If you love Anna Olson’s approachable baking style and crave plant-based options, you’re in for a treat! Anna Olson may be best known for her classic Canadian desserts, but even she’s embraced the creative world of vegan cooking.
Inspired by her techniques and flavors, I’ve rounded up a collection of Anna Olson vegan recipes that prove you can have all the indulgence, texture, and decadence—without a single animal product. Whether you’re new to vegan baking or simply looking to expand your repertoire, these recipes are thoughtfully crafted to satisfy every sweet tooth and savory craving.
Get ready to transform your kitchen with delicious, wholesome, and easy-to-follow vegan versions of Anna Olson favorites. Let’s dive into the world of plant-based baking and cooking, Anna Olson style!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Each recipe in this list draws inspiration from Anna Olson’s iconic approach—simple steps, rich flavors, and show-stopping presentation. You’ll love how these vegan twists use accessible ingredients and clever swaps, ensuring you don’t miss out on anything you adore about Anna’s originals.
Whether you’re baking for a crowd or whipping up a treat for yourself, these recipes deliver satisfaction in every bite.
- Familiar Flavors: Enjoy the nostalgia of Anna’s classics, but 100% plant-based.
- Healthier Choices: Many vegan ingredients are naturally lower in saturated fats and cholesterol-free.
- Allergy-Friendly: Dairy-free and egg-free, perfect for those with sensitivities.
- Simple Techniques: Step-by-step instructions make these recipes accessible to all skill levels.
Ingredients
Below, you’ll find the ingredients for three of the most-loved Anna Olson vegan-style recipes: Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies, Vegan Lemon Loaf, and Vegan Creamy Mushroom Pasta.
Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup vegan butter (softened)
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups vegan dark chocolate chips
Vegan Lemon Loaf
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup non-dairy milk (soy or almond preferred)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup neutral oil (canola or sunflower)
- 2 tbsp lemon zest
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Vegan Creamy Mushroom Pasta
- 12 oz dry pasta (fettuccine or linguine)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 16 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 tsp thyme (dried or fresh)
- 1/2 cup raw cashews (soaked in hot water for 30 minutes)
- 1 1/2 cups unsweetened soy milk
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Equipment
- Mixing bowls (various sizes)
- Whisk and spatula
- Electric mixer (optional, for cookies)
- Baking sheets and parchment paper
- Loaf pan (for lemon loaf)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Medium saucepan and large skillet (for pasta)
- High-speed blender (for cashew cream)
- Colander (for draining pasta)
- Cooling rack
Instructions
Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together the vegan butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Use an electric mixer if you wish.
- Add the applesauce and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, stirring just until combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in the vegan chocolate chips.
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are golden brown and centers look slightly underbaked.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Vegan Lemon Loaf
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, combine non-dairy milk and apple cider vinegar. Set aside for 5 minutes to curdle (making vegan buttermilk).
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, combine sugar, oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Stir in the vegan buttermilk mixture.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into the loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift out and cool completely on a rack before slicing.
Vegan Creamy Mushroom Pasta
- Soak cashews in hot water for 30 minutes, then drain.
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and sauté 2-3 minutes until translucent.
- Add garlic and cook 1 minute more. Stir in mushrooms and thyme; sauté until mushrooms are browned and tender (about 8 minutes).
- Meanwhile, blend soaked cashews, soy milk, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a high-speed blender until very smooth.
- Pour cashew cream into the skillet with mushrooms. Cook, stirring, until thickened (2-3 minutes). Add reserved pasta water as needed for desired consistency.
- Add cooked pasta and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Tips & Variations
“Vegan baking is all about experimentation—don’t be afraid to try different plant-based milks, oils, or add-ins to suit your taste!”
- Cookies: Swap applesauce for mashed banana for a slightly different flavor. Use chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
- Lemon Loaf: Add a simple glaze (powdered sugar + lemon juice) for extra zing. Stir in fresh blueberries for a fruity twist.
- Pasta: Substitute spinach or kale for mushrooms, or add sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean touch. Gluten-free pasta works perfectly here.
- General: For deeper flavor, toast nuts before adding or use browned vegan butter in cookies.
Nutrition Facts
Here’s an approximate breakdown for each recipe based on standard serving sizes:
Recipe | Calories | Fat (g) | Carbs (g) | Protein (g) | Sugar (g) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies (1 cookie) | 140 | 6 | 20 | 2 | 11 |
Vegan Lemon Loaf (1 slice, 1/10 loaf) | 180 | 7 | 28 | 3 | 14 |
Vegan Creamy Mushroom Pasta (1/4 recipe) | 380 | 13 | 54 | 11 | 4 |
Values are estimates and will vary based on brands and optional add-ins.
Serving Suggestions
- Chocolate Chip Cookies: Serve warm with a glass of oat milk or as the base for vegan ice cream sandwiches. For more dessert inspiration, try our Grandma’S Old Fashioned Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce Recipe.
- Lemon Loaf: Lovely for breakfast with fresh berries, or enjoy as an afternoon snack with a cup of tea. For a unique drink pairing, check out the Lavender Frappe Recipe.
- Creamy Mushroom Pasta: Pair with a crisp green salad or a side of Half Runner Beans Recipe for a balanced dinner.
Feel free to double batches for parties, or freeze leftovers for easy treats and meals throughout the week.
Conclusion
Anna Olson’s timeless recipes are beloved for a reason—and with these vegan adaptations, you can enjoy the same warmth, comfort, and flavor in a plant-based way. These recipes are perfect for sharing with friends and family, whether you follow a vegan lifestyle or simply want to explore new culinary horizons.
Each dish captures the spirit of Anna’s kitchen: accessible, inviting, and always delicious. So next time you’re craving a cozy cookie, a zesty loaf, or a creamy pasta, remember that a satisfying vegan version is just a recipe away.
And if you’re eager for more, don’t forget to explore our other vegan favorites like the Kodiak Banana Muffins Recipe or the Kikkoman Stir Fry Sauce Recipe. Happy plant-based baking and cooking!
More Anna Olson Vegan-Inspired Recipes to Try
- Vegan Banana Bread: Moist, tender, and packed with natural sweetness from ripe bananas and a handful of walnuts.
- Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Cookies: Chewy, cinnamon-scented, and perfect for lunchboxes or a quick snack.
- Vegan Chocolate Cake: Deeply chocolatey and decadent, topped with a simple coconut cream frosting for pure indulgence.
- Vegan Apple Crumble: Tart apples baked under a golden oat topping—serve with plant-based vanilla ice cream for a classic finish.
- Vegan No-Bake Cheesecake: Silky smooth, tangy, and completely dairy-free, with a nutty almond-date crust.
Each of these recipes channels Anna Olson’s spirit of warmth and creativity, proving that vegan baking can be every bit as delightful as the originals. Try them all and let your kitchen become a celebration of plant-based joy!
📖 Recipe Card: Anna Olson's Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
Description: These chewy vegan chocolate chip cookies are easy to make and taste just like the classic treat. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while keeping it plant-based.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT12M
Total Time: PT27M
Servings: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 3/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup almond milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup vegan chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, mix melted coconut oil and brown sugar until combined.
- Stir in almond milk and vanilla extract.
- Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Fold in vegan chocolate chips.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions onto baking sheets, spacing them apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.
Nutrition: Calories: 140 | Protein: 1.5g | Fat: 7g | Carbs: 19g
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