Vegan Gingerbread House Recipe for Festive Holiday Fun

Building a gingerbread house is a timeless holiday tradition that brings joy, creativity, and a touch of magic to the season. But for those following a plant-based lifestyle, finding a vegan-friendly gingerbread house recipe can be a challenge.

That’s why I’m thrilled to share this Vegan Gingerbread House Recipe that’s not only animal-product free but also incredibly delicious and sturdy enough to build your dream edible home.

This recipe uses wholesome ingredients and simple substitutions to create rich, warmly spiced gingerbread dough that bakes to perfection. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, the step-by-step instructions will guide you through making the dough, cutting the house pieces, assembling, and decorating your gingerbread masterpiece with vegan royal icing and colorful candies.

It’s a fun activity for families, friends, or even a cozy solo project. Plus, it makes an impressive holiday centerpiece or a heartfelt gift.

Ready to get started? Let’s dive into why this vegan gingerbread house recipe is a must-try this festive season!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan gingerbread house recipe ticks all the boxes for holiday baking enthusiasts:

• Plant-Based & Allergy-Friendly: No eggs, dairy, or honey, making it suitable for vegans and those with common allergies.
• Perfect Texture: The dough is firm and pliable for easy cutting and shaping, yet bakes into crisp, sturdy panels that hold together beautifully.
• Rich Flavor: A harmonious blend of ginger, cinnamon, molasses, and warming spices gives this gingerbread house an authentic holiday taste.
• Easy to Decorate: The vegan royal icing hardens nicely and pairs well with all your favorite candies and sprinkles.
• Fun for Everyone: Great for family baking days, classroom projects, or a creative holiday pastime.

Ingredients

• 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 2 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground cloves
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp salt
• ⅔ cup (150g) coconut sugar or brown sugar
• ⅔ cup (160ml) unsulphured molasses
• ½ cup (120ml) coconut oil, melted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ cup (60ml) unsweetened plant milk (almond, soy, oat, etc.)

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk and spoon
• Rolling pin
• Baking sheets lined with parchment paper
• Sharp knife or gingerbread house cookie cutters
• Ruler (for precise panel measurements)
• Cooling rack
• Electric mixer (for vegan royal icing)
• Piping bags or ziplock bags with tips cut
• Decorating candies (vegan gumdrops, candy canes, sprinkles, etc.)

Instructions

1. Prepare the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
2. Mix the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the coconut sugar, molasses, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and plant milk. Whisk until smooth and fully blended.
3. Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir with a spoon until a dough forms. It should be firm but pliable. If too sticky, add a little flour.
4. Chill the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up, which makes rolling easier.
5. Roll out the dough: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¼ inch (6 mm) thickness.
6. Cut out the house pieces: Using a sharp knife or gingerbread house cookie cutters, carefully cut out panels for walls, roof, and door. Typical panels measure about 5″x7″ for walls and 5″x8″ for roof sections.
7. Transfer and bake: Place the cut panels onto parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are firm and slightly browned. Avoid overbaking to keep pieces from becoming too brittle.
8. Cool completely: Remove from oven and transfer the panels to a cooling rack. Let them cool fully before assembly. This ensures the house holds together well.
9. Prepare vegan royal icing: Beat 2 cups powdered sugar with 3 tbsp aquafaba (chickpea water) and 1 tsp lemon juice until stiff peaks form. This icing acts as the “glue” for assembling your house.
10. Assemble the house: Pipe icing along the edges of wall panels and press them together. Hold in place for a few minutes to set. Attach roof panels once walls are stable. Use extra icing to reinforce.
11. Decorate creatively: Use vegan candies, sprinkles, and edible glitter to decorate your gingerbread house. Let the icing dry completely before moving or displaying.

Tips & Variations

Tip: Use a ruler and template to ensure all panels fit perfectly for a stable house structure.

Variation: Add finely chopped crystallized ginger to the dough for an extra zingy flavor.

Tip: If you want a sturdier icing for assembly, add a pinch of cream of tartar to your royal icing mix.

Variation: Experiment with gluten-free flour blends to make a gluten-free version of this recipe.

Tip: Store your gingerbread house in a cool, dry place to prevent softening or melting of decorations.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Once your vegan gingerbread house is assembled and decorated, it’s a wonderful centerpiece for holiday celebrations. Pair it with a warm cup of vegan hot chocolate or spiced apple cider to complete the cozy atmosphere.

You can also break the house apart and serve as festive cookies during holiday parties or gift small pieces wrapped in cellophane for thoughtful homemade gifts. For more warm and comforting vegan treats, try our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe or cozy up with a fresh batch of Vegan Bread Machine Recipe.

Conclusion

Creating a vegan gingerbread house is a delightful way to celebrate the holidays with a plant-based twist. This recipe combines traditional festive flavors with wholesome, animal-free ingredients to deliver a sturdy, tasty, and beautiful gingerbread house that everyone can enjoy.

Whether you’re decorating with kids, gifting to friends, or simply indulging in a fun baking project, this recipe offers both creativity and comfort.

Remember, the true joy of making a gingerbread house lies in the process itself — the mixing, rolling, assembling, and decorating. Don’t worry about perfection; embrace the holiday spirit and make memories along the way.

For more vegan holiday inspiration, check out our Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe to add creamy goodness to your festive meals.

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