Oh. My. GOSH. Is it really that time of year again?! Time to bust out the vegan nog, crank up the Mariah Carey, and start planning our holiday feasts! 🎄✨
I’ve got SUCH a treat for you today, my fellow plant-based elves. We’re diving into 8 absolutely scrumptious vegan Christmas dessert recipes that’ll have even the most die-hard dairy lovers begging for seconds.
Trust me, I’ve spent YEARS perfecting these bad boys. Late nights in the kitchen, covered in flour, cursing at failed attempts… but it was all worth it! And now I’m sharing the fruits of my labor with you. (Pun totally intended. 😉)
From gooey chocolate delights to fruity classics with a twist, we’ve got something for every sweet tooth at your holiday table. The best part? They’re all 100% vegan, so you can indulge without the guilt.
I’ve even roped in some of my favorite vegan chefs to contribute their top secret recipes. It’s like the Avengers of vegan baking up in here!
So whether you’re a seasoned pro or a baking newbie, these recipes are designed to be approachable, customizable, and most importantly – absolutely delicious.
Ready to make this the yummiest (and kindest) Christmas yet? Let’s dive in and get our vegan bake on! 🍰🎅
Gingerbread Cookies
Video Recipe
Okay, let’s kick things off with a classic, shall we? Gingerbread cookies are like the Mariah Carey of Christmas desserts – they never go out of style!
For this recipe, you’ll need the usual suspects: flour, brown sugar, molasses, and a boatload of spices. The secret? A flax egg to bind it all together. Trust me, your non-vegan friends won’t even notice the difference.
Mix your dry ingredients, then add in the wet stuff. Roll out the dough, cut into your favorite shapes (I’m partial to the classic gingerbread man, but you do you), and bake until they’re juuuust crisp around the edges.
Pro tip: Let these bad boys cool completely before you start decorating. I learned this the hard way when my beautifully iced gingerbread house collapsed faster than my New Year’s resolutions. 😅
Chocolate Yule Log
Video Recipe
Alright, time to level up your vegan baking game with this showstopper. Don’t let the fancy name fool you – it’s basically just a chocolate swiss roll with attitude.
You’ll start by making a thin chocolate sponge cake. The key here is aquafaba – that magical liquid from a can of chickpeas. Whip it up like egg whites and fold it into your batter for the fluffiest vegan cake you’ve ever seen.
Once it’s baked and cooled, spread it with vegan buttercream (I like to spike mine with a bit of rum, because… Christmas), roll it up, and cover the whole thing in chocolate ganache.
I once made this for my very non-vegan uncle, and he nearly fell off his chair when I told him it was plant-based. Victory never tasted so sweet! 🏆
Cranberry Orange Tart
Video Recipe
Let’s take a break from all that chocolate, shall we? This Cranberry Orange Tart is like a burst of sunshine on a cold winter’s day.
The crust is a simple mix of ground nuts, dates, and a pinch of salt. Press it into a tart pan and chill while you make the filling.
For the filling, blend soaked cashews with orange juice, maple syrup, and a hint of vanilla. Pour it over your crust, then top with a layer of homemade cranberry sauce.
Fair warning: this tart disappears FAST. I once turned my back for two seconds at a holiday party, and when I looked back, there was nothing but an empty plate and a crowd of very satisfied guests.
Peppermint Bark
Video Recipe
Alright, peppermint lovers, this one’s for you! This Peppermint Bark is so easy, it almost feels like cheating. But hey, sometimes simple is best, right?
All you need is some vegan dark chocolate, vegan white chocolate (yes, it exists!), and crushed candy canes. Melt the dark chocolate, spread it on a baking sheet, and chill. Then layer on the melted white chocolate and sprinkle with crushed candy canes.
The hardest part is waiting for it to set before you break it into pieces. I may or may not have been caught licking the spatula more than once while making this. No regrets! 😋
Spiced Apple Crisp
Video Recipe
Nothing says cozy Christmas vibes like the smell of baked apples and cinnamon wafting through your house. This Spiced Apple Crisp is like a warm hug for your taste buds.
Slice up some apples (I like a mix of sweet and tart varieties), toss them with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a bit of lemon juice, then top with a crispy oat and nut topping.
Pop it in the oven and try not to drool as the smell fills your kitchen. Serve it warm with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream for maximum “OMG” factor.
Fun fact: I once made this for a first date, and we ended up talking for hours over seconds (and thirds) of this crisp. We’re married now. Coincidence? I think not! 💍
Eggnog Cheesecake
Video Recipe
I know what you’re thinking. “Vegan eggnog cheesecake? Is that even possible?” Well, my skeptical friend, prepare to have your mind blown!
The base is a simple mix of crushed vegan graham crackers and coconut oil. For the filling, we’re using soaked cashews, coconut cream, and all the classic eggnog spices. A splash of rum is optional, but highly recommended (unless you’re serving this to the kiddos, of course).
Blend it all up until it’s silky smooth, pour over the crust, and let it set in the fridge overnight. The result? A creamy, dreamy slice of holiday heaven that’ll have everyone asking for the recipe.
Just be prepared for the inevitable “But how is this vegan?!” questions. I usually just wink and say it’s Christmas magic. 🎅✨
Chocolate Truffles
Video Recipe
These little balls of chocolatey goodness are perfect for gifting, if you can resist eating them all yourself (no judgment here).
The base is just two ingredients: vegan dark chocolate and coconut cream. Melt them together, chill until firm, then roll into balls.
Now here’s where you can get creative. Roll them in cocoa powder, crushed nuts, shredded coconut, or whatever your heart desires. I once did a “12 Days of Christmas” truffle box with a different flavor for each day. It was a hit!
Word of warning: these are dangerously addictive. I’ve been known to “accidentally” eat half a batch while watching Elf for the 100th time. Oops? 🍫😇
Sugar Cookies
Video Recipe
Last but certainly not least, we’ve got the ultimate Christmas cookie classic: Sugar Cookies!
The dough is a simple mix of vegan butter, sugar, flour, and a splash of vanilla. Roll it out, cut into festive shapes, and bake until just golden around the edges.
Now, let’s talk about icing. I like to use a simple mix of powdered sugar, plant milk, and a drop of vanilla. Divide it up, add some food coloring, and let your inner artist shine!
Pro tip: Set up a cookie decorating station at your holiday party. It’s a great ice breaker, and you get to eat the “mistakes”. Win-win!
And there you have it, folks! Eight sweet vegan Christmas desserts that’ll make your holiday season merry, bright, and deliciously plant-based.
Remember, the key to stress-free holiday baking is to have fun with it. Crank up the Christmas tunes, pour yourself a glass of vegan nog (or wine, I won’t tell), and don’t sweat the small stuff.
So what are you waiting for? Get in that kitchen and start spreading some vegan Christmas cheer! And if you happen to save me a slice of that Yule Log, well… I wouldn’t complain. 😉🎄
Happy baking, and may your holidays be filled with love, laughter, and lots of vegan treats!