy free, oil free, and gluten-free.
Check out this recipe
gluten-free vegan peanut butter cookies
Vegan Snickerdoodles
These Vegan Snickerdoodles are soft and chewy. Made in one bowl, and no chill time they're an easy and quick cookie!
Check out this recipe
vegan snickerdoodle stacked
Dairy Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
These Dairy Free Chocolate Chip Cookies are crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. Stir in your favorites nuts, or even raisins to customize them to your liking.
Check out this recipe
close up of chocolate chip pecan cookie
Vegan Cookie Dough Balls
These no-bake chocolate chip vegan cookie dough balls are everything you need when you get a craving for a sweet treat. With only 5 ingredients and 5 minutes of prep you can whip these up in a flash. Healthy and delicious these cookie dough balls are paleo, gluten-free, and dairy free!
Check out this recipe
vegan cookie dough balls
Chocolate Coconut Date Balls
These no bake vegan chocolate coconut date balls are a decadent healthy dessert or snack! They're gluten-free and have no refined sugar yet they're subtly sweet with great texture.
Check out this recipe

Plant-Based Desserts: Cakes and Cupcakes

If you’re looking to make something special for a birthday celebration, a holiday, or just because you feel like eating cake, these special treats are sure to make your mouth water!

plant-based dessert slice of strawberry cake topped with a fresh strawberry
Vegan Strawberry Cake
This vegan strawberry cake starts with a vanilla cake base, with fresh chunky strawberries throughout the batter, topped with a coconut whipped cream frosting, and fresh strawberries. It's light, decadent, and irresistible!
Check out this recipe
slice of strawberry cake topped with a fresh strawberry
Vegan Blueberry Cake with Lemon
This Vegan Blueberry Cake with lemon zest is tangy, sweet and fresh. It's a quick cake that takes only 10 minutes of prep, and 30 minutes to bake. It's simply finished with a dusting of powdered sugar. It's a springtime favorite!
Check out this recipe
vegan blueberry cake slice
Healthy Vegan Chocolate Cupcakes
These healthy vegan chocolate cupcakes use whole food plant-based ingredients. They're refined sugar free, oil-free, eggless, and dairy free, yet they're light, fluffy and chocolatey. Top with my favorite coconut cream chocolate frosting for the ultimate healthy vegan chocolate cupcake.
Check out this recipe
chocolate vegan cupcake
Pumpkin Spice Mug Cake
If you have a little leftover pumpkin puree, and you're wondering what on Earth you can do with it, how about give this 3 minute Pumpkin Spice Mug Cake a try! With whole wheat flour, date sugar, pumpkin puree, and pumpkin spice, it's a healthy sweet treat for one.
Check out this recipe
vegan pumpkin spice mug cake

Plant-Based Desserts: Puddings and Mousse

If you’re craving something creamy that’s still a bit on the healthier side, then these decadent puddings and mousse are perfect to satisfy your sweet tooth.

vegan chocolate mousse with in martini glass a plant-based dessert
Vegan Vanilla Pudding with Fresh Berries
Smooth creamy coconut milk thickens to the perfect texture in this vegan vanilla pudding. It's a simple satisfying plant-based dessert. Top with fresh strawberries and blueberries for the perfect 4th of July treat!
Check out this recipe
vegan vanilla pudding in ramekins
Chocolate Chia Pudding
Chia Chocolate Pudding is a healthy dessert with all natural sugars that whips up in 5 minutes. Top with your favorite fresh fruit, seeds or nuts to make it your own!
Check out this recipe
overhead of chocolate chia pudding
Halloween Graveyard Pudding Cups
These Halloween Graveyard Pudding Cups made with chocolate pudding, chocolate cookie dirt, and graham cracker tombstones are an easy fun and festive Halloween dessert to make with the kids!
Check out this recipe
halloween graveyard pudding cup
Aquafaba Chocolate Mousse.
Healthy, decadent, vegan aquafaba chocolate mousse is possible and it's delicious! Indulge in this healthy chocolatey dessert! Aquafaba, the brine or water from canned chickpeas, whips up to create this delicate mousse!
Check out this recipe
vegan chocolate mousse with aquafaba

Plant-Based Desserts: Brownies

Fudgy and decadent, these healthy plant-based brownies are and easy and quick to make. They will disappear in no time!

stack of three chickpea brownies
Chickpea Brownies Vegan and Gluten-Free
Fudgy Chickpea Brownies are a healthy and decadent treat made with whole food plant-based ingredients. They're refined sugar free, vegan, and gluten-free making them an irresistible treat for all!
Check out this recipe
stack of chickpea brownies
Vegan Mug Brownie
This dark chocolate vegan mug brownie with chocolate chips is perfection in 60 seconds! Moist, fudgy, oil-free, and refined sugar-free it's a guilt free treat when those chocolate cravings are calling!
Check out this recipe
brownie in a mug
Healthy Vegan Brownies
These healthy vegan brownies will satisfy your sweet tooth without the guilt. They are refined sugar free and oil-free yet still ooey, gooey, and chocolatey.
Check out this recipe
healthy vegan brownies
Vegan Blondies | Gluten-Free and Oil Free
These 8 ingredient Vegan Blondies are chewy, rich, and delicious. They're naturally gluten-free and oil-free, and are whipped up in minutes.
Check out this recipe
stack of 3 vegan blondies on parchment paper
Vegan Pumpkin Brownies
These are the ultimate vegan pumpkin brownies with a fudgy chocolate base and topped with a pumpkin pie filling. It's a healthy oil-free plant-based treat for the autumn season!
Check out this recipe
vegan pumpkin brownies

Plant-Based Popsicles and Ice Cream

When it’s hot in the summer and you want something cool and sweet, these plant-based popsicles and ice cream are sure to please!

watermelon popsicles
Healthy Watermelon Popsicles
Simple and sweet homemade watermelon popsicles without the added sugar. Layers of fruit and coconut milk, and a sprinkling of chocolate chips, these popsicles will get devoured on a hot summer day. They're a vegan, plant-based, paleo and whole 30 friendly dessert!
Check out this recipe
watermelon popsicles
Chocolate Nice Cream
Chocolate nice cream made with simple wholesome ingredients is creamy and sweet without cream or added sugar! It's a healthy and nutritious way to enjoy everyone's favorite sweet treat that takes 5 minutes to prepare and only 3 ingredients. Vegan, dairy free, and gluten-free.
Check out this recipe
chocolate nice cream
Spinach Mango Vegan Popsicles
These fruit and veggie Spinach Mango Vegan Popsicles are creamy, naturally sweet and healthy too! Easy and fun to make with the kids, they're the perfect treat on a warm day!
Check out this recipe
spinach mango popsicles on ice

Looking for more plant based resources? Check out these other round ups!

  • 37 Vegan Prep Meal
  • 18 Vegan Pantry Meals Using Simple Food Staples
  • 43 Healthy Vegan Snacks
  • 15 Easy Vegan Desserts
  • 24 Vegan Christmas Cookies

If you’ve tried any of these Plant-Based Desserts please let me know how they turned out by commenting below! You can also follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest for more vegan plant-based family recipes your whole family will enjoy!

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Comments

  1. Shanna

    August 31, 2020 at 1:29 pm

    I can’t wait to try all of these delicious looking desserts. That hard part is going to be which one to try first.

    Reply
  2. Angela

    August 31, 2020 at 1:39 pm

    So many delicious vegan dessert options!!! I can’t wait to make them all… the pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are calling my name for sure! YUM!

    Reply
  3. Jordin

    August 31, 2020 at 1:44 pm

    These desserts look so delicious, all of them! I cant wait to try out some of these recipes I know they are going to be delicious!

    Reply
  4. Angela

    August 31, 2020 at 2:27 pm

    There are so many great recipes here. I need to get started!

    Reply
  5. Beth

    August 31, 2020 at 2:44 pm

    I can’t wait to try these recipe! They look so delicious and tasty! My family is going to love these!

    Reply

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Hi! I'm Alison!

I'm a plant-based vegan, married to a meat eater, with two picky kids. I use whole food plant-based ingredients to create a delicious compromise in the kitchen. My goal is to create simple and flavorful main dishes, salads, snacks, and the occasional dessert that I feel good about feeding my family, and they delight in eating.

More about me →

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