Veganism is gaining popularity worldwide due to its health and ethical benefits. According to a report by The Vegan Society, the number of vegans in the UK has risen by 350% in the last decade. When it comes to food, there’s a misconception that vegans only eat salads and fruits; however, vegan food is diverse, delicious and encompasses a variety of dishes, including desserts. In this article, we will explore some mouth-watering vegan treats recipes that are easy to make, healthy and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
What Are Vegan Treats?
Vegan treats are desserts or snacks that are made without any animal products such as eggs, dairy, or honey. People who follow veganism avoid consuming animal products, and this includes what they consume as snacks or desserts. Vegan treats utilize various plant-based ingredients such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and grains to make delicious treats.
Benefits of Vegan Treats
Vegan treats are not only delicious, but they also come with several benefits to those who opt for them. Here are some of the advantages of consuming vegan treats:
- Healthier: Most vegan treats do not contain animal fats and are, therefore, healthier than traditional desserts. Plant-based products such as fruits, nuts, and grains used in vegan treats have many health benefits such as vitamins and fibers that are good for the body.
- Eco-friendly: The production of animal-based products has been linked to environmental degradation. However, vegan treats are made of plant-based ingredients that are sustainable and contribute less to environmental pollution.
- Cruelty-free: Veganism is a lifestyle that advocates for the well-being of animals. Choosing to consume vegan treats means you are making a choice not to support animal cruelty in the production of food.
Vegan Treats Recipes
Here are some vegan treats recipes that you can try making:
| Recipe Name | Ingredients | Instructions |
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| Chocolate Avocado Pudding |
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| Peanut Butter Cookies |
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Benefits of Eating Vegan Treats
Vegan treats are a delicious way to enjoy something sweet while also experiencing the benefits of a plant-based diet. Here are a few reasons why you should consider incorporating more vegan treats into your diet:
1. Healthier Option
One of the biggest benefits of eating vegan treats is that they’re often healthier than traditional treats made with animal products. For starters, they contain fewer saturated fats, which have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease and other health issues.
Vegan treats are also rich in nutrients and fiber that are essential for maintaining good health. For example, nuts, seeds, and fruits often feature in vegan treats, and these are great sources of protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals that your body needs to function at its best.
Another benefit of vegan treats is that they’re often lower in calories than non-vegan options. This can be helpful if you’re trying to maintain a healthy weight or if you’re trying to lose weight. By choosing vegan treats over traditional ones, you can satisfy your sweet tooth without consuming too many calories.
2. Better for the Environment
Another benefit of vegan treats is that they’re better for the environment. Animal agriculture is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, water pollution, and deforestation. By choosing vegan treats, you’re helping to reduce the demand for animal products, which in turn reduces the negative impact on the environment.
Producing vegan treats requires fewer resources than producing non-vegan options. For example, it takes much less water and land to grow crops for a vegan treat than it does to raise animals for dairy or eggs.
In short, choosing vegan treats over non-vegan ones is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and make a positive impact on the environment.
3. Kinder to Animals
Finally, eating vegan treats is kinder to animals. Many people choose to follow a vegan diet because they don’t want to contribute to the suffering of animals. When you choose to eat vegan treats instead of traditional ones made with animal products, you’re helping to reduce the demand for these products, which means fewer animals are bred into existence for human consumption.
Vegan treats also often feature cruelty-free ingredients like coconut oil, nut butter, and non-dairy milk. By choosing these options, you’re supporting companies that are committed to animal welfare.
- Overall, vegan treats are a delicious and nutritious way to indulge in something sweet. By choosing vegan treats over traditional ones, you can enjoy the benefits of a plant-based diet while also making a positive impact on the environment and reducing the suffering of animals.
- Whether you’re a committed vegan or just someone who wants to make healthier and more sustainable choices, adding more vegan treats to your diet is a great place to start.
Best Ingredients for Vegan Treats Recipes
Veganism is becoming increasingly popular, and finding delicious vegan treats recipes can be a challenge. The key to great vegan treats recipes is to choose the right ingredients. Here are some of the best ingredients to use when making vegan treats recipes:
Plant-Based Milk
When making vegan treats, plant-based milk can be substituted for regular cow’s milk. The most popular options include soy, almond, cashew, coconut, and oat milk. One type of plant-based milk may work better than others depending on the recipe, but any of these can be used to make delicious vegan treats. Some of the benefits of using plant-based milk include being lower in saturated fats compared to cow’s milk and being lactose-free, making it a great option for those who are lactose intolerant.
Dairy-Free Dark Chocolate
Chocolate is loved by many, and there are great dairy-free dark chocolate options available for making vegan treats. Dark chocolate is naturally vegan but be sure to check the ingredients to ensure there are no milk products mixed in. Opt for a higher percentage of cacao since this will result in a richer, less sugary, and more complex vegan treat.
Vegan Butter
An essential ingredient in many baked treats is butter, but there are great vegan substitutes that work just as well, if not better. Vegan butter can be made at home using various oils and nuts, or it can be purchased at a store. The benefits of using vegan butter over regular butter include being cholesterol-free, lower in saturated fats, and better for the environment.
Top Vegan Treats Recipes to Try at Home
Are you looking for delicious treats to satisfy your sweet tooth but still stick to your vegan diet? Look no further because we’ve got you covered with these mouthwatering vegan treat recipes to try at home. These treats are easy to make and use simple whole food ingredients, so you can indulge without feeling guilty.
Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
Who doesn’t love a warm chocolate chip cookie fresh out of the oven? These vegan chocolate chip cookies are soft, chewy, and filled with gooey bits of chocolate. They are so good, no one will even notice they’re vegan. To make these cookies, you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup vegan butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup almond milk
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups vegan chocolate chips
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. In a bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, cream together the softened vegan butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until creamy. Stir in the almond milk and vanilla extract. Slowly incorporate the flour mixture until a dough forms. Fold in the vegan chocolate chips. Scoop out tablespoons of dough and place them onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 12-14 minutes until golden brown. Enjoy!
Vegan Banana Bread
Banana bread is a classic treat that everyone loves. This vegan version is moist, flavorful, and perfect for breakfast or as a snack. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a bowl, mix together the mashed bananas, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Add the dry mixture to the wet mixture and stir until all the ingredients are combined. Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and smooth out the top. Bake for 45-50 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the banana bread cool before slicing it up.
Vegan Brownies
Brownies are the ultimate treat, and these vegan brownies are no exception. They are fudgy, chocolatey, and so good. You’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup almond milk
Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a bowl, mix together the melted coconut oil, sugar, and vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Add the dry mixture to the wet mixture and stir until everything is combined. Pour in the almond milk and stir until the batter is smooth. Pour the batter into a greased baking dish and smooth out the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the brownies cool before slicing them up.
Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Oatmeal raisin cookies are a classic treat, and this vegan version is just as delicious. They are soft, chewy, and packed with oats and raisins. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup vegan butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp flaxseed meal
- 3 tbsp water
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup raisins
Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, cream together the vegan butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. In a small bowl, whisk together the flaxseed meal and water. Add the flaxseed mixture to the wet ingredients and stir until combined. Slowly add in the dry mixture until a dough forms. Fold in the rolled oats and raisins. Use a cookie scoop or spoon to scoop out balls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown. Let the cookies cool before enjoying.
Tips for Baking Perfect Vegan Treats
Baking vegan treats can be a rewarding and delicious experience. However, it can also be tricky when trying to replicate the texture and flavor of non-vegan baked goods. Here are some tips to help you bake perfect vegan treats every time.
Use High-Quality Ingredients
When it comes to vegan baking, using high-quality ingredients is crucial. Opt for organic and non-GMO ingredients whenever possible, and choose brands that you trust. For example, use unbleached all-purpose flour instead of bleached, and choose organic cane sugar instead of refined white sugar. This not only improves the overall quality of the baked goods but also ensures that your recipe meets the vegan standards.
Follow the Recipe Closely
Vegan recipes often have unique ingredient combinations that work together to create the perfect texture, flavor, and consistency. Therefore, it is important to follow the recipe closely and not make substitutions without considering the consequences of doing so. Follow the baking time, temperature, and method accurately to achieve the perfect results.
Experiment with Substitute Ingredients
Baking vegan treats allows you to experiment with new and exciting ingredients that you may not have used before. For example, instead of using eggs, try using a flax or chia seed egg substitute. Instead of using dairy milk, try using soy or almond milk. The substitutions can be tricky at times, so it’s important to use recipes that cater to vegan substitutes, or learn about different substitutes’ advantages and disadvantages to adjust your recipe to your liking.
Do Not Overmix Your Batter
When mixing your vegan batter, be careful not to overmix it. This can cause gluten to develop, leading to a tough and chewy texture instead of soft and fluffy. Mix the batter until just combined; over-mixing should be avoided.
Do Not Over-Bake your Treats
Over-baking can cause your vegan treats to go from delicious to dry and hard quickly. Keep an eye on your treats towards the end of their baking time, and remove them from the oven as soon as they are firm to the touch and a toothpick comes out clean when inserted. Additionally, extra time is needed for the treats to set if you are baking them in a convection oven. Remember that just like non-vegan baked goods, vegan treats can be finicky, so watch them closely.
Vegan Treats FAQs
More and more people are turning to veganism, either permanently or for temporary periods. In the past, being vegan meant giving up on all the food and treats that included animal products. But with the growing demand for veganism, there are now many options for vegan treats. Below are the top three most frequently asked questions about vegan treats.
Can vegan treats be just as tasty as traditional treats made with animal products?
Yes! Many people assume that removing animal products from a treat recipe would make it less delicious, but this is not the case. There are many vegan options for sugar, flour, and other ingredients that make vegan treats just as tasty, if not more so, than their animal-product-containing counterparts.
It’s important to note that vegan treats do have a slightly different taste and texture than traditional treats. Still, this is an opportunity to explore new flavor combinations and ingredients you might not have otherwise used.
What is the best substitute for eggs in vegan treats recipes?
Eggs are a common ingredient in baking, but they cannot be used in vegan recipes. Fortunately, there are many egg alternatives that work well in vegan treats. The most common substitutes are flax eggs, applesauce, mashed banana, and silken tofu.
For flax eggs, mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water to replace one egg. Applesauce, mashed bananas, and silken tofu can all replace eggs on a one-to-one ratio.
Are there vegan alternatives to common treat ingredients such as butter and chocolate?
Yes! There are many vegan alternatives for butter and chocolate. For butter, there are many plant-based alternatives such as coconut oil, vegan margarine, and vegan butter. These can all be used as a substitute for butter in recipes. For chocolate, there are various vegan chocolate options available online or at health food stores. Look for chocolate that is labeled vegan and check the ingredients carefully to ensure it is free from any animal products.
Alternatively, try using carob powder, which is similar to cocoa powder, and is gluten-free and caffeine-free. It is often used as a chocolate alternative for people with allergies or vegans.
Conclusion
Vegan treats are an excellent alternative to animal-product-containing treats. They can be just as tasty, and there are many exciting flavors and textures to explore. With a little knowledge and preparation, vegan treats can be just as easy and fun to make as traditional treats.
Hope You Enjoy These Vegan Treats Recipes!
Thank you for taking the time to read this article and hopefully you’ve found some yummy vegan treats recipes to try out at home. Remember, vegan food can be just as delicious and flavorful as any other type of cuisine out there. Don’t forget to come back and visit us for more amazing recipes and vegan food ideas. Happy cooking!