Who says you need a big budget to indulge in delicious, satisfying desserts? Whether you’re an experienced vegan or just looking to add more plant-based options to your diet, you’ll love exploring the world of cheap vegan dessert recipes.
These sweet treats are proof that you don’t have to break the bank—or compromise on flavor—to enjoy dessert. In this blog post, I’m sharing my top three favorite vegan desserts: One-Bowl Chocolate Banana Brownies, Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies, and Creamy Coconut Rice Pudding.
Each recipe uses simple ingredients, many of which you probably already have in your pantry, and they all come together quickly with minimal fuss. Let’s dive in and discover how easy and affordable vegan baking can be!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Budget-Friendly: All these vegan desserts feature low-cost, pantry-staple ingredients like oats, bananas, and rice.
- Quick & Easy: No need for fancy equipment or complicated steps—these recipes are perfect for beginners and busy cooks.
- Wholesome & Nourishing: Made with whole foods, these treats are naturally sweetened and free from animal products.
- Customizable: Each recipe includes tips for substitutions, so you can use what you have on hand.
- Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters won’t be able to resist the gooey brownies or chewy cookies!
- Minimal Waste: Great for using up ripe bananas, leftover rice, or that half-jar of peanut butter in your pantry.
Cheap Vegan Dessert Recipes: 3 Sweet Treats for Every Craving
One-Bowl Chocolate Banana Brownies
Ingredients
Ingredient | Amount |
---|---|
Ripe bananas (the riper, the better!) | 3 medium |
Peanut butter (or any nut/seed butter) | 1/2 cup |
Cocoa powder | 1/3 cup |
Rolled oats (blended into flour or quick oats) | 1/2 cup |
Maple syrup, agave, or sugar | 1/4 cup |
Baking powder | 1 tsp |
Pinch of salt | – |
Optional: chocolate chips, nuts | 1/3 cup |
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Fork or potato masher
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 8×8 inch baking pan
- Parchment paper (optional, for easy removal)
- Oven
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Mash the bananas in a large bowl until smooth. Add peanut butter and mix until well combined.
- Add the cocoa powder, oat flour, maple syrup, baking powder, and salt. Stir until you have a thick, smooth batter.
- Fold in chocolate chips or nuts if using.
- Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the top is set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool completely before slicing into squares. Enjoy!
Tips & Variations
Tip: The riper your bananas, the sweeter your brownies will be!
- Swap out the peanut butter for sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version.
- Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a salty-sweet finish.
- Stir in chopped dried fruit or coconut flakes for extra flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size | 1 brownie (1/9th of pan) |
---|---|
Calories | Approx. 120 |
Protein | 3g |
Fat | 5g |
Sugar | 7g |
Fiber | 2g |
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a scoop of non-dairy ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- Pack in lunchboxes as a wholesome treat.
- Top with peanut butter drizzle or fresh berries for a fun twist.
Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies
Ingredients
Ingredient | Amount |
---|---|
Rolled oats | 1 1/2 cups |
Peanut butter | 1/2 cup |
Brown sugar or coconut sugar | 1/3 cup |
Applesauce (unsweetened) | 1/4 cup |
Baking soda | 1/2 tsp |
Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
Pinch of salt | – |
Optional: raisins, chocolate chips | 1/3 cup |
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Oven
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix oats, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
- Add peanut butter, applesauce, and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined. The dough will be thick.
- Fold in raisins or chocolate chips if using.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough onto the baking sheet. Flatten slightly with a fork.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are golden.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a rack.
Tips & Variations
Tip: For chewier cookies, slightly underbake them and let them set on the pan.
- Substitute almond butter or tahini for a different flavor.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth.
- Stir in chopped nuts for crunch.
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size | 1 cookie (1/16th of batch) |
---|---|
Calories | Approx. 85 |
Protein | 2g |
Fat | 3g |
Sugar | 4g |
Fiber | 1g |
Serving Suggestions
- Perfect with a cup of tea or coffee for an afternoon pick-me-up.
- Crush over vegan yogurt or ice cream for a crunchy topping.
- Great for bake sales or as lunchbox treats.
Creamy Coconut Rice Pudding
Ingredients
Ingredient | Amount |
---|---|
Cooked white or jasmine rice | 2 cups |
Canned coconut milk (full fat or lite) | 1 can (13.5 oz) |
Maple syrup, agave, or sugar | 1/4 cup |
Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
Pinch of salt | – |
Optional: cinnamon, raisins, shredded coconut | To taste |
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Serving bowls
Instructions
- Combine cooked rice and coconut milk in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add maple syrup (or sugar), vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Stir to combine.
- Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently.
- Cook for 10–15 minutes, until the pudding thickens and reaches your desired consistency.
- Stir in cinnamon, raisins, or shredded coconut if desired.
- Spoon into bowls and serve warm or chilled.
Tips & Variations
Tip: Use leftover rice for an even quicker dessert!
- Substitute almond or soy milk for a lighter pudding.
- Add orange or lemon zest for a citrusy twist.
- Top with toasted nuts or seeds for crunch.
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size | 1/4 of recipe |
---|---|
Calories | Approx. 230 |
Protein | 3g |
Fat | 8g |
Sugar | 9g |
Fiber | 1g |
Serving Suggestions
- Top with fresh mango or pineapple for a tropical treat.
- Dust with cinnamon or nutmeg before serving.
- Serve alongside spicy dishes to cool the palate.
Troubleshooting & FAQ
- Can I freeze these desserts? Yes! Brownies and cookies freeze well. Rice pudding is best eaten fresh but can be refrigerated for 3–4 days.
- What if I’m out of maple syrup? Swap with agave, regular sugar, or even blended dates for sweetness.
- Are these recipes gluten-free? Yes, if you use gluten-free oats and check your other ingredient labels.
Related Recipes You’ll Love
- Looking for more budget-friendly sweets? Try these Kolasnittar Recipe for a Swedish cookie classic.
- For a zesty twist, whip up a batch of Lemon Straws Recipe—they’re vegan-friendly and full of zing!
- Need a show-stopping centerpiece? Check out the Harvest Hash Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Fall Comfort Food for a naturally sweet, fruit-forward option.
Conclusion
There you have it—three amazing cheap vegan dessert recipes that prove you don’t need fancy ingredients or a lot of money to enjoy plant-based treats. Whether you’re baking gooey chocolate banana brownies, chewy peanut butter oatmeal cookies, or simmering a comforting bowl of coconut rice pudding, you’re sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your friends and family.
Each recipe is simple to make, easy to customize, and a wonderful way to use up what’s already in your kitchen. So the next time you crave something sweet, remember these budget-friendly vegan desserts.
Happy baking—and don’t forget to share your creations and explore more recipes on the blog!
📖 Recipe Card: Easy Vegan Banana Oat Cookies
Description: These simple cookies use just a few pantry staples and are naturally sweetened with ripe bananas. Perfect for a quick, budget-friendly vegan treat.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT25M
Servings: 8 cookies
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup dairy-free chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.
- Stir in the oats, peanut butter, maple syrup, and cinnamon until well combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts onto the baking sheet and flatten slightly.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, until set and lightly golden.
- Let cool before enjoying.
Nutrition: Calories: 120 | Protein: 3g | Fat: 4g | Carbs: 19g
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