Bright, fresh, and delicious—vegan fruit desserts are the perfect way to enjoy a sweet treat without busting your budget or sacrificing your values. Whether you’re on a plant-based journey, catering to dairy-free friends, or simply craving something light and wholesome after dinner, these cheap vegan fruit dessert recipes will satisfy your cravings.
The beauty of fruit-based desserts is in their simplicity: a handful of ingredients, minimal prep, and a world of flavor. Plus, fruits are packed with vitamins and fiber, making these desserts a nourishing choice for any occasion.
In this post, I’m sharing three of my favorite affordable vegan fruit desserts: Classic Baked Cinnamon Apples, Creamy Banana Nice Cream, and No-Bake Berry Oat Bars. Each recipe is wallet-friendly, requires no fancy equipment, and can be made with everyday ingredients.
Let’s dive into a world of easy, refreshing, and completely plant-based fruit treats!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Budget-Friendly: Uses inexpensive, seasonal, and easy-to-find fruit.
- Quick & Easy: Minimal prep and cook time—perfect for busy days or last-minute desserts.
- Healthy: Naturally sweetened, packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
- Customizable: Swap in your favorite fruits or toppings to suit your taste and what’s in your pantry.
- Allergy-Friendly: 100% vegan, dairy-free, and can be made gluten-free.
- No Special Equipment Required: Simple tools you already have at home.
- Perfect for Sharing: Great for family gatherings, potlucks, or a simple weeknight treat.
“Fruit is nature’s candy – with just a touch of creativity, you can turn humble ingredients into spectacular desserts!”
Cheap Vegan Fruit Dessert Recipes
Classic Baked Cinnamon Apples
Warm, spiced, and ultra-cozy, these baked apples are a comforting dessert that’s as easy as it is affordable. Serve with vegan vanilla ice cream or enjoy alone for a sweet but healthy finish to any meal.
Ingredients
Ingredient | Amount |
---|---|
Apples (any variety, preferably sweet-tart like Fuji or Granny Smith) | 4 medium |
Maple syrup or agave nectar | 2 tbsp |
Ground cinnamon | 1 tsp |
Lemon juice | 1 tbsp |
Rolled oats (optional, for topping) | 2 tbsp |
Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional) | 2 tbsp |
Equipment
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Core and slice the apples into wedges (peeling is optional for extra fiber and texture).
- In a mixing bowl, toss apples with lemon juice, maple syrup, and cinnamon until evenly coated.
- Transfer the apples to a baking dish. Sprinkle with oats and nuts if using for added texture.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until apples are tender and juices are bubbling.
- Let cool slightly and serve warm, optionally topped with coconut yogurt or vegan ice cream.
Tips & Variations
- Swap apples for pears or a mix of seasonal fruit.
- Add a pinch of ground ginger or nutmeg for extra warmth.
- For extra crunch, mix in granola instead of oats.
- Use date syrup or brown sugar if you don’t have maple syrup.
“For a festive touch, add a handful of dried cranberries or raisins before baking.”
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (1/4 recipe) |
---|---|
Calories | ~120 |
Carbohydrates | 28g |
Fiber | 4g |
Fat | 2g |
Sugar | 20g (natural & added) |
Serving Suggestions
- Top with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream or coconut whipped cream.
- Serve over warm oatmeal for a cozy breakfast or brunch.
- Layer into a parfait with granola and non-dairy yogurt.
Creamy Banana Nice Cream
This two-ingredient banana “nice cream” is an internet-famous vegan delight! It’s creamy, naturally sweet, and can be endlessly customized.
Best of all, it costs pennies per serving.
Ingredients
- Bananas (ripe, spotted is best): 3 medium
- Plant milk (almond, soy, oat, etc.): 2-3 tbsp
- Optional add-ins: cocoa powder, peanut butter, berries, vanilla extract
Equipment
- Knife & cutting board
- Freezer-safe container
- Food processor or high-speed blender
- Spoon or ice cream scoop
Instructions
- Peel and slice bananas into coins. Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet or plate.
- Freeze for at least 2 hours or overnight until solid.
- Add frozen bananas to a food processor. Pulse until crumbly, then add plant milk 1 tablespoon at a time.
- Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down sides as needed. Add any flavorings or mix-ins.
- Serve immediately for soft-serve texture, or freeze 1 hour for scoopable ice cream.
Tips & Variations
- Chocolate Nice Cream: Add 1 tbsp cocoa powder and 1 tsp vanilla.
- Berry Swirl: Pulse in ½ cup frozen berries at the end.
- Chunky Monkey: Add chopped walnuts and a swirl of peanut butter.
“Bananas too ripe for snacking? Freeze them for the creamiest nice cream ever!”
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (1/3 recipe) |
---|---|
Calories | ~100 |
Carbohydrates | 25g |
Fiber | 3g |
Fat | 0g |
Sugar | 14g (natural) |
Serving Suggestions
- Top with fresh berries or a sprinkle of granola.
- Drizzle with vegan chocolate sauce or melted peanut butter.
- Layer into a banana split with pineapple and strawberries.
No-Bake Berry Oat Bars
These chewy, fruity bars are perfect for meal prep, snacking, or a healthy dessert. With just a few pantry staples and juicy berries, you’ll have a delicious treat ready in no time.
Ingredients
Ingredient | Amount |
---|---|
Rolled oats | 1 ½ cups |
Nut or seed butter (peanut, almond, sunflower) | ½ cup |
Maple syrup or agave nectar | ¼ cup |
Mixed berries (fresh or frozen; blueberries, strawberries, raspberries) | 1 cup |
Chia seeds (optional, helps set bars) | 1 tbsp |
Vanilla extract (optional) | 1 tsp |
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Spatula
- Square baking dish or pan (8×8-inch works well)
- Parchment paper
- Refrigerator
Instructions
- Line your baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a mixing bowl, combine oats, nut/seed butter, maple syrup, and vanilla until a sticky dough forms.
- Gently fold in berries and chia seeds, being careful not to mash berries too much.
- Press the mixture firmly and evenly into your prepared pan.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until set. Slice into bars and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- Use dried fruit if fresh or frozen berries are out of season.
- Add a handful of chopped nuts or seeds for extra protein.
- Press in dark chocolate chips before chilling for a treat.
- Swap out nut butter for sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option.
“These bars double as a portable breakfast or energy snack for busy days!”
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Bar (1/8 recipe) |
---|---|
Calories | ~150 |
Carbohydrates | 22g |
Fiber | 4g |
Fat | 6g |
Protein | 3g |
Sugar | 7g |
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy as an on-the-go snack or packed dessert for picnics.
- Serve with a dollop of vegan yogurt and extra berries.
- Crumble over oatmeal or smoothie bowls for a sweet, crunchy topping.
More Vegan Dessert Inspiration
- Craving more creative vegan treats? Check out our Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe for a sweet-savory twist on pasta!
- For a fun, citrusy snack, whip up Lemon Straws Recipe—perfect for dessert platters and lunchboxes.
- Get cozy with another fall favorite: Harvest Hash Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Fall Comfort Food.
Conclusion
There you have it—three cheap vegan fruit dessert recipes that are as nourishing as they are delicious. With just a handful of basic ingredients and a little creativity, you can whip up treats that rival any bakery creation while staying true to your plant-based (and budget-friendly) lifestyle.
Not only do these recipes celebrate the vibrant flavors of fruit, but they also prove that you don’t need expensive ingredients or complicated techniques to enjoy incredible desserts.
Feel free to experiment with whatever fruits and toppings you have on hand—these recipes are endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re sharing with friends, packing a lunchbox, or treating yourself at the end of a long day, these vegan fruit desserts will leave you smiling.
Happy cooking—and don’t forget to check out some of our other unique recipes like Muscadine Grape Cobbler Recipe and Kolasnittar Recipe for more sweet inspiration!
📖 Recipe Card: Easy Vegan Baked Cinnamon Apples
Description: This cheap vegan dessert uses simple ingredients to create a warm, comforting treat. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with minimal effort.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT25M
Total Time: PT35M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 medium apples, cored and sliced
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons rolled oats
- 1 tablespoon chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- In a large bowl, toss apple slices with lemon juice.
- Add maple syrup, cinnamon, and vanilla; mix well.
- Transfer apples to a baking dish.
- Sprinkle rolled oats and walnuts on top.
- Bake for 25 minutes until apples are tender.
- Serve warm.
Nutrition: Calories: 130 | Protein: 1g | Fat: 2g | Carbs: 30g
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