21 Vegan Desserts Anyone Can Enjoy
No matter who you are—a carnivore, omnivore, vegetarian or vegan—we all experience some kind of sweet craving from time to time (or every day). For vegans, the options can be sparse, seeing as some of the most decadent desserts are laden in animal bi-product. This article includes just a few of many recipes for vegan desserts that tailor to a growing dietary lifestyle.
Warning: You are now entering a splurge only territory. Proceed with caution—and most of all, enjoy! For other ways to treat yourself, don't miss these 25 nutritionist-approved ways to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Black Bean Brownies
Serves: 16 (1 brownie per serving)
Nutrition: 167 calories, 4.2 g fat (3.1 g saturated fat), 7.6 mg sodium, 26.6 g carbs, 4.8 g fiber, 6.5 g sugar, 6.6 g protein
These brownies are chock full of black beans, which are on our list of the 30 top high-fiber foods. Offering 15 grams of fiber per cup and home to a handful of antioxidants, this brownie works to lower bad cholesterol and fend off cardiovascular disease. Plus, the protein content is relatively high in comparison to a regular brownie, which tends to have only 2 grams or less. Plunge your fork into this guilt-free masterpiece and receive some powerful benefits!
Get the recipe from VeguKate.
Banana Ice Cream
Serves: 5
Nutrition: 219 calories, 10.0 g fat (5.5 g saturated fat), 203 mg sodium, 34.0 g carbs, 5.2 g fiber, 17.7 g sugar, 3.0 g protein (calculated 5 servings)
This ice cream is bananas, "B-A-N-A-N-A-S!" This is not your ordinary banana ice cream; these bananas are, in the blogger's words, "Roasted to caramelized perfection." Um, yum! Not only are bananas one of the best foods for a toned body, they are also loaded in vitamin B6, which helps with brain and nervous system health. More specifically, B6 is accountable for aiding in the production of neurotransmitters GABA, dopamine, and serotonin. You want to maintain adequate stores of these brain cells to prevent depression, so don't be stingy on the bananas in this chilled, creamy treat! Also, despite the absence of cow's milk, one serving of this ice cream still fulfills 35 percent of your daily calcium needs.
Get the recipe from Oh My Veggies.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies
Serves: 5 (1 cookie per serving)
Nutrition: 78 calories, 1.4 g fat (0.7 g saturated fat), 8 mg sodium, 13.4 g carbs, 1.6 g fiber, 4.6 g sugar, 3.8 g protein (calculated with ½ scoop protein powder)
A cookie that is both vegan and gluten-free? Incredible! As long as you don't have a sensitivity to chocolate, this cookie is the match for you. Packed with oats and protein powder, one cookie has 4 grams of protein, but just 78 calories and only costs you less than a gram of saturated fat.
Get the recipe from I Heart Vegetables.
Pumpkin & Snickerdoodle Cookie Dough
Serves: 8 (2 truffles per serving)
Nutrition: 121 calories, 2.3 g fat (1.3 g saturated fat), 33 mg sodium, 23.3 g carbs, 2.5 g fiber, 9.4 g sugar, 2.5 g protein (calculated with ¼ cup maple syrup)
Not much of a summer person, eh? Well, that doesn't mean you have to be deprived of your fave fall-essence foods and spices! If you are a connoisseur of cookie dough but can no longer stomach the dairy and eggs, this is the vegan dessert truffle for you. One cup of pumpkin puree supplies 3.4 grams of iron. To put this into perspective, this satisfies 43 percent of a man's daily needs and roughly 20 percent of a woman's.
Get the recipe from Vegan Richa.
Raw Nutella
Serves: 8 (2 tablespoons per serving)
Nutrition: 111 calories, 6.0 g fat (0 g saturated fat), 64 mg sodium, 13.8 g carbs, 2.1 g fiber, 10.5 g sugar, 1.9 g protein (calculated 8 servings)
We know what you are thinking: Nutella? Oh boy, this could be dangerous. We hear you and Eat This wants to assure you that this Nutella is a lot healthier than the original. The European treat that you drool over houses a whopping 200 calories, 12 gram of fat, 4 grams of saturated fat, 21 grams of carbs, 1 gram of fiber, 21 grams of sugar, and 2 grams of protein. As you can see, you get half of the calories, carbs, fat, and sugar with this homemade recipe— and for double the fiber and the same amount of protein!
Get the recipe from My Darling Vegan.
Chocolate Avocado Mousse
Serves: 6
Nutrition: 282 calories, 19.2 g fat (3.4 g saturated fat), 5 mg sodium, 27 g carbs, 8.1 g fiber, 12.5 g sugar, 4.8 g protein (calculated with ¼ cup fresh berries, 1 tablespoon coconut flakes, 1 tablespoon chia seeds)
Make room in your kitchen for an epic avocado recipe! This fancy dessert only consists of nine wholesome ingredients, the most predominant one (avocado) you cannot even taste. That's right, you can reap the lower abdominal fat-blasting benefits of an avocado without actually being able to recognize that it is the main component in the dish! Instead, you savor the chocolatey flavor in each spoonful of this creamy, whipped luxurious treat. Sprinkle on extra berries for an antioxidant boost; they're something you will want to stock up on to protect your skin from the sun. Strawberries are one of the foods suggested in 7 foods to eat to help prevent sunburn.
Get the recipe from VeguKate.
Blueberry Matcha Popsicles
Serves: 6
Nutrition: 151 calories, 6.7 g fat (3.1 g saturated fat), 61 mg sodium, 23.0 g carbs, 5.1 g fiber, 16.9 g sugar, 3.2 g protein (calculated with 13.5 ounces of Trader Joe's light coconut milk)
'Tis the season of fruity popsicles and detox cleanses. Lucky for you, this dish checks off both boxes! This popsicle houses an ingredient that will help your body flush out all of the scum that may be hanging around in your body. That ingredient is known as matcha. Harvested from the tencha leaf, matcha used to be honored by Buddhist monks for its ability to enhance both concentration and metabolic functions. What makes the powder such a potent detox is its high chlorophyll content. Since the tencha leaf is grown in a sheltered environment (away from exposure of direct sunlight), it slows the rate of photosynthesis and stimulates the plant's production of chlorophyll and amino acids. This permits matcha to cleanse the blood more efficiently and maintain a healthy pH. Lick this popsicle to reap the cleansing benefits!
Get the recipe from With Food + Love.
Chocolate Nut Butter Cups
Serves: 16 (1 piece per serving)
Nutrition: 152 calories, 14.2 g fat (7.0 g saturated fat), 16 mg sodium, 6.9 g carbs, 1.7 g fiber, 2.8 g sugar, 3.2 g protein (calculated with ½ cup coconut oil and without garnish)
Who doesn't love a Reese's peanut butter cup? We hate to break it to you, but if you have not read its nutrition label, just two cups pack 21 grams of sugar. That is a lot for such a tiny treat! This blogger has constructed a more nutrient-dense version of the famous treat—but with almond butter. Swap out that acidic peanut butter for a rich-in-vitamin E almond butter, which contains 4 milligrams of the nutrient per tablespoon—about 27 percent your daily needs, says the Linus Pauling Institute. Peanut butter only contains 1 milligram, so your cells won't be getting much protection from oxidative damage if you are opting for that nut butter all the time.
Get the recipe from My Darling Vegan.
Apple Cider & Spiced-Chai Doughnuts
Serves: 18
Nutrition: 96 calories, 2.6 g fat (2.0g saturated fat), 76 mg sodium, 17.4 g carbs, 0.9 g fiber, 8.3 g sugar, 1.3 g protein
Care for some tea and crumpets? Well, how about some detox tea and bite-size doughnuts, instead? Kissed with a fall essence, these pillowy doughnuts are great for any season. It's never taboo to indulge in a flaxseed-packed snack during the summer time. Flaxseeds are stacked in a specific phytonutrient called, lignans, which provides us with both antioxidant and fiber-like benefits. And get this: this seed packs 3,200 times the amount of lignans in peanuts! Sprinkle these guys onto salads and into your trail mix to reap the benefits on a more frequent basis.
Get the recipe from Oh My Veggies.
Cacao & Avocado Smoothie
Serves: 1
Nutrition: 403 calories, 22.9 g fat (5.5 g saturated fat), 65 mg sodium, 56.7 carbs, 14.4 g fiber, 27.4 g sugar, 6.3 g protein (calculated without garnish)
Make it a point to add this recipe to your personal list of avocado recipes for weight loss. This smoothie blend can also constitute as a sweet way to kickstart your day. It actually may be best to slurp this chocolate infused drink in the morning because it is higher in calories and carbohydrates. According to a study conducted by Dr. Daniela Jakubowicz of Tel Aviv University in Israel, those who ate bigger breakfasts that included protein, carbs, and even a bit of sweets had lower levels of ghrelin, the hormone that induces hunger. This is not to say you should eat a dessert-like smoothie or meal for breakfast all the time, but you don't have to avoid it like the plague, either.
Get the recipe from I Heart Vegetables.
Salted Date Chocolate Caramel Pie
Serves: 10
Nutrition: 295 calories, 17.6 g fat (8.6 g saturated fat), 95 mg sodium, 33.6 g carbs, 4.8 g fiber, 25.2 g sugar, 4.7 g protein (calculated 10 servings with 1 tablespoon maple syrup, 1 tablespoon coconut oil, and Trader Joe's light coconut milk)
What gives this pie its density? The answer: dates. This rich fruit not only has an easily digestible flesh, it also houses a plethora of essential vitamins and minerals. Not to mention, it acts as a healthful way to sweeten up a dish with its natural stores of fructose. Dates are especially high in potassium; 100 grams contains 16 percent of your daily needs. Potassium is a vital factor in achieving optimal health because it regulates heart rate and blood pressure, which offers protection against stroke and coronary heart disease. Dig into this heart-healthy pie!
Get the recipe from Vegan Richa.
Banana Split Smoothie
Serves: 2
Nutrition: 291 calories, 9.7 g fat (3.5 g saturated fat), 25 mg sodium, 52.8 g carbs, 8.9 g fiber, 27.2 g sugar, 5.0 g protein (calculated 2 servings without cherries or coconut whipped cream)
The classic banana split has now taken the form of a delicious smoothie. An exceptionally notable ingredient in this drink is the raw cocoa powder because it is one of the highest polyphenol-containing foods. (Polyphenols are antioxidants, for those at home who are not scientists or Bio majors!) Just one cup of hot cocoa contains more antioxidants than one serving of red wine or tea. Woah! Eliminate the idea of chocolate being bad for you; 2 tablespoons of the powder only has 25 calories. Are you a smoothie fanatic? If so search through these ten Smoothie recipes and see if any grabs your tongue by its taste buds.
Get the recipe from Minimalist Baker.
Vanilla Creme Peach Donuts
Serves: 8
Nutrition: 80 calories, 4.4 g fat (1.3 g saturated fat), 2 mg sodium, 9.8 g carbs, 1.4 g fiber, 6.8 g sugar, 1.8 g protein
If you are trying to lose 10 pounds, this dessert may be the top pick for you. The donut itself is half of a peach, so you are literally transforming a healthful fruit into a low-fat version of your favorite treat. Enjoy this light snack with a glass of Silk's unsweetened vanilla almond milk for a creamy bonus.
Get the recipe from In Sonnet's Kitchen.
Raspberry Truffles
Serves: 6 (6 truffles per person)
Nutrition: 186 calories, 11.6 g fat (8.1 g saturated fat), 3 mg sodium, 24.1 g carbs, 2.8 g fiber, 1.8 g sugar, 2.9 g protein (calculated 6 servings and with vegan chocolate chips)
Check out that low sugar content! Each serving consists of 6 truffles, so it's not like you are being shorted by any means. There is no catch, either. Just 4 ingredients comprise this antioxidant-packed morsel: cocoa powder, raspberries, bittersweet chocolate, and cocoa powder. And they only take 15 minutes to make! Talk about a great last-minute covered dish. Make sure to eat this dessert earlier in the day though because these little guys have got some spunk, specifically caffeine.
Eat This Tip: The more cocoa solids chocolate contains, the higher the caffeine content will be. Dark chocolate especially provides more caffeine than milk or white chocolate, simply because of its higher cacao content. 1.5 ounces of a 60 percent cacao chocolate bar has 20 milligrams of caffeine and 80 percent selections can have up to 40 milligrams or more. Add this to the 12 mg one tablespoon of cocoa powder contains and you may be just be nearing the amount of caffeine an 8-ounce cup of joe has (100-200 milligrams).
Get the recipe from Oh My Veggies.
Chocolate Mocha Muffins
Serves: 8 (1 muffin per serving)
Nutrition: 140 calories, 2.5 g total fat (1.3 g saturated fat), 116 mg sodium, 28.8 g carbs, 3.1 g fiber, 12.8 g sugar, 3.7 g protein
Speaking of caffeine, these muffins also have a decent portion of cocoa powder and even 2 teaspoons of instant coffee. Similar to how you would prepare vegan cupcakes, these breakfast goodies have applesauce in place of eggs. Swap out the egg for ¼-⅓ cup of applesauce to receive a similar consistency. You could even use tofu or bananas as a substitute for eggs, too!
Get the recipe from I Heart Vegetables.
Brownie Batter Orange Chia Shake
Serves: 1
Nutrition: 200 calories, 10.7 g fat (1.7 g saturated fat), 478 mg sodium, 26.0 g carbs, 9.1 g fiber, 12.7 g sugar, 5.5 g protein
Mmm, here we go with the brownie-inspired desserts again! These staple treats certainly can steal the show with their chocolatey, fudgy filling. Add this into a shake and you have got a killer combo. Satisfying 42 percent of your daily needs of calcium, this drink is one you will want to swig, especially if you are vegan. Vegans may struggle to get a sufficient amount of calcium in their diet, so this is one you will not want to skip out on! It also includes a tablespoon and a half of chia seeds, which are composed of 60 percent omega-3 fatty acids.
Get the recipe from Vegan Richa.
Chocolate Coffee Bark
Serves: 20
Nutrition: 110 calories, 6.2 g fat (4.2 g saturated fat), 43 mg sodium, 12 g carbs, 0.8 g fiber, 10.3 g sugar, 1.7 g protein
Looking for a low carb snack that feeds that sweet craving? Well, look no more because this sweet snack is one you want to pack in your bag and nibble on at work for an extra boost of happiness! Yes, that's right you read that correctly. According to the University of Michigan Health System, cocoa may boost serotonin, which is the neurotransmitter that antidepressants enable to allow reside in the synaptic cleft. In other words, chocolate may slow the speed at which the receptor sucks up the serotonin in your brain, which enables you to feel happier for longer bouts of time. A little piece of this bark a day may just be a great way to improve your overall happiness levels—just some food for thought!
Get the recipe from With Food + Love.
Lemon Bars
Serves: 9
Nutrition: 266 calories, 19.2 g fat (11 g saturated fat), 85 mg sodium, 22.7 g carbs, 2.3 g fiber, 10.2 g sugar, 4.3 g protein
When life gives you lemons, make lemon bars! This is definitely not a treat that is going to help you melt off those love handles, but the lemon will help give your liver the cleanse it so rightfully deserves. Lemon juice actually pushes your liver to flush out those unwanted toxins that come from air pollutants, artificial ingredients in foods and prescription drugs. Bite into these creamy bars for a healthy detox.
Get the recipe from Minimalist Baker.
Vanilla Cheesecake
Serves: 9
Nutrition: 287 calories, 20.4 g fat (6.4 g saturated fat), 198 mg sodium, 23.5 g carbs, 3.0 g fiber, 14.2 g sugar, 5.8 g protein (calculated with 3 tablespoons coconut oil and without vanilla beans)
It's possible, ladies and gentlemen. Cheesecake can indeed be made without the cream cheese or heavy whipping cream and this vegan dessert recipe proves it. Honestly, whether you are vegan are not you should always opt for this recipe if you have a strong hankering for cheesecake. For comparison, one slice of cherry cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory contains a whopping 860 calories and 29 grams of saturated fat. Yuck! No wonder why they say cheesecake can cause a heart attack. Avoid that option, as well as these #1 worst menu option at 40 popular restaurants, and whip up this vegan dessert instead!
Get the recipe from My Darling Vegan.
Beetroot Brownies
Serves: 12
Nutrition: 172 calories, 6.3 g fat (4.7 g saturated fat), 145 mg sodium, 26 g carbs, 3.9 g fiber, 11.3 g sugar, 5.2 g protein
Beets are referred to as superfoods for a reason. There are many attributes to a beet that are worth applauding, however, one that fails to be mentioned is its folate content. Folate is a vitamin B complex that is fundamental for carrying out the production of red blood cells. You know, the cells that transport oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body? Well, just one cup of cooked beets contains 34 percent of your daily folate needs! If the brownies are not enough to quiet your sweet cravings, check out the beetroot pancakes in 13 ways to cook with beet greens and beet root.
Get the recipe from VeguKate.
Choco Frosted Vanilla Doughnuts
Serves: 12
Nutrition: 157 calories, 8.5 g fat, (6.6 saturated fat), 93 mg sodium, 21.2 g carbs, 3.2 g fiber, 6.9 g sugar, 2.5 g protein
Of course, we had to end on one of America's most adored go-to desserts: the doughnut. But this doughnut is probably a lot fancier than the one you are used to getting from Dunkin' Donuts. This one has rose petals trickled across the blanket of chocolate ganache. How romantic! Made with coconut oil and all wholesome ingredients, this vegan-friendly doughnut is one that you will love for sure.
Get the recipe from With Food + Love.
