Vegan-Friendly Baking Recipes
Baking is often associated with butter, eggs, and dairy, but vegan-friendly baking proves that you can make delicious, fluffy, and rich baked goods without any animal products. Whether you’re already vegan or just looking to explore plant-based alternatives in baking, there are countless options to create incredible desserts and baked treats. Best of all, vegan baking is accessible to everyone, with simple ingredient swaps and straightforward techniques.
This guide will introduce you to a variety of vegan-friendly baking recipes, including cookies, cakes, breads, and more. You’ll find everything from indulgent chocolate chip cookies to savory herb bread, each designed to show you how satisfying plant-based baking can be. We’ll also recommend highly rated products available on Amazon that will make your vegan baking journey even more enjoyable.
Vegan Baking Basics: Must-Have Ingredients
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s talk about the essentials for vegan baking. Here are some key ingredients that will help you replace traditional baking items like eggs, butter, and dairy:
Egg Replacements:
- Flaxseed Meal: Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water to replace one egg. Let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken.
- Applesauce: Use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce as a substitute for one egg in most baked goods.
Recommended Product:
Bob’s Red Mill Organic Flaxseed Meal – Ideal for making flax eggs, which are a popular egg replacement in vegan baking.
Butter Replacements:
- Vegan Butter: Use plant-based butter to replace regular butter in a 1:1 ratio.
- Coconut Oil: Use melted coconut oil for a rich, buttery flavor in your recipes.
Recommended Product:
Earth Balance Vegan Buttery Sticks – A trusted vegan butter that works well for cookies, cakes, and pastries.
Milk Replacements:
- Almond Milk, Soy Milk, or Oat Milk: These plant-based milks can be used in place of dairy milk in equal quantities.
Recommended Product:
Califia Farms Unsweetened Almond Milk – A versatile plant-based milk that’s great for both sweet and savory baking recipes.
Vegan-Friendly Cookie Recipes
Cookies are a staple in any baking repertoire, and these vegan-friendly recipes are sure to please everyone.
a. Classic Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
These cookies are chewy, chocolatey, and just as delicious as the traditional version.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup coconut oil (melted)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup almond milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup vegan chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine melted coconut oil, brown sugar, almond milk, and vanilla extract.
- Mix wet ingredients with dry ingredients until combined. Fold in chocolate chips.
- Scoop dough onto a lined baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.
Recommended Product:
Enjoy Life Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – Dairy-free chocolate chips perfect for baking.
b. Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies
These cookies are rich, chewy, and full of peanut butter flavor, with added texture from oats.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup natural peanut butter
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar
- 1/4 cup almond milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix all ingredients in a large bowl until well combined.
- Roll into balls and place on a baking sheet, then flatten with a fork.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are slightly golden.
Recommended Product:
365 by Whole Foods Market Organic Peanut Butter – A creamy and natural peanut butter that adds rich flavor to your cookies.
Vegan Cakes and Cupcakes
Who doesn’t love a good cake? These vegan-friendly versions are just as moist and delicious as any traditional cake.
a. Vegan Chocolate Cake
This cake is rich, decadent, and made with simple ingredients you likely already have.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup coconut sugar
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup almond milk
- 1/3 cup coconut oil (melted)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8-inch cake pan.
- In a bowl, mix flour, coconut sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add almond milk, melted coconut oil, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
- Pour the batter into the cake pan and bake for 30-35 minutes. Let cool before frosting.
Recommended Product:
Navitas Organics Cacao Powder – A rich and organic cacao powder perfect for chocolate-based recipes.
b. Lemon Poppy Seed Cupcakes
These light and zesty cupcakes are perfect for any occasion and are topped with a simple lemon glaze.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup almond milk
- 1/4 cup coconut oil (melted)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and baking soda.
- Add almond milk, coconut oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, and poppy seeds. Mix until smooth.
- Divide the batter between muffin cups and bake for 18-20 minutes.
Recommended Product:
Microplane Premium Classic Zester – A must-have tool for adding fresh lemon zest to your baked goods.
Vegan Bread and Savory Bakes
Baking doesn’t have to be all about sweets. Here are some savory vegan-friendly baked goods.
a. Easy Vegan Herb Bread
This savory bread is soft, aromatic, and perfect for dipping in olive oil or accompanying soups.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
- 1 1/4 cups warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, salt, sugar, and dried rosemary.
- Add warm water and olive oil, mixing until a dough forms.
- Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth. Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Shape the dough into a loaf and place on a baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes.
Recommended Product:
Fleischmann’s Instant Dry Yeast – A reliable yeast for foolproof bread baking.
b. Vegan Cheddar Biscuits
These flaky biscuits are made with vegan cheese and are perfect for breakfast or as a side dish.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold vegan butter
- 3/4 cup almond milk
- 1 cup shredded vegan cheddar cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in the cold vegan butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in almond milk and shredded vegan cheese until a dough forms.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes.
Recommended Product:
Daiya Cheddar Style Shreds – A great vegan cheese alternative for savory baking.
Vegan-Friendly Baking Tips for Beginners
- Measure Accurately: Baking is a science, and proper measurements are key to great results.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow ingredients like almond milk and vegan butter to come to room temperature for smoother mixing.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to avoid dense, tough baked goods.
Recommended Product:
OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Measuring Cups – Accurate measuring tools are essential for successful baking.
Conclusion
Vegan-friendly baking opens the door to a world of delicious, creative, and compassionate treats that everyone can enjoy. With simple ingredient swaps and some practice, you can bake everything from classic chocolate chip cookies to savory herb bread without any animal products.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, the recipes and tips in this guide will help you discover the joy of vegan baking. Grab your favorite apron, turn on the oven, and get ready to create some plant-based magic in the kitchen!