Summertime and the livin’ is… sweaty? 🥵 Well, fear not, my fellow vegans! I’ve got your back (and your sweet tooth) covered with these EIGHT absolutely divine, 100% plant-based desserts that’ll cool you down faster than you can say “global warming is real.”
Trust me, I’ve been whipping up vegan treats since before it was cool (pun absolutely intended), and these babies are the crème de la crème of summer indulgences. I’ve teamed up with some of the most creative vegan chefs out there to bring you a mix of classic favorites and innovative twists that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.
From creamy ice creams to fruity sorbets, and even a sneaky veggie-based treat (I promise it’s delicious!), we’ve got something for everyone. The best part? These recipes are easier to make than explaining to your great-aunt why you don’t eat cheese for the millionth time.
So, grab your blender, clear out some freezer space, and let’s dive into this cool culinary adventure! Who knows, you might just become the dessert hero of your next summer BBQ. Ready to beat the heat and satisfy that sweet craving? Let’s go!
Strawberry Basil Sorbet
Video Recipe
Oh. My. Goodness. This combo is like a summer romance in your mouth – sweet, unexpected, and leaves you wanting more.
To whip up this refreshing treat, blend fresh strawberries with a handful of basil leaves, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a touch of agave syrup.
Freeze the mixture, giving it a stir every hour or so to prevent ice crystals.
The result? A sorbet that’s smoother than your best pick-up line and more refreshing than a midnight skinny dip.
Pro tip: Add a splash of vodka to the mix for an adults-only version. I won’t tell if you don’t! 😉
Coconut Mango Ice Cream
Video Recipe
Close your eyes and imagine you’re on a tropical beach… Now open them because you’ve got ice cream to make!
This creamy dream is made by blending frozen mango chunks with coconut milk, a dash of vanilla extract, and a drizzle of maple syrup.
Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker (or a freezer-safe container if you’re living that no-churn life) and let it do its thing.
The result is a luscious, tropical treat that’ll have you saying “Piña co-what-now?”
Fun fact: I once served this at a family gathering and my carnivore cousin asked for the recipe. Score one for Team Vegan! 🌱🏆
Watermelon Mint Popsicles
Video Recipe
Remember those sticky, artificially flavored popsicles from your childhood? Well, these are nothing like that. They’re WAY better.
Simply blend fresh watermelon chunks with mint leaves and a squeeze of lime.
Pour into popsicle molds, freeze, and voila! You’ve got the most refreshing treat this side of the equator.
These popsicles are so easy to make, you could probably do it with your eyes closed. But, uh, don’t actually try that. Safety first, kids!
Chocolate Avocado Mousse
Video Recipe
I know what you’re thinking. “Avocado? In my dessert?” Trust me on this one, folks. It’s like the plot twist in a rom-com – unexpected, but oh so right.
Blend ripe avocados with cocoa powder, maple syrup, and a splash of non-dairy milk until smooth and creamy.
Chill for a couple of hours, and you’ve got a mousse that’s richer than your fantasy lottery win.
The best part? You can totally tell people they’re eating their vegetables. It’s not a lie if it’s delicious, right?
Lemon Lavender Frozen Yogurt
Video Recipe
Feeling fancy? This frozen yogurt is about to be your new summer fling.
Mix coconut yogurt with fresh lemon juice, lavender extract (or steep some lavender buds in hot water and use the cooled “tea”), and a bit of sugar.
Churn in an ice cream maker or freeze and stir every hour until set.
The result is a sophisticated flavor combo that’ll make you feel like you’re lounging in a French lavender field… even if you’re just in your backyard wearing mismatched socks. No judgment here!
Berry Chia Pudding Parfait
Video Recipe
Who says pudding is just for kids? This grown-up version is packed with antioxidants and omega-3s. It’s practically a health food! (Okay, maybe that’s stretching it, but let me have this one.)
Soak chia seeds in your favorite plant milk with a touch of vanilla and sweetener overnight.
In the morning, layer the pudding with fresh berries and a dollop of coconut whipped cream.
It’s a breakfast-dessert hybrid that’ll make you feel like you’ve got your life together, even if you’re eating it straight out of the mixing bowl. Been there, done that!
Frozen Banana “Nice” Cream
Video Recipe
This one’s so simple, it almost feels like cheating. But hey, if it’s this good, who cares?
Freeze ripe bananas, then blend them up in a food processor until they reach a creamy, ice-cream-like consistency.
That’s it. No, really. That’s the whole recipe.
Of course, you can jazz it up with add-ins like peanut butter, cocoa powder, or frozen berries. The world is your vegan oyster! (Is that a thing? Can we make that a thing?)
I once made this for a skeptical friend who swore it couldn’t possibly taste like “real” ice cream. Let’s just say they’re now a convert and I’m feeling pretty smug about it.
Peach Raspberry Crumble
Video Recipe
Last but certainly not least, let’s end with a classic summer dessert that’ll make you the star of any potluck.
Toss fresh peaches and raspberries with a bit of cornstarch and sugar, then top with a mixture of oats, flour, brown sugar, and vegan butter.
Bake until golden and bubbly, then try not to burn your tongue as you dive in because patience is overrated when it comes to dessert.
Serve with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream for the full experience. It’s like a warm hug for your taste buds.
And there you have it, folks! Eight vegan summer desserts that are cooler than the other side of the pillow and more refreshing than a pool party in the middle of a heatwave.
These treats are so good, they might just convert some of your non-vegan friends. And if not? More for us! 😜
Remember, the key to a great vegan dessert is creativity and a willingness to lick the spoon (or blender, or bowl… no judgment here). Don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors and make these recipes your own.
Who knows? You might just stumble upon the next big vegan dessert trend. Avocado chocolate mousse was once considered weird, and look at it now!
So, what are you waiting for? Get in that kitchen and start creating some plant-based magic. Your taste buds (and probably your Instagram followers) will thank you.
And hey, if anyone gives you flak about eating dessert, just remind them that fruit is basically a salad, right? Right. Now pass me another scoop of that nice cream!
Stay cool, stay sweet, and most importantly, stay vegan. Until next time, dessert enthusiasts! 🍦🍓🥑🍋
P.S. If you end up with any leftover desserts (as if!), feel free to send them my way. I’m always happy to help a fellow vegan out. It’s called community service, look it up! 😉