Best Vegan Desserts: Finding the Perfect Vegan Desserts for You
Top 15 Vegan Desserts:
1. No-Bake Vegan Brownies with Chocolate Ganache
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Primary Ingredients: Dates, walnuts, cocoa powder, maple syrup, coconut oil
About Vegan Dessert: These no-bake brownies are rich, chocolatey, and irresistibly fudgy. The base is made from wholesome ingredients like dates and walnuts, providing natural sweetness and texture. Topped with a luscious chocolate ganache, they deliver all the indulgence of traditional brownies without the oven. They’re perfect for satisfying sweet cravings quickly and healthfully. Plus, they’re great for summer when you want to keep the kitchen cool.
2. Easy Baked Vegan Cheesecake
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Primary Ingredients: Cashews, coconut cream, maple syrup, lemon juice, almond flour
About Vegan Dessert: This vegan cheesecake has a rich, creamy filling and a perfectly baked crust, making it a great dairy-free alternative to the classic dessert. The blend of cashews and coconut cream creates a silky texture, while lemon juice adds the ideal amount of tang. It’s also gluten-free, thanks to the almond flour crust. Ideal for dinner parties or holidays, this dessert is both elegant and comforting. Serve it plain or with your favorite fruit topping.
3. Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Primary Ingredients: All-purpose flour, vegan butter, brown sugar, chocolate chips
About Vegan Dessert: These vegan chocolate chip cookies are soft, chewy, and loaded with rich chocolate flavor. They have crispy edges and a gooey center, just like the best traditional cookies. The dough comes together easily with pantry staples, and no one will guess they’re dairy and egg free. They’re perfect for cookie swaps, lunchboxes, or just a cozy treat with a glass of almond milk. A must-have recipe in any plant-based kitchen.
4. Vegan Fruit Tart
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Primary Ingredients: Almond flour crust, coconut milk custard, assorted fresh fruits
About Vegan Dessert: This beautiful vegan fruit tart is as delicious as it is stunning. The crust is crisp and nutty, while the creamy coconut milk filling provides a perfect contrast. Topped with a colorful array of fresh fruit, it’s a showstopper for any celebration. It’s also surprisingly simple to make and highly customizable. Whether for brunch or a summer party, this tart is sure to impress.
5. Vegan Banana Bread
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Primary Ingredients: Ripe bananas, flour, maple syrup, plant-based milk
About Vegan Dessert: This moist and fluffy banana bread is the ultimate comfort food. Made with ripe bananas and a hint of maple syrup, it’s naturally sweet and perfect for breakfast or dessert. It holds together beautifully and has a soft, tender crumb. Enjoy it on its own or with a smear of vegan butter or nut spread. It’s also freezer-friendly, making it a great option to bake in advance.
6. Vegan Lemon Bars
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Primary Ingredients: Lemon juice, coconut milk, sugar, flour
About Vegan Dessert: These vegan lemon bars offer a bright, tangy flavor paired with a buttery shortbread crust. The filling is creamy and smooth, with just the right amount of sweetness to balance the citrus. They’re firm enough to slice cleanly but soft enough to melt in your mouth. Great for spring gatherings or afternoon tea, they bring a sunny pop of flavor. Dust with powdered sugar for a classic finish.
7. Vegan Pumpkin Pie
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Primary Ingredients: Pumpkin puree, coconut milk, maple syrup, pie crust
About Vegan Dessert: This classic vegan pumpkin pie is perfect for fall holidays and beyond. It has a rich, spiced filling that’s creamy and comforting, just like the traditional version. The coconut milk adds a luscious texture without overpowering the pumpkin flavor. It bakes up beautifully with a golden crust and smooth center. Serve with a dollop of dairy-free whipped cream for the full experience.
8. Vegan Tiramisu
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Primary Ingredients: Cashews, coconut cream, coffee, ladyfinger cookies
About Vegan Dessert: This vegan tiramisu offers the elegance of the classic Italian dessert with a plant-based twist. Layers of coffee-soaked cookies and creamy cashew filling make each bite indulgent and flavorful. It’s a no-bake recipe, making it easy to prepare ahead of time. The coconut cream adds richness, while the espresso gives it depth and complexity. Dust with cocoa powder before serving for a beautiful finish.
9. Vegan Apple Crisp
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Primary Ingredients: Apples, oats, brown sugar, coconut oil
About Vegan Dessert: Warm, spiced apples paired with a golden oat topping make this apple crisp a cozy dessert favorite. It’s incredibly easy to make and fills your home with the comforting scent of cinnamon. The crisp topping gets perfectly crunchy, contrasting with the soft, tender apples underneath. Serve it warm with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream. It’s perfect for chilly evenings and holiday meals.
10. Vegan Donuts
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Primary Ingredients: Flour, almond milk, sugar, baking powder
About Vegan Dessert: These vegan donuts are fluffy, soft, and completely customizable with glazes and toppings. Baked instead of fried, they’re a healthier alternative to store-bought versions. They come together quickly, making them ideal for weekend brunch or a sweet treat. Kids and adults alike will love decorating them with icing or sprinkles. Enjoy fresh from the oven or save for later as a grab-and-go snack.
11. Vegan Chocolate Mousse
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Primary Ingredients: Silken tofu, dark chocolate, maple syrup, vanilla extract
About Vegan Dessert: This chocolate mousse is silky smooth and incredibly rich. It’s made with silken tofu, which creates the perfect creamy texture while keeping it light and protein-packed. Sweetened with maple syrup and infused with dark chocolate, it satisfies any chocolate craving. You can chill it in individual servings for easy portion control. Garnish with berries or whipped cream for an elegant presentation.
12. Vegan Chocolate Cupcakes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Primary Ingredients: Cocoa powder, flour, almond milk, apple cider vinegar
About Vegan Dessert: These chocolate cupcakes are soft, moist, and packed with flavor. They rise beautifully and are topped with a rich vegan chocolate frosting that melts in your mouth. The use of vinegar and non-dairy milk gives them a fluffy, tender crumb. Perfect for birthdays or any celebration, they’re a crowd favorite. Even non-vegans won’t be able to tell they’re dairy-free.
13. Vegan Panna Cotta
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Primary Ingredients: Coconut milk, agar-agar, maple syrup, vanilla
About Vegan Dessert: This vegan panna cotta is elegant and incredibly simple to prepare. It uses agar-agar instead of gelatin for a perfectly set, jiggly texture. Coconut milk gives it a creamy, luscious base, sweetened lightly with maple syrup. It’s a great dessert to make ahead for guests or special occasions. Top with fruit compote or fresh berries for a beautiful touch.
14. Vegan Chocolate Cake
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Primary Ingredients: Flour, cocoa powder, plant-based milk, vinegar
About Vegan Dessert: This chocolate cake is so moist and decadent, no one will believe it’s vegan. The batter comes together easily with basic ingredients and bakes into a rich, dark chocolate delight. It’s perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just a weekend treat. Frost it with vegan buttercream or ganache for extra indulgence. It’s a reliable, go-to recipe for any chocolate lover.
15. Vegan Peanut Butter Pie
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Primary Ingredients: Peanut butter, coconut cream, graham cracker crust
About Vegan Dessert: This no-bake peanut butter pie is creamy, rich, and full of nutty goodness. The filling is smooth and luscious, made with coconut cream and natural peanut butter. Set in a graham cracker crust, it’s incredibly easy to make and even easier to devour. It’s great for potlucks, holidays, or whenever you need a quick dessert. Chill for a few hours and slice into dreamy, peanut butter perfection.
Editor’s Picks: Best Vegan Desserts for Flavor and Simplicity
With so many mouthwatering options, a few vegan desserts truly stand out for their simplicity, taste, and wow-factor. Here are our editor’s top picks from this list of the best vegan desserts.
No-Bake Vegan Brownies with Chocolate Ganache
These rich, fudgy brownies deliver all the indulgence of a baked treat without ever turning on the oven. They’re quick, easy, and packed with wholesome ingredients, making them an ideal go-to dessert.
Easy Baked Vegan Cheesecake
This dairy-free cheesecake is smooth, creamy, and tangy in all the right ways. It’s perfect for special occasions or when you need an elegant dessert to impress guests.
Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
These cookies taste just like the classic version and are always a hit with vegans and non-vegans alike. With a chewy center and crispy edges, they’re perfect for any occasion and easy to bake in bulk.
Vegan Banana Bread
Great for breakfast or dessert, this vegan banana bread is moist, flavorful, and freezer-friendly. It’s a comforting favorite that never disappoints.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vegan Desserts
Are vegan desserts healthier than regular desserts?
Vegan desserts often use plant-based, whole-food ingredients that can be healthier than traditional versions. They may contain less saturated fat and cholesterol, especially if made without processed substitutes. However, sugar and calorie content can still be high, so portion control is key.
What can replace eggs in vegan dessert recipes?
Common egg substitutes include flaxseed meal, chia seeds, applesauce, mashed banana, and commercial egg replacers. Each has its own texture and best-use scenario depending on the dessert you’re making.
Is it hard to bake vegan desserts?
Not at all! Many vegan desserts are beginner-friendly, using everyday ingredients like plant-based milk, flour, and coconut oil. Plus, there are no worries about raw eggs when tasting the batter!
Do vegan desserts taste different?
When made well, vegan desserts taste just as good as (if not better than) traditional ones. The key is using quality ingredients and paying attention to flavor and texture. Many people can’t even tell the difference once they try a great vegan cookie or cake.
Can I make vegan desserts without coconut?
Yes, while coconut milk and oil are common in vegan baking, there are many coconut-free options. Use almond, oat, or soy milk for liquid bases, and try avocado, cashew cream, or vegan margarine for fat content.
Tips for Choosing the Best Vegan Desserts for Any Occasion
Look for versatile recipes that match the season.
Some vegan desserts, like fruit tarts and lemon bars, are ideal for spring and summer, while others like pumpkin pie and apple crisp are better suited for fall and winter gatherings. Choosing seasonally appropriate recipes ensures freshness and crowd appeal.
Check dietary needs beyond veganism.
Many vegan desserts are naturally gluten-free, soy-free, or nut-free—but always double-check. If serving a crowd, try recipes that cover multiple dietary restrictions to ensure everyone can enjoy them.
Keep prep time and storage in mind.
If you’re short on time, opt for no-bake vegan desserts like mousse, tiramisu, or peanut butter pie. For make-ahead options, banana bread and cookies freeze well and are easy to transport.
Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
Since many vegan desserts rely on fewer ingredients, quality really matters. Choose pure maple syrup, organic cocoa, and fresh fruit when possible. This can elevate the flavor and texture dramatically.
Experiment with plant-based substitutes.
Plant milks, nut butters, silken tofu, and aquafaba (chickpea brine) can transform your baking. Don’t be afraid to try different combinations to discover what works best in your kitchen.
Best Vegan Desserts Conclusion
After you have tried out one of these amazing vegan desserts, we would love for you to share your feedback in the comments below. Also, if you have a vegan dessert that you think should be on this list, please share that as well!
