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67 Healthy Vegan Recipes That Are Totally Crave-Worthy

By Megan Edwards,

Last Updated:

Plant-based eating should never be boring! We’ve rounded up our best vegan recipes that will impress even the pickiest eaters. Learn to create healthy, oil-free versions of comforting classics like potato skins, quesadillas, tacos, mac and cheese, brownies, ice cream, and more. From hearty vegan dinner recipes to tantalizing sweet treats, all these dishes use easy vegan cooking techniques and familiar ingredients so you can avoid overly complicated dishes without skimping on flavor. Get ready to dig into these vegan meal ideas that will delight the whole family!

VEGAN SNACKS & APPETIZERS

Break out these mouth-watering vegan recipes when you’re in the mood for finger food that tastes like classic pub grub minus all the unhealthy ingredients. Whether you’re hosting a party for game day or cooking for your kid’s birthday party, these tasty snacks are sure to satisfy everyone on your guest list.

Air Fryer Taquitos Recipe

Air-Fryer Taquitos with Cauliflower and Black Beans

Air fryers work magic when it comes to cooking up crispy food without adding unhealthy fat. These crunchy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside taquitos are stuffed with hearty black beans, meaty mushrooms, and Southwest taco seasoning to satisfy all your Mexican food cravings.
Crispy Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

Having friends over to watch the game? Skip the greasy wings and make these spicy-crunchy cauliflower bites instead. Thanks to a clever combination of hot sauce, savory spices, and tomato paste, these crispy nibbles are packed with flavor—and are completely oil-free.
Vegan Loaded Potato Skins

Loaded Potato Skins

Twice-baked potatoes create delicious hand-held containers for a savory mixture of chickpeas, sun-dried tomatoes, capers, and scallions. Drizzled with tahini sauce and browned to perfection, this scrumptious vegan recipe is perfect as a snack or paired with a leafy green salad.
Homemade Vegan Sopes with Spicy Refried Beans on orange and green Mexican tiles

Homemade Vegan Sopes with Refried Beans

Never had sopes before? Think of these tasty bites as a Mexican version of Italian bruschetta. Each savory corn pancake is topped with hearty pinto beans infused with spicy taco seasoning, creamy guacamole, and tangy pico de gallo salsa. The end result is all of your favorite Southwestern flavors in one bite-size snack.
A photo of baked or air-fryer onion rings on a wooden tray, with a hand holding one ring and dipping it in ketchup

Onion Rings

Get ready for a full-on snack attack with this undeniably delicious recipe. Tender, sweet onion rounds are rolled in a crunchy breadcrumb coating and baked to crispy perfection for the perfect plant-based appetizer. Serve with homemade ketchup or vegan ranch, and indulge in some classic pub grub without all the grease!
Sicilian Rice Balls with Mushrooms and Peas piled on a white platter with bowl of marinara sauce in background

Sicilian Rice Balls with Mushrooms and Peas

Creamy cooked rice is stuffed with meaty mushrooms, sweet peas, and Italian herbs: What could be tastier? Known as arancini in Italy, this satisfying vegan recipe makes for a special appetizer. Dip each crispy rice ball in warm marinara sauce, and enjoy the bite-size flavor bomb!
Hearty Vegan Lentil Nachos

Loaded Lentil Nachos

Smoky lentils take the place of meat and a savory potato-based “cheese” sauce elevates home-baked corn chips to a whole new level. Piled high with fresh pico de gallo salsa, these vegan nachos are a great shareable appetizer—or if you’re extra hungry, enjoy them all by yourself!
vegan jalapeño poppers

Vegan Jalapeño Poppers with Savory Sweet Potato Filling

Searching for vegan food recipes that will please a large crowd? These succulent poppers will do the trick. Creamy sweet potato is enhanced with cheesy nutritional yeast and baked inside of spicy jalapeño peppers to create a perfect hand-held appetizer. Garnish with a few leaves of fresh cilantro for extra pizzazz.

Ultimate Vegan Gravy

Is there anything more comforting than a warm bowl of mashed potatoes and gravy? This plant-based version of a Thanksgiving favorite gets its rich flavor from mushrooms, dried spices, and brown rice. Plus, this healthy vegan recipe is ready to enjoy in just 30 minutes.
Zucchini Fritters with a dollop of vegan sour cream and chives on a white plate

Zucchini Fritters

This easy vegan recipe is such a tasty snack that you’ll want to make a double batch! Grated zucchini is enhanced with fresh herbs and turned into savory oil-free fritters that are perfect to munch on throughout the day. Dip these yummy patties into vegan sour cream, ketchup, or applesauce when you’re in need of wholesome finger food.  
vegan queso sauce - up close photo of spoon full of orange creamy cheesy vegan queso sauce

Vegan Queso Sauce

One of the most popular Forks Over Knives recipes of all time, this clever vegan queso sauce uses a surprising base: rolled oats. With nutritional yeast, jarred roasted red peppers, a handful of pantry staples, and 5 minutes in the blender, the wholesome base transforms into a creamy, cheesy sauce that even omnivores will love. Enjoy it as a dip with baked chips, poured over potatoes, stirred into Southwest-inspired  bowls, or any other way you can think of. Best of all, it's super healthy!
Vegan Cornbread in a white square dish with parchment paper underneath

Classic Vegan Cornbread

Enjoy a big slice of this fluffy cornbread recipe on its own or serve alongside a steaming bowl of vegan chili. This tasty plant-based take on the classic Southern dish incorporates chopped red bell pepper for extra flavor and texture. The ingredient you might not guess? Applesauce! It adds moisture and subtle sweetness that will leave you reaching for a second serving.
Sweet Potato and Shiitake Mushroom Dumplings on black and gold plates with a small bowl of soy sauce against a green tabletop

Sweet Potato and Shiitake Mushroom Dumplings

These dumplings are worthy of special occasions but so scrumptious you'll want to eat them on the daily. Handily, you can assemble these dumplings ahead of time and store them in the freezer for up to a month, so you always have some ready to enjoy. Simply add them to a pot of boiling water and let cook until they float to the pop.

VEGAN LUNCH RECIPES

Keep your fuel tank filled up with one of these drool-worthy vegan lunch recipes that will power you through the afternoon. Whether you need a quick grab-and-go sandwich or have more time on your lunch break to whip up something hot and tasty, all these scrumptious ideas will keep you energized through dinnertime.

Vegan BLTA with Carrot Bacon on wooden cutting board

Vegan BLTA with Carrot Bacon

Thinly sliced carrots get infused with an umami-rich marinade before being baked to crispy perfection for this deluxe sandwich, which features a palate-pleasing mix of flavors and textures. The zesty homemade sandwich spread—a blend of nutritional yeast, tahini, lemon juice, and herbs and spices—takes it to the next level, making for a meal that is totally healthy and totally crave-worthy.
20-Minute Black Bean Tacos in a white bowl

20-Minute Black Bean Tacos

Whether you’re new to cooking healthy vegan meals or you’re an old hand, these tasty tacos are perfect for when you want satisfying food in a hurry. The filling—hefty black beans, frozen sweet corn, and a spoonful of taco seasoning—comes together quickly. Serve in a warmed tortilla with a couple of slices of avocado and a dollop of salsa for a healthy meal that’ll keep you going for hours. A commenter shares, “Delicious, super easy recipe. Enjoyed it with fresh pico de gallo.”
A close-up shot of a vegan tuna salad sandwich with two slices of whole grain bread, with the filling featuring chickpeas, onions, and cherry tomatoes and a vegan dressing

“No-Tuna” Salad Sandwich

Roughly mashed chickpeas and a tangy-creamy sauce made with tahini, mustard, pickles, and capers make a seriously delicious filling in this FOK fan-favorite recipe. Top this “tuna” salad with fresh tomatoes, red onion, and lettuce for a scrumptious vegan version of the classic deli sandwich.
vegan fried rice

No-Fry Fried Rice

While most restaurants wouldn’t dream of doing fried rice without egg and plenty of oil, we use a water-frying technique and a cornstarch-thickened teriyaki sauce to deliver flavorful, browned goodness without the grease. Loaded with fresh veggies, sweet pineapple chunks, and spicy red chile, this better-than-takeout dish will quickly become a weeknight favorite.
whole wheat mini pizzas with alfredo sauce for wordpress

Air-Fryer Mini Pizzas with Alfredo Sauce

These air-fried pizzas, which cook in half the time of the oven-baked ones, make a delicious tasty snack. We recommend partially baking a batch of crusts and storing them in the freezer for quick pizza on demand. Slather with a miso-infused cannellini bean sauce and top with mushrooms, artichoke hearts, bell pepper, tomatoes, and fresh basil leaves.
Dilly Vegan Macaroni Salad in a blue bowl on a yellow plate against a green tile background

Dilly Vegan Macaroni Salad

Looking for the perfect vegan potluck recipe? Look no further, because this creamy pasta salad is everything you’ve been searching for. Whole wheat noodles are joined by celery, apples, and red onion to create a perfect picnic-worthy jumble that’s infused with a triple hit of dill—chopped fresh dill, chopped dill pickles, and dill pickle juice. You’ll be licking your plate clean to get every last drop of this super shareable salad.
Loaded Vegan Chalupas with Chipotle Queso on an orange plate against green tiles

Loaded Vegan Chalupas with Chipotle Queso

Indulge in a healthy, plant-based version of a popular chain restaurant’s famous taco wraps! These chalupas are everything you could want from Tex-Mex cooking—a crispy outer tortilla stuffed with a meaty bean-and-tofu filling, homemade chipotle queso, and fresh salsa. When you're craving fast food but want to steer clear of animal products, oil, or excessive sodium, this recipe is the one to make.
Vegan Egg Salad - Diced potatoes, celery, and other veggies and herbs shown tossed together for a vegan egg salad, in a green bowl on a concrete table

Almost Egg Salad

Tofu is the secret ingredient in this eggy salad that one reader calls “the motherload of goodness.” A creamy cashew sauce binds together the melt-in-you-mouth cubes of tofu and cooked potatoes, while chopped onion and celery add a traditional deli quality to this delightful vegan recipe.
A baking sheet with a colorful array of different ingredients for a vegan shawarma bowl, including roasted sweet potato, diced cucumber, short grains, chopped lettuce, and a small ramekin of tahini sauce on the side

Sweet Potato Shawarma

This delectable dish is all about the spices. Cumin, paprika, ginger, oregano, turmeric, and cinnamon work their magic on cauliflower and sweet potatoes to give the roasted veggies a distinct shawarma flavor. A bed of warm quinoa, crisp lettuce, and refreshing cucumbers is topped with a hefty serving of the plant-based shawarma for a Middle Eastern meal you won’t soon forget
butternut broccoli vegan mac and cheese

Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese with Broccoli

No collection of comforting vegan recipes would be complete without a good plant-based take on mac and cheese. The satisfying and good-for-you butternut squash sauce will make you forget all about boxed mac and cheese and its powder packets. Blended with savory nutritional yeast, fragrant garlic, and tangy white wine vinegar, this sauce is exceptionally creamy and pairs perfectly with the tender bite of steamed broccoli.
pita pizzas

Tex-Mex Pita Pizzas

Using pita bread as a base gets these Tex-Mex pita pizzas on the table in record time. Just throw a few rounds in the oven until lightly toasted, then smear on a layer of avocado, add seasoned beans and corn, and finish with oil-free salsa and fresh cilantro. A commenter writes, “This recipe was easy, and it was delicious. I like these kinds of recipes because I’m a beginner, and it was easy for me, and the food came out amazing. This is definitely a repeat meal.”

VEGAN DINNER RECIPES

When you want to sink your teeth into a substantial meal, these vegan dinner recipes are packed with good-for-you ingredients, exciting spices, and plenty of comforting flavors that will keep you satisfied. Add one of these healthy vegan meal ideas to your weekly rotation and savor all the delicious benefits of a plant-based plate.

Tamale Waffles with Black Bean Hash on a grey countertop

Tamales-Inspired Waffles with Black Bean Hash

These reader-favorite waffles are guaranteed to be a hit any time of day, but we especially love them for dinner. Masa harina and cornmeal are the base of the five-ingredient batter, lending a mildly sweet corn flavor that plays well with the savory hash topping—a simple-yet-so-tasty medley of onion, bell pepper, corn, garlic, and black beans. One reviewer writes, “Holy cow.. currently eating and couldn’t wait to comment. These are sooooo very good!”
Hearty Purple Cabbage Soup in a white bowl with metal spoon

Hearty Purple Cabbage Soup

Ready in just 40 minutes, this toothsome soup will warm you up right down to your toes and delivers rich flavor without oil or butter. Potatoes add creaminess, and onions give the savory broth a sweet, full-bodied flavor. Purple cabbage provides the soup with a royal hue, and sweet garden peas add pops of green. Feel free to add other veggies, such as carrots and mushrooms, and if you don't have purple cabbage, regular cabbage works just fine. Don’t forget to season with sea salt and freshly ground pepper. A reviewer notes, "We love this soup! It's delicious. This recipe has been on rotation pretty much year-round since we saw it."
sweet potato quesadilla topped with guacamole - one of many plant based recipes

Black Bean and Sweet Potato Quesadillas

You won’t miss the queso in these vegan quesadillas that are stuffed with a succulent mixture of mashed sweet potato, salsa, rice, and refried beans. Add some fresh guacamole and salsa on top, and voilá—you have a satisfying feast packed full of Southwest flavors.
Thai Spring Noodle Soup

Thai Vegetable Noodle Soup

A reader favorite, this nourishing noodle soup requires just one pot and 25 minutes. Perfect for cold nights, this is the best vegan recipe to enjoy when you need to be warmed up from the inside out. One reviewer writes, "This was absolutely delicious. I had to go for seconds!"
Mini Vegan Tamale Pie in white ramekins

Mini Vegan Tamale Pie

These adorable individual pies are the perfect portion of comfort food when you need a little pick-me-up. Each mini pie features a succulent filing of veggies and beans infused with smoky taco seasoning. A crispy crust of savory masa harina completes the tamale-inspired flavor profile, making this freezer-friendly vegan dinner recipe a perfect addition to your regular rotation.

Lentil, Chard & Sweet Potato Curry

You don’t need ghee or oil to create a rich Indian curry dish. Let the heady aromas of Indian spices fill your whole house as it simmers, then thicken it up with vegan yogurt for a savory, creamy end result. Overflowing with nutrient-rich veggies and lentils, this is an excellent meal to add to your regular recipe rotation.
Carrot Dogs

Carrot Dogs

These vegan hot dogs made with cooked whole carrots and a smoky marinade are enjoyed by kids and adults, as well as vegans and non-vegans. They taste remarkably like hot dogs! The carrot dogs only take 20 minutes of active prep time. Just be sure to place them in the marinade early in the day to allow at least four hours for the flavors to absorb. A fan writes, "Love these! I never comment on recipes, but this one has definitely inspired me, and I cannot wait to make them again!"
Shepherd’s Pie in a cast iron casserole dish

Shepherd’s Pie

What’s more comforting than cozying up to a steaming serving of shepherd’s pie on a chilly night? This fan-favorite recipe features a meaty portobello mushroom filling studded with juicy peas and tender carrots. The creamy potato topping provides a delicious contrast to the savory herb-infused filling, ensuring that each bite warms both your belly and your spirit.
Zucchini Rollatini with Quinoa and Chickpeas in a cast iron skillet

Zucchini Rollatini with Quinoa and Chickpeas

In this comforting casserole, thin zucchini slices get slathered with a creamy mixture of mashed chickpeas, spinach, and homemade cashew cream then rolled into pinwheels, topped with marinara and breadcrumbs, and baked until golden brown at the edges. Italian comfort food at its best (and healthiest).
Healthy Salsa Verde Casserole in an orange casserole dish

Healthy Salsa Verde Taco Casserole

Turn your favorite Taco Tuesday flavors into a hearty casserole so you can enjoy the flavors of Mexican food any night of the week! Here, corn tortillas are layered with a hearty mixture of barley, beans, corn, and mushrooms before being slathered with a homemade salsa verde sauce. Nutritional yeast adds a subtle cheesiness to the dish while a sprinkling of fresh herbs rounds out this hunger-busting meal.
Vegan Galette with Caramelized Onion and Vegetables on parchment paper

Vegan Galette with Caramelized Onion and Vegetables

Make date night a little tastier by whipping up this gorgeous galette for two. The whole wheat dough is wrapped around a savory interior of sweet caramelized onions, earthy butternut squash, hearty cauliflower, and umami-rich shiitake mushrooms. Fresh thyme adds a fragrant herbal element to the dish, transporting you to the French countryside with every bite of this decadent meal.
Big plate of vegan spaghetti with vegan meatballs and red sauce served in gray-blue bowl and table

Vegan Spaghetti Marinara with Lentil Balls

This veganized version of spaghetti and meatballs is such a hit with our readers that you would think it’s nonna’s secret recipe! Juicy mushrooms are mixed with hearty lentils and plenty of Italian spices to form succulent “meatballs” that are then nestled into spaghetti and marinara sauce. Add some chopped basil on top and get ready to dig into the world’s coziest bowl of pasta.
French Onion Gnocchi Soup in a white bowls against a dark gray background

French Onion Gnocchi Soup

What happens when you combine the rich, savory flavors of French onion soup with melt-in-your-mouth potato dumplings? One of the most crave-worthy meals we could possibly imagine! This inventive fusion recipe features a rich soup studded with pillowy gnocchi and topped with tangy quick-pickled shallots. Nothing better on a cold night!
spicy tomato sushi rolls

Spicy Tomato Sushi Rolls

Transport your tastebuds with this delicious Japanese-inspired vegan sushi recipe that’s as flavorful as it is beautiful. Butternut squash is simmered with brown rice to give it a creamy texture and warm flavor, while fresh tomatoes are tossed in a spicy sriracha sauce. Break out your nori and sushi mat to roll up these bite-sized slices of veggie goodness and serve with soy sauce.
Plant-based tacos with a mushroom chorizo filling served on a blue table

Mushroom Chorizo Tacos con Papas

Seasoned potatoes add substance to the meaty filling of these irresistible mushroom “chorizo” tacos, and a smoky blend of Southwest spices turn up the heat for a vegan twist on your favorite taco stand flavors. Garnish them with crunchy cabbage, fresh tomatoes, and salsa for a meal that will leave you satisfied instead of overly stuffed.
Khow Suey (Burmese Curry Noodle Soup) in a white ceramic bowl against dark gray background

Khow Suey (Burmese Curry Noodle Soup)

Khow suey is a brothy Burmese soup that typically features chicken or beef. This vegan version skips the meat without skimping on flavor and is a fabulous way to use up that bag of stir-fry veggies lurking in the back of your freezer. Incredibly, it comes together in just 25 minutes. One reviewer writes, “If I had a restaurant, this would be on the menu.”

Creamy Vegetable Soup with Escarole in a black bowl next to a loaf of bread and a small bowl of salt

Creamy Vegetable Soup with Escarole

With umami-rich mushrooms and buttery corn, this ultra-comforting soup showcases just how rich and creamy a broth can taste without any cream at all. The rotini pasta and chickpeas make it a hearty, stick-to-your-ribs meal. Escarole, a leafy, endive-like green, rounds it all out with earthy notes. (You can use kale instead, if you prefer.)

Vegetable Tikka Masala in a large black bowl surrounded by small bowls of cilantro, scallions, and chili flakes

Vegetable Tikka Masala

The next time you want to order Indian takeout, reach for this recipe instead to have a fun evening whipping up one of the most popular dishes on the menu! This veggie tikka masala recipe comes from plant-based cooking instructor Linda Tyler, and it’s packed full of fragrant spices, tender veggies, and hearty brown rice. Sprinkle each bowl with coriander before serving, dig into this scrumptious curry.
Butternut squash risotto in a pot with balsamic glaze in a cup to the side

Butternut Squash Risotto

The secret ingredient for a perfect risotto? A bit of elbow grease! While this dish requires constant stirring it’s well worth a little extra effort in the kitchen. The warm flavors of butternut squash and sage melt into the creamy rice that soaks up the flavors of sauteed garlic and shallot. Drizzle it with a balsamic vinegar reduction to add extra depth and a hint of sweetness.
Potato Gnocchi with Mushrooms and Greens in a white bowl with a metal fork

Vegan Potato Gnocchi with Mushrooms and Greens

While it might sound intimidating to make gnocchi from scratch, this easy vegan dinner recipe is worth flexing your home chef muscles. Pillowy nuggets of potato pasta are sautéed with umami-rich mushrooms and fresh greens, then drizzled with a zesty parsley sauce that adds a bright pop of herbal freshness to balance out all the savory flavors. Top everything with red pepper flakes if you like a little extra heat.
Jackfruit Vegan Jambalaya in a large pot with a spoon to the side - Hearty vegan fall stew

Jackfruit Jambalaya

Creole cuisine goes vegan in this jackfruit jambalaya that one happy reader calls “absolutely delicious!” The meaty texture of jackfruit absorbs the spicy flavors of the stew while chunks of bell pepper, celery, and onion pack this recipe with veggie goodness. Kidney beans and brown rice add extra heft, ensuring each serving will fill your belly with a Louisiana-inspired feast.
Thai Green Curry Chickpeas with Spinach in a white bowl with a metal serving spoon

Thai Green Curry Chickpeas with Spinach

This simple chickpea curry is the ultimate vegan recipe for when you’re craving something quick, comforting, and oh-so-satisfying. Thai green curry paste is enhanced with creamy coconut milk and fresh cilantro for a saucy base that coats any fresh veggies you have lying around in the fridge. Serve over a bed of brown rice for a meal that will stick to your stomach.
Creamy Vegan Ramen in a white bowl with a metal spoon

Creamy Vegan Ramen

In this delectable plant-based take on the Japanese noodle soup, miso paste and trumpet and shiitake mushrooms infuse the broth with rich umami flavor, while plant milk adds creaminess.
Two breaded air-fryer portobello burgers shown from above, drizzled with Thousand Island dressing, which is also in a ramekin between the burgers

Air-Fryer Portobello Burgers with Thousand Island Aïoli

Crispy, crunchy portobello patties, tangy plant-based Thousand Island aioli, and a stack of juicy veggies? It doesn’t get better than this. Whip up this divine vegan recipe for your next summer BBQ or whenever you’re craving a meal that tastes like fast food without all the unhealthy ingredients.
Kale and Sweet Potato–Stuffed Vegan Ravioli on gray ceramic plates topped with marinara sauce and fresh basil

Kale and Sweet Potato–Stuffed Vegan Ravioli

These pillowy parcels of whole wheat dough are filled with creamy sweet potato and tender kale, which ensures each bite is packed full of unforgettable flavor. Nutritional yeast gives them a cheesy umami flavor while rosemary adds to the earthy complexity of the filling. Top with marinara sauce, and indulge in a comforting bowl of fresh pasta.
Instant Pot Mushroom-Barley Stew in black bowls with green cloth napkins

Instant Pot Mushroom-Barley Stew

It’s impossible to pinpoint our favorite part of this cozy stew: Is it the rich, comforting flavors, the variety of tantalizing textures, or the nourishing ingredients? Probably all of the above! Savory mushrooms and fragrant herbs add depth to the broth while chewy barley, tender sweet potatoes, and sweet pearl onions add substance. One happy reader raves, “Great, flavorful recipe!”
Tempeh BBQ Sandwiches with Pineapple Slaw on a white plate

Tempeh BBQ Sandwiches with Pineapple Slaw

Sink your teeth into these saucy sandwiches when you’re craving the smoky-sweet flavors of a classic cookout. Each whole wheat bun is piled high with a tasty mushroom and tempeh filling, crunchy red cabbage, sweet pineapple, and zesty scallions. These sloppy Joe-inspired sammies are perfect for your next plant-based BBQ, and even the most ardent carnivore will admit they’re over-the-top delicious!
Butternut Bisque with Parsley Pistou in a white ceramic bowl resting on a blue cloth napkin

Butternut Bisque with Parsley Pistou

Canned butter beans (aka lima beans) are a handy vegan hack for adding creamy texture to blended soups. Here, they get pureed with butternut squash that has been simmered in garlicky broth until tender. Swirl in the vibrant parsley pistou just before serving for a luscious, luxurious meal worthy of special occasions. One happy reviewer writes, “Absolutely delicious.”

Fold-Up Rice and Black Bean Quesadillas against an orange background

Fold-Up Rice and Black Bean Quesadillas

These mouthwatering quesadillas are stuffed full of good-for-you ingredients, including black beans, shredded spinach, brown rice, pico de gallo, and a mashup of avocado and green peas that serves as a lighter alternative to guacamole. Enjoyed by kids and big kids alike, they come together in just 15 minutes. “Great flavor combinations,” writes one reviewer. “Very satisfying.”

VEGAN DESSERTS

Looking for something sweet to round out your meal? These desserts taste incredibly indulgent without using processed sugar, oil, or animal products. Whip up one of these popular recipes when your sweet tooth is calling or you’re hosting a plant-based dinner party. Whip up one of these popular vegan recipes when your sweet tooth is calling or you’re hosting a plant-based dinner party. It’s time to treat yourself!

vegan carrot cake

Perfect Vegan Carrot Cake

Traditional carrot cake sounds healthy but is usually heavy and loaded with vegetable oils. This vegan twist from Cathy Fisher is one of our most popular desserts. It's free from oil and sweetened with dates, raisins, and bananas, making it as healthy as carrot cake sounds like it should be. It's also gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free rolled oats. One fan writes, "Been making this cake for years, and it's one of my favorites!" Another commenter notes, "My husband's favorite. I have been searching forever for a vegan version that makes the grade. I made this today, and it's fantastic!"
Vegan chocolate avocado pudding in white ramekins sprinkled with pomegranate seeds and orange slices

Jeweled Avocado-Chocolate Pudding

This rich chocolate pudding gets its creamy texture from an unlikely ingredient—avocados! Blended with sweet ripe bananas and plant milk, you’d never know that this treat is vegan. Top it all off with a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds and orange slices for a quick dessert that really hits the spot.
Bursting with Berries Cobbler in a cast iron skillet lined with parchment paper with a big metal spoon

Bursting with Berries Cobbler

Celebrate berry season with a decadent cobbler that’s perfect for both breakfast and dessert! A layer of jammy mixed berries is topped with wholesome cinnamon-scented biscuits before being baked to bubbly golden brown perfection. Almond butter lends extra moisture and a subtle nuttiness to the biscuits, ensuring each bite is a decadent treat. Serve with Aquafaba Whipped Cream if you’re feeling fancy!
polenta apple cake

Polenta Cake with Apples and Cherry Compote

Quick and delicious, this apple-studded polenta cake has a dense, sweet crumb that satisfies sweet cravings while still leaving you feeling light after eating it. Another bonus of this recipe is that it’s easy! It requires just 30 minutes or less of active prep time, then an hour of cooking time, plus a little more to cool. It’s perfect for family dinners or entertaining. Serve with or without the cherry compote; it’s delicious either way. Note: Dry polenta has a coarser grind than cornmeal and can be found in most supermarkets or online.
Chocolate Cherry Cobbler shown in a baking dish with serving spoon, with one serving on a plate shown with whipped cream topping

Chocolate Cherry Vegan Cobbler

Cherries and chocolate are a pairing made in heaven, and this vegan cobbler recipe showcases that divine flavor combo at its finest. Fluffy chocolate dumplings are nestled in a warm, gooey mixture of sweet cherries, dates, and almond flavoring. Plant-based whipped cream is the perfect finishing touch for this decadent fruit-forward cobbler.
Healthy Brownies

Outrageously Healthy Black Bean Brownies

A little plant-based magic can go a long way, and these vegan brownies are no exception. Black beans are transformed into a scrumptious dessert that is rich, chewy, and chocolatey. Sprinkled with chopped nuts and dark chocolate chunks, both kids and adults will devour these unbelievably delicious treats.
Sweet Potato Bars on a metal cooling rack

Sweet Potato Bars

Sweet potatoes get a mouthwatering makeover when they’re transformed into velvety dessert bars infused with autumnal flavors. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla bring out the natural sweetness of the colorful spuds while chopped hazelnuts add crunchy texture to the smooth batter. Sprinkle the top with a little turbinado sugar before baking, and you’ll have a snack to satisfy your sweet tooth in no time.
Two pretty pink-red rosette plum tarts side by side on a light marble table

Plum Rosette Tarts

Impress the guests at your next dinner party with a healthy vegan recipe that also doubles as a showstopping dessert! Succulent plums are fanned out in the shape of a flower over a homemade oat and almond butter crust. Ginger, cinnamon, and fresh lemon zest add a delicious depth of flavor that will surely make this treat the talk of the town.
Incredible Chocolate Sweet Potato Cake on a silver metal cake platter

Incredible Chocolate Sweet Potato Cake

The secret to this supremely moist chocolate cake is sweet potato, which is present both in the batter and the frosting! The tasty tubers add a velvety texture and their subtle sweetness enhances the rich cocoa flavors so each bite leaves you licking your lips for every last crumb. End dinner on a sweet note with a slice of this crave-worthy cake.
Chewy Apple-Raisin Oatmeal Cookies

Chewy Apple-Raisin Oatmeal Cookies

Halfway between a decadent dessert and a hearty granola bar, these chewy apple-raisin cookies are one of the most popular Forks Over Knives treats of all time. Each cookie is naturally sweetened with mashed banana, maple syrup, and juicy raisins. The mouthwatering combination of cinnamon and peanut butter make these snacks extra scrumptious (and great for keeping your energy up on a long hike!).

Mexican Chocolate Nice Cream

Elevate your average nice cream recipe with this creamy, sweet, and subtly spicy version of a Mexican hot chocolate. This easy dessert uses just five ingredients and can be served immediately or stored in the freezer for days when your sweet tooth comes calling.
Two vegan banana pudding parfaits in glass jars, showing layers of pudding and vanilla oats

Southern-Style Banana Pudding Parfaits

Enjoy these naturally sweetened parfaits for breakfast or dessert! An easy stove-top vanilla pudding is drizzled between layers of ripe banana and crunchy homemade granola that’s scented with cinnamon, vanilla, and nutmeg. Add a dollop of cashew cream on top, and bon appétit.
homemade chocolate doughnuts orange sauce

Chocolate-Orange Dessert Donuts

Indulge in these rich treats, which combine two of the world’s best flavors—chocolate and citrus. The sweet rounds are enhanced with orange zest, juice, and segments to really make the tangy element pop. A few tablespoons of tahini add extra moisture and a slight nutty flavor to offset the sweetness, making this vegan dessert recipe one you’ll want to bake again and again.
The Best Vegan Strawberries and Cream in a glass cup with gold spoon

The Best Vegan Strawberries and Cream

Simple and sweet, this berry-tastic dessert is the perfect treat to celebrate summer fruit. The classic flavors receive a healthy twist by using silken tofu and sweet dates to create the rich cream that's scented with vanilla and cardamom. Be sure to layer the elements in a clear glass so you can admire your handiwork before chowing down. One pleased reader raves, "I could bather in this stuff it is so yummy!"

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We have a huge variety of wholesome, nourishing vegan recipes to get you through every day from start to finish.

Ready to get started? Check out Forks Meal Planner, FOK’s easy weekly vegan meal planner to keep you on a healthy plant-based path. To learn more about a whole-food, plant-based diet, visit our Plant-Based Primer.

This article was originally published on 10/5/2017 and has been updated.  

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About the Author

Headshot of Megan Edwards

About the Author

Megan Edwards

Megan Edwards is a staff writer and content producer for Forks Over Knives. She is also a certified RYT-500 yoga teacher who is passionate about cultivating holistic wellness through plant-based eating, mindful movement, and meditation. With a background in journalism and marketing, she supports both the online presence and quarterly print magazine for Forks Over Knives.
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