Photo by: Victor ProtasioGone are the days when a vegan dessert meant just a simple bowl of fruit or a tasteless cookie. Today, with the help of ingredients like apple cider vinegar, almond milk, and coconut milk yogurt, vegan desserts are more flavorful than ever. Need some convincing? We’ve put together 20 plant-based treats that are so good, you might not even realize they’re vegan. From Mini Chocolate Olive Oil Cakes to Amaretto Sour Popsicles, these egg- and dairy-free desserts are perfect for any event and will leave you wanting more!
1. Cantaloupe-Coconut Ice Pops
Victor ProtasioThese refreshing ice pops blend ripe cantaloupe with a sweet basil-coconut cream, enhancing the fruit's floral notes. A hint of lime zest provides a tangy kick, while toasted coconut at the bottom adds a delightful nutty flavor and satisfying crunch.
2. Apricot Almond Cake
Greg DuPreeThis vibrant cake is dotted with canned apricots glazed in apricot preserves, making it a perfect addition to any brunch spread. The almond flour base enhances the floral flavors of the fruit, making this vegan treat an irresistible delight.
3. Mini Chocolate Olive Oil Cakes
Victor ProtasioBelieve it or not, these mini olive oil cakes are completely vegan. The olive oil replaces traditional ingredients like eggs and butter, and the cakes are infused with a blend of cocoa powder, orange zest, and earl grey tea. To top it off, each cake is drizzled with a smooth chocolate glaze and sprinkled with candied orange peel. Delicious!
4. Ginger-Lime Melon Salad
Jennifer CauseyThis refreshing salad is far from typical, as it combines slices of cantaloupe, honeydew, and watermelon, all tossed in a zesty ginger-lime dressing. It's the perfect light vegan dessert for a warm evening when you're craving something fresh and flavorful.
5. Tropical Fruit Salad
Victor ProtasioFor a vegan dessert that’s sure to please everyone, try this tropical fruit combination. A blend of papaya, pineapple, mango, and kiwi is mixed with a hint of sugar, lime juice, and a dash of salt. The vibrant fruits rest on a creamy layer of coconut yogurt, topped with a sprinkle of coconut flakes. This treat is packed with texture and flavor, and completely free from butter and cream.
6. Spicy Watermelon Margarita Ice Pops
Emily KinniThis adult-only dessert combines pureed watermelon with sugar, lime juice, tequila, and a touch of cayenne pepper. The striking white stripe, which gives the pops a vibrant color contrast, naturally forms when the fruit separates during freezing.
7. Chocolate Rice Crispy Treats
Jennifer CauseyThis quick dessert, ready in just 30 minutes, is remarkably simple to prepare. It only requires four top-notch ingredients: finely chopped bittersweet chocolate bars, coconut oil, crispy rice cereal, and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. Think of them as an adult twist on Rice Krispy Treats, perfect for any time of year. For a fully plant-based version, opt for vegan chocolate.
8. Creamy Date Shakes With Cinnamon
GREG DUPREEIf you're in the mood for a milkshake but want to skip the dairy, this recipe is your answer. Medjool dates blend perfectly with hemp seeds, almond milk, ice, and a touch of cinnamon, creating a bold and refreshing drink that’s naturally vegan. For an extra burst of flavor, add another sprinkle of cinnamon on top once it's done.
9. Vegan Blueberry Cookies
Justine EatsFinding great vegan desserts can be a challenge, but these cookies are an exception and can be ready in under an hour. Their vibrant color comes from thawed frozen blueberries, while sweet white chocolate chips add extra flavor to every bite. To help incorporate the blueberries thoroughly into the dough, we recommend using a stand or hand mixer to break them up during baking.
10. Amaretto Sour Popsicles
Melissa Kravitz HoeffnerLooking for a refreshing vegan treat to beat the heat? These amaretto sour popsicles are just the thing. With flavors reminiscent of the popular cocktail, they boast a vibrant look like a summer sunset. For the ultimate refreshment, serve them with fresh orange slices and cherries.
11. Vanilla-Cinnamon Chia Pudding
Heather MeldromFor those who enjoy rice pudding or tapioca, this vanilla chia pudding will be a delightful treat. Made with a blend of milk (we recommend vanilla almond milk), chia seeds, agave nectar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a touch of salt, it's a comforting dessert. Not an almond milk fan? Feel free to substitute it with coconut milk or any other plant-based alternative, keeping it vegan.
12. Vegan Banana Bread
Alison MikschBanana bread is a timeless treat, but this vegan twist replaces butter and eggs with canola oil, coconut milk yogurt, and vanilla soy milk. These plant-based ingredients blend effortlessly into the recipe, resulting in a moist and flavorful loaf. Feel free to add extras like vegan chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, or shredded coconut for a customized touch.
13. Toasted-Coconut Key Lime Pie
Greg DuPreeFor a completely plant-based tropical treat, use vegan coconut cookies to make the crust of this pie. The coconut filling, crafted with coconut whipped topping, brings a rich and creamy texture. Lime juice adds a tangy kick to the filling, striking the perfect balance with the sweetness of the dessert.
14. Spicy Maple Lemonade Pops
Jennifer CauseyWhen the weather heats up, a glass of fresh lemonade is always refreshing, but these spicy lemonade pops take it to the next level. Made with freshly squeezed lemon juice, maple syrup, cayenne pepper, and a few Thai bird chiles, these pops are packed with flavor and spice.
15. Roasted Pineapple With Cinnamon
Steve GiraltWhen you roast fruits like pineapple, the natural sugars become more intense, transforming it into a tender and flavorful treat. The addition of sugar allows for caramelization, while cinnamon brings an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy this roasted pineapple on its own or pair it with vegan vanilla ice cream or a slice of plant-based pound cake for an indulgent dessert.
16. Frozen Banana Ice Cream
Tatiana Volgutova/Getty ImagesWhen the ice cream cravings hit but you don’t have any plant-based options on hand, just grab some ripe bananas instead. You can turn them into a creamy frozen treat by slicing, freezing, blending, and freezing them again.
17. Plant-Based Coconut Yogurt
Getty ImagesVegan yogurt is now widely available in most stores, but if you'd rather make your own, this coconut yogurt recipe is worth a try. Made with a blend of coconut and nut milk, it achieves a thick texture from cornstarch. You can enjoy it as a snack on its own or dress it up with toppings like vegan chocolate chips, coconut flakes, and fresh strawberries for a healthier dessert.
18. Vegan Chocolate Pudding
Nico SchincoLeave it to Martha Stewart to create a vegan chocolate pudding that rivals anything you’d find in stores. This recipe uses raw cashews, cocoa powder, and plant-based milk, with maple syrup, vanilla extract, semi-sweet chocolate, and a pinch of salt to bring out the perfect flavor.
19. Vegan Snickerdoodles
Kristina VanniTraditional cookie recipes often include eggs and butter, but these vegan Snickerdoodles use apple cider vinegar and vegetable oil instead. The vinegar’s strong flavor disappears as the cookies bake, especially after they’re rolled in a simple cinnamon-sugar mixture.
20. Vegan Apple Pie
linda xiaoApple pie is a timeless American dessert, perfect for any season. This plant-based version uses a vegan crust filled with apples, cinnamon, sugar, and a splash of fresh lemon juice to create a balanced, flavorful filling. Serve it warm with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream for an irresistible treat.
