10 Easy Gluten Free Vegan Holiday Desserts That Will Impress

Hello, dessert enthusiasts! If you’re reading this, you probably have a sweet tooth like me, but you’re also on the gluten-free plant-based train.

Well, the GREAT NEWS is that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor and indulgence this holiday season just because you’re avoiding gluten, eggs, or dairy!

The world of gluten free vegan holiday desserts has expanded in incredible ways, offering a delectable array of treats for EVERYONE to enjoy.

Read below for the how-to’s and tasty recipes; trust me, you won’t miss anything.

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The Rise of Gluten Free Vegan Holiday Desserts

Remember when gluten-free or vegan meant saying goodbye to scrumptious cakes, pastries, and cookies? Yep, me too. When I changed my diet due to chronic illness, holiday eating had me feeling left out of the party. But boy-oh-boy, has that changed!

Thanks to the rising awareness of gluten intolerance and celiac disease, the demand for gluten-free alternatives has skyrocketed. Many people also go plant-based for their health, eliminating eggs and dairy. And in general, food intolerances are on the rise.

As a result, talented bakers and food innovators have been hard at work creating mouthwatering, gluten-free, vegan dessert options that are as delicious as their traditional counterparts.

First, let’s discuss what Gluten Free and Vegan Baking look like regarding ingredients…

Essential Ingredients for Gluten-Free Baking

Getting used to gluten-free baking requires a brief knowledge of the ingredients that make it gluten-free. Once familiar with these, you can turn any family comfort recipe into a gluten-free option.

6 cups each with different types of flours including corn, almond, oat, rice and other nuts

Gluten-Free Flour Blends

Rice Flour: A versatile and mild-flavored choice often used as a base in gluten-free flour blends.
Almond Flour: Adds a pleasant nutty flavor and moisture to baked goods, perfect for cookies and cakes.
Coconut Flour: Known for its high absorbency, coconut flour is excellent for recipes that need extra moisture and binding.
Tapioca Flour: Adds lightness and chewiness to gluten-free baked goods, making it a common ingredient in many blends.
Potato Starch: Useful for enhancing the texture of gluten-free bread and pastries.
Gluten-Free 1:1 Baking Flour: a blend of rice and other grain-free flour above and other ingredients to help bread rise or thicken; it can be a straight replacement for wheat flour, great for quick breads and sweet desserts.
Gluten Free All Purpose: also a blend of flours but is better for recipes already calling for a gluten-free flour

Gluten-Free Binders and Leaveners

Xanthan Gum: A crucial binder in gluten-free baking, which helps mimic the elasticity of gluten. Use it sparingly in recipes or an All Purpose Flour or 1:1 Flour that contains it.
Baking Powder and Baking Soda: Leavening agents that provide rise and fluffiness in baked goods. Look for an aluminum-free baking powder.

Gluten-Free Flavor Enhancers

Cocoa Powder: For chocolate-based treats and desserts.
Cinnamon and Other Spices: Add warmth and depth to your baked goods.

Gluten-Free Nut and Seed Additions

Chopped Nuts: Like walnuts or pecans for texture and flavor.
Chia Seeds or Flaxseeds: Great for adding moisture and binding in recipes.

Remember that gluten-free baking may require some experimentation to find the right flour blend and ratios for your specific recipes. Also, always check labels to ensure your chosen ingredients are gluten-free, as cross-contamination can occur during processing.

With these essential ingredients in your gluten-free baking arsenal, you’ll be well-equipped to create delicious gluten-free treats that satisfy your cravings and delight your taste buds!

Essential Ingredients for Vegan Baking

The same goes with vegan baking; you won’t miss eggs or dairy once you are familiar with the typical substitutions.

Vegan Egg Replacements

Flax: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg. Let it sit for a few minutes to form a gel-like consistency.
Chia: Mix 1 tablespoon of chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg.
Applesauce: 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce for one egg, and adds moisture to your recipes.
Egg Replacer: Bob’s Red Mill version using potato starch, tapioca flour, baking soda, and psyllium husk, 1 tablespoon to 2 tablespoons of water to replace 1 egg

Vegan Milk Alternatives

Almond Milk, Oat Milk, or Coconut Milk: These dairy-free options can replace cow’s milk in most recipes.
Cashew Cream or Yogurt: Ideal for adding richness and creaminess to vegan desserts.

Vegan Butter and Oil Replacements

Coconut Oil: Use it as a 1 to 1 substitute for butter in many recipes, especially when you want a subtle coconut flavor.
Vegan Butter: Brands like Earth Balance offer vegan butter alternatives that can replace dairy butter. Or make your own Vegan Butter with just a few ingredients.

Vegan Sweeteners

Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener that adds flavor and moisture to your baked goods.
Agave Nectar: An alternative to honey for a liquid sweetener.

Remember that when substituting ingredients in vegan baking, it may require some experimentation to achieve the perfect texture and flavor. Always double-check product labels to ensure they are truly vegan-friendly, as some items may contain hidden animal-derived ingredients.

With these essential vegan baking ingredients and substitutions, you can create a variety of plant-based, delectable vegan treats that your taste buds will love!

Want to know a little more about Cooking Without Oil? Check out my post here!

Gluten Free Vegan Holiday Desserts for All

One of the beautiful things about these gluten-free Christmas desserts is that they’re not just for people with dietary restrictions. They’re for everyone! Your family and friends won’t even notice the difference when they sink their teeth into a luscious slice of flourless chocolate cake or a few chewy vegan gingerbread cookies.

So, whether you’re gluten-sensitive, have celiac disease, eat plant-based, or you’re curious about the world of gluten-free, vegan holiday desserts, there’s an entire sweet universe waiting for you to explore. Don’t deprive your sweet tooth any longer—dive into these delightful gluten-free treats and savor every bite.

Gluten-free vegan holiday desserts have come a long way, and they’re here to stay. There’s no need to miss out on the joy of dessert just because you’re avoiding gluten or animal products. With so many scrumptious options available, you can have your cake (and cookies and pie) and eat it too.

Enjoy your gluten-free and vegan journey into the world of sweet delights!

Time to Cook: Gluten-Free Vegan Holiday Dessert Recipes

Here’s where we have fun, start cooking, and be prepared for satisfaction. The recipe link is the title of the recipe.

10 Easy Gluten Free Vegan Holiday Desserts That Will Impress

The Rise of Gluten Free Vegan Holiday Desserts