Vegan Holiday Dessert Recipes Everyone Will Love

The holiday season is the perfect time to indulge in sweet treats that bring warmth and joy to your gatherings. If you’re embracing a plant-based lifestyle or simply want to explore delightful vegan desserts, you’re in for a treat!

Vegan holiday desserts can be just as festive, flavorful, and satisfying as their traditional counterparts—sometimes even more so. Using wholesome ingredients like nuts, fruits, and spices, these recipes provide a wonderful way to celebrate while keeping things cruelty-free and often healthier.

Whether you’re hosting a big family dinner or looking for a cozy solo indulgence, these vegan holiday dessert recipes will impress everyone at your table. From rich chocolatey delights to spiced fruit wonders, there’s something here for every sweet tooth and occasion.

Plus, they’re easy enough for both beginners and seasoned bakers to whip up with joy. Ready to make your holidays a little sweeter without compromising your values?

Let’s dive into these delicious creations!

Why You’ll Love These Recipes

These vegan holiday desserts are crafted to be indulgent yet approachable. They use accessible, wholesome ingredients that you can find at most grocery stores.

The recipes avoid dairy and eggs, replacing them with plant-based alternatives like coconut milk, flaxseed, and applesauce, which add moisture and richness without compromising flavor.

You’ll appreciate how these desserts bring classic holiday flavors—think cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves—alive in every bite. Many of the recipes are naturally gluten-free or can be easily adapted, making them inclusive for guests with dietary restrictions.

Plus, these treats can be made in advance, saving precious time during your holiday hustle.

For those who love to experiment, the recipes encourage variations and creative twists that personalize your festive sweets. With these vegan holiday dessert recipes, you won’t miss traditional ingredients one bit.

Instead, you’ll discover a new favorite way to celebrate the season with kindness and deliciousness!

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour – 2 ½ cups (can be substituted with gluten-free blend)
• Brown sugar – 1 cup, packed
• Flaxseed meal – 2 tablespoons (to replace eggs)
• Warm water – 6 tablespoons (to mix with flaxseed)
• Baking soda – 1 teaspoon
• Baking powder – 1 teaspoon
• Ground cinnamon – 2 teaspoons
• Ground nutmeg – 1 teaspoon
• Ground ginger – 1 teaspoon
• Salt – ½ teaspoon
• Unsweetened applesauce – ¾ cup (adds moisture)
• Maple syrup – ¼ cup
• Vanilla extract – 2 teaspoons
• Non-dairy milk (almond, soy, oat) – 1 cup
• Chopped walnuts or pecans – 1 cup (optional)
• Dried cranberries or raisins – ½ cup (optional)
• Dark vegan chocolate chips – ½ cup (optional)

Equipment

• Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk or fork (for flax egg)
• Electric mixer or hand mixer (optional, but helpful)
• 9×13 inch baking pan or muffin tins
• Parchment paper or non-stick spray
• Cooling rack
• Spatula or wooden spoon

Instructions

1. Prepare the flax egg: In a small bowl, combine the flaxseed meal and warm water. Whisk well and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes gelatinous. This will act as your egg substitute.
2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C): Grease your baking pan or line muffin tins with parchment paper or liners.
3. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
4. Combine wet ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix the applesauce, brown sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, non-dairy milk, and the prepared flax egg until smooth and well blended.
5. Add wet to dry: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your dessert light and tender.
6. Fold in optional add-ins: Stir in chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or chocolate chips if using. These add texture and festive flavor.
7. Transfer to pan: Pour the batter into your prepared pan or evenly distribute into muffin tins.
8. Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes (for a pan) or 18-22 minutes (for muffins), or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Cool: Remove from oven and allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack to cool completely.
10. Serve and enjoy! These treats are delicious warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

“For an extra festive touch, sprinkle powdered sugar or drizzle melted vegan chocolate over your cooled desserts.”

• Fruit swaps: Instead of dried cranberries, try chopped dried apricots, cherries, or figs for seasonal flavor.
• Nut-free option: Omit nuts or substitute with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower for allergy-friendly baking.
• Gluten-free version: Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend and add a teaspoon of xanthan gum to improve texture.
• Make it a pie: Use this spiced batter as a base for a vegan fruit pie by adding a layer of fresh or frozen berries before baking.
• Chocolate lovers: Add cocoa powder to the dry ingredients and increase the non-dairy milk slightly for a rich chocolate holiday dessert.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

These vegan holiday desserts are perfect on their own or paired with festive accompaniments. Serve warm with a scoop of your favorite vegan vanilla ice cream or a dollop of coconut whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch.

For a more elegant presentation, add fresh berries or a sprinkle of toasted nuts on top. You can also drizzle maple syrup or vegan caramel sauce over slices for added sweetness and moisture.

These desserts pair wonderfully with hot beverages like spiced chai, peppermint tea, or a rich cup of vegan hot chocolate to keep everyone cozy during chilly holiday evenings.

More Festive Vegan Recipes to Try

• Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious – A luscious cake perfect for your holiday spread.
• Vegan Beignet Recipe: Easy, Fluffy, and Delicious Treat – Light, airy, and perfect for festive breakfasts or dessert.
• Vegan Soft Serve Recipe: Creamy, Easy, and Delicious Idea – A refreshing vegan ice cream alternative to cool down warm holiday moments.

Conclusion

Creating vegan holiday desserts doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or festivity. These recipes bring together the best of seasonal spices, wholesome ingredients, and easy techniques to make your celebrations sweet and memorable.

Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or yourself, these desserts offer a delightful way to embrace kindness and sustainability during the holidays.

With simple swaps and versatile add-ins, these recipes can be adapted to suit your taste and dietary needs, making them a reliable staple year after year. Don’t forget to explore more of our vegan recipes like the Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals for hearty main courses to complement your sweets.

Happy baking, and may your holidays be filled with warmth, joy, and delicious vegan treats!

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