Best Vegan Holiday Dessert Recipes

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Best Vegan Holiday Dessert Recipes

The holiday season is the perfect time to indulge in sweet treats, and vegan desserts can be just as decadent and festive. From creamy pies to rich cakes and chewy cookies, plant-based recipes bring joy to every celebration.

This collection of vegan holiday dessert recipes shows how plant-based treats can be both festive and irresistibly delicious for every celebration.

This guide shares irresistible recipes that prove compassion and flavour can shine together on your festive table.

Why Choose Vegan Holiday Desserts?

Before diving into the recipes, let’s talk about why vegan desserts are a fantastic choice for the holidays:

1. Healthier Ingredients

Vegan holiday desserts typically use plant-based ingredients like fruits, nuts, and natural sweeteners. This reduces unhealthy fats and cholesterol found in dairy and eggs, making these treats a lighter and more nutritious option for festive celebrations without sacrificing flavour or enjoyment.

2. Allergy-Friendly Options

Many people have allergies or intolerances to dairy, eggs, or gluten. Vegan desserts naturally exclude dairy and eggs, making them safer for guests with dietary restrictions. This inclusivity allows everyone to enjoy delicious treats without worrying about allergic reactions or dietary conflicts.

3. Environmental Benefits

Plant-based desserts have a smaller environmental footprint compared to traditional desserts containing animal products.

They use fewer resources like water and land, and produce less greenhouse gas emissions. Choosing vegan desserts helps promote sustainability and reduces the impact of holiday indulgence on the planet.

4. Inclusive For Everyone

Holiday gatherings often include people with various diets and preferences. Vegan desserts are a great way to accommodate vegans, vegetarians, and those who simply want healthier options. Offering inclusive treats ensures no one feels left out, fostering a welcoming and enjoyable celebration for all.

5. Delicious And Creative

Vegan desserts encourage creativity in the kitchen, using ingredients like coconut, avocado, and nuts to create decadent, flavourful sweets.

These recipes frequently offer unexpected flavours and textures that astonish and amaze, demonstrating that vegan sweets can be just as decadent and fulfilling as conventional ones.

6. Ethical Choice

Choosing vegan desserts supports animal welfare by avoiding the use of dairy, eggs, and other animal-derived ingredients.

This ethical choice aligns with compassionate values during the holidays, offering a way to celebrate with kindness while enjoying delicious, cruelty-free treats.

Vegan Holiday Dessert Recipes

1. Vegan Pumpkin Pie

This classic vegan pumpkin pie offers all the creamy, spiced flavours of traditional pumpkin pie without any dairy or eggs. Perfect for holiday celebrations, it has a flaky, buttery crust and a smooth pumpkin filling made from wholesome plant-based ingredients.

Prep time: 25 minutes | Cook time: 50 minutes | Total time: 1¼ hours | Servings: 8 slices

Ingredients For The Crust

All-purpose flour: 1½ cups
Sea salt: ¼ teaspoon
Vegan butter: ½ cup, cold and cubed
Ice water: 3-4 tablespoons

Ingredients For The Filling

Pumpkin purée: 1 can (15 oz)
Full-fat coconut milk: ¾ cup
Brown sugar or coconut sugar: ½ cup
Cornstarch: 3 tablespoons
Ground cinnamon: 1 teaspoon
Ground ginger: ½ teaspoon
Ground nutmeg: ¼ teaspoon
Ground cloves: ¼ teaspoon
Vanilla extract: ½ teaspoon
Sea salt: ⅛ teaspoon

Method

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Combine the salt and flour in a bowl. Add vegan butter and cut until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. One tablespoon at a time, gradually add ice water until the dough forms. For half an hour, chill the dough.
Roll out dough on a floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish: transfer and trim edges.
Combine pumpkin puree, sugar, cornstarch, coconut milk, spices, vanilla, and salt in a big bowl and whisk until smooth.
Smooth the top after pouring the contents into the crust.
Bake for 45-50 minutes until filling is set but slightly jiggly in the center.
Cool completely before slicing. Refrigerate leftover pie.

Nutrition Facts (per slice)

Calories: 210
Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fibre: 3g
Protein: 2g
Sugar: 15g

Health Benefits

Rich in fibre, antioxidants, and vitamins A and C from pumpkin, this vegan pumpkin pie supports digestion and immunological function without the cholesterol and saturated fats found in traditional pies.

2. Vegan Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

The soft and chewy chocolate peppermint cookies in these vegan holiday dessert recipes are ideal for gift-giving and festive get-togethers. Ideal for the holiday season, they’re dairy-free, egg-free, and easy to make for festive gatherings or gifting.

Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 12 minutes | Total time: 27 minutes | Servings: 24 cookies

Ingredients

All-purpose flour: 1½ cups
Unsweetened cocoa powder: ½ cup
Baking soda: 1 teaspoon
Sea salt: ¼ teaspoon
Coconut oil: ½ cup, melted
Brown sugar or coconut sugar: ¾ cup
Maple syrup: ¼ cup
Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
Peppermint extract: ½ teaspoon
Dairy-free chocolate chips: ½ cup

Method

Turn the oven on to 350°F (175°C) and place parchment paper on the baking sheets.
In a bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
Combine sugar, maple syrup, vanilla, peppermint essence, and heated coconut oil in a separate bowl and stir until smooth.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ones gradually after stirring to incorporate. Add the chocolate chips and fold.
Scoop tablespoon-sized dough balls onto baking sheets and flatten slightly.
Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft.
After five minutes of cooling on the baking sheets, transfer to wire racks to complete cooling.

Nutrition Facts (per cookie)

Calories: 95
Fat: 5g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fibre: 1g
Protein: 1g
Sugar: 7g

Health Benefits

These cookies provide antioxidants from cocoa and peppermint, which may aid digestion and refresh breath. Using plant-based ingredients reduces cholesterol intake, supporting heart health during festive indulgence.

3. Vegan Apple Crisp

Among popular vegan holiday dessert recipes, this warm apple crisp offers a naturally sweet, dairy-free option perfect for festive and cozy occasions. Naturally sweetened and dairy-free, it’s an ideal healthy dessert for the holidays or any cozy occasion.

Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 40 minutes | Total time: 55 minutes | Servings: 6

Ingredients For The Filling

Apples (Granny Smith or your favourite): 6 medium, peeled, cored, and sliced
Maple syrup or coconut sugar: 2 tablespoons
Ground cinnamon: 1 teaspoon
Ground nutmeg: ½ teaspoon
Lemon juice: 1 teaspoon

Ingredients For The Topping

Rolled oats: 1 cup
Almond flour or whole wheat flour: ½ cup
Walnuts or pecans: ½ cup, chopped
Coconut sugar: ¼ cup
Coconut oil: ¼ cup, melted
Ground cinnamon: 1 teaspoon
Sea salt: ⅛ teaspoon

Method

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Combine the lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, maple syrup, and cut apples in a big basin. Put in a baking dish.
In another bowl, mix oats, flour, nuts, coconut sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir in melted coconut oil until crumbly.
Distribute the oat mixture evenly over the apples.
The topping should be brown, and the apples should be tender and bubbling after 35 to 40 minutes of baking.
Let cool slightly before serving.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 280
Fat: 14g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fibre: 5g
Protein: 4g
Sugar: 18g

Health Benefits

This vegan apple crisp is rich in fibre, antioxidants, and healthy fats from nuts and oats, promoting heart health and digestive wellness while offering a naturally sweet, nourishing dessert option.

4. Vegan Gingerbread Cake

This gingerbread cake is a standout among vegan holiday dessert recipes, delivering warm spices and rich flavour without any dairy or eggs.

Perfect for holiday celebrations, it’s dairy- and egg-free but full of rich flavour and tender texture that everyone will enjoy.

Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 40 minutes | Total time: 55 minutes | Servings: 8 slices

Ingredients

All-purpose flour: 1½ cups
Baking soda: 1 teaspoon
Ground ginger: 2 teaspoons
Ground cinnamon: 1 teaspoon
Ground cloves: ½ teaspoon
Nutmeg: ¼ teaspoon
Sea salt: ¼ teaspoon
Molasses: ½ cup
Brown sugar: ½ cup
Unsweetened applesauce: ½ cup
Coconut oil: ½ cup, melted
Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
Plant-based milk: ¾ cup

Method

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch cake pan.
To a large bowl, add the flour, baking soda, ginger, cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt; whisk to mix.
In another bowl, mix molasses, brown sugar, applesauce, melted coconut oil, vanilla, and plant milk until smooth.
Just until mixed, stir the dry and wet ingredients together.
Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cool before slicing and serving.

Nutrition Facts (per slice)

Calories: 250
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fibre: 3g
Protein: 2g
Sugar: 18g

Health Benefits

This vegan gingerbread cake contains anti-inflammatory spices that support digestion and immunity, while using plant-based ingredients reduces saturated fat, making it a healthier festive dessert option.

5. Vegan Pecan Pie Bars

These vegan pecan pie bars offer the rich, sweet flavour of classic pecan pie in a convenient, handheld form. Made without dairy or eggs, they feature a buttery crust and a gooey, nutty filling perfect for holiday treats or anytime snacking.

Prep time: 20 minutes | Cook time: 35 minutes | Total time: 55 minutes | Servings: 12 bars

Ingredients For The Crust

All-purpose flour: 1½ cups
Powdered sugar: ½ cup
Vegan butter: ½ cup, cold and cubed

Ingredients For The Filling

Light brown sugar: 1 cup
Pure maple syrup: ½ cup
Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons
Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
Pecans: 1 cup, chopped

Method

Turn the oven on to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and grease it.
Mix the flour and powdered sugar in a bowl. Add vegan butter and cut until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Press into the pan evenly.
After 15 minutes, the crust should be faintly brown.
In another bowl, whisk brown sugar, maple syrup, cornstarch, and vanilla until smooth. Stir in chopped pecans.
Pour filling over the warm crust and spread evenly.
The filling should be firm and bubbling after another 20 minutes of baking.
Cool completely before cutting into bars.

Nutrition Facts (per bar)

Calories: 280
Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fibre: 2g
Protein: 3g
Sugar: 20g

Health Benefits

Vegan holiday dessert recipes like these pecan pie bars offer heart-healthy fats and natural sweetness, making them a wholesome and compassionate choice for festive indulgence. They’re free from cholesterol and dairy, making them a kinder and healthier option for holiday indulgence.

6. Vegan Cranberry Orange Muffins

These vibrant vegan cranberry orange muffins combine tangy cranberries with zesty orange for a refreshing burst of flavour. Moist and fluffy, they’re perfect for holiday breakfasts, brunch, or snacks — made entirely without eggs or dairy.

Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 25 minutes | Total time: 40 minutes | Servings: 12 muffins

Ingredients

All-purpose flour: 2 cups
Baking powder: 1 teaspoon
Baking soda: ½ teaspoon
Sea salt: ¼ teaspoon
Fresh or frozen cranberries: 1 cup
Orange: 1 large, zest only
Coconut sugar (or brown sugar): ¾ cup
Plant-based milk: 1 cup
Vegetable oil or melted coconut oil: ¼ cup
Apple cider vinegar: 1 tablespoon
Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon

Method

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners.
Mix the orange zest, baking soda, baking powder, flour, and salt in a big bowl. Stir in the cranberries gently.
In another bowl, mix plant milk, sugar, oil, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla until combined.
Don't overmix; instead, pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and swirl only until incorporated.
Divide batter evenly into muffin cups.
If you stick a toothpick in the center, it should come out clean after 22 to 25 minutes of baking.
After five minutes of cooling, move to a wire rack to finish cooling.

Nutrition Facts (per muffin)

Calories: 180
Fat: 7g
Carbohydrates: 27g
Fibre: 2g
Protein: 2g
Sugar: 14g

Health Benefits

Packed with antioxidants from cranberries and vitamin C from orange zest, these muffins support immune health and reduce inflammation, making them a nutritious and tasty choice for festive mornings.

7. Vegan Chocolate Yule Log (Bûche de Noël)

This vegan chocolate yule log is a festive, elegant dessert featuring a rich chocolate sponge rolled with creamy vegan frosting.

This rich and festive chocolate yule log is a perfect example of vegan holiday dessert recipes that are both indulgent and dairy-free.

Prep time: 30 minutes | Cook time: 15 minutes | Chill Time: 1 hour | Total time: 1¾ hours | Servings: 8

Ingredients For The Cake

All-purpose flour: 1 cup
Unsweetened cocoa powder: ⅓ cup
Baking powder: 1 teaspoon
Sea salt: ¼ teaspoon
Coconut sugar (or brown sugar): ¾ cup
Plant-based milk: ½ cup
Vegetable oil or melted coconut oil: ½ cup
Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
Apple cider vinegar: 1 tablespoon

Ingredients For The Frosting

Full-fat coconut cream: 1 cup, chilled
Powdered sugar: ¼ cup
Cocoa powder: 2 tablespoons
Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon

Method

Turn the oven on to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a jelly roll pan (10 x 15 inches) and line it with parchment paper.
Sift the flour, baking powder, cocoa powder, and salt in a basin.
In another bowl, whisk sugar, plant milk, oil, vanilla, and apple cider vinegar.
Evenly distribute the batter after pouring it into the pan. After 12 to 15 minutes of baking, the cake should bounce back when you touch it.
Quickly flip the cake onto a fresh kitchen towel that has been coated with cocoa powder, remove the parchment, and use the short end of the towel to roll the cake. Roll up and let cool fully.
To make the frosting, beat cold coconut cream until it's frothy, then add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla.
Unroll the cake gently, spread frosting evenly, then reroll without a towel.
Decorate with remaining frosting and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 270
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fibre: 3g
Protein: 2g
Sugar: 15g

Health Benefits

This dessert provides antioxidants from cocoa powder and healthy fats from coconut cream, supporting heart health and mood. Being vegan, it avoids cholesterol and dairy-related inflammation, making it a kinder festive treat.

8. Vegan Snickerdoodles

These soft and chewy snickerdoodles are a delightful addition to vegan holiday dessert recipes, offering classic cinnamon-sugar flavour without any eggs or dairy.

Made without eggs or dairy, they provide a warm, nostalgic flavour perfect for holiday celebrations or any cozy occasion.

Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 12 minutes | Total time: 27 minutes | Servings: 24 cookies

Ingredients For The Snickerdoodles

All-purpose flour: 2 cups
Cream of tartar: 1 teaspoon
Baking soda: 1 teaspoon
Sea salt: ¼ teaspoon
Coconut oil: ½ cup, melted
Coconut sugar (or brown sugar): ¾ cup
Plant-based milk: ¼ cup
Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon

Ingredients For Coating

Coconut sugar: ¼ cup
Ground cinnamon: 2 teaspoons

Method

Turn the oven on to 350°F (175°C) and place parchment paper on the baking sheets.
In a bowl, whisk flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt.
Melt coconut oil, sugar, plant milk, and vanilla in a separate basin and stir until creamy.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ones gradually, stirring to mix.
To coat, combine the cinnamon and sugar in a small basin.
Scoop dough into tablespoon-sized balls and roll each in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Place on baking pans and use your hand to flatten slightly.
Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set and cookies are soft.
Let cool on sheets for 5 minutes, then move to wire racks to finish cooling.

Nutrition Facts (per cookie)

Calories: 90
Fat: 4g
Carbohydrates: 13g
Fibre: 1g
Protein: 1g
Sugar: 8g

Health Benefits

These vegan snickerdoodles avoid cholesterol and dairy, making them heart-friendly. The cinnamon provides antioxidants and may help regulate blood sugar, offering a comforting yet healthier treat option during festive seasons.

9. Vegan Carrot Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting

This moist and spiced carrot cake with dairy-free frosting is a delicious highlight among vegan holiday dessert recipes for any festive occasion. Perfect for any occasion, it’s a delightful plant-based twist on a classic favourite.

Prep time: 20 minutes | Cook time: 40 minutes | Total time: 60 minutes | Servings: 12 slices

Ingredients For The Cake

All-purpose flour: 2 cups
Baking soda: 1 teaspoon
Baking powder: 1 teaspoon
Ground cinnamon: 1 teaspoon
Ground nutmeg: ½ teaspoon
Sea salt: ¼ teaspoon
Coconut sugar (or brown sugar): 1 cup
Vegetable oil or melted coconut oil: ½ cup
Unsweetened applesauce: 1 cup
Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
Carrots: 2 cups, grated
Walnuts: ½ cup, chopped (optional)

Ingredients For The Frosting

Vegan cream cheese: 1 cup
Vegan butter: ¼ cup, softened
Powdered sugar: 1½ cups
Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon

Method

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Put flour and grease in a 9-inch round cake pan.
In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
In another bowl, mix brown sugar, oil, applesauce, and vanilla until combined.
Stir ingredients, then fold in grated carrots and walnuts.
If a toothpick put in the center comes out clean, the mixture is done. Bake it for 35 to 40 minutes.
Let the cake cool completely before frosting.
Beat vegan cream cheese and butter until creamy to make the frosting. Mix in vanilla and powdered sugar gradually until smooth.
Cover the chilled cake with icing and proceed to serve.

Nutrition Facts (per slice)

Calories: 320
Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fibre: 3g
Protein: 4g
Sugar: 25g

Health Benefits

This cake provides fibre and antioxidants from carrots and walnuts, supporting digestion and heart health. Using plant-based ingredients reduces saturated fat and cholesterol, making it a wholesome and festive dessert option.

Conclusion

Vegan holiday dessert recipes provide flavourful, inclusive, and sustainable options that make festive celebrations both joyful and nourishing for everyone.

With a variety of recipes—from decadent chocolate treats to fruity, spiced delights—there’s something for everyone to enjoy. These desserts not only cater to diverse dietary needs but also promote health and sustainability.

Embracing vegan sweets this holiday season can make your celebrations more inclusive, nourishing, and joyful for all your loved ones.

I trust you enjoyed this article about the Best Vegan Holiday Dessert Recipes. Stay tuned for more blog posts soon. Take care!

JeannetteZ

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