Vegan Holiday Recipes Desert Ideas for Festive Treats

The holiday season is the perfect time to indulge in warm, comforting, and festive desserts that bring joy to every table. But what if you’re following a vegan lifestyle or want to offer delicious plant-based options to your guests?

Vegan holiday desserts can be just as decadent, delightful, and satisfying as traditional ones, without compromising on flavor or texture. From rich chocolate treats to fruity delights, these recipes are crafted to impress both vegans and non-vegans alike.

In this post, you’ll discover a collection of mouthwatering vegan holiday dessert recipes that are simple to prepare and perfect for your festive celebrations. Whether you’re hosting a big family gathering or a cozy evening with friends, these desserts will add a special touch to your holiday menu.

Plus, they’re made with wholesome ingredients, ensuring a guilt-free indulgence that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Our vegan holiday dessert recipes combine ease, flavor, and festivity in one delicious package. These treats are:

• Plant-based and allergy-friendly: Free from dairy, eggs, and often gluten, perfect for guests with dietary restrictions.
• Rich and indulgent: Made with natural sweeteners, nuts, and fruits to create decadent textures and flavors.
• Easy to make: Most recipes require minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, ideal for busy holiday schedules.
• Versatile: Great for gifts, party platters, or a sweet ending to your holiday dinner.

Plus, they showcase the versatility of vegan baking, proving that plant-based desserts can be just as festive and satisfying!

Ingredients

Equipment

• Mixing bowls: For combining wet and dry ingredients separately.
• Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure precise ingredient quantities.
• Baking pans: 8×8 inch square pan for bars, loaf pan for cake, or pie dish for crisps.
• Electric mixer or whisk: To blend batter smoothly.
• Spatula: For folding and scraping bowls.
• Oven: Essential for baking to perfection.
• Food processor (optional): Useful for making nut crusts or finely chopping nuts.

Instructions

Vegan Chocolate Peppermint Cake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, sift together 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, ½ cup cocoa powder, 1 tsp baking soda, and ½ tsp salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk 1 cup non-dairy milk (such as almond or oat), 1 tsp apple cider vinegar, ¾ cup coconut sugar, ⅓ cup vegetable oil, and 1 tsp peppermint extract.
4. Combine the wet ingredients with the dry mixture and stir until just combined. Avoid over-mixing.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
6. Let the cake cool completely before frosting or serving.

Spiced Pumpkin Pie Bars

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the crust by mixing 1 ½ cups almond flour, ¼ cup maple syrup, and 3 tbsp coconut oil until crumbly.
3. Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan.
4. In another bowl, whisk 1 ½ cups pumpkin puree, ⅓ cup maple syrup, 2 flax eggs (2 tbsp flaxseed meal + 6 tbsp water, mixed and rested 5 minutes), 1 tsp cinnamon, ½ tsp nutmeg, and a pinch of salt.
5. Pour the pumpkin filling over the crust and smooth the top.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the center is set.
7. Allow to cool completely before slicing into bars.

Apple Cranberry Crisp

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch pie dish or similar baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, toss 4 cups sliced apples, 1 cup fresh cranberries, 2 tbsp lemon juice, and ¼ cup maple syrup.
3. Transfer fruit mixture into the baking dish.
4. In another bowl, combine 1 cup rolled oats, ½ cup chopped walnuts, ¼ cup brown sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, and 3 tbsp melted coconut oil.
5. Sprinkle oat mixture evenly over the fruit.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the topping is golden and crisp.
7. Serve warm, optionally with vegan vanilla ice cream.

Tips & Variations

“To ensure moist vegan cakes, always include an acid like apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to react with baking soda.”

• For an extra festive touch, add crushed candy canes as a topping to the chocolate peppermint cake.
• Swap almond flour for gluten-free oat flour in pumpkin bars for a gluten-free option.
• Use frozen cranberries if fresh ones aren’t available; just thaw slightly before using.
• Experiment with spices like ginger or cloves in your pumpkin pie filling for deeper flavor.
• For a nut-free crisp, substitute walnuts with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
• Try drizzling vegan caramel sauce over the apple cranberry crisp to elevate the dessert.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

These vegan holiday desserts are best enjoyed fresh and slightly warm. Pair the Vegan Chocolate Peppermint Cake with a cup of peppermint tea or vegan hot chocolate for a cozy treat.

The Spiced Pumpkin Pie Bars make a wonderful addition to brunch spreads or afternoon tea, topped with a dollop of coconut whipped cream.

The Apple Cranberry Crisp is perfect served with vegan vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of maple syrup to enhance its natural sweetness. Consider adding toasted nuts or fresh fruit garnishes to elevate presentation when serving guests.

If you love exploring plant-based cooking, you might also enjoy our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious or try out our Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves to complement your holiday meals.

Conclusion

Celebrating the holidays with vegan desserts is a wonderful way to include everyone at the table, regardless of dietary preferences. These recipes prove that you don’t have to sacrifice taste or festivity when choosing plant-based options.

From the rich, minty chocolate cake to the warmly spiced pumpkin bars and the fresh, fruity apple cranberry crisp, each dessert offers unique flavors and comforting textures perfect for the season.

With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, these treats are sure to become holiday favorites. Plus, they present the opportunity to get creative with spices, toppings, and presentation.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or new to plant-based baking, these recipes will help you spread sweetness and joy this season. If you want more inspiration, check out our collection of Vegan Halloween Dessert Recipes That Will Wow Your Guests for other festive ideas year-round.

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