Craving something sweet but want to keep it completely plant-based? You’re in the right place.
Vegan desserts have come a long way. You don’t need butter, milk, eggs, or heavy cream to make something rich, creamy, chocolatey, and satisfying. From gooey brownies and fluffy cakes to refreshing fruit desserts and no-bake treats, there’s a vegan dessert for practically every craving.
Whether you’re already vegan, trying to eat more plant-based foods, or simply looking for delicious dairy-free dessert recipes, this ultimate vegan dessert guide has plenty of inspiration for you.
And the best part? You won’t feel like you’re missing out.
Want More Than Just Vegan Desserts?
If you love discovering delicious plant-based desserts, why stop there? A great vegan recipe collection can make it much easier to enjoy flavorful breakfasts, lunches, dinners, snacks, and desserts without constantly searching for new recipes.
For even more plant-based inspiration, check out the Complete Plant-Based Recipe Cookbook, featuring 200 + Vegan Recipes to help you add more variety to your everyday meals. It’s a convenient option for anyone who wants to explore more plant-based recipes and have plenty of ideas to choose from in one place.
What Makes a Dessert Vegan?
A vegan dessert is made without animal-derived ingredients.
Traditional desserts often rely on ingredients such as:
- Butter
- Cow’s milk
- Heavy cream
- Eggs
- Gelatin
- Dairy-based chocolate
Vegan baking replaces these ingredients with simple plant-based alternatives.
For example, you can use bananas or applesauce instead of eggs, coconut milk instead of heavy cream, and plant-based butter instead of dairy butter.
The result can be every bit as delicious as a traditional dessert.
Kitchen Tools You Will Need
1. Vegan Chocolate Brownies
Few things beat a warm, fudgy brownie.
These vegan brownies are rich, chocolatey, and wonderfully chewy around the edges while staying soft in the middle.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup plant-based milk
- ⅓ cup melted vegan butter or coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup vegan chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
- Add the plant-based milk, melted vegan butter, and vanilla.
- Stir until just combined.
- Fold in the vegan chocolate chips.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake for approximately 20–25 minutes.
- Let the brownies cool before slicing.
Tip: Don’t overbake them. Slightly underbaked brownies become wonderfully fudgy as they cool.
2. Easy Vegan Chocolate Cake
Need a dessert for a birthday, celebration, or weekend baking project?
A classic vegan chocolate cake is always a winner.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup plant-based milk
- ½ cup neutral oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease an 8-inch cake pan.
- Whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the milk, oil, vinegar, and vanilla.
- Mix until smooth.
- Pour into the cake pan.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before decorating.
Top it with vegan chocolate frosting, fresh berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
3. Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
Crispy edges, soft centers, and plenty of chocolate chips make these cookies almost impossible to resist.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup vegan butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2–3 tablespoons plant-based milk
- ¾ cup vegan chocolate chips
Instructions
- Cream the vegan butter and sugars together.
- Add vanilla and plant-based milk.
- Mix in the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Scoop dough onto a lined baking sheet.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–12 minutes.
- Cool for several minutes before serving.
For extra chocolate flavor, add a few chocolate chips to the tops of the cookies before baking.
4. Creamy Vegan Cheesecake
Yes, cheesecake can absolutely be vegan.
Cashews are a popular ingredient for creating a rich, creamy filling, while dates and nuts make an easy no-bake crust.
Simple Filling
- 2 cups raw cashews, soaked
- ½ cup coconut cream
- ⅓ cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Blend everything until completely smooth.
Pour the mixture over your favorite nut-and-date crust and refrigerate until firm.
Top with strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or your favorite fruit.
5. Vegan Banana Bread
Overripe bananas are perfect for vegan baking.
They add natural sweetness, moisture, and help create a soft texture without needing eggs.
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1½ cups flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Mash the bananas in a large bowl.
- Stir in sugar, oil, and vanilla.
- Add flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Mix gently.
- Fold in walnuts.
- Pour into a loaf pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 50–60 minutes.
- Cool before slicing.
Enjoy it for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or dessert.
6. Vegan Strawberry Shortcake
Fresh strawberries make this dessert especially delicious during warmer months.
Layer vegan biscuits or sponge cake with strawberries and dairy-free whipped cream for an easy dessert that looks beautiful on the table.
Quick Assembly
- Slice fresh strawberries.
- Toss them with a little sugar and let them sit for 10–15 minutes.
- Slice vegan biscuits or cake.
- Add strawberries.
- Add vegan whipped cream.
- Repeat the layers.
- Finish with fresh strawberries.
It’s simple, colorful, and perfect for entertaining.
7. No-Bake Vegan Chocolate Tart
When you don’t want to turn on the oven, make a no-bake chocolate tart.
A crust made from dates and nuts pairs beautifully with a silky chocolate filling.
Easy Filling
Combine:
- Dairy-free dark chocolate
- Coconut cream
- Vanilla extract
- A small amount of maple syrup
Pour the mixture into a prepared nut-and-date crust and refrigerate until set.
Garnish with berries, shaved chocolate, or chopped nuts.
Love These Vegan Desserts? Try Even More Plant-Based Recipes
If these vegan cookies, cakes, and sweet treats have inspired you to add more plant-based meals to your menu, you’ll want to check out the Complete Plant-Based Recipe Cookbook.
With 200 + Vegan Recipes, this cookbook makes it easier to discover delicious plant-based meals and snacks for everyday cooking. Instead of searching for new vegan recipes every time you’re hungry, you can have a whole collection of ideas in one place.
8. Vegan Lemon Cake
Not every dessert needs to be rich and chocolatey.
This bright lemon cake is soft, fragrant, and refreshing.
Fresh lemon juice and zest provide plenty of citrus flavor, while a simple lemon glaze gives the cake an extra burst of sweetness.
Serve it with tea or coffee for a lovely afternoon treat.
9. Vegan Peanut Butter Cups
Chocolate and peanut butter are a match made in dessert heaven.
These homemade peanut butter cups require only a few ingredients.
Basic Method
- Melt vegan dark chocolate.
- Spoon a thin layer into cupcake liners.
- Add a small amount of peanut butter.
- Cover with more melted chocolate.
- Refrigerate until firm.
Store them in the refrigerator for an easy grab-and-go sweet treat.
10. Vegan Apple Crisp
Warm apples topped with a crispy oat topping make this one of the ultimate comfort desserts.
Ingredients
Apple filling:
- 4–5 apples
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Topping:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ½ cup flour
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ⅓ cup vegan butter
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Slice the apples.
- Toss them with sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice.
- Place them in a baking dish.
- Combine the topping ingredients until crumbly.
- Sprinkle over the apples.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 35–40 minutes.
- Serve warm.
For an extra-special dessert, serve it with vegan vanilla ice cream.
11. Vegan Chocolate Mousse
Chocolate mousse sounds fancy, but it can be surprisingly simple.
One popular plant-based version uses ripe avocado to create a creamy texture.
Blend ripe avocado with cocoa powder, maple syrup, vanilla, and a splash of plant-based milk until smooth.
Chill before serving and top with berries or shaved dark chocolate.
12. Vegan Coconut Macaroons
If you love coconut, these chewy little treats deserve a spot on your dessert list.
Shredded coconut provides plenty of texture and flavor, while maple syrup adds natural sweetness.
Dip the bottoms in melted vegan chocolate for a delicious finishing touch.
13. Vegan Blueberry Muffins
Technically a muffin can be enjoyed for breakfast, but a sweet blueberry muffin can easily double as dessert.
Fresh or frozen blueberries work beautifully.
For the best texture, avoid overmixing the batter. A few lumps are completely fine.
14. Vegan Cinnamon Rolls
Soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls covered with sweet glaze are perfect for a special weekend treat.
Use plant-based milk and vegan butter in your favorite cinnamon roll dough, then fill it with cinnamon and brown sugar.
Bake until golden and drizzle with a simple powdered-sugar glaze.
Serve them warm for the ultimate comfort dessert.
15. Vegan Berry Crumble
A berry crumble is one of the easiest desserts you can make.
Combine blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries with a little sugar and lemon juice. Add an oat crumble topping and bake until bubbling.
The combination of juicy fruit and crunchy topping is hard to beat.
Easy Vegan Ingredient Swaps
Once you know a few simple substitutions, vegan baking becomes much easier.
Instead of eggs
Try:
- Mashed banana
- Applesauce
- Ground flaxseed mixed with water
- Chia seeds mixed with water
- Commercial egg replacer
Instead of dairy milk
Use:
- Almond milk
- Soy milk
- Oat milk
- Coconut milk
- Cashew milk
Instead of butter
Try:
- Vegan butter
- Coconut oil
- Neutral vegetable oil
- Nut butter in certain recipes
Instead of heavy cream
Consider:
- Full-fat coconut cream
- Cashew cream
- Plant-based whipping cream
Always check the product label if you need the dessert to be strictly vegan.
Tips for Better Vegan Baking
Vegan desserts can be incredibly easy to make, but a few tricks can make a big difference.
1. Don’t overmix your batter
Overmixing can make cakes and muffins dense. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.
2. Use ripe bananas
When making banana bread or banana-based desserts, very ripe bananas provide more sweetness and moisture.
3. Measure flour correctly
Too much flour can make baked goods dry. Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off rather than packing it down.
4. Give desserts time to cool
Cakes, brownies, and cookies often continue setting as they cool.
5. Taste your ingredients
Plant-based ingredients can vary considerably in sweetness and flavor. Taste your batter or filling when it is safe to do so and adjust sweetness as needed.
How to Choose the Perfect Vegan Dessert
Not sure which dessert to make?
Use your craving as your guide.
Want chocolate?
Try vegan brownies, chocolate cake, chocolate mousse, or peanut butter cups.
Want something fruity?
Make strawberry shortcake, apple crisp, lemon cake, or berry crumble.
Want something quick?
Try no-bake chocolate tart, peanut butter cups, or chocolate mousse.
Want something for a celebration?
Go for vegan cheesecake, chocolate cake, or cinnamon rolls.
Want something cozy?
Apple crisp, banana bread, and cinnamon rolls are excellent choices.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vegan Desserts
Are vegan desserts healthy?
Not necessarily. Vegan simply means the dessert doesn't contain animal-derived ingredients. Vegan desserts can still contain sugar, refined flour, oils, and plenty of calories.
The good news is that you can also make nutritious vegan desserts using fruits, oats, nuts, seeds, and other wholesome ingredients.
Can vegan desserts taste as good as traditional desserts?
Absolutely. With the right ingredients and techniques, vegan cakes, cookies, brownies, and cheesecakes can be incredibly rich and satisfying.
What is the easiest vegan dessert to make?
No-bake desserts are among the easiest options. Vegan chocolate mousse, peanut butter cups, fruit crumble, and simple chocolate treats are great places to start.
Can I make vegan desserts ahead of time?
Yes. Many vegan desserts actually benefit from chilling or resting. Cheesecakes, chocolate tarts, mousse, and some cookies can be prepared ahead of time.
What chocolate is vegan?
Dark chocolate is often vegan, but not always. Always check the ingredient list because some dark chocolates contain milk or milk-derived ingredients.
Take Your Vegan Recipe Collection Further
These vegan desserts are proof that plant-based eating can be creative, satisfying, and absolutely delicious. But there are so many more vegan recipes to explore beyond desserts.
If you're ready to discover more plant-based meals and treats, take a look at the Complete Plant-Based Recipe Cookbook with 200+ vegan recipes. It can give you plenty of new recipe ideas to add to your weekly meal rotation.
👉 Explore 200 + Vegan Recipes Here
Final Thoughts
A vegan lifestyle doesn’t mean giving up your favorite sweet treats.
From fudgy chocolate brownies and creamy cheesecake to fruity crumbles, soft banana bread, and indulgent peanut butter cups, there are countless ways to satisfy your sweet tooth with plant-based ingredients.
The best part about vegan desserts is how creative you can be. Once you become comfortable with ingredients such as plant-based milk, vegan butter, bananas, dates, nuts, coconut cream, and dairy-free chocolate, you’ll have everything you need to create delicious desserts for everyday cravings and special occasions.
So grab your mixing bowl, choose a recipe, and start baking.
Your next favorite vegan dessert might be just one recipe away!
Love Desserts? There's More to Explore!
If you enjoyed these vegan treats, you may also want to explore my complete dessert eBook, packed with delicious dessert recipes for all kinds of sweet cravings. Whether you're looking for classic favorites, indulgent treats, or something new to try, there's plenty of inspiration to discover.
👉 Explore 75 Easy Dessert eBook
