Vegan choices abound when it comes to desserts. Knowing a bit about a few key ingredients used in many vegan dessert recipes can help you figure out what will bring the most satisfaction to your sweet tooth. Here’s the scoop on coconut milk, chocolate, and dates and coconut, followed by some fancier options.
Coconut milk: a simple staple
Coconut milk, long a staple ingredient in curry recipes, is now recognized for its lactose-free status. It also delivers many vitamins and minerals. Like traditional dairy milk during its processing, coconut milk produces cream. This makes it a natural choice for smoothies, like this blueberry pie smoothie.
And how about pumpkin coconut milk ice cream?
Chocolate is choice
For some people, chocolate is simply the only choice for dessert. The benefits of dark chocolate is getting a lot of well-deserved attention these days. Traditional chocolate treats, like brownies, benefit when vegan ingredients are added. For example, these brownies make use of baking chocolate and cocoa powder. But they also feature sweet potatoes as the surprise ingredient to bring a fudge-like texture.
Cacao is the raw form of chocolate. It is considered to have a higher concentration of phenols and antioxidants. Many people feel it also has a deeper rich flavor. For a new take on the irresistible combination with peanut butter, try these chocolate covered peanut butter bites.
Truffles can be the ultimate chocolate treat. These feel good chocolate truffles make use of both cacao and cocoa.
Dates and coconut: a dynamic duo
Dates have a natural sweetness reminiscent of brown sugar, but with more depth. When combined with coconut, the result is the quintessential chewiness of an excellent cookie bar.
The natural sweetness of dates and coconuts combine with the richness of cashews and almonds in an unforgettable way in these coconut cream bars.
For a slightly different take on dates, coconuts and nuts with the added attraction of cacao, try these chocolate coconut cream bars.
Getting fancy
Vegan dessert recipes cover many standard fancy dessert forms while at the same time bringing healthy benefits from their natural ingredients. Doilies are optional.
Chocolate peanut butter pots de creme are satisfying yet elegant.
Lime avocado tart makes use of the creamy richness of avocados.
Even red velvet cupcakes are a delectable option, thanks to a vegetable with a rich red color.
Of course fruit is a logical sweet choice in vegan desserts, and this peach sorbet delivers sweetness with a delicate touch.
From hearty to heavenly, eclectic to sinful, these recipes will meet your diet’s requirements as well as bring a sweet ending to any meal.
This article was written by Hannah Whittenly with help from Simple Dish, a website stocked with all kinds of easy vegan recipes.
