Vegan Holiday Guide https://www.worldofvegan.com/category/holiday/ Vegan recipes, guides, articles, and beyond! Thu, 25 Jan 2024 17:21:08 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://www.worldofvegan.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/cropped-favicon-32x32.png Vegan Holiday Guide https://www.worldofvegan.com/category/holiday/ 32 32 Pink Beet Hummus https://www.worldofvegan.com/beetroot-hummus/ https://www.worldofvegan.com/beetroot-hummus/#comments Wed, 24 Jan 2024 19:38:23 +0000 https://www.worldofvegan.com/?p=9597 The world of dips and spreads is a fun one. Everyone seems to have their favorites, and the options are endless, but one thing is for certain: hummus is king. No other spread can overshadow the universal love for this dip, and we get it! But, what’s the only thing that could top the beloved […]

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The world of dips and spreads is a fun one. Everyone seems to have their favorites, and the options are endless, but one thing is for certain: hummus is king. No other spread can overshadow the universal love for this dip, and we get it!

But, what’s the only thing that could top the beloved original hummus? Well, pink hummus, of course! 

This delicious beet hummus recipe is so good you’ll make it on repeat. Sweet, creamy, savory, and, did I mention gorgeous? Get ready to add another spread to your ultimate top 3 list! And get your camera ready, because is definitely an Instagram-worthy dish. 

A bowl of pink beet hummus with decorative toppings served surrounded by ingredient flaylay.

Pink Hummus With Beetroot: It’s So Versatile!

It seems like hummus is everywhere these days and there’s isn’t a dinner party, picnic or gathering without it. Hummus is a must!

This shouldn’t come as a surprise because hummus has it all. It’s vegan, healthy, nutritious, and packed with plant-based protein. The best part? It requires only a few simple ingredients, and it’s easy and quick to prepare. Toss chickpeas, tahini (sesame paste), olive oil, lemon juice, salt and spices in a food processor, a few pulses and voila! 

But pink hummus with beetroots? It’s the new best thing! It’s way more fun tot eat and packed with extra nutrients from the roasted beets. 

Star Ingredients

Beets: The vibrant and earthy flavor of two medium-sized cooked or roasted beetroots is the driving force behind the stunning pink hue of this hummus. Not only do they add a burst of color, but they also infuse a subtly sweet and slightly earthy taste that sets this hummus apart. You can buy store-bought cooked beets, use beets from a can, bake them yourself, or cook them in the microwave.

A woman holding out a bundle of fresh raw red beets with their greens.

Chickpeas: A can of chickpeas forms the creamy base of our Pink Hummus. These protein-packed legumes provide a smooth and velvety texture, creating a perfect canvas for the striking beetroot color and flavor to shine through.

Tahini: Three tablespoons of tahini add a rich, nutty depth to the hummus, enhancing its creaminess and providing a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the beetroots. Tahini contributes to the well-balanced and savory profile of the dip.

Garlic: Two cloves of garlic are the aromatic backbone of this recipe. They bring a pleasant pungency that complements the sweetness of the beetroots and adds a hint of warmth to each bite.

Lemon: The juice of one large lemon provides a bright and zesty kick to the hummus, balancing the earthiness of the beetroots and enhancing the overall freshness of the dish. For additional flavor, zest the lemon with a microplane or zester and add the zest in as well!

Cumin: Half a teaspoon of ground cumin introduces a subtle smokiness and an earthy undertone that pairs harmoniously with the beetroots, creating a depth of flavor that lingers on the palate.

Ingredients for pink beet hummus in a food processor on a kitchen counter.

How to Make Pink Hummus

Step 1: Cook your beets! You can do this in the microwave, oven, or buy pre-cooked beets.

  • Microwave method: Wash, dry, and chop your raw beets, add them to a bowl with some water, cover with a paper towel, and microwave on high for five minutes.
  • Oven Method: Wash, dry, and chop your raw beets, add them to a baking pan, rub with olive oil, and bake for 20 minutes at 400℉.

Step 2: Add all the hummus ingredients to a food processor and blend until creamy and smooth. If desired, add a tablespoon or two of water and blend further.

Blended pink hummus in a food processor on a countertop.

Step 3: Scoop the hummus onto a dish or into a bowl rotating the back of spoon to create a nice texture on top. Dress with your toppings, and enjoy!

Serving pink hummus with olive oil drizzle, sesame seeds, and toppings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is pink hummus made of?

Pink hummus uses beets to give it that beautiful pink color! Cooked beets not only contribute their vibrant color but also a subtle earthy sweetness to the hummus.

Is beet hummus good for you?

Yes, beet hummus can be a nutritious and healthful addition to your diet. Beets, the primary ingredient giving the hummus its vibrant color, are rich in essential nutrients. They contain fiber, vitamins such as folate and vitamin C, minerals like potassium and manganese, and antioxidants.

How long does homemade hummus last?

Homemade hummus can typically last in the refrigerator for about 3 to 5 days. To increase the longevity of your hummus, promptly store it in an airtight container in the fridge after making it. Keep it sealed when not in use.

Pink Hummus made with beet and topped with chickpeas served with crackers.
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Pink Beet Hummus

This colorful spin on traditional hummus is a showstopper! This gorgeous pink hummus is made with roasted beets and is perfect for dipping pita, crackers, and veggies, spreading on sandwiches, or serving at any party or gathering.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Middle Eastern
Keyword beetroot hummus, hummus, hummus recipe, pink hummus
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 128kcal
Author World of Vegan

Ingredients

  • 2 medium-sized beetroots cooked or roasted
  • 1 15-ounce can chickpeas rinsed and drained
  • 3 tablespoons tahini
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 lemon large
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon salt to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil divided

To serve

  • 1 tablespoon Olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons Cilantro chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Sesame seeds white or black

Instructions

To Cook the Beets

  • To Roast: Slice each beet into 1-inch chunks, place on a roasting pan, and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Place in the oven and roast for 25 minutes at 400℉.
  • To Microwave: Chop beets into 1-inch chunks and place in a microwave-safe bowl with a little water. Cover with a paper towel and microwave for 5 minutes. Allow to cool before handling.
  • Store Bought: You can also use store bought cooked beets, as long as they are not pickled in vinegar.

To Make The Hummus

  • In a food processor and add the cooked beets, chickpeas (reserving a handful for garnish), tahini, garlic, juice of one lemon, cumin, salt, and pepper, and blitz. Drizzle in 2 tablespoons of olive oil and continue blending in the food processor until smooth. If desired, add one tablespoons of water for a creamier and less thick hummus.
  • Spoon the pink hummus into the center of a plate or bowl, and use the back of a spoon to spread the mixture, creating some texture or a bowl in the center for the toppings. Drizzle with remaining olive oil, sprinkle with remaining chickpeas, and top with cilantro and sesame seeds.
  • Serve with pita bread, crackers, veggies, on sandwiches, or atop fresh salads.

Nutrition

Serving: 4g | Calories: 128kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Sodium: 219mg | Potassium: 159mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 30IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 1mg

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Best Vegan Super Bowl Party Recipes https://www.worldofvegan.com/super-bowl/ https://www.worldofvegan.com/super-bowl/#respond Wed, 17 Jan 2024 17:42:59 +0000 https://www.worldofvegan.com/?p=3325 Football season is upon us, and if you’re going to be joining the 100 million Americans watching the big game, you better get ready. You definitely want to have plenty of vegan Super Bowl snacks on hand so you can keep your focus on the game—not your grumbling stomach. Explore our best vegan party recipes and ideas—ranging […]

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Football season is upon us, and if you’re going to be joining the 100 million Americans watching the big game, you better get ready. You definitely want to have plenty of vegan Super Bowl snacks on hand so you can keep your focus on the game—not your grumbling stomach.

Explore our best vegan party recipes and ideas—ranging from our popular cauliflower buffalo wings to simple chocolate covered football pretzels!

Vegan super bowl recipes with chips and a football.

Vegan Football Party Appetizers

Cauliflower Buffalo Wings

Hungry for more delicious vegan Super Bowl snacks? Try these Cauliflower buffalo wings with this homemade ranch dipping sauce!

Vegan buffalo cauliflower wings on a plate with vegan ranch dip.

Football Puff Pastry Empanadas

These fun football-shaped empanadas are easy to make using puff pastry and perfect to serve up on game-day!

Football puff pastry appetizers on a plate served with vegan dip, celery, and carrots.

Wonton Taco Cups

These taco cups are one of the easiest vegan appetizers you’ll ever make using wonton wrappers and a cupcake pan! Just cook up your favorite vegan ground meat with some onion, garlic, and and other mix-ins you’d like, dollop some in a wonton wrapper lined cupcake tin, sprinkle with vegan cheese, and bake! Top with vegan sour cream, tomato, and green onion. Voila, game day appetizer served.

Vegan Wonton Taco Cups with Vegetarian Beef Crumble

Vegan Jalapeño Poppers

Spice up your football party with these decadent jalapeño poppers! These are another quick-and-easy appetizer that you can pair with a creamy dip.

A close-up shot of jalapeno poppers on a white plate with a small bowl of white dip.

Tofu Fries

These crispy tofu fries encrusted with cheesy nutritional yeast can be made with just minutes of effort in the air fryer! They are healthy, delicious, and great to serve up with your favorite dips.

Crispy tofu fries in a bowl served with mustard and garnished with parsley.

Seitan Wings

What’s a football game without wings? Not to worry, you can whip up finger-lickin’ good vegetarian wings made from tofu, cauliflower, or for the most realistic wings around, seitan! This recipe is a must if you’ll have meat lovers at the party.

Barbecue chicken seitan wings in a bowl garnished with scallions.

Vegan Pizza Rolls

These cheesy pizza rolls are unbelievably easy to make using store-bought pizza dough, sauce, dairy-free cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings!

A plate of vegan pizza rolls served with marinara sauce.

Crispy Potato Skin Chips

This recipe is for all our zero-waste environmentalist friends in the crowd! While football parties are usually flooded with single use plastic chip bags and dips contained in thick plastic tubs, these crispy potato skins are one less burden on planet Earth. Made from the potato skin scraps that are leftover after making a batch of mashed potatoes, these easy and salty chips are absolutely delicious with any vegan dip you have on the table.

Plant Based Crispy Potato Skins Easy Zero Waste Recipe

Vegan Super Bowl Party Mains

A photo of a juicy vegan burger that we wish was at McDonalds around the world.

Tasty Vegan Tacos

A plate with three vegan cauliflower tacos.

Sweet Treats

Football Chocolate Pretzels

Celebrate football season with these simple chocolate-covered vegan football pretzels! You will need vegan white chocolate (yes, it exists!) to create the football design.

Vegan Super Bowl Dips

A bowl of white bean hummus dip, garnished with olive oil and pine nuts.

More Football Sides and Appetizers

air fryer sweet potato fries on a plate with a dipping sauce

Vegan NFL Players

It’s an exciting time when tons of NFL players are embracing a plant-based diet to optimize their athletic performance. Check out these 10 players who refuse to eat meat. Even players like Tom Brady are touting the power of plants to improve their game! Want even more inspiration? You can find plenty from now-retired vegan NFL player David Carter (aka The 300 Pound Vegan) below.

What are your favorite vegan Super Bowl recipes? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter!

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Vegan Ratatouille https://www.worldofvegan.com/ratatouille/ https://www.worldofvegan.com/ratatouille/#comments Mon, 15 Jan 2024 21:28:24 +0000 https://www.worldofvegan.com/?p=111184 Originating from the sunny climate of Provence, ratatouille is not just a dish, it’s a celebration of the Mediterranean’s finest produce. You can bring this vibe into your kitchen any time of the year with our easy and delicious ratatouille recipe! This rustic stew, brimming with eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes, offers deeply flavorful […]

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Originating from the sunny climate of Provence, ratatouille is not just a dish, it’s a celebration of the Mediterranean’s finest produce. You can bring this vibe into your kitchen any time of the year with our easy and delicious ratatouille recipe!

This rustic stew, brimming with eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes, offers deeply flavorful notes enriched with olive oil, garlic, and a medley of fresh herbs. It’s a dish that rewards patience, making it perfect for a relaxed weekend cooking session.

Ratatouille’s charm lies in its versatility. Serve it as a hearty main alongside quinoa or polenta fries, or let it shine as a rich topping on crisp crostini, complemented by a dollop of vegan ricotta. But why stop there? Explore its potential by tucking it into a warm pita with a drizzle of tahini or dollop of hummus for a Mediterranean-inspired wrap. You can use it as a robust filling for vegan lasagna, layered with plant-based béchamel sauce. Stirring it into pasta for a quick, nutritious meal, perhaps with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan, is another excellent choice!

Every bite of this ratatouille brings a taste of southern France right to your kitchen. Next up, we’ll guide you through making this delightful dish. From choosing the best vegetables to simmering them to perfection, we’ll cover all the essentials. Gather your ingredients and let’s start.

Here’s to a dish that’s as much about enjoying the flavors as it is about celebrating the essence of French cooking. Bon appétit!

Why You Should Make This Ratatouille

Thinking about trying this classic ratatouille recipe? You’re in for an amazing experience. This dish is more than a simple medley of vegetables; it’s an explosion of flavor and a feast for the eyes. Let’s explore more reasons why you’ll fall in love with this ratatouille!

  • Full of Flavor: Savor the rich layer of flavors in each bite of our ratatouille. With a balanced blend of garlic, tomato sauce, olive oil, and fresh herbs, each vegetable shines, offering a depth of flavor that’s both comforting and sophisticated.
  • Versatility at Its Best: Ratatouille is a chameleon in the kitchen. Perfect as a main dish, a colorful side, or a unique addition to meals, it pairs wonderfully with grains, shines as a topping on bread, and can even be a flavorful filling for sandwiches or lasagna.
  • Meal Prep Friendly: Ideal for those busy weeks, ratatouille is a make-ahead marvel. It tastes even better the next day, making it a smart, delicious choice for meal planning and quick dinners.
  • A Touch of French Cuisine: Experience the joy of French cooking with this authentic Provence-inspired dish. Ratatouille brings the essence of French culinary tradition to your table, no passport required!
  • Naturally Inclusive: Embracing a range of dietary needs, this ratatouille is vegetarian, vegan, and free from gluten, soy, and nuts. It’s a wholesome dish that everyone can enjoy, whether at a large gathering or a quiet meal at home.
  • Simple Ingredients, Incredible Outcome: Who knew simplicity could taste so exceptionally good? Common vegetables and pantry staples unite to create an beautiful dish. Ratatouille proves that you don’t need fancy ingredients to enjoy a truly remarkable meal.
A side shot of ratatouille in a cast iron pan.

Essential Ingredients

These key ingredients all work together to create a beautiful, cozy ratatouille. Let’s go over some of them, as well as offer some substitutions.

Red Onion: Adds a mild, slightly sweet flavor that enhances the overall savoriness of the dish. If you don’t have red onions, yellow onions make a good substitute, offering a similar texture but a slightly stronger flavor.

Tomato Sauce: Acts as the base of the ratatouille, providing moisture and a rich, tangy taste. If tomato sauce isn’t available, crushed tomatoes, tomato puree, or even a good quality marinara sauce can be used as alternatives.

Eggplant: Brings a unique, hearty texture to the ratatouille, absorbing flavors beautifully.

Zucchini: Offers a light, slightly sweet flavor and a tender texture. In case zucchini is not available, summer squash is a great alternative, as it has a similar texture and flavor profile.

Red Bell Peppers: Provide a sweet and slightly earthy flavor, adding a pop of color and crunch.

Plum Tomatoes: These are less watery and more flavorful than other varieties, making them perfect for ratatouille. If plum tomatoes aren’t available, any other fresh, ripe tomatoes will do, though they may release more liquid into the dish.

Fresh Thyme: This herb adds a subtle, earthy flavor that complements the vegetables.

Lemon, for Garnish: Adds a fresh, zesty finish to the dish, brightening up the flavors in the dish.

How To Make Vegan Ratatouille

Making this vegan ratatouille is a labor of love that offers amazing aromas, and fun assembly of all the vegetables. Here’s how we make it!

Start by Preheating Your Oven: Set it to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s ready for baking.

A sauté pan with oil and onions.

Step One: Prepare the Sauce. In a saucepan, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add finely chopped garlic and half a head of finely sliced red onion. Cook them together until the onion is soft and translucent, about 2 minutes.

Tomato sauce being simmered in a sauté pan.

Step Two: Simmer the Tomato Base. Pour in the tomato passata or tomato sauce. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Allow it to simmer gently for 3-4 minutes. During the last minute, stir in the leaves from a sprig of fresh thyme. This sauce will serve as the flavorful foundation of your ratatouille.

Vegetables being sliced on a wooden countertop.

Step Three: Slice Your Vegetables. Thinly slice the eggplant, zucchini, red bell peppers, and plum tomatoes. Aim for slices about a fifth of an inch thick, or thinner if preferred.

Seasoning ratatouille in a pan.

Step Four: Assemble the Ratatouille. Arrange the vegetable slices in the casserole dish in an overlapping circular pattern. This not only ensures even cooking but also makes for an aesthetically pleasing presentation. Season the arranged vegetables lightly with salt and pepper.

Step Five: Bake the Ratatouille. Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes. The vegetables should be tender and the flavors well combined.

Ratatouille, garnished with lemon slices.

Garnish and Serve: Once done, remove from the oven and garnish with fresh lemon slices and a sprig of thyme. Your ratatouille is now ready to be enjoyed!

Helpful Tips For Making Perfect Ratatouille

Ready to turn your ratatouille into a masterpiece? These helpful tips will elevate your cooking experience, ensuring your dish is as beautiful as it is delicious. Let’s go over some culinary secrets that will make your ratatouille stand out both in flavor and presentation.

  • The Art of Vegetable Slicing: Thin, consistent slices are key. Use a sharp knife or a mandoline for uniform thickness. This not only ensures even cooking but also makes layering easier and more aesthetically pleasing.
  • Creating a Beautiful Swirl: Start by placing one slice of each vegetable (eggplant, zucchini, bell pepper, tomato) in the pan, slightly overlapping the last. Continue this pattern around the edge of the pan. Once the outer circle is complete, start a new circle inside, following the same pattern. The goal is to fill the pan with a spiral of beautifully arranged vegetables. This technique, while simple, adds an elegant touch to your dish.
  • Layering for Flavor: Before arranging your veggies, spread the tomato sauce evenly on the bottom of the pan. This creates a flavorful base and prevents sticking. Sprinkle some fresh herbs over the sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
  • Season as You Go: Lightly season each layer of vegetables with salt, pepper, and additional herbs. This ensures every bite is infused with flavor.
  • Slow and Low Cooking: Ratatouille benefits from slow, gentle cooking. This allows the flavors to meld and the vegetables to become tender without losing their shape. Be patient and keep the heat at a medium-low setting.
  • Letting It Rest: Once out of the oven, give your vegan ratatouille a few minutes to settle. This rest period allows the juices to redistribute, making it even more flavorful.
Ratatouille on a fork.

How To Serve

When it comes to serving your homemade ratatouille, the possibilities are as varied as they are delicious. This versatile dish shines whether served warm or at room temperature, making it a fantastic choice for any occasion.

For a classic touch, plate it alongside a serving of creamy polenta or a bed of fluffy couscous, allowing these grains to soak up the rich flavors of the stew. If you’re leaning towards a more casual, hands-on experience, consider spooning it over toasted slices of crusty bread, perhaps with a smear of vegan ricotta.

Ratatouille also makes a superb accompaniment to grilled tofu or seitan, offering a colorful and flavorful contrast. For those special gatherings, you can elevate your presentation by topping the ratatouille with a sprinkle of fresh basil or a drizzle of balsamic glaze, turning the humble stew into an elegant entrée. No matter how you choose to serve it, ratatouille brings a touch of Provençal charm to your table, promising a meal that’s as satisfying as it is nutritious.

How To Store Leftovers

Storing leftovers of your delicious vegan ratatouille is easy! Ratatouille keeps well in the refrigerator and often tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld. To properly store it, let the ratatouille cool to room temperature first. Then, transfer it into an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and tasty for up to 4-5 days.

If you find yourself with a larger batch, ratatouille also freezes beautifully. Spoon the cooled stew into a freezer-safe container, leaving a little space at the top as the contents will expand when frozen.

Label the containers with the date, and you can enjoy your ratatouille for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat it on the stove over low heat to restore its warmth and flavors.

FAQs

What is ratatouille made of?

Ratatouille is a traditional French stew made primarily from vegetables. The key ingredients typically include eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes, all simmered together with olive oil, garlic, and a blend of fresh herbs like thyme and basil. This combination results in a rustic, delicious, vibrant, flavorful, and wholesome dish.

What is it called ratatouille?

Ratatouille gets its name from the French word “ratouiller” and the Occitan word “ratatolha.” Both terms suggest a mishmash or stew. The dish originated in the Provence region of France and typically referred to a simple peasant stew. Over time, it evolved into the more refined version we know today, but the name stuck, continuing to evoke its humble, rustic origins and the process of mixing or stirring together vegetables.

How do you serve ratatouille?

Ratatouille is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways. It’s delicious on its own as a hearty main course, especially when accompanied by crusty bread, quinoa, rice, or pasta. You can also serve it as a side dish with grilled tofu, seitan, or your favorite plant-based protein. For a more creative approach, use it as a filling for sandwiches, wraps, or even as a topping for bruschetta or pizza. Ratatouille can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, making it a great option for potlucks and picnics.

Ratatouille, served with lemon slices.
Ratatouille, garnished with lemon slices and herbs.
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Vegan Ratatouille

This fresh vegan ratatouille dish will take you to a sunny day in the Mediterranean and remind you of why we love these simple ingredients so much!
Course Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine French, Italian, Mediterranean
Keyword ratatouille, ratatouille recipe, vegan french dish, vegan Mediterranean dish, vegan ratatouille
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 129kcal
Author World of Vegan

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 heads red onion finely sliced
  • cups tomato passata or tomato sauce
  • 1 medium-sized eggplant
  • 1 medium-sized zucchini
  • 2 red bell peppers
  • 2 plum tomatoes
  • A few sprigs of fresh thyme
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • 2 slices lemon for garnish

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. 
  • In a saucepan, add olive oil and cook the finely chopped garlic with half a head of red onion (finely sliced).
  • After 2 minutes, add the tomato passata (or tomato sauce) and season with salt and pepper.
  • Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes and add the little leaves from a sprig of fresh thyme. This will be your base for the ratatouille.
  • Spread the sauce evenly on the bottom of a round casserole dish.
  • Slice the vegetables very thin, about a fifth of an inch, or even thinner if desired.
  • Arrange sliced vegetables in circles as shown in the photo and season with salt and pepper. 
  • Cook in the oven at 350 Fahrenheit for 30-40 minutes.
  • Garnish with fresh lemon slices and a sprig of thyme, and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 129kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 736mg | Potassium: 1056mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 2909IU | Vitamin C: 105mg | Calcium: 51mg | Iron: 2mg

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Vegan French Onion Soup https://www.worldofvegan.com/vegan-onion-soup/ https://www.worldofvegan.com/vegan-onion-soup/#comments Fri, 05 Jan 2024 00:39:20 +0000 https://www.worldofvegan.com/?p=113707 Our vegan french onion soup is an enticing fusion of caramelized red onions, savory broth, and optional melted vegan cheese. This recipe redefines classic comfort with its simplicity and warmth, making it a must-try for both seasoned vegans and those exploring plant-based cooking. Prepare to wow your taste buds and cozy up to a bowl […]

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Our vegan french onion soup is an enticing fusion of caramelized red onions, savory broth, and optional melted vegan cheese. This recipe redefines classic comfort with its simplicity and warmth, making it a must-try for both seasoned vegans and those exploring plant-based cooking. Prepare to wow your taste buds and cozy up to a bowl of sheer deliciousness!

The slow-browned red onions, infused with balsamic vinegar and aromatic herbs, create a depth of flavor that’s both comforting and sophisticated. The broth, seasoned to perfection, forms the soul-warming base, while the optional layer of melted vegan cheese adds that quintessential French Onion flair.

We love making plant-based dishes that everyone can savor and enjoy and this french onion soup is no exception. If you need more amazing vegan soup recipes, check out our Creamy Tomato Soup, Vegan Potato Leek Soup, Vegan Asparagus and Mushroom Soup, and Vegan Potato Soup!

Prepare to be amazed by the extraordinary taste packed into every spoonful!

A bowl of Vegan French Onion Soup.

Why You Should Make This Vegan French Onion Soup

This Vegan French Onion Soup is a masterpiece of simplicity and flavor. Crafted with care, this recipe offers more than just a tasty meal; it’s a versatile addition to your weekly routine! Here’s why you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to create this delectable dish:

  • Dairy-Free: Enjoy the richness of classic French Onion Soup without a hint of dairy. Our vegan rendition ensures a luscious, creamy experience, perfect for those seeking a dairy-free alternative.
  • Nut-Free and Soy-Free: Catering to various dietary preferences, this recipe is both nut-free and soy-free, making it accessible to a wide range of individuals with different allergies or dietary restrictions.
  • Easy-to-Make: Impress your taste buds without the hassle. This recipe combines simplicity with sophistication, proving that gourmet plant-based meals can be both accessible and easy to prepare.
  • Budget-Friendly: This soup, in particular, is so easy and affordable to make. Onions are one of the cheapest vegetables and probably one of the most long-lasting ones too! You can score a big bunch of onions for just a few dollars and they will last for weeks if you store them in a dark and dry cupboard. Onions for the win!
  • Cozy Day Comfort: Picture a cozy day inside, rain tapping on the windows, or snow falling gently outside. Our Vegan French Onion Soup is the ideal companion for such moments, wrapping you in warmth and culinary bliss.
Vegan French Onion Soup on a tabletop.

Essential Ingredients

All you need are 7 simple ingredients to create this cozy meal!

  • Red Onions: Thinly sliced and playing the starring role, red onions bring a robust, slightly sweet flavor to the soup. As they caramelize in olive oil, they add complexity and depth, setting the stage for the soup’s signature taste. Feel free to swap with yellow or white onions as needed.
  • Balsamic Vinegar: Introducing a delicate balance of acidity and sweetness, balsamic vinegar complements the natural sugars in the onions. Sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar also add tons of flavor and depth. For a different complexity and acidity, try dry white wine.
  • Bay Leaf: Contributing a fragrant and earthy note, the bay leaf infuses the broth with a distinct aroma. Its role is to add a layer of complexity to the flavor profile, elevating the overall sensory experience of the soup.
  • Dried Oregano: Bringing herbaceous and savory undertones, dried oregano enriches the overall seasoning of the soup.
  • Vegetable Broth: Serving as the hearty foundation of the soup, vegetable broth brings a savory depth to the dish. Opt for low-sodium options as needed or use an equivalent amount of vegetable bouillon with water.
  • Toasted Rustic Bread Slices or Vegan Croutons: Adds a lovely crunchy element to each bite! Go for croutons for convenience or make a delicious rustic bread like this spelt bread or rosemary beer bread.
  • Vegan Cheese: Optional but indulgent, melted vegan cheese adds a creamy and savory layer to the soup.
  • Sprigs of Thyme (or other Fresh Herbs): Used as a final garnish, sprigs of thyme or other fresh herbs add a touch of brightness and freshness.

How To Make This Recipe

Whipping up our Vegan French Onion Soup is a breeze! Simple steps and familiar ingredients make you the master of this delightful, cozy creation in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Sliced red onions in a pot.

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add sliced onions and brown for 15-20 minutes, stirring every 2-3 minutes.

Vegan French Onion Soup being prepared in a pot.

Step 2: Stir in balsamic vinegar, bay leaf, and dried oregano. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.

Vegan French Onion Soup being seasoned.

Step 3: Add vegetable broth, and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil for 5 minutes.

Vegan French Onion Soup in a bowl topped with vegan cheese and sprigs of thyme.

Step 4: Ladle into oven-proof bowls, add croutons or toasted rustic bread and sprinkle with vegan cheese.

Easy Broiling Tips for Perfect Vegan Onion Soup

Broiling is the finishing touch that turns our Vegan French Onion Soup into a melty masterpiece. To broil, set your oven to the broil setting and place those cheesy bowls on the top rack. It’s like giving your soup a quick tanning session—the high heat makes the vegan cheese bubble and turn golden brown.

This not only makes your soup look inviting but also adds a delightful crunch to the bread. Keep an eye on it to avoid any burnt surprises—we’re aiming for golden perfection! Broiling is the secret sauce that transforms a tasty soup into a visually appealing and utterly scrumptious dream.

Once broiled, garnish with a sprig of thyme and serve hot.

Expert Tips

  • Achieve the perfect caramelization by allowing the onions to brown slowly, stirring every 2-3 minutes. This patient approach enhances the natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
  • Experiment with different vegan cheese varieties for a unique twist. From melty mozzarella to tangy cheddar, the choice of cheese can elevate the taste and texture of your soup. Check out our vegan cheese guide and our vegan cheese slices guide for some great options!

How To Serve

  • For an elegant presentation, use oven-proof bowls to broil the soup with the cheese-topped bread. This ensures a delightful blend of textures and flavors in every spoonful.
  • Customize each serving by adjusting the amount of vegan cheese. Whether you prefer a lightly covered layer or a decadent cheese blanket, tailor it to your taste. Or feel free to change up the toppings if vegan cheese isn’t your thing! From the classic croutons to some more fancy ones like hemp seeds. But we can’t forget the best topping of all, nutritional yeast! It just makes everything better!
  • Bulk up the veggies. Another amazing way to make this soup even more healthy and nutritious is by adding any veggie you like or have on hand. Some chopped carrots or celery would be great!

How To Store

  • Refrigerate leftover soup in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop to maintain the soup’s rich flavor and consistency.
  • If freezing, do so without the bread and cheese. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and add fresh bread and cheese when reheating for optimal taste and texture.

Vegan French Onion Soup FAQs

Can I use any type of onions for vegan French onion soup?

While red onions are traditionally used for their mild sweetness, you can experiment with yellow or white onions based on your preference. Keep in mind that different onions may affect the soup’s flavor profile.

How do I achieve the best caramelization of onions?

Patience is key. Allow the onions to brown slowly over medium heat, stirring every 2-3 minutes. This gradual process enhances the natural sugars, resulting in a deeper flavor.

Can I make this soup in advance for a dinner party?

Certainly! Prepare the soup ahead of time without the bread and cheese. Store in the refrigerator and add fresh toppings before reheating for a perfect party dish.

Can I use vegetable bouillon in this recipe?

In any soup recipe that calls for vegetable broth—this one included—you can always use vegetable bouillon and the equivalent amount of water instead. We’re big fans of bouillon because it is often shelf-stable, and it’s packaged without water so it’s a much more eco-friendly alternative to packaged broths (which are usually in tetra packs that aren’t recyclable). There are tons of varieties of vegan bouillon out there that comes in foil-wrapped cubes and little glass containers. Better Than Bouillon is one of our favorite brands!

A spoonful of Vegan French Onion Soup.
Vegan French Onion Soup in a bowl.
Print

Vegan French Onion Soup

Warm up this season with some delicious vegan french onion soup. This soup is scrumptious as is, but if you have a slice of vegan cheese on hand feel free to melt it on top of the soup for that classic French Onion flair. Just pop it on top of an oven-friendly bowl of the soup and broil for 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts. Yum!
Course Main Course, Soup
Cuisine French
Keyword french onion soup recipe, vegan french onion soup
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 203kcal
Author World of Vegan

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 5 medium-sized red onions peeled and thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 5 cups vegetable broth or equivalent amount of vegan bouillon and water
  • salt to taste
  • black pepper to taste
  • toasted rustic bread slices or vegan croutons to taste
  • vegan cheese to taste, optional
  • sprigs of thyme (or other fresh herbs) to garnish, optional

Instructions

  • In a large soup pot over medium heat, add in olive oil, allow to heat, and then add the sliced onions. Allow onions to brown for about 15 to 20 mins, stirring occasionally (every 2-3 minutes).
  • Add the balsamic vinegar and bay leaf and dried oregano. Keep stirring and cook for another 5 mins.
  • Add the vegetable broth and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it boil for 5 mins.
  • Ladle into oven-proof serving bowls, add a handful of croutons or a slice of toasted rustic bread to each bowl, and sprinkle with vegan cheese (allowing the cheese to cover most of the bread and some of the soup, so the soup can still peek through).
  • Broil in the oven (with a cookie sheet below them to catch anything that drips) until the cheese is melted. Garnish with a sprig of thyme and and serve hot.

Notes

Want to add melted cheese on top, like classic french onion soup? Serve in an oven-proof bowl, top with your favorite vegan cheese slices, and broil for a minute or two just until cheese melts.  

Nutrition

Calories: 203kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 1382mg | Potassium: 221mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 651IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 67mg | Iron: 1mg

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Coconut Whipped Cream https://www.worldofvegan.com/coconut-whipped-cream/ https://www.worldofvegan.com/coconut-whipped-cream/#comments Fri, 29 Dec 2023 22:17:15 +0000 https://www.worldofvegan.com/?p=8885 Some of my favorite vegan recipes are those that replicate non-vegan recipes perfectly, without any strange or unhealthy ingredients or difficult cooking methods. That’s one of the reasons I love this coconut whipped cream! With just three very simple ingredients (coconut, maple syrup, and vanilla), you can make this luscious coconut whipped cream that’s incredibly […]

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Some of my favorite vegan recipes are those that replicate non-vegan recipes perfectly, without any strange or unhealthy ingredients or difficult cooking methods. That’s one of the reasons I love this coconut whipped cream!

With just three very simple ingredients (coconut, maple syrup, and vanilla), you can make this luscious coconut whipped cream that’s incredibly versatile and honestly tastes like the real thing! It’s just as simple as making dairy-based whipped cream and I can assure you that it doesn’t actually taste like coconut. If you haven’t tried a recipe like this before and you don’t like coconut, trust me when I say that there isn’t a strong coconut flavor and that you won’t regret it!

Coconut Whipped Cream on a spoon.

What Is Coconut Whipped Cream?

Coconut whipped cream is like the magical unicorn of the dessert world – fluffy, dreamy, and downright enchanting! Canned coconut milk is transformed into a luscious, cloud-like, creamy whip. It’s the perfect plant-based alternative to classic whipped cream that’s made from heavy whipping cream. It’s both dairy-free and vegan and only requires a few ingredients to make.

Ingredient Notes

  • Full-fat coconut milk: Make sure that the can is full fat coconut milk or cream, not just regular coconut milk in a carton. Sometimes the cans don’t actually specify this information, even if it is full fat. This isn’t very helpful for those who haven’t used this product before, so as a rule, stay away from any coconut milk that has the word “light” on the can because it won’t be rich enough to whip up into a thick cream.
  • Maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness to the whipped cream. You can also add agave syrup instead or even granulated sugar as needed.
  • Vanilla extract: For a slight vanilla aroma that helps mask the natural bean flavor of aquafaba, a little vanilla extract goes a long way.

How to Make Coconut Whipped Cream

  1. In order to make coconut whipped cream, you first need to place a 13.5 oz (400ml) can of full fat coconut milk in the fridge.
  2. When it’s time to whip up, flip the can of coconut milk upside. Open the can and you’ll see the coconut water on top. Discard or save the water for another recipe. Now you have all the hard coconut cream left in the can to use.
  3. Add the coconut cream to the bowl of a stand mixer. Add the maple syrup and vanilla extract, the let it whip on high speed until it becomes silky and fluffy.
  4. If you’re not indulging in it right away, pop it in the fridge for safekeeping, but serve as soon as possible.
Whipped vegan cream in a mixing bowl.

Recipe Tips

The thing about this recipe is that you do need to plan one day ahead to make it because the coconut milk needs to be completely chilled for at least 24 hours. I find sometimes this can be an inconvenience, so one of the best tips I’ve learned is to always keep a can or two of full fat coconut milk in the fridge and that way you’ll be ready to make this vegan whipped cream on a whim!

Use a good quality coconut milk or coconut cream. I always have really great success with the Thai Kitchen brand and also the Whole Foods 365 brand. I like these because they have very simple ingredients and turn out perfectly every time. Another note that there should only be a few ingredients in the coconut milk. These ingredients are typically coconut, water, and guar gum. Some brands add strange fillers and these ingredients interfere with the process of making the whipped cream. Avoid cans with ingredients like “coconut extract” because it might not whip!

Best Time To Serve

I recommend making this coconut whipped cream just before serving, if possible. If that’s not possible, you can make it a short time before you’re serving it and store the bowl in the fridge until you’re ready. You might need to whip it again just before serving if it gets a bit firm. My suggestion is not to make it hours before serving it because the whipped cream will become very firm, just like how firm the cream was in the can. It might not whip back to a nice consistency again after that. 

Coconut is an incredibly versatile ingredient that offers a multitude of benefits, and this whipped cream is just another wonderful way to use this amazing food. Enjoy!

Coconut Whipped Cream in a bowl.

Why You Should Chill The Coconut Milk 

The reason you have to refrigerate the coconut milk is that you will only be using the coconut cream. When coconut milk is chilled, the coconut cream and coconut water completely separate (which I find so cool!) and the cream rises to the top.

Once it’s chilled, the easiest way to remove the cream is the turn the can upside down and then open it. When you open the can, the coconut water will now be on top. Pour it out because you won’t be using it. You can discard it but I prefer to save it and use it for smoothies because it is highly nutritious and you can prevent food waste.

Now all you’re left with is the thick, rich coconut cream (what whipped cream dreams are made of!).

How to Use This Coconut Whipped Cream

There are so many different recipes that pair perfectly with this whipped cream. Use it anywhere you would use dairy-based whipped cream! Not only will the vegans in your life love it, but those who have dairy allergies or avoid dairy or just love good desserts will adore this recipe. The people who don’t have to avoid dairy won’t even know that it’s vegan.

You can put this coconut whipped cream on fruit or pair it with desserts like cakes and pies (it’s SO good with pumpkin pie). One of my favorite recipes that my mom and I would make as a kid was a cake that was similar to strawberry shortcake. It would have fresh strawberries and whipped cream on top. I’ve now made the vegan version of this cake a few times using this dairy-free whipped cream recipe and it is seriously to die for.

Aside from desserts, I love to incorporate it into breakfast recipes like chia puddings, parfaits, pancakes, waffles, granola, coffee lattes, and so much more. The possibilities are endless. If you love dessert and love to bake regularly, I assure you this will become a go-to recipe for you. 

Two glasses of pumpkin pie milkshake topped with vegan whipped cream.

What About Other Types of Vegan Whipped Cream?

It’s getting easier to find vegan whipped cream in grocery stores from brands like So Delicious (Coco Whip) and Soyatoo (Soy Whip). You can also make whipped cream from aquafaba (chickpea brine)!

What’s great about aquafaba and coconut whipped cream recipes are that they’re quite accessible to people who may otherwise have a hard time finding a vegan whipped cream in their area. And you also get the satisfaction of making a delectable topping all on your own—especially great for impressing your loved ones during dessert (or breakfast) time!

Whichever way you decide to go with your whipped cream, use liberally and snap your food pics quickly!

FAQ’s

What is coconut whipped cream made of?

The main ingredient needed to make coconut whipped cream is either full-fat coconut milk or coconut cream. Both can be found canned in the International aisle of large supermarkets. Sweetness is added to the mix with either maple syrup, powdered sugar, or granulated sugar and a splash of vanilla extract for flavor.

Does coconut cream have to be cold to whip?

One important note is that you want this mixture to stay as cold as possible so that it doesn’t deflate and turn back to liquid. If you’re working in a hot kitchen, I definitely suggest chilling your bowl in the freezer for a few minutes minimum. This will ensure that the cream stays at a nice cold and consistent temperature. Same goes for the coconut cream. It needs to be well chilled before whipping in order to hold its shape.

Four Ingredient Chocolate Pie | World of #pie #chocolate #dessert #vegan #worldofvegan
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Coconut Whipped Cream (3-Ingredients)

Delicious coconut whipped cream that’s vegan, dairy-free, and easy to make!
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword coconut whipped cream, dairy-free whipped cream, vegan whipped cream, vegan whipped cream recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 1
Calories 119kcal
Author Michelle Cehn | World of Vegan

Ingredients

  • 1 400-ml can full-fat coconut milk
  • 2 tablespoon maple syrup
  • ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  • The day before you want to make this recipe, place the can of coconut milk in the fridge overnight.
  • When you’re ready to make the recipe, turn the can of coconut milk upside down. Open the can and you will find coconut water on top. Discard the water or save it for another recipe.
  • Transfer all of the firm coconut cream to the bowl of a stand mixer.
  • Add the maple syrup and vanilla to the bowl and whip on high-speed until it’s smooth and fluffy.
  • Store it in the fridge if you’re not serving right away, but serve as soon as possible.

Nutrition

Calories: 119kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 0.02g | Fat: 0.2g | Saturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 4mg | Potassium: 97mg | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin C: 0.01mg | Calcium: 44mg | Iron: 0.1mg

Coconut whipped cream photos by Kathy Chrzaszcz for World of Vegan. Recipe and photographs copyright of World of Vegan™, all rights reserved.

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No-Bake Chocolate Pie with Graham Cracker Crust https://www.worldofvegan.com/chocolate-pie/ https://www.worldofvegan.com/chocolate-pie/#comments Thu, 21 Dec 2023 21:06:08 +0000 https://www.worldofvegan.com/?p=112156 When the chocolate cravings strike they must be met! This 4-ingredient no-bake chocolate pie recipe is the perfect solution to those imminent cocoa cravings creeping up at around 5 o’clock. The simplest ingredients and not much time spent in the kitchen make this pie from the Plant-Based On A Budget cookbook a true keeper! Instead […]

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When the chocolate cravings strike they must be met! This 4-ingredient no-bake chocolate pie recipe is the perfect solution to those imminent cocoa cravings creeping up at around 5 o’clock. The simplest ingredients and not much time spent in the kitchen make this pie from the Plant-Based On A Budget cookbook a true keeper!

Instead of making a chocolate ganache filling that requires heating heavy whipping cream on a stovetop, this recipe uses silken tofu, which blends beautifully into a creamy and velvety filling. I’ve used this technique before to make chocolate mousse and vegan pudding!

Are you up for the no-bake pie challenge? It’s the easiest and most delicious chocolate pie you’ll ever make. No tricky techniques or steps and it involves a blender, a microwave, and a fridge. Doesn’t get easier than that! You have to try it!

Ingredients Needed and Substitutions

This chocolate pudding pie is made with a secret ingredient—silken tofu! You can’t taste the tofu at all, but you’re left with a creamy pudding-like consistency without needing to prepare a packet of instant pudding or whip heavy cream. With just a few extra ingredients, this pie is a snap to make!

Dairy-Free Semisweet Chocolate Chips

Opt for high-quality vegan semisweet chocolate chips to ensure a rich and indulgent chocolate flavor.

Hand holding up a bag of Chocolate Emporium semi-sweet chocolate chips.

Silken Tofu

Select a 14-ounce block of silken tofu, also known as “soft” tofu. Ensure it is well-drained to achieve a smooth and creamy texture in the pie filling. Silken tofu contributes to the pie’s velvety consistency.

Overhead view of a block of silken tofu.

Vanilla Extract

Use pure vanilla extract to enhance the overall flavor of the chocolate pie.

Graham Cracker Pie Crust

Choose a pre-made vegan graham cracker pie crust for convenience or prepare your own using vegan graham crackers and plant-based butter. Crumble them together and press it tightly at the bottom of the pan. Ensure the crust is firm and well-set to support the creamy filling.

How To Make This Easy No Bake Chocolate Pie

For the Pie

In a small microwave-safe bowl, heat the chocolate chips for 45 seconds, stirring with a fork until smooth. If the chocolate remains lumpy, microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, or use a double boiler for an alternative melting method.

A bowl of melted vegan dairy-free chocolate.

Blend the melted chocolate, tofu, and vanilla in a blender or food processor until creamy, then pour the mixture into the pie crust and freeze for 30 minutes until the filling solidifies.

The pie can be refrigerated for up to 5 days.

For the Coconut Whipped Cream

Refrigerate a can of coconut milk overnight or for at least 6 hours. Once chilled, the milk and water will have separated. Remove the lid and pour out the water (which can be saved for a smoothie). In the bowl of an electric mixer, whisk the solidified coconut milk, vanilla, and powdered sugar on high for 5 minutes until fluffy. Alternatively, use a hand whisk if an electric mixer is unavailable. Serve immediately.

Coconut Whipped Cream on a spoon.

Topping Ideas

To top off this no-bake chocolate pie you can make this delicious coconut whipped cream. It compliments the intense chocolate flavor of the pie perfectly. Or use any store-bought vegan whipped cream you prefer.

Want to change it up? Try these other tasty toppings:

  • Coconut yogurt. Another great idea if you don’t want to work extra for the topping cream, is to top it with very thick and fatty coconut yogurt and drizzle a bit of maple syrup on top.
  • Dust with cocoa powder. Light dust the top with cocoa powder using a fine sieve for an extra layer of chocolate goodness.
  • Chocolate shavings. use a vegetable peeler to create delicate chocolate shavings for an elegant garnish.
  • Chopped nuts. Sprinkle with chopped nuts such as almonds, pecans, or hazelnuts for added crunch.
  • Edible flowers. Decorate with edible flowers for a visually stunning and whimsical touch.
A couple of No-Bake Chocolate Pie slices on a plate, topped with whipped cream and fresh berries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other crackers to make the crust?

Absolutely! You can choose any easy to crumble cracker or cookie. If you notice that the crackers you use don’t hold very well you could add a bit of vegan butter to bring it all together. Just make sure you press them tight enough and the crust will harden with the cold. 

Can I freeze this no bake chocolate pie?

Yes, this pie is easy to freeze! After assembling, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. For added protection, place the pie in a large resealable plastic bag. Freeze the pie for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

More No Bake Dessert Recipes

vegan chocolate pie with whipped cream and berries
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No-Bake Chocolate Pie with Graham Cracker Crust

This no-bake chocolate pie is one of the easiest I’ve ever made. There are only four ingredients, and all of them can be snapped up at your local grocery store. For vegan chocolate chips, look at the ingredients and make sure they don’t say “contains milk.” I usually buy Trader Joe’s or Guittard semisweet chocolate chips. For the pie crust, Keebler’s graham-cracker crust is accidentally vegan and is a good bet.
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword dairy-free chocolate pie, no bake chocolate pie with graham cracker crust, no-bake chocolate pie, vegan chocolate pie
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 1 Pie
Calories 894kcal

Ingredients

For the pie:

  • 1 12-ounce bag dairy-free semisweet chocolate chips
  • 1 14-ounce block silken tofu drained (also called “soft” tofu)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 vegan graham cracker pie crust

For the coconut whipped cream:

  • 1 13.5-ounce can full-fat coconut milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 teaspoons powdered sugar

Instructions

For the Pie:

  • In a small, microwave-safe bowl, microwave the chocolate chips for 45 seconds. Mix with a fork until smooth. (If the chocolate is still lumpy, microwave for 20-second intervals, mixing in between, until the chocolate is completely smooth. Alternatively, melt using a double boiler.
  • In a blender or food processor, blend the melted chocolate, tofu, and vanilla until creamy.
  • Pour the tofu-chocolate mixture into the piecrust and place in the freezer for 30 minutes or until the filling solidifies. The pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

For the Coconut Milk:

  • Place the can of coconut milk in the refrigerator and let it sit overnight or for at least 6 hours.
  • After the coconut milk is completely chilled, the milk and water should have separated. Remove the lid and pour out the water. (You can save it for a smoothie.)
  • In the bowl of an electric mixer, whisk the solidified coconut milk, vanilla, and powdered sugar on high for 5 minutes or until the mixture is fluffy. (If you don’t have an electric mixer, a hand whisk will also work.) Serve Immediately.

Notes

Storage: Cover and store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freeze: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Toni’s Tips:
  • If you don’t have a graham-cracker pie crust handy, you can crumble your favorite cookies or graham crackers and pack them tightly into the bottom of an 8-inch pie dish. Then pour the tofu-chocolate mixture on top of the crumbs and place the pie in the freezer.
  • Avoid using coconut milk with guar gum because it prevents the milk from solidifying. If you can’t find one that is full-fat and doesn’t have guar gum, coconut cream also works.
Testers’ Tip: “To make your own pie crust, use a sleeve of vegan graham crackers, which has roughly ten, and pulse them in a blender or food processor until they crumble. Add ½ cup vegan butter to the blender or food processor and blend together. Using your fingers, press the graham cracker mixture into the baking sheet.” —Lisa K. from New Orleans, LA

Nutrition

Calories: 894kcal | Carbohydrates: 120g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 43g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 29g | Sodium: 802mg | Potassium: 214mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 33g | Vitamin A: 2IU | Vitamin C: 0.01mg | Calcium: 52mg | Iron: 5mg

About The Cookbook

The Plant-Based on a Budget cookbook is a must! It’s one of those cookbooks that will end up on your kitchen counter and never make it to the shelves. The idea behind it is to help you save money while eating a healthy plant-based diet. Pretty amazing, right? You’ll find so many staple recipes here like broccoli soup, 3 bean salad, and blueberry muffins. 

Toni Okamoto is the budget eating guru. She has been sharing delicious tips and recipes on her blog for years and this is already her second cookbook. You can also find her alongside World of Vegan founder Michelle Cehn in the Plant-Powered People Podcast, so go have a listen!

If you want to get your own copy of this book find it here.

This no-bake vegan chocolate pie recipe was excerpted from Plant-Based On a Budget by Toni Okamoto, BenBella Books, 2019. Photos by Jenny Love.

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The Ultimate Vegan Gift Guide: 150+ Ideas For the Holidays and Beyond https://www.worldofvegan.com/vegan-gift-guide/ https://www.worldofvegan.com/vegan-gift-guide/#comments Wed, 20 Dec 2023 00:40:04 +0000 https://www.worldofvegan.com/?p=113965 After a decade of anticipation, we are delighted to present the comprehensive Vegan Gift Guide you’ve been waiting for. This meticulously curated guide showcases an array of conscientious, sustainable, and fully vegan gift options suitable for every conceivable occasion, budget range, and recipient profile. Whether you are working with a budget as modest as $10 […]

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After a decade of anticipation, we are delighted to present the comprehensive Vegan Gift Guide you’ve been waiting for. This meticulously curated guide showcases an array of conscientious, sustainable, and fully vegan gift options suitable for every conceivable occasion, budget range, and recipient profile.

Whether you are working with a budget as modest as $10 or as generous as $500, whether your recipient is an avid meat lover or a dedicated herbivore, whether you are selecting a gift for a 5-year-old or a centenarian, our guide is here to serve as your compass, guiding you towards thoughtful and meaningful gifts imbued with compassion and purpose.

These gift ideas are versatile and suitable for any occasion—be it the holiday season, Christmas, Hanukkah, a birthday celebration, stocking stuffer ideas, or any other event that comes to mind.

Printable Animal Gift Tags (Our Gift to You!)

Make your gifts extra special with our free printable gift tags featuring sweet animals adorned with flower crowns. Simply print them out, cut them, and attach them to your gift!

Preview of the printable vegan holiday gift tags.

You can use regular printer paper, cardstock, or adhesive paper. Use a single-hole punch to create a hole at the top of each tag, making it easy to attach to your gifts with ribbon or string. Thread a ribbon or twine through the hole you’ve punched and tie the tag securely to your gift.

Whether you’re gifting to a friend, family member, or loved one, our adorable animal-inspired gift tags are sure to bring a smile to their face.

Vegan Gift Baskets

If you’re struggling to find the perfect heartfelt gift for that special someone, consider a thoughtful gift basket! Even if you’re shopping for someone who seems to have it all, there’s a vegan gift basket waiting to enchant them. Here, we’ve compiled a selection of the finest vegan gift basket choices available.

Many of the gift sets below are available on Amazon with one-day shipping.

Cozy “Spa in a Box” Feel Better Care Package

This is the perfect get well gift for someone who needs some self care. Whether life is just hard, they are recovering from an injury, or they’re grieving a loss, this “Sending Hugs” care package is ready to ship on Amazon. It’s filled with cozy cloud socks, peaceful herbal tea, a comforting soy candle, moisturizing vegan hand cream, a sachet of dried lavender for aromatherapy, and a ceramic mug.

A get well gift basket with a soy candle, vegan lotion, cozy socks, a mug, and tea.

Dried Fruit Gift Basket

A timeless gift that is fantastic for anyone—friends, family, colleagues, or corporate gifts! These dried fruit platters are fantastic for sharing, so they make great gifts for groups, and the platter transforms into a fruit basket that can be used for years to come.

A platter of dried fruit in an apple-shaped basket for gifting.

Tea Lover’s Gift Box

Send warm love and care in a box with a set of premium quality organic teas. They have several gift sets to choose from including a self-care collection, tea-by-mood collection, and this “World of Tea” collection perfect for that friend who loves to travel!

World of Teas gift box from Numi with nine different types of teas in a beautiful box.

Flowering Tea Gift Set

Any tea lover will adore this gorgeous gift set from Numi! The glass teapot is specially designed to show off flower tea pods as they delicately bloom as soon as hot water is added. And the teas are organic, fair-trade, and sustainably crafted. This gift is so unique it’s a great option for the person who has everything.

A gift basket set with Numi's flowering tea pods and special glass teapot.

Soy Candle Gift Set

Gift warmth and light to a dear friend with this stunning ensemble of hand-poured soy candles that combine natural elegance with captivating scents. These come in decorative tins that are appropriate for any occasion—from birthdays to holidays or as a get well gift—and are available on Amazon.

Four beautifully designed soy candles in metal tins packaged in a decorative gift box.

Harry & David’s Vegan Charcuterie Basket

Long respected as a premium gift basket brand, Harry & David finally added a vegan charcuterie box to their lineup. This artfully curated assortment is a testament to the fusion of taste and ethics. Bursting with vibrant flavors, premium dried fruits, and vegan charcuterie meats and cheeses, this is a perfect gift for anyone who loves fine cheese.

A vegan charcuterie box from Harry and David's.
Photo credit: Harry and David’s

Edible Arrangements Fruit Bouquets

Who wouldn’t love an edible boquet made from fresh juicy fruit transformed into beautiful, delectable flower-inspired arrangement? Each bouquet is a delightful blend of artistry, color, and sweet flavor, making it the perfect choice for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, saying thank you, or sending warm wishes, Edible Arrangements offers a unique and delicious way to express your sentiments.

White vase with beautiful fresh fruit bouquet from Edible arrangements.

Holiday Popcorn Tin

Popinsanity Artisanal Popcorn has a wide assortment of festive sweet and savory popcorn and kettle corn, and all of their flavors except for three are vegan! 

Vegan holiday popcorn tin from Popsanity.

Vegan Snack Gift Set

If you’re a fan of Amazon and one-day shipping, you can send a Bunny James gift box filled vegan snacks in a snap. They offer their vegan gift boxes in a variety of sizes at different price ranges, ranging from $29 to $159, with free next-day shipping. With nearly 3,000 5-star ratings on Amazon, this is a great option for college students, business associates, faraway friends, or anyone who loves to snack. It’s packed with cookies, protein bars, candy, chips, jerky, fruit and nut blends, and more.

A purple box filled with dozens of vegan snacks as a gift basket.

Gift-Worthy Vegan Cookbooks

Cookbooks are exceptional gifts for any occasion, offering a world of culinary inspiration. With a vast array of plant-based cookbooks tailored for comfort food lovers, health enthusiasts, gourmet aficionados, cheese connoisseurs, chocoholics, and beyond, it won’t be hard to find a perfect match.

You can also find vegan cookbooks specially crafted for air fryer recipes, Instant Pot recipes, kid-friendly recipes, budget-friendly recipes, and every cultural cuisine imaginable. Dive into our curated selection of the finest vegan cookbooks.

Our Favorite Cookbooks for Gifting

The Friendly Vegan Cookbook – This welcoming book is a phenomenal introduction to vegan cooking. Crafted with the spirit of sharing delicious vegan food in mind, it’s filled with easy-to-follow plant-based versions of beloved family dishes. With its captivating photography and rigorously tested recipes, it caters to both seasoned cooks and those new to the kitchen. The recipes are so good even the most staunch meat lovers will be reaching across the table for seconds!

The Friendly Vegan Cookbook

The Joy of Vegan Baking – Written by one of the most notable vegan cookbook authors, Colleen Patrick-Goudreau, this baking book a must-have in every herbivore’s kitchen. It’s the vegan baking bible, and a delightful treasure trove of sweet and savory vegan baked goods.

Cover art for The Joy of Vegan Baking by Colleen Patrick-Goudreau.

Cooking from the Spirit – Brought to you by the beloved vegan personality Tabitha Brown, this cookbook combines plant-based goodness with her unique spiritual touch, infusing every dish with love and positivity.

The cover of Tabitha Brown's vegan cookbook called "Cooking From the Spirit."

The Vegan Instant Pot Cookbook – Authored by Nisha Vora, a well known expert in vegan cuisine, this cookbook unlocks the potential of your Instant Pot with a delectable array of plant-based recipes.

Cover art for the Vegan Instant Pot Cookbook by Nisha Vora.

The Homemade Vegan Pantry – From the kitchen of a seasoned DIY enthusiast Miyoko Schinner—the vegan cheese queen herself—this cookbook will empower anyone to whip up their own pantry staples. This is perfect for anyone passionate about sustainability, homesteading, or kind living.

Cover art for The Homemade Vegan Pantry by Miyoko Schinner.

Vegan Gifts For The Home Cook

For the culinary enthusiast in your life, we’ve compiled a list of thoughtful vegan gifts that will elevate their kitchen experience and add a dash of eco-consciousness to their cooking journey:

Stylish Apron: Every home cook could use a fun new apron—especially if it’s a high-quality apron from a reputable brand like Hedley and Bennet! They make aprons worn by top chefs around the world, for both adults and kids in dozens of styles. And they’ll last a lifetime!

Festive holiday Hedley & Bennett aprons his and hers.

Beautiful Chef’s Knife: A top-notch quality chef’s knife is a kitchen workhorse, ensuring precision and ease in chopping veggies and fruits for plant-based recipes.

Chef's knife on a cutting board with vegetable ingredients.

A Quality Cutting Board: A durable and stylish cutting board is a kitchen essential, providing the perfect surface for slicing and dicing delicious plant-based creations.

Beautiful Quality Cookware: Surprise someone you love with premium cookware such as Caraway or Le Creuset that not only enhances the cooking process but also adds a touch of elegance to their kitchen.

Quality Bakeware: Upgrade their baking game with high-quality bakeware that guarantees even heat distribution for perfect vegan treats.

Caraway cookware set in light pink with pots and pans set up on a countertop.

Tofu Press: A tofu press streamlines the tofu-preparation process, ensuring extra firmness for delicious plant-based dishes.

Tea Kettle: A stylish tea kettle is a must-have for tea enthusiasts and offers a cozy touch to their kitchen.

Spoon Rest: An elegant stone spoon rest keeps their countertops clean and utensils within easy reach while they whip up vegan masterpieces.

High-Quality Apron: An apron provides protection for cooks by shielding their clothing from stains, spills, and heat during meal preparation.

Mortar and Pestle: A marble mortar and pestle add a touch of sophistication to the kitchen, perfect for grinding spices and herbs for flavorful vegan dishes.

Fun Woodland Cookie Cutters: These whimsical cookie cutters bring a touch of joy to baking vegan treats, adding a playful element to their culinary creations.

Silicone Stasher Bags: Help them reduce plastic waste with reusable silicone Stasher bags, a sustainable alternative for food storage.

stasher bags filled with berries and veggies

UnPaper Towels: Eco-conscious kitchen enthusiasts will appreciate reusable UnPaper towels, a washable planet-friendly alternative to disposable paper towels.

Handmade Ceramic Dishes: Elevate their dining experience with handmade ceramic dishes like these, adding an artistic touch to their table setting.

Nooch Jar: A special nutritional yeast jar is a charming and practical gift for your super-vegan friends for storing the most beloved vegan pantry staple.

Vegan Sprinkles: For the home bakers in your life, gift them with some fancy colorful vegan sprinkles, perfect for adding a whimsical flair to cupcakes and cookies.

fancy sprinkles with pink vegan birthday cake

Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products: Have a neat and tidy Monica in your life? Bring them joy with a thoughtful Vegan Gift Basket packed with your favorite sustainable kitchen cleaning products. Or, give them a gift certificate to the Grove Collaborative, so they can restock eco-essentials all year long!

Kitchen Appliances On Everyone’s Wish List

Yonanas Soft Serve Maker: This fun and affordable appliance will magically transform frozen bananas into thick, creamy, delectable soft-serve. It’s ideal for anyone with a sweet tooth, and especially perfect for parents, kids, and teens.

yonanas banana soft serve with fresh fruit

Almond Cow: Craft your own nut milk in moments, save money, and reduce single-use packaging waste effortlessly.

Almond Cow plant based milk maker machine surrounded by bags of almonds, grains, and cashews.

Instant Pot (or any pressure cooker): Save time in the kitchen, cut costs, and enjoy healthier homemade meals with this versatile pressure cooker.

michelle cehn opening instant pot pressure cooker in fall pumpkin scene

Air Fryer: For quick and health-conscious cooking, this appliance delivers crispy results. Consider printing out some of these vegan air fryer recipes for a personalized touch.

ninja air fryer with jack and annies vegan nuggets staged on world of vegan countertop

High-Speed Blender: Blend smoothies, creamy sauces, soups, and more with ease using the Vitamix, everyone’s all-time favorite blender.

Blackberry smoothie in a blender pitcher.

Stand Mixer: This timeless classic in a fun color is a baker’s dream and a cook’s delight, perfect for kitchen enthusiasts.

Kitchenaid Stand Mixer Friendly Vegan Cookbook Vegan Gift Idea

Milk Frother and Warmer: Elevate your mornings with perfect lattes made at home, complete with frothy goodness.

Ice Cream Maker: Create personalized ice creams and frozen desserts to satisfy your sweet cravings with unique flavors.

Indoor Vertical Garden: A space-saving smart garden system like Gardyn allows you to grow up to 30 plants in just 2 feet of floor space, perfect for gardening enthusiasts.

Electric Composting Machine: An innovative gift for eco-warriors or urban dwellers, the Lomi home composter is turning kitchen scraps into compost, even without outdoor space.

Michelle Cehn adding organic waste food scraps into the Lomi kitchen composter.

Vegan Gifts For The Home

Transform their living space into a haven of comfort and conscious living with our curated selection of vegan gifts for the home. From cozy ambiance enhancers to sustainable lifestyle subscriptions, these thoughtfully chosen items are perfect for adding a touch of warmth, style, and eco-friendliness to any living space:

Soy Candle: Infuse their home with the gentle glow and soothing scents of one of these vegan soy candles, creating a serene atmosphere for relaxation.

fall vegan candle in jar with pumpkin and holiday decor

A House Plant or Succulents: Breathe life into their home with vibrant house plants or charming succulents, bringing a touch of nature indoors.

Ceramic Mug: Explore the artisan-made ceramic mugs on Etsy for a beautifully crafted vessel that elevates their morning coffee or tea routine.

Beautiful pale pink speckled ceramic mug.

A Stone or Crystal: Gift them a meaningful stone or crystal with a heartfelt note or message, adding a touch of positive energy to their space.

Essential Oil Diffuser: Create a calming ambiance with an essential oil diffuser, allowing them to enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy in the comfort of their home.

Essential Oil diffuser.

Coconut Bowls: Enhance their eco-conscious dining experience with a set of coconut bowls paired with wooden utensils, perfect for serving delicious vegan meals.

etched coconut bowls and wooden spoons stacked up with strawberries in them

VegNews Magazine: A subscription to the most popular vegan magazine.

Vegan gifts from Etsy shops: Explore unique and artisan-made vegan gifts from Etsy shops, adding a touch of handmade charm to their home.

Vegan Advent Calendar: Count down to the holidays with a vegan advent calendar, filled with daily surprises and treats for the festive season.

Woman holding up a Moo-Free advent calendar filled with vegan holiday chocolates.

Vegan Subscription Boxes

Vegan subscription boxes are ideal gifts, especially for those you can’t visit in person. Not only will they delight in the initial box of surprise goodies, but you can also extend their happiness with subscriptions available for 3 months, 6 months, or even a full year! Explore some of our top picks:

Vegan Cuts – Surprise a friend with a monthly Vegan Cuts box! They offer not one, but three fabulous options: Snack Box, Beauty Box, or Makeup Box.

vegan cuts snack subscription box

AllTrue – AllTrue is the ultimate gift-worthy lifestyle box. This quarterly box is thoughtfully curated with a collection of home, body, and life goods that support artisans and important causes. Think woven blankets, vegan leather pouches, hand-crafted wooden serving bowls, mind-calming essential oils, and kindly crafted face masks. While AllTrue is not an all-vegan company, every box can be tailored to be completely vegan.

all true cause box subscription box

Petit Vour – Experience the beauty of cruelty-free living with Petit Vour, the premier vegan beauty box. Each month, they deliver a selection of high-quality vegan and ethically sourced beauty products right to your doorstep.

petit vour cruelty free beauty box unboxed with pacifica

Love Goodly – Love Goodly brings you the best in vegan lifestyle products. Their carefully curated boxes feature a mix of beauty, wellness, and eco-conscious items.

love goodly vegan cruelty free lifestyle subscription box

Kinder Beauty Box – Co-founded by Daniella Monet and Evanna Lynch, Kinder Beauty Box is a vegan beauty subscription service that’s all about kindness. Treat your loved ones to their handpicked vegan and cruelty-free beauty products that promote self-care and compassion.

kinder beauty vegan cruelty free subscription box

Gift-Worthy Books

The Boy, The Mole, The Fox, & The Horse – Charlie Mackesy’s heartwarming tale beautifully illustrates the profound lessons of friendship and kindness, making it a cherished gift for both adults and children.

An open page of the book by Charlie Makesy.
The Boy, The Mole, The Fox, and The Horse by Charlie Mackesy

Walking With Peety: The Dog Who Saved My Life – Eric O’Grey’s heartwarming journey with his rescue dog Peety will inspire and touch the soul, showcasing the transformative power of compassion and a plant-based lifestyle.

The Sprout Book – Perfect for wellness enthusiasts, this book takes the reader on a journey into the world of sprouting with Doug Evans, the king of sprouts. It explores the immense nutritional benefits of these tiny powerhouses in your daily diet, and provides practical tutorials and recipes for growing your own sprouts at home.

Vegan Children’s Books – including beloved titles like Linus the Vegetarian T-Rex and Junebug, which are perfect for both vegan and non-vegan children.

Holding up the vegan children's book called Linus the Vegetarian T-Rex.

How Not to Die – A groundbreaking guide by Dr. Michael Greger, this book empowers readers with evidence-based insights on preventing chronic diseases through a whole-food, plant-based diet.

Prevent & Reverse Heart Disease – Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn presents a life-changing approach to cardiovascular health, demonstrating how a plant-powered diet can prevent and even reverse heart disease.

Special Vegan Food and Treats: Savor the Flavors of Compassion

Indulge your taste buds and nourish your soul with these delectable vegan delights, perfect for gifting or enjoying yourself.

Baked Goods: Whether homemade vegan desserts and baked goods or from artisan online vegan bakeries that ship, these treats offer a taste of vegan perfection.

Vegan Gift Ideas | Michelle Cehn & Kristie Middleton Wrapping Homemade Vegan Pumpkin Bread & Writing Holiday Cards

Vegan Chocolate: Satisfy your sweet cravings with a luxurious vegan chocolate gift box filled with ethically crafted delights.

Heart shaped box of vegan chocolate truffles with white chocolate, dark chocolate, and plant based milk chocolate.

Your Favorite Tea Paired With a Cozy Mug: Create moments of warmth and relaxation with your preferred tea and a snug, stylish mug.

Blooming Teas and Glass Teapot Set: A perfect gift for tea lovers, or anyone who needs some relaxation and self-care, Numi’s Flowering Tea Gift Set makes an thoughtful and unique gift at an affordable price point. They also have several other tea gift boxes filled with various themed collections of herbal teas designed for gifting.

Numi's glass teapot gift set with beautiful blossoming teas.

Produce Delivery Box: Elevate any home with fresh, sustainably sourced produce delivered right to your recipients doorstep. A few fantastic options include Imperfect Produce, Farm Fresh to You, and Misfits Market.

Vegan Meal Delivery Service: Simplify mealtime with the convenience of a vegan meal delivery service, offering delicious and nourishing options.

Michelle Cehn Opening the Veestro Box Meal Delivery

Beautiful Olive Oil Gift Set: Elevate your culinary creations with a luxurious olive oil gift set, showcasing the rich flavors of nature.

Beautifully wrapped olive oil and vinegar gift set from Wild Groves.

Nice Bottle of Vegan Wine: Raise a glass to cruelty-free indulgence with a fine bottle of vegan wine, thoughtfully selected from our vegan wine guide or dedicated vegan wine brands.

Gift box of vegan wine fro Kind of Wild wine.

Fancy Bottle of Alcohol: Explore the world of vegan-friendly spirits, ensuring your bottle of choice aligns with your compassionate values.

Vegan Jerky: Experience the bold flavors and satisfying textures of vegan jerky, a savory snack that’s cruelty-free and delicious.

hand holding up a bag of smoky carolina bbq vegan jerky louisville vegan jerky in front of a natural rock formation

Vegan Bath and Beauty Lovers

If you’re putting together a gift for a bath, body, or beauty lover, or someone in your life who needs some self care, there are nearly infinite cruelty-free brands to choose from.

Vegan Lip Balm: Gift your loved ones the perfect solution for soft and nourished lips with vegan lip balm, a thoughtful addition to any beauty routine.

Eco friendly compostable lip balm tubes from Booda Organics.

Vegan Shampoo Bars: Make a sustainable and cruelty-free statement with vegan shampoo bars, an eco-conscious gift that’s gentle on hair and the planet.

A collection of vegan cruelty-free eco-friendly shampoo bars laid out on a table.

Skincare or Body Care: Treat someone special to a luxurious vegan skincare or body care gift set, a pampering package that shows you care about their well-being and ethical values.

Collection of vegan beauty and makeup products from different brands including blush, skincare, perfume, and makeup brushes.

Vegan Body Lotion: Delight in the gift of soft, moisturized skin with vegan lotion, a nourishing and compassionate addition to anyone’s skincare routine.

A tin of Avocado body butter for dry skin from The Body Shop brand of vegan lotion.

Cruelty-Free Nail Polish: Add a pop of cruelty-free color to their life with nail polish, a vibrant and stylish gift for the beauty enthusiast.

A collection of sparkly vegan nail polish from Pacifica.

Vegan Soap: Elevate bath time with artisanal vegan soaps, available on Etsy and from popular brands, making for charming and fragrant presents.

Natural Cruelty-Free Soap wrapped in twine.

Compassionate Chick’s Guide to DIY Beauty: Inspire the DIY lover in your life with this book, the perfect gift for crafting cruelty-free beauty products at home.

Bath Bombs: Transform bath time into a spa-like experience with bath bomb gift sets, including delightful options from LUSH.

Gift Box from a Cruelty-Free Beauty Brand: Share the gift of ethical beauty with a curated gift box from a cruelty-free brand like Pacifica, offering a variety of delightful products.

Vegan Gift Ideas | Pacifica Gift Boxes With Lip Balm and Body Care

Homemade Gift Basket With Your Favorite Bath and Body Products: Craft a personalized gift basket filled with your favorite bath and body products, a heartfelt and thoughtful gift idea that shows you’ve put in extra effort to create a special present.

Vegan Gifts For Him: Thoughtful Choices for Every Occasion

When it comes to choosing vegan gifts for the gentlemen in your life, there’s no shortage of thoughtful options to explore. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply showing your appreciation, these vegan-friendly gifts are bound to make him smile.

  • Cookbook(s): Support his passion for food or love of specific cuisines with a hand-picked vegan cookbook.
  • Apron: Spice up his cooking attire with a new apron from a chef-worthy brand!
  • Vegan Belt: Elevate his style with a fashionable and cruelty-free vegan belt.
  • Vegan Wool Socks: Keep his feet warm and cozy with sustainable and animal-friendly wool-alternative socks.
  • Nice Coffee Tumblr: Make his morning routine more enjoyable with a sleek and reusable coffee tumbler.
  • HydroFlask Water Bottle: Help him stay hydrated on the go with a durable and eco-conscious water bottle.
  • Reusable Coffee Cup: Ideal for eco-conscious coffee lovers, a reusable coffee cup reduces waste and supports sustainable sipping.
  • Vegan Wallet (from a vegan leather brand like these): Upgrade his everyday essentials with a stylish and ethical vegan wallet from a trusted cruelty-free brand.
  • Natural or Plant-Leather Watch: Add a touch of sophistication to his look with a natural or plant-based leather watch.
  • Sustainable sweater or clothing: Keep him warm and stylish with sustainable clothing, and consider renowned brands like Pact for quality.
  • Cruelty-Free Winter Jacket
  • Eco-Friendly Safety Razor: Elevate his grooming routine with an eco-friendly safety razor that reduces plastic waste.
  • Vegan Meats Gift Basket: Satisfy his taste buds with a delectable vegan meats gift basket, perfect for indulging in plant-based culinary adventures.
  • Vegan Gift Basket: Explore a wide range of vegan gift baskets tailored to his interests, whether it’s gourmet treats, wellness essentials, or more.
Man holding a pair of brown Will vegan shoes.

These vegan gifts for him showcase your thoughtfulness and commitment to a compassionate and sustainable lifestyle, making each occasion more special and meaningful.

Vegan Gifts For Her: Thoughtful and Memorable Ideas

Surprise and delight a special women in your life with vegan gifts that reflect her values and passions. Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just to show you care, these thoughtful options are sure to make her day.

  • Vegan Cookbook(s): Inspire her culinary adventures with a collection of plant-based cookbooks, opening up a world of delicious possibilities.
  • Apron: She’ll love a style-forward apron from a widely celebrated brand like Hedley & Bennett!
  • Subscription Box: Treat her to the gift of discovery with a vegan beauty or lifestyle box, brimming with cruelty-free treasures and surprises.
  • Vegan Uggs-Style Boots: Keep her cozy and stylish with warm, vegan-friendly boots inspired by the iconic Ugg style.
  • Vegan T-Shirt or Clothing: Show her how much you respect her love of animals with chic and sustainable vegan t-shirt or clothing that makes a kind statement.
  • Reusable Coffee Cup: Add convenience to her daily routine with a stylish and eco-friendly reusable coffee cup.
  • Stainless Steel Wine Tumblr: Empower her to pour a glass of wine by a campfire, in the park, or anywhere she travels with a durable and eco-conscious wine tumbler.
  • Vegan Leather Handbag, Backpack, or Wallet: Complete her look with a cruelty-free and fashionable accessory, whether it’s a handbag, backpack, or wallet.
  • Sustainable sweater or clothing: Support her eco-conscious lifestyle with sustainable clothing from respected brands like Pact. Just be sure to avoid wool, angora, leather, and silk.
  • Cruelty-Free Winter Coat: Help her stay cozy and warm during chilly seasons with a cruelty-free winter coat.
  • Conscious Jewelry: Choose a thoughtful piece of ethical and conscious jewelry.
  • Vegan Gift Basket: Explore a wide range of vegan gift baskets tailored to her interests, from gourmet treats to wellness essentials.

Your thoughtful gifts can honor her unique spirit and unwavering dedication to a life marked by compassion and sustainability, infusing every occasion with deeper significance and cherished memories.

girl wearing white kale em with kindness vegan shirt with sunflower in her back pocket

Gifts For Kids: Sparking Joy, Compassion, and Imagination

Finding the perfect gifts for kids can be a delightful adventure. Whether you’re shopping for a special occasion or just to bring a smile to their faces, these thoughtfully chosen options are bound to ignite their imagination and curiosity.

Vegan Children’s Books: Our favorites are Linus the Vegetarian T-Rex and Junebug.

vegan kid reading a book to his stuffed animal cow

Kids Apron: Cultivate their love of cooking, baking, and smoothie making with a fun new apron they can wipe their four-frosted hands on!

Kids black apron with animal print design.

Eco-Friendly Kids Cups and Plates: Make mealtime more enjoyable with these charming Elk & Friends Cups, perfect for tiny hands. They pair perfectly with these silicone bunny plates and matching kid-safe forks and spoons.

Eco-friendly kids cups and silicone bunny plates from Elk & Friends in a holiday scene.

Coloring Pages: Print out our collection of free coloring pages and pair them with vegan art supplies for endless artistic adventures.

Earth day drawing coloring page with animals, the planet, a whale, and the words "Protect Our Planet."

Kids Water Bottle: Keep kids hydrated on their adventures with a durable and planet-friendly water bottle like these from Klean Kanteen.

Eco-Friendly Lunchbox: Encourage sustainable living from a young age with eco-friendly lunchboxes from PlanetBox that are both stylish and practical. These stainless steel dishwasher-safe lunch boxes are a favorite among conscious parents worldwide.

Planet Box stainless steel zero waste vegan kids lunchbox with fruit kebabs.

Sustainable Toys: Spark their imagination with sustainable and eco-friendly toys from brands like Lovevery, Wiwiurka, and EarthHero, offering hours of playful learning.

Subscription Box: Age-appropriate toy subscription box from Lovevery, packed with developmental treasures.

Vegan kid Graham Miller opening and playing with a Lovevery play kit gift.

Wooden Pikler Climbing Triangle: Enhance physical development and playtime adventures with a wooden Pikler triangle for climbing and exploration, like this Wooden Pikler Triangle from Wiwiurka

Games: Teach the importance of animal rescue while enjoying quality family time with the Rescued Card Game, crafted by vegans with love.

These gifts for kids are not just presents; they’re invitations to learn, explore, and create beautiful memories that will last a lifetime.

Vegan Gifts For Babies: Nurturing a Compassionate Beginning

When it comes to the littlest members of the family, introducing them to a world of compassion and sustainability is a beautiful gift in itself. These thoughtful vegan baby gifts help pave the way for a bright and conscious future.

Stuffed Animals: Nurture any little one’s love of animals with a snuggly plush friend, a companion for life’s earliest adventures. Consider stuffed animals that represent farmed animals to help foster love for cows, pigs, chickens, turkey, and other animals that are often neglected and underserved in our world.

vegan baby wearing a chicken halloween costume with a peta not a nugget stuffed chick

Teething Toys: Offer soothing relief and playful exploration with eco-friendly teething toys like Oli & Carol’s teethers made from natural rubber and inspired by nature and vegetables.

Onesies: Give a little one in a message of hope for a compassionate and sustainable future with a charming “The Future Is Vegan” Onesie.

Vegan Onesie gift that says "homegrown with love" laying on a baby changing table.

Vegan Children’s Books: Cultivate a love for reading and kindness with vegan-themed children’s books that spark imagination and empathy.

Vegan Kids Books vivi the super vegan and slumberkins slumber sloth book

Slumberkins: Create sweet bedtime moments of mindfulness with Slumberkins, nighttime books that inspire comfort and emotional well-being.

Vegan Kids Books Slumberkins

Newborn Play Gym: Foster early learning and development with a thoughtfully designed play gym like this popular option from Lovevery, promoting sensory exploration.

These vegan baby gifts not only embrace the joy of infancy but also plant the seeds of compassion and conscious living from the very beginning. Celebrate the precious new life in your world with these nurturing and meaningful gestures.

Heartfelt Gifts for New Moms: Celebrating New Beginnings

Welcoming a new life into the world is a beautiful journey, and these thoughtful gifts are designed to support and pamper new moms during this special time.

Vegan Meal Delivery Service: Ease the demands of meal preparation with a vegan meal delivery service, ensuring nourishing and convenient options for the busy days ahead.

Vegan Meal Delivery from Veestro

Conscious Baby Clothes: Dress the little one in ethical and adorable baby clothes, a reflection of care for both baby and the planet.

Cute conscious eco-friendly baby onesie gift for new moms.

Baby Carrier, Ring Sling, or Swaddle Blanket: Enhance bonding and ease with a baby carrier or ring sling from trusted brands like Baby Tula or Sakura Bloom.

Vegan Swaddle

Collection of Kids Cups: Create delightful moments with a collection of kids’ cups from Elk & Friends, perfect for tiny hands.

elk and friends toddler kids glass silicone cup

Gift Card to Doordash or Grubhub: Offer the gift of convenience with a Doordash or Grubhub gift card, providing easy access to delicious meals during those busy days.

Gift Card to a Favorite Local Restaurant: Support the new mom’s love for plant-based cuisine with a gift card to her favorite local vegan restaurant, ensuring a delightful dining experience.

Cloth Diapers: Embrace sustainability with cloth diapers, a choice that not only reduces waste but also provides comfort for the baby.

Vegan Cloth Diaper Stash Assembled In A Drawer

These thoughtful gifts for new moms celebrate the joys of motherhood while promoting sustainability and convenience, making the transition into parenthood a little smoother and a lot more special.

Gifts for Furry Friends

There’s a special kind of warmth that comes from gifting something thoughtful to your friend’s beloved fur babies. Often, our canine, feline, and other furry companions are left off the holiday gift list, making your gesture of kindness truly remarkable and unforgettable.

Explore this comprehensive guide to plant-based dog treats and resources, and consider wrapping up a package of treats with a festive toy or crafting a full gift basket of furry delights. Here, we’ve curated a selection of heartwarming options for your furry friends.

Treats: Spoil them with a variety of delectable vegan options from V-Dog, including Kind Jerky, Breath Bones, and Wiggle Biscuits. Or give them some Wild Earth’s Koji Dog Treats made with innovative and sustainable ingredients or Bright Planet Vegan Dog Treats.

Vegan Dog Treats Fruitables World of Vegan Art

Vegan Rawhides: Keep their chewing urges satisfied with wholesome and vegetable-packed Sam’s Yams sweet potato rawhides or adorable Whimzees Dog Chews.

Dentil chews breath bones for dogs from V-Dog that works as rawhides.

Fresh Dog Food: Elevate their dining experience with fresh and whosome dog food from PawCo or Bramble, tailored for their well-being.

A dog sitting at a table, eating a bowl of PawCo Foods vegan adult dog food.

The Simple Little Vegan Dog Book: Give their human companions a book to help them navigate the world of tasty plant-based dog treats.

Dog Bandana: Delight any pup parent with a fun or festive dog bandana that aligns with their style, character, and personality.

vegan dog wearing an im vegan bandana at a vegan festival

Cute Dog Toys: Add fun to their playtime with an array of adorable and durable dog toys.

These thoughtfully selected vegan dog treats and essentials celebrate your dog’s well-being while aligning with your values of compassion and sustainability.

These special vegan food and treats transform ordinary moments into extraordinary ones, celebrating the delicious fusion of ethical choices and mouthwatering flavors. Whether shared with loved ones or savored in solitude, they offer a delectable journey through the world of vegan indulgence.

Handmade Gifts Filled With Heart

Let’s not forget the best category of all: homemade gifts! Let your creativity run wild and made something from the heart—from scratch.

Homemade Vegan Hot Cocoa Mix in a mason jar on a wooden table with Christmas lights in the background.

Salt Dough Ornaments

Make this easy 3-ingredient salt dough from just flour, salt, and water, and craft your own special ornaments! This is a great holiday activity for kids and makes great gifts, gift adornments, or stocking stuffers for grandparents, family, and close friends.

Make Your Own Gift Basket

Vegan Wine and Cheese Gift Basket

Assemble a sophisticated artisan vegan cheeseboard basket complete with an ensemble of gourmet vegan cheeses, a jar of stuffed olives, dried fruit, nuts, and a nice bottle of vegan wine.

Zero-Waste Gift Basket

Let the eco-warrior in your life know you care with the ultimate zero-waste gifts. Create a custom collection of your favorite zero-waste essentials, such as:

  • Travel Utensil Set: Say goodbye to single-use plastics with a compact, on-the-go utensil set perfect for eco-conscious dining.
  • Glass or Metal Straws: Sip sustainably with elegant and reusable glass or metal straws, reducing plastic waste one sip at a time.
  • Reusable Cloth Produce Bags: Shop eco-consciously with reusable produce bags that make trips to the grocery store waste-free.
  • Bar Soap: Opt for plastic-free cleanliness with bar soap thoughtfully wrapped in biodegradable paper.
  • Bamboo Toothbrush: Upgrade their dental care routine with a bamboo toothbrush, a sustainable alternative to plastic.
  • Vegan Lip Balm: Keep lips moisturized and eco-friendly with vegan lip balm in a compostable container.
  • Vegan Shampoo Bar: Embrace plastic-free hair care with a vegan shampoo bar in a durable metal tin.
  • Reusable Water Bottle or Mug: Stay hydrated on the go with a stainless steel water bottle or enjoy your favorite beverages in a reusable coffee tumbler.
  • Eco Living Book: Inspire and educate with the book “Give A Shit” by vegan sustainability advocate Ashlee Piper, a guide to sustainable and compassionate living.
Sustainable vegan gift basket.

A zero-waste gift basket is not only a thoughtful gesture but also a powerful way to encourage eco-friendly choices and reduce environmental impact. It’s a gift that keeps on giving, inspiring a greener, more sustainable tomorrow.

Vegan S’mores Kit

Make your own s’mores kit complete with a package of vegetarian marshmallows, vegan graham crackers, and some quality vegan chocolate bars. If the gift recipient loves camping, add in some other fun camping gear like a portable hammock, insulated camping mug, rechargeable hand warmers, or a portable camping stove.

Vegan Movie Night Kit

Wrap up a must-see vegan documentary DVD in a gift basket with popcorn, a nutritional yeast shaker, vegan candy (Skittles, Swedish Fish, and Sour Patch Kids are all vegan), a cozy soy candle, and some warm fuzzy socks. Or skip the DVD, pick a Netflix movie, and get ready for a romantic night in!

Homemade Vegan Hot Cocoa Kit

Gift our homemade vegan hot chocolate mix in a mason jar wrapped up with a cute mug and vegan marshmallows. You can add a nice set of measuring spoons with it too!

Vegan Hot Cocoa Mix Recipe

Exciting Experiences and Adventures

Surprise your loved one with tickets to a concert, event, or a stay at a vegan resort or hotel! You can get tickets to an upcoming Veg Fest (vegan festival) or plan a weekend visit to a local farmed animal sanctuary.

Does your loved one like to travel? If you have the budget, why not surprise them with a fully planned trip to a vegan-friendly destination! Here are just a few of the many vegan-friendly cities below.

Gracias Madre vegan mexican restaurant in san fransico burrito
Photo credit: @GraciasMadreSF on Instagram

If travel isn’t their thing but they love food, you can get them a gift card to a local vegan restaurant. That’s practically guaranteed to be a home-run.

Charitable Donations and Virtual Adoptions: Gifts that Make a Difference

This vegan gift guide wouldn’t be complete without the heartwarming gesture of charitable donations and virtual adoptions. By gifting these meaningful tokens, you’re not only honoring someone special but also contributing to a cause close to their heart. Here are a few ways to give the gift of compassion:

World Wildlife Fund: Opt for symbolic animal adoptions that include a plush stuffed animal and adoption certificate, offering a unique way to support wildlife conservation.

Farm Sanctuary, Animal Place Sanctuary, and Many More: Numerous animal rescue groups and animal sanctuaries offer similar adoption programs, enabling you to sponsor an animal in need in someone’s honor. Farm Sanctuary and Animal Place Sanctuary are just two examples.

Plant a Tree (or Tree Grove) in Someone’s Honor: A tree planted in their name is a gift that grows, symbolizing life, sustainability, and a lasting impact on the environment.

Vegan Gifts from Vegan Nonprofit Organization Shops: Explore the online shops of various nonprofits, where you’ll find items that give back, aligning with your values while making excellent gifts. Some of our top picks include:

With these compassionate gifts, you not only brighten someone’s day but also contribute to a better world—one filled with kindness and care for all living beings.

Vegan Stocking Stuffers

MukLuks vegan cozy faux fur knit cabin socks.

Hungry For More Vegan Gift Ideas?

Check out our other gift guides for specific budgets, personalities, and occasions.

This guide to the best vegan gifts is not sponsored by any of the brands or companies mentioned, and we only share products and companies we sincerely adore. Happy gifting! 

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Super Easy Vegan Sugar Cookies https://www.worldofvegan.com/vegan-sugar-cookies/ https://www.worldofvegan.com/vegan-sugar-cookies/#comments Tue, 19 Dec 2023 20:46:07 +0000 https://www.worldofvegan.com/?p=9045 One of my absolute favorite holiday memories is making holiday cookies with my mom and my great aunt! We’d make simple sugar cookies with icing, and it was always so much fun to cut out the cookies and ice them with pretty colors. I remember one of my first few years as a vegan, when […]

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One of my absolute favorite holiday memories is making holiday cookies with my mom and my great aunt! We’d make simple sugar cookies with icing, and it was always so much fun to cut out the cookies and ice them with pretty colors.

I remember one of my first few years as a vegan, when the Christmas season came I really wanted to re-create that childhood favorite recipe. And…I did! I’ve been baking these vegan sugar cookies for years. I now make them every holiday season because they’re so simple, fun, and nostalgic! I hope you enjoy making them as much as I do.

While this recipe is great for anyone, it’s especially excellent if you want to bake vegan holiday treats with kids. They’ll absolutely adore using cookie cutters to create adorable little cookies, and they’ll love icing them too. I sure loved it as a kid!

And by the way, you can totally make these cookies at any time of the year. I like using stars, gingerbread men, and Christmas trees. And of course, you can use this recipe to make vegan Hanukkah cookies! Or cookies to fit your kiddos themed birthday party. Or New Year’s cookies. You get it. You can get creative with fun shapes and colors to make these cookies a big hit any time of the year.

I hope this recipe brings you as much joy and nostalgia it as it does for me. This is truly why I love sharing my recipes. Because for me, great vegan food is pure joy and bliss! Happy baking!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

  • Coconut Oil: Use refined coconut oil for a neutral flavor or unrefined for a subtle coconut undertone. Both work equally well in this recipe. Ensure it is in a semi-solid state for proper creaming with sugar. You want it to be scoopable, not soild and hard, nor too melted and liquid-y.
  • Cane Sugar: Opt for organic cane sugar for a less processed option. Don’t forget the extra tablespoon which adds a touch more sweetness and helps achieve a soft texture.
  • Plant-Based Milk: Choose an unsweetened plant-based milk like almond, soy, or oat. Having it at room temperature ensures it integrates smoothly with the other ingredients and doesn’t cause the coconut oil to solidify.
  • Vanilla Extract: Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Measure the flour accurately by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off. Avoid compacting the flour to prevent a dense texture in the cookies.
  • Baking Powder and Baking Soda: Ensure these leavening agents are fresh for optimal rise. Baking powder adds lift, while baking soda contributes to the cookies’ browning and flavor.
  • Powdered Sugar: If making the icing too, the only extra ingredient you’ll need is powdered sugar. Sift the powdered sugar before preparing the icing to eliminate lumps.

How To Make Vegan Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Combine the coconut oil, cane sugar, plant-based milk, and vanilla extract in the bowl of a stand mixer or use an electric hand mixer. Cream the ingredients on medium/high speed until well-combined.

Step 2: Sift in the flour, baking powder, and baking soda, then beat until a dough forms

Crumbly vegan sugar cookie batter that is being mixed with an electric hand mixer.

Step 3: On a floured work surface, gently knead the dough into a ball. Roll it out with a rolling pin to about ¼ inch thickness, avoiding excessive thinness for a softer, crispy texture.

Step 4: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and line baking trays with silicone mats or parchment paper. Use cookie cutters to shape cookies and place them on the prepared trays. Re-roll and cut any dough scraps. Bake on the center rack for 10-12 minutes until golden brown on the bottom.

Step 5: While the cookies bake, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and water to make the icing. Add vegan food coloring if desired and set aside.

More powdered sugar added to the royal icing bowl.

Step 6: Once the cookies are done, transfer them to a wire rack to cool. Apply the icing once cooled, allowing it to dry completely before serving or storing.

Vegan Sugar Cookie Recipe | WorldofVegan.com
  • Measure out the flour properly. Don’t scoop out the flour with the cup, instead, use a spoon to add the flour to the cup, then level it off with the back of a knife. This way it’s not packed into the cup, causing the dough to be too dry and crumbly.
  • I highly recommend using a stand mixer if you have one, but if not (they’re pricey, I know!) a hand mixer will work. If you don’t have either you can try to mix the ingredients by hand, but the texture just won’t be the same. An electric mixer is necessary to cream the coconut oil and cane sugar together, as well as incorporate the dry ingredients in order to form a nice dough.
  • Make sure to use room temperature almond milk in this recipe. You don’t have to remember to leave the almond milk out hours before. You can just gently heat the milk in a small sauce pot until it is at room temperature (but don’t let it get too warm). If you use cold almond milk from the fridge it will change the consistency of the coconut oil, and therefore also the dough. Since coconut oil turns very solid when it’s cold, the ingredients work much better when all of the ingredients are at room temperature. Then the dough will be much smoother and easier to roll out.

Icing Your Cookies Like a Pro

When it comes to icing your cookies, you have a few options. The first is to apply the icing using a silicone basting/pastry brush. If you don’t have one of these, you can dip the tops of the cookies into a shallow dish with the icing to coat them. It may get a bit messy (but hey, the kids might love that!).

If you want to get fancy, you can pipe the icing onto your cookies like the pros. This takes a little more time and finesse, but it can be really fun and rewarding when you have beautiful cookies to show for it! The concept is this:

  1. You’ll need two types of icing, one thick icing that you’ll pipe onto the cookie with a frosting bag and a size 2 piping tip to form the design and border.
  2. Then, you’ll need to thin out the remaining icing ever-so-slightly by adding a teensy bit of water to create a “fill icing” or “flood icing.” You can dollop this flood icing onto the cookie and it will spread out to fill in the cookie design. The thicker icing outline you piped on first will hold that fill icing in place until it dries. The icing recipe below makes a thicker icing that you can pipe or spread onto the cookie.
  3. To make the fill icing, you’ll just add a teensy bit of water until you reach the right consistency. Be careful though—you can always add more water but you can’t go back, and if you make the icing too wet it won’t harden on the cookie. Professionals sometimes use spray bottles so they can add the littlest bit of water until they get a perfect consistency. 

If this is all sounding a little confusing or overwhelming, watch this sugar cookie icing tutorial video to learn the basics of sugar cookie decorating (and get some awesome design inspiration). 

How To Add Vegan Food Coloring To Your Icing

I love the super simple icing that goes on these vegan sugar cookies. You can leave it white and decorate it with your favorite vegan sprinkles, or you can add some color to make the icing pop.

Many mainstream food coloring products are not natural, healthy, or vegan. To ensure you’re using vegan-friendly options, check out this full list of vegan food coloring brands.

You can also get creative and make your own food coloring! I love to use natural ingredients that are highly pigmented to add rich and beautiful all natural coloring to baked goods. With most of these, you only need a really small quantity to make vibrant hues. Here are some great ideas for colors:

  • Green: Spirulina or barley grass juice powder
  • Red or Pink: Pitaya (dragonfruit) powder or beet powder
  • Yellow or Orange: Turmeric (note that turmeric typically creates a mostly yellow hue, and using too much to achieve orange will likely affect the flavor of the recipe you’re making)
  • Blue: Blue Majik or butterfly pea powder (also known as blue matcha)
  • Purple: Blueberry powder

This is just the tip of the iceberg—there are countless real-food ingredients that you can use for coloring. I suggest experimenting to find the colors you love the most. Consider giving our Vegan Royal Icing recipe a try. It’s perfect for topping any and all types of cookies!

Vegan Sugar Cookies | Easy Holiday Recipe
What can I use instead of coconut oil?

Softened vegan butter makes a great substitute.

Can I make these sugar cookies gluten-free?

While we haven’t tested these sugar cookies with a gluten-free flour, typically an all-purpose gluten-free flour can work.

Can these cookies be made in advance?

Yes! There’s a few ways you can make these cookies in advance. Once you’ve cut out the cookie shapes, you can arrange them on a lined tray and refrigerate them for a few hours or overnight.
You can also store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or a refrigerator for slightly longer. These cookies can also be frozen, with or without icing! Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Storage Tips

Once the vegan sugar cookies are baked and iced, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should remain fresh for up to a week. If you need to stack the cookies in the storage container, place a sheet of parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together or damaging the icing.

Refrigeration: While vegan sugar cookies typically store well at room temperature, if you’re keeping them for an extended period or in warm conditions, you can refrigerate them.

Freezing (Unbaked Dough): If you’ve prepared extra dough or want to save some for later, you can freeze it. Wrap the cookie dough tightly in plastic wrap or place it in a freezer bag. Thaw the dough in the refrigerator before rolling and cutting.

Freezing (Baked Cookies): If you’ve baked more cookies than needed, you can freeze the baked and iced cookies. Place them in a single layer on a tray until frozen, then transfer them to an airtight container with layers separated by parchment paper. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

Vegan Sugar Cookies | Easy Holiday Recipe
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Vegan Sugar Cookies

Celebrate the holidays (or any time of year) with these easy vegan sugar cookies. This recipe makes a small batch of vegan sugar cookies—if you want a big batch of more dough to play with (especially if you’re using large cookie cutters), double the batch!
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword christmas cookies, holiday cookies, sugar cookies, vegan cookies, vegan sugar cookies
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 35 cookies (depending on cookie cutter size)
Calories 46kcal
Author World of Vegan

Equipment

  • Handheld Mixer or Stand Mixer

Ingredients

  • cup coconut oil soft and scoopable (not solid or melted)
  • ½ cup cane sugar + 1 tablespoon
  • ¼ cup plant-based milk unsweetened at room temperature
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¾ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda

Icing

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon water + 1 teaspoon, add more water as needed to get your desired consistency

Instructions

  • Add the coconut oil, cane sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to the bowl of a stand mixer (or mix with an electric hand mixer). Cream the ingredients together on medium/high speed for a few minutes until it’s well-combined.
  • Sift the flour, baking powder, and baking soda into the mixer and beat until it forms a dough.
  • Gently dust a clean work surface with flour. Transfer the dough to your work surface and knead it into a ball. Use a rolling pin to gently roll the dough out until it is around ¼ inch thick. Try not to roll the dough too thin because then the cookies will be more crunchy rather than soft and crispy.
  • Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 baking trays with silicone mats or parchment paper.
  • Use cookie cutters to cut cookies out and place them on the baking tray. Form any dough scraps into a ball and re-roll and cut more cookies, until all of the dough is gone.
  • Bake the cookies on the center rack of your oven for around 10-12 minutes, or until they’re golden brown on the bottom.
  • In the meantime, make the icing by whisking together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and water until smooth. Feel free to add vegan food coloring if desired. Set aside.
  • When the cookies are finished, transfer them to a wire rack to cool. Once they’re cooled, apply the icing onto the cookies. Allow the icing to dry completely before serving or storing. 

Notes

This recipe for vegan sugar cookies makes somewhere around 35 to 45 cookies depending on the size of the cookie cutters you use. I used pretty small cookie cutters along with a few large ones and it made 50 cookies.
Storage:
After baking and icing the vegan sugar cookies, store them in an airtight container at room temperature, maintaining their freshness for up to a week. When stacking cookies in the container, insert a sheet of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking or any potential damage to the icing.
For extended storage or in warmer conditions, refrigerating the cookies is an option, although they typically fare well at room temperature.

Nutrition

Calories: 46kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 19mg | Potassium: 5mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 0.1IU | Calcium: 8mg | Iron: 0.2mg

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Vegan Hot Chocolate Mix https://www.worldofvegan.com/hot-chocolate-mix/ https://www.worldofvegan.com/hot-chocolate-mix/#comments Mon, 18 Dec 2023 22:17:45 +0000 https://www.worldofvegan.com/?p=119054 If you love a cozy cup of vegan hot chocolate often—like me—welcome! You need this recipe in your life. In just a few minutes you can have a prepared dairy-free hot chocolate mix that brings your cozy beverage that much closer to you when the comfort craving strikes. Key Ingredients The best part about this […]

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If you love a cozy cup of vegan hot chocolate often—like me—welcome! You need this recipe in your life. In just a few minutes you can have a prepared dairy-free hot chocolate mix that brings your cozy beverage that much closer to you when the comfort craving strikes.

Pouring Vegan Hot Chocolate into a Mug

Key Ingredients

The best part about this hot cocoa mix? You just need four ingredients:

Hand holding up a bag of Chocolate Emporium semi-sweet chocolate chips.

That’s it! You can store it in a 16 ounce mason jar or any sealed container and it will last all season long.

How To Use This Vegan Hot Chocolate Mix

When you’re ready to make a steaming mug of this vegan hot cocoa mix, it only takes a few minutes to prepare! Simply heat some dairy-free milk up either in a microwave-safe mug or bowl in the microwave, or warm it up on the stove.

Stir in 3½ tablespoons of the hot chocolate mix for every one cup of milk. Top with your favorite toppings and enjoy!

Scooping up the best vegan hot chocolate mix.

Topping Ideas

While the mixture does include mini vegan chocolate chips, it’s always fun (and delicious) to add some toppings! Here are some of my favorites:

Hot Cocoa Bar

If you want to have even more fun, create your own little at-home vegan hot cocoa station! Get some vegan marshmallows and drop them in a jar. If the holidays are near, neatly place some candy canes in a festive mug. Pop a little jar of vanilla extract or peppermint extract by your hot cocoa bar for a winter-inspired flavor boost. Set out your favorite hot cocoa sipping mugs, and honey, you’ve got yourself a vegan hot cocoa bar!

If you want to get really crazy (I always do!) you can even order a sparkly sign for your hot cocoa bar. Has your home ever been this ready for the holidays

DIY Vegan Hot Chocolate Mix

The Perfect DIY Holiday Gift

Looking for a delightful vegan Christmas gift, stocking stuffer, Hanukkah gift, housewarming gift, hostess gift, or just want to pamper someone you love? A mason jar filled with chocolatey goodness and TLC is a surefire hit.

Stick some vegan marshmallows on the top of the jar and Package it up with some fancy vanilla extract and peppermint extract and handwritten cocoa-making instructions for an extra-special surprise. Your friend, neighbor, co-worker or loved one will think of you every time they sip on vegan hot cocoa throughout the season! 

Homemade Vegan Hot Cocoa Mix

FAQ’s

What is the best non-dairy milk for hot chocolate?

If you like your hot chocolate ultra-creamy, opt for soy milk or oat milk. These both have a closer consistency to cow’s milk, making them the best alternative.

Which hot chocolate powder is vegan?

Siete Mexican Hot Chocolate, Starbucks Double Chocolate Hot Cocoa Mix, Swiss Miss Non-Dairy Chocolate Flavored Hot Cocoa Mix, Target’s Good & Gather Hot Cocoa Mix, Godiva Dark Chocolate Hot Cocoa, and Ghirardelli Double Dark Premium and Chocolate Mocha Hot Cocoa mixes are all vegan!

Is Swiss Miss hot chocolate powder vegan?

Most Swiss Miss hot chocolate powders are not vegan. However, they do offer one non-dairy option made with nonfat dried coconut milk.

Is Nestle hot chocolate powder vegan?

No, Nestle does not currently offer a vegan or dairy-free hot chocolate pwoder.

Best Vegan Hot Chocolate Recipe
Vegan hot chocolate mix in a mason jar.
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Vegan Hot Chocolate Mix (3 Ingredients)

This is the perfect vegan hot chocolate mix. I make a batch of this every winter so I can enjoy easy-to-make vegan hot cocoa throughout the holiday season. This hot cocoa mix also makes a great handmade vegan holiday gift!
Course Drink
Cuisine American
Keyword dairy-free hot chocolate mix, vegan hot chocolate mix, vegan hot cocoa mix
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 150kcal
Author Michelle Cehn | World of Vegan

Equipment

Ingredients

  • ¾ cups cocoa powder
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup mini vegan chocolate chips or finely chopped vegan chocolate

Instructions

  • In a small mixing bowl, add the cocoa powder, sugar, and chocolate and mix until fully incorporated. Pour in the jar and seal tightly.
  • Attach a label that notes the recipe (3½ tablespoons of hot chocolate mix per 1 cup of soy milk).

Notes

Decorate as desired! For instance, you can tie a festive string around the jar and cut out some wrapping paper to attach to the lid of the jar.
Storage: Keep the vegan hot cocoa mix in an airtight container in a cool dark place like a pantry or cabinet for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Calories: 150kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Sodium: 96mg | Potassium: 0.3mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 25g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Calcium: 26mg | Iron: 1mg

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Soft and Chewy Vegan Gingersnap Cookies https://www.worldofvegan.com/gingersnap-cookies/ https://www.worldofvegan.com/gingersnap-cookies/#comments Fri, 15 Dec 2023 21:06:44 +0000 https://www.worldofvegan.com/?p=125781 Snap out of your baking rut with these spicy little morsels! While most gingersnaps are hard and brittle, you can really sink your teeth into these soft and chewy vegan gingersnap cookies. Warm and spicy, brown sugar and molasses round out the flavors with unrivaled richness. A crunchy layer of granulated sugar on the outside […]

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Snap out of your baking rut with these spicy little morsels! While most gingersnaps are hard and brittle, you can really sink your teeth into these soft and chewy vegan gingersnap cookies. Warm and spicy, brown sugar and molasses round out the flavors with unrivaled richness. A crunchy layer of granulated sugar on the outside gives them a satisfying bite, yielding to a tender interior for the perfect textural contrast.

This recipe comes from Vegan Christmas Cookies and Cocoa by Audrey Dunham and is an easy win this holiday season, and beyond! They’re the kind of cookie that Santa would leave extra presents for, though they might be hard to share.

Chewy Vegan Gingersnap Cookie With a Bite Taken on a Table

Why You’ll Love These Vegan Gingersnaps

  • There’s never a bad time for cookies, but these warmly spiced vegan ginger cookies are especially well-suited for winter celebrations. Vegan holiday parties, Christmas Eve gatherings, even New Year’s Eve with a side of bubbly! Everyone will go wild for these at cookie swaps big and small.
  • So simple you’d think that baking is child’s play, but you really can get the kids involved in this one. Create sweet memories in the kitchen while the little ones learn how to mix and measure to make their own treats.
  • No need to shop for rare, specialty ingredients for this fool-proof formula. That makes this recipe especially affordable, too.
  • Perfect for a crowd, you can easily double, or even triple the recipe. Everyone on your list can get a sweet, homemade gift!

Ingredients Needed

Ground Flaxseeds: Making these eggless ginger cookies is a snap with ground flax! Taking the place of conventional eggs, a tablespoon of ground flaxseeds (also called flaxseed meal) mixed with water functions as a binder and helps retain moisture, keeping this cookie soft and chewy.

All-Purpose Flour: Standard white flour provides a neutral foundation to build such a flavorful spice profile upon. While we haven’t tested gluten-free flours, we imagine they would work well with this recipe. If you do try making these gluten free, please let us know how it goes in the comments below! 

Cinnamon: You can’t have a classic gingersnap without cinnamon! This sweet spice rounds out the sharper edges of the flavor profile with a nostalgic taste and subtle warmth.

Ginger: The namesake of this cookie, powdered or dried ginger is used here to easily incorporate its bold essence evenly throughout.

Cloves: Just a tiny pinch will do, since this spice goes a long way. It’s less commonly used in American households, so you could also experiment with using ground nutmeg or cardamom for a delicious change of pace, if you’re all out.

Brown Sugar: Crucial to the sweetness and moisture in these gingersnap cookies, brown sugar imparts a rich, caramel-like taste that complements the warm spices.

Vegan Butter: Plant-based butter is easily substituted 1 for 1 in any recipe that calls for conventional dairy butter. All brands have a different blend that is typically made from avocado oil, coconut oil, palm kernel oil, olive oil, or some combination of those. Check labels for soy-free options, if needed.

Molasses: This sticky stuff is a thick, dark syrup made from sugarcane or beet sugar, and is less sweet than refined sugar. It has a robust, unique flavor most commonly associated with gingerbread, and also baked beans.

Granulated Sugar: Used just to gild the lily here, a touch of granulated sugar is used to roll the cookies and create that irresistible crunchy crust on the outside of your vegan gingersnap cookies. Feel free to amplify that texture by using coarse sugar, such as turbinado, instead.

Gathered ingredients for these vegan gingersnap cookies, on a baking tray with labels.

Recipe Swaps and Substitutions

If you have a hard time going by the book for any recipe, don’t worry! This formula is so solid that you can easily modify it to fit your needs and cravings.

  • Make these extra-chewy by using part oat flour instead of all-purpose flour. For this version (which is actually Audrey’s original recipe), use 1¼ cup of oat flour, and 1½ cup of all-purpose flour. You can get oat flour at the grocery store or grind up your own by popping old fashioned rolled oats in the blender until you have a silky smooth flour. 
  • Make it gluten-free by using your favorite gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
  • Spice it up by adding finely chopped crystalized ginger, and/or grated fresh ginger to the batter.
  • Everyone loves chocolate, so go ahead and add a generous handful of vegan chocolate chips for an extra sweet finish.
  • Vegetable shortening can be used instead of vegan butter in a pinch, but the texture will be much more cakey than chewy.

How To Make

Don’t worry, there’s no dairy involved! This classic technique involves beating together the butter and sugar very thoroughly before adding in the remaining ingredients to lighten and leaven the dough, while ensuring even distribution of fat and sweetener throughout. It’s a very simple but essential skill to master.

Step 1: In a small bowl, combine ground flaxseed with water and set aside to thicken. In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.

Step 2: Using a stand or handheld mixer, cream together brown sugar, butter, and molasses until fluffy. Pause to scrape down the bowl with your spatula at least once about halfway through, to make sure everything gets incorporated.

Step 3: Add the flaxseed mixture and mix again. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the sugar mixture, scraping the bowl as needed, until a thick dough forms.

Step 4: Roll the dough into 16 golf ball-sized portions, coat each in granulated sugar, and place them on baking sheets. Bake one sheet at a time on the top rack for 9-10 minutes or until cracks appear. Allow the cookies to cool on the sheets for 3-5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

Vegan Gingersnap Cookies Dough Balls Flatlay With Christmas Holiday Ornaments and Sugar for Dipping

Tips

  • Allow the vegan butter to warm to room temperature before beginning. Straight out of the fridge, it will be too hard to mix smoothly, but it shouldn’t be melted, or the cookies might turn out greasy. Generally, it helps to take the butter out 1 hour before getting started.
  • It’s easiest to use a stand mixer since it takes considerable and consistent stirring. Use the paddle attachment for more complete coverage. You can also use a hand mixer, though it may take a bit longer.
  • Like your ginger cookies crispier? You can bake for a few extra minutes if desired.

Storage

Cool your dairy-free ginger cookies fully on a wire rack before storing. Transfer them to an airtight container with a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. These vegan gingersnaps will stay fresh at room temperature for one week.

If you want to store them for an extended period, place them in a freezer-friendly container and freeze them for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

FAQ’s

What’s the difference between gingersnaps and ginger cookies?

The terms “gingersnaps” and “ginger cookies” are often used interchangeably, but there can be subtle differences in texture and flavor. Gingersnaps tend to be less sweet and have a more crispy and crunchy exterior. However, the distinction can be subtle.

Can I make gingersnaps without molasses?

Traditionally gingersnaps include molasses because it contributes both a sweetness and a distinct flavor. However, an equal amount of maple syrup can be used as a replacement for molasses if you need an alternative. Note that the flavor and texture will change but it will still be delicious!

Stack of Dairy-Free Gingersnap Cookies With Christmas Lights in Background

More Spiced Treats to Try

If you try this recipe for vegan ginger cookies, let us know what you think by leaving a comment and rating below! Be sure to follow along on PinterestInstagram and Facebook for even more vegan recipe inspiration.

Easy Vegan Gingersnap Cookies-15
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Soft & Chewy Vegan Gingersnap Cookies

There's something really special about these soft and chewy vegan gingersnap cookies. Perhaps it's the way they've carved out their own lane in the hypothetical cookie aisle or how they bring up warm memories of the holidays. No matter the time of year you decide to enjoy these delicious treats, you're truly in for a good time.
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword dairy-free cookie recipe, egg-free cookie recipe, soft and chewy cookie recipe, vegan gingersnap cookie recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 42 minutes
Servings 16 cookies
Calories 232kcal
Author Audrey Dunham (modified slightly)

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed (8 grams)
  • 3 tablespoons water (45 ml)
  • cups all-purpose flour (345 grams)
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ginger
  • ½ teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar (216 grams)
  • ¾ cup vegan butter or margarine, softened (170 grams)
  • ¼ cup molasses (59 ml)
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar for rolling (58 grams)

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (approx. 190°C) 
  • Combine the ground flaxseed and water in a small bowl and set aside.
  • In a medium-sized bowl, combine the flours, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves and stir to combine. Set aside. 
  • Using a stand or handheld mixer, cream the brown sugar, butter, and molasses until fluffy, about 1 minute. Then add the flaxseed mixture and mix again for another 30 seconds.
  • Add half of the dry ingredients to the sugar mixture and mix on low until mostly combined. Then add the second half of the dry ingredients and mix again, this time starting on a low speed and then increasing to high as the dough becomes thick and hard to mix. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed. The dough will be very thick when it’s done.
  • Pour the granulated sugar into a bowl and set aside. Then form 16 golf ball-sized dough balls and place them on parchment-lined or ungreased baking sheets. Roll each ball in the granulated sugar to evenly coat, then return to the baking sheet, ensuring they’re at least 3 inches (about 8 cm) apart from one another, as they will spread.
  • Bake the cookies one sheet at a time on the top rack in your preheated oven for 9-10 minutes or until cracks form across the surface. It’s better to slightly underbake than to overbake. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 3-5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

Notes

FOR BEST GLUTEN-FREE VERSION: Try using your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour in place of the regular all-purpose flour. Check the labels for all remaining ingredients to ensure they’re gluten-free, as well. 
STORAGE: These cookies are flexible and can be stored in airtight or non airtight containers, tins, or on plates covered in foil or plastic wrap. You can also freeze these cookies for several months and they’ll be just fine!
AUDREY’S ORIGINAL RECIPE: The original recipe calls for 1¼  cup of oat flour and 1½ cup of all-purpose flour, which makes these cookies extra chewy. We tested them using just all-purpose flour so the ingredient list would be very simple and familiar to people, and the cookies are absolutely delicious both ways!

Nutrition

Calories: 232kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Sodium: 281mg | Potassium: 125mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 20g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Vitamin C: 0.01mg | Calcium: 29mg | Iron: 1mg

Vegan Christmas Cookies Cookbook

This recipe for vegan gingersnap cookies comes from the cookbook Vegan Christmas Cookies and Cocoa by vegan recipe creator and personality Audrey Dunham. This book is a festive collection of holiday sweets and sips to enjoy with the whole family. Full of nostalgic classics and new favorites to explore, every recipe is 100% plant-based, with easy gluten-free options included. Now you can transform your kitchen into Santa’s workshop to delight both kids and kids-at-heart.

Vegan gingersnap cookie recipe adapted with permission from Vegan Christmas Cookies and Cocoa by Audrey Dunham. Photos by J.J. Steele for World of Vegan, all rights reserved.

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Vegan Sufganiyot Recipe for Pillowy Jelly Donuts https://www.worldofvegan.com/sufganiyot/ https://www.worldofvegan.com/sufganiyot/#comments Mon, 11 Dec 2023 23:06:05 +0000 https://www.worldofvegan.com/?p=122130 One of the greatest pleasures of life is getting to eat dessert. Whether you’re celebrating a vegan Hanukkah, another special occasion, or you just need to get your sweet tooth fix, these pillowy vegan sufganiyot truly make the world go round. What are sufganiyot, you ask? A classic Jewish dessert recipe—a jelly-filled donut eaten in […]

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One of the greatest pleasures of life is getting to eat dessert. Whether you’re celebrating a vegan Hanukkah, another special occasion, or you just need to get your sweet tooth fix, these pillowy vegan sufganiyot truly make the world go round. What are sufganiyot, you ask? A classic Jewish dessert recipe—a jelly-filled donut eaten in Israel and around the world during the festival of Hanukkah.

This recipe comes from Kirsten Kaminsky’s book The Traveling Vegan Cookbook. In this book, Kirsten takes us through the streets of Greece, Japan, Israel, and more with exquisite plant-based recipes for international classics such as sabich, lentil moussaka, and more.

Ready to dive right into vegan jelly donut joy? Let’s go!

What Is Sufganiyot

Sufganiyot is commonly consumed during Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights that commemorates the resistance of the Jews against the Maccabees and the supposed miracle of a small jar of oil lasting for eight days. During this holiday, Jews observe the custom of eating fried foods for each night of Hanukkah to commemorate the miracle associated with temple oil lasting for eight nights. The recipe for sufganiyot originated in Europe in the 1500s and became popular among Polish Jews who made a tradition of serving them on Hanukkah.

Traditionally, sufganiyot is filled with either jam or custard and then topped with powdered sugar and was originally made from two circles of dough surrounding a filling, stuck together and fried in one piece. The easier and more common technique used today is to deep-fry whole balls of dough, then injecting the filling with a baker’s syringe. This recipe for vegan sufganiyot uses this latter method since it’s easier but you’re more than welcome to try the more traditional way to see how it turns out!

And if you’re wondering how the name sufganiyot came about, it is derived from the Hebrew word sufganiyah, which is based on the Talmudic words sofgan and sfogga, which refer to a “spongy dough”. But don’t worry, there won’t be a spelling test here!

Vegan Sufganiyot Jewish Donuts for Hanukkah

Serving Suggestions

So you’ve got your sweet vegan sufganiyot and you’re ready to enjoy your treat. But wait! What could possibly make your donut time even more special? Well, my friend, we have just a few suggestions for taking your sufganiyot to a whole ‘nother level:

  • Raise a Glass of Vegan Milk – A cold glass of milk is absolutely the way to go when enjoying your sufganiyot. If you’re feeling the urge to make your own, try our recipe for homemade almond milk. If store-bought is more your thing, check out this vegan milk guide.
  • We All Scream for Ice Cream – Maybe ice cream is more your thing—a bowl full of creamy, cool vegan goodness to go with your sufganiyot. May we suggest this Vegan Rocky Road Ice Cream? Maybe you’re more of a strawberry ice cream person? Or, perhaps, you just want a simple nice cream.
  • Pudding Party – While ice cream often steals the show when it comes to cool and creamy desserts, pudding is just as delicious! Check out our Vegan Coconut Raisin Rum Tapioca Pudding for an additional Jewish treat or if you’re more of a chocolate fiend, you can’t go wrong with Silken Chocolate Pudding.

Baked Sufganiyot Alternative

If you don’t want to hassle with dough making and deep frying, not to worry. We have an extremely simple baked vegan chocolate donut recipe that you can whip up with very little effort. These would make a great alternative to sufganiyot as an easy vegan Hanukkah dessert recipe. 

More Jewish Vegan Dishes to Try

Oil-heavy foods are a signature of the Festival of Lights to commemorate the long-lasting oil that the holiday derives its traditions from. Along with sufganiyot, latkesnoodle kugel, and other fried treats are enjoyed in celebration of Hanukkah.

If you’re planning your own vegan holiday feast, check our comprehensive Hanukkah Guide for ideas and recipes! You’ll not only find the aforementioned foods listed but also recipes for vegan chopped liver, vegan brisket, vegan matzo ball soup, challah, matzah pizza, and rugalach! Yum!

Vegan Sufganiyot Jewish Donuts for Hanukkah
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Sweet Vegan Sufganiyot

This sweet vegan sufganiyot is a classic Hanukkah treat but is perfect for enjoying any time of year! Grab a glass of fresh vegan milk and you’ll be on your way to some fried dough bliss.
Course Dessert
Cuisine Jewish
Keyword vegan donuts, vegan doughnuts, vegan Hanukkah dessert, vegan Hanukkah recipe, vegan Jewish recipe, vegan sufganiyot
Prep Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 3 hours
Servings 8 donuts
Calories 855kcal
Author Kirsten Kaminsky | The Traveling Vegan Cookbook

Ingredients

FOR THE DONUTS 

  • 1 tablespoon active dry yeast (12 grams)
  • ¼ cup lukewarm soy milk (60 ml)
  • 3 tablespoons sugar, divided (45 grams)
  • 1 tablespoon vegan butter, room temperature, plus more for greasing (14 grams)
  • 1⅓ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for kneading (165 grams)
  • pinch salt
  • 1 tablespoon unsweetened applesauce (15 grams)
  • 3 cups vegetable oil (720 ml)

FOR THE FILLING 

  • 3 tablespoons strawberry jam (45 grams)
  • 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (8 grams)

Instructions

  • To make the donuts, in a small bowl combine the yeast, soy milk, ¼ cup (60 ml) of lukewarm water and 1 tablespoon (15 g) of sugar and let stand until it’s foamy, about 10 minutes. Lightly grease a medium bowl with a little vegan butter
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt and remaining 2 tablespoons (30 g) of  sugar. Add the yeast mixture, applesauce and butter and beat until the dough is soft but not sticky, 3 to 5 minutes. On a floured surface, knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic, about 3 minutes. Place the dough in the greased bowl. Cover with a towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1½ to 2 hours, until it’s doubled in size. 
  • Lightly flour a baking sheet. Punch down the dough and place it on a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough a few times, then use a rolling pin to roll it out to ⅓-inch (8  mm) thick. Use a 2½-3 inch (6-7.62 cm) cookie cutter or a glass to cut out rounds and transfer them to the floured baking sheet. Re-roll any remaining dough and repeat until it’s all cut. Cover the baking sheet with a towel and let the rounds rise for 30 minutes. 
  • In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, use a thermometer to make sure the oil measures 375°F  (190°C). Spread out some paper towels on a wire rack. Working with two at a time, add the donuts to the hot oil. Fry for 45 to 50 seconds on each side, then remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on the wire rack. Repeat with the remaining donuts. Let them cool down on the rack. 
  • When the donuts are cool, spoon the jam into a pastry bag fitted with the star nozzle tip. Pierce a hole in the side of each donut with the tip. Squeeze the jam inside to fill it. Sprinkle the powdered sugar on top.

Notes

  • If you don’t have applesauce on hand, the sufganiyot will still come out fine.
  • Depending on the size of the pot you’re using for frying, you may need more or less oil for frying.
  • If you find yourself wanting some more filling in your donuts, you may want to use closer to ⅓ a cup.

Nutrition

Calories: 855kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 84g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 47g | Monounsaturated Fat: 19g | Trans Fat: 1g | Sodium: 18mg | Potassium: 45mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 30IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 1mg

About The Recipe Author

Kirsten Kaminsky is author of The Traveling Vegan Cookbook and the creator of The Tasty K, a vegan lifestyle blog that’s centered on Kirsten’s experiences as a world traveler. You’ll find vegan travel guides and a delicious array of recipes on her vegan blog.

This vegan sufganiyot recipe was reprinted with permission from The Traveling Vegan Cookbook by Kirsten Kaminski, Page Street Publishing, Co. 2021. Photo credit: Kirsten Kaminski. Happy Hanukkah!

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Vegan Shepherd’s Pie (Cottage Pie) https://www.worldofvegan.com/vegan-shepherds-pie/ https://www.worldofvegan.com/vegan-shepherds-pie/#comments Mon, 11 Dec 2023 17:19:34 +0000 https://www.worldofvegan.com/?p=125703 This vegan shepherd’s pie, also known as cottage pie, is the ultimate comfort food! It’s rich and hearty—full of mushrooms and vegetables in a savory sauce topped with creamy mashed potatoes. This is the perfect meal for chilly evenings to cozy up with! In every language, a rich, hearty stew topped with creamy mashed potatoes […]

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This vegan shepherd’s pie, also known as cottage pie, is the ultimate comfort food! It’s rich and hearty—full of mushrooms and vegetables in a savory sauce topped with creamy mashed potatoes. This is the perfect meal for chilly evenings to cozy up with!

In every language, a rich, hearty stew topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked to golden-brown perfection always spells comfort food. Cottage pie is a classic dish that’s withstood the test of time, matured over the years, and grown to have greater allure than ever. Every western culture has a similar casserole to its name, brimming with enough meat and vegetables in every bite to appease both hunters and gatherers throughout the ages.

Unlike a pastry-covered pie, cottage pie skips the fussy dough to make preparation and serving a breeze. No baking experience required! All you need is an appetite for a hearty, heartwarming meal.  

A serving of vegan shepherd's pie on a plate with a fork.

What Makes This The Best Recipe For Vegan Shepherd’s Pie?

  • Umami: The so-called fifth taste, otherwise understood as savory flavor, contributes the distinct depth and richness that makes the overall eating experience so satisfying. Meat is naturally high in umami, but so are mushrooms, which are the secret ingredient here.
  • Allergen-friendly: Everyone’s welcome to the table when this dish is on the menu! There are no common allergens in the mix, meaning it’s gluten-free, dairy-free, eggless, nut-free, soy-free, and as always, completely vegan.
  • Freezer friendly: Whether you want to prep ahead or save leftovers for a rainy day, this vegan shepherd’s pie keeps like a champ. Freeze individual portions for up to 6 months and simply microwave or pop it into the oven until hot all the way through.

Key Ingredients

Ingredients for vegan shepherd's pie measured out on a white background.

Russet potatoes: These spuds are high in starch which makes them mash up into a light, fluffy vegan mashed potato topping. Peel them for a perfectly smooth mash or keep the skins on for a more rustic approach

Dried mushrooms: Dried porcini are ideal here for their uniquely nutty, earthy flavor and toothsome, meaty texture. Other good options include dried shiitake mushrooms, dried oyster mushrooms, dried wood ear mushrooms, or dried morel mushrooms.

Dried herbs: No pantry is complete without a range of dried herbs at the ready. Through the dead of winter when nothing green is growing, they’ll get you through those dark days with zest and fragrance to spare. Basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme are our VIPs here.

Lentils: This complete protein creates the most convincing vegetarian cottage pie around using only whole foods. Canned and ready-to-eat, they’re very convenient anytime you want to cut out the meat.

Sun-dried tomatoes: Chewy and subtly sweet, oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes are a rich source of umami as well, harmonizing with the mushrooms to heighten that taste. For even greater flavor, use some of the oil for cooking, instead of plain olive oil.

Nutritional yeast: Both cheesy and buttery without a drop of dairy, nutritional yeast is essential for creating natural vegan alternatives. It can be used to enhance anything from soup to popcorn.

A jar labeled "nooch" and filled with nutritional yeast.

What’s The Difference Between Shepherd’s Pie vs Cottage Pie?

Though the terms can sometimes be used interchangeably, the difference between the two traditionally comes down to the place of origin and type of meat.

  • Shepherd’s pie hails from Scotland, later gaining in popularity throughout England and Ireland. It typically calls for ground lamb, befitting of the name.
  • Cottage pie came later, appearing in text around 1791 without clear heritage other than the United Kingdom at large. These casseroles were filled with ground beef instead.

While a plant-based version could be seen as either (or neither) based on these simple definitions, most vegan ground meat is compared to beef, given that lamb has a more gamey or grassy taste. Cottage pie is a better fit for conventional flavor expectations.

Vegan Shepherd's Pie in a casserole dish with a serving spoon and a serving missing.

How To Use Dehydrated Mushrooms

Dried mushrooms are indispensable umami bombs that contain even greater flavor than their fresh counterparts. That’s because the drying process concentrates their essence, breaking down cell walls and making it more readily accessible than straightforward cooking alone.

Here’s how to rehydrate dried mushrooms:

  1. Sort your mushrooms and give them a rinse. Wild mushrooms especially are likely to still carry dirt from where they were grown. Brush lightly to remove any leftover particles. Double-check that there are no other stones or twigs that might have gotten mixed up with them.
  2. Soak in cold water, ideally overnight. Many recipes will quickly rehydrate dried mushrooms in hot or even boiling water to speed through the procedure. While that technically works, it fails to unlock their full potential. Dried mushrooms tend to float, so keep a plate on top of them in a large bowl to keep them all submerged. Store in the fridge until ready to use.
  3. Drain the soaking water but save it! You now have incredibly flavorful mushroom broth, ideal for making soups and stews with, in addition to the toothsome mushrooms you want for the recipe at hand.

Kept in a dry, cool place, dried mushrooms are shelf-stable and can last for 1 – 3 years. Once rehydrated, the mushrooms should be kept in an airtight container in the fridge and used within 5 – 7 days.

This method works for a variety of different mushrooms including dried porcini mushrooms, dried shiitake mushrooms, dried morel mushrooms, dried oyster mushrooms.

Ideas For Cottage Pie Adaptations

Never eat the same meal twice when you apply a bit of creativity to the basic cottage pie formula! Make it your own with a few simple twists.

  • Switch up the protein: Use crumbled tofu or tempeh, realistic vegan ground meat like Impossible or Beyond Meat, or a combination of all your favorites.
  • Add an extra serving of vegetables: Take a hint from what’s fresh and in season or dig deep into your freezer to pull out a ready-made blend. Keep the cuts as consistent as possible so everything cooks at the same rate. When in doubt, corn and peas are always good choices to start with.
  • Say cheese: Everyone loves cheese, so sprinkling a handful of your favorite shredded vegan cheese over the top is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Add it within the last 10 minutes of cooking so it can get nice and melty.  
  • Spice is nice: The flavor profile is very mild as written, but if you’re a heat seeker, go ahead and spike the filling with crushed red pepper flakes, Tabasco, sriracha, harissa, or your favorite hot sauce.
A serving of vegan shepherd's pie on a plate with a fork.

More Cozy Vegan Casseroles To Try

Vegan Shepherd's Pie in a casserole dish with a serving spoon and a serving missing.
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Shepherd’s Pie {Cottage Pie} That’s Dairy-Free & Vegan

This vegan shepherd’s pie, also known as cottage pie, is the ultimate comfort food! It’s rich and hearty—full of mushrooms and vegetables in a savory sauce topped with creamy mashed potatoes. This is the perfect meal for chilly evenings to cozy up with!
Course dinner
Cuisine English
Keyword dairy-free shepherd’s pie, gluten-free shepherd’s pie, vegan holiday recipe, vegan shephard’s pie, vegan thanksgiving recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 4
Calories 497kcal
Author Beatriz Buono-Core & Mirko Guth

Ingredients

Mashed Potato Topping Ingredients: 

  • 4 large russet potatoes peeled and diced
  • plant-based milk unsweetened and unflavored, to taste
  • vegan butter to taste
  • salt and pepper to taste

Cottage Pie Filling Ingredients: 

  • cup dried mushrooms porcini if you can find them, otherwise any dried mushroom will do
  • 1 cube vegetable bouillon
  • cups water
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 carrots peeled and diced
  • 1 small yellow onion finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 8-ounce can lentils drained
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil drained and chopped
  • 6 tablespoons tomato puree
  • cup nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan optional
  • parsley or chives for garnish optional

Instructions

  • Place the diced peeled potatoes in a large saucepan, cover with water, bring to a boil, and simmer for 15 minutes or until soft. Drain the water and roughly mash. Add plant-based milk, vegan butter, salt, and pepper, all to taste, and continue mashing until completely smooth. Set aside.
  • In a medium bowl, add the dried mushrooms, bouillon cube, and water. Let the mushrooms soak for 8 minutes, and mix to dissolve the vegetable stock.
  • Preheat the oven at 430 degrees F.
  • Heat a large frying pan with the olive oil on medium heat. Add the carrots, onion, basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme. Stir and cook until lightly soft.
  • Add the tomato puree to the frying pan and stir. Take your soaking mushrooms and pour the liquid into the frying pan, holding back the mushrooms. Roughly chop the mushrooms before adding them to the pan as well. Add the chopped sundried tomatoes and lentils, and simmer until thickened.
  • Once the cottage pie mixture is ready, spread it evenly in a casserole dish. Top with the mashed potatoes and sprinkle generously with nutritional yeast. Cook in the oven for 10 minutes or until the surface is golden. Garnish with parsley or chives and enjoy!

Notes

Storage – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
Can’t find canned lentils? Use about 1 cup of cooked lentils instead.

Nutrition

Calories: 497kcal | Carbohydrates: 81g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Sodium: 89mg | Potassium: 2109mg | Fiber: 9g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 5420IU | Vitamin C: 41mg | Calcium: 94mg | Iron: 5mg

Photos by J.J. Steele for World of Vegan, all rights reserved. Thanks to our recipe testers Ruth Havertz and Taylor Gillespie

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