Struggling with dairy-free desserts? Wondering how to get that thick, fluffy frosting without butter? But guess what? There are so many amazing dairy-free alternatives out there that’ll let you enjoy your favorite treats.
1.Banana Cream Pie
Bananas are my absolute favorite ingredient, and banana cream pie might just be my number one dessert of all time.
When I decided to make it dairy-free, I was a bit nervous–after all, ‘cream’ is right there in the name! But once again, vegan alternatives and coconut whipped cream totally came to the rescue.
The crust is a standout, with rolled oats and almonds adding some serious flavor and texture. The filling is a dairy-free pudding that comes together similarly to chocolate pudding, thickened to perfection with cornstarch.
Then, it’s lightened up with a fluffy coconut whipped cream for an airy, creamy finish. It’s a game-changer!
2.Vegan Strawberry Cheesecake Bites
These cheesecake bites are a real showstopper, with their vibrant color from fresh strawberries and bursts of flavor in every bite.
The gluten-free crust is a standout, made with dates, pecans, and coconut, but you can also opt for a vegan butter biscuit base if you prefer.
The filling is super simple–just five ingredients blended until smooth and poured over the crust. Whether you make them as mini bites or a large tray sliced into pieces, they’re sure to impress.
For an extra touch, drizzle with dark chocolate or sprinkle with chocolate shavings.
3.Lime Bars
Let’s shake things up–lime might just be the new lemon! While lemon is a classic choice for brightening up dishes, there’s something special about lime that steals the spotlight.
These lime bars are the perfect example. Imagine a creamy, cheesecake-like filling paired with a crunchy oaty crust. It’s a match made in heaven! For the smoothest filling, don’t forget to soak those cashews overnight.
And here’s a tip: don’t hold back on the lime zest. It’s the secret ingredient that takes the flavor to the next level.
Tart, zesty, and irresistibly delicious, these bars are sure to convert even the biggest lemon lovers.
4.Blueberry Coffee Cake
Start your day with a burst of freshness! This blueberry-packed cake is perfect for breakfast, loaded with juicy berries that take center stage.
Sweetened with applesauce, it’s not overly sweet, letting the natural flavor of the blueberries shine in every bite.
For an extra treat, top it with a crumbly streusel and finish it off with a drizzle of creamy coconut milk glaze–pure morning bliss!
5.Vegan Chocolate Pudding
Chocolate lovers, rejoice! This rich and creamy chocolate pudding comes together in just 20 minutes with only seven ingredients.
Here’s how it works: warm most of the ingredients, stir in your chocolate, and let cornstarch work its magic to thicken things up naturally.
Give it a couple of hours to set, and you’re good to go. Best enjoyed fresh within a couple of days–though we doubt it’ll last that long!
6.Cinnamon Rolls
Ditching dairy doesn’t mean you have to skip out on indulgent treats–especially when it comes to something as sweet and sticky as a cinnamon roll smothered in glaze.
The dough comes together with coconut oil and almond milk, and while it needs some kneading and resting time before baking, it’s totally worth the wait.
For the filling, we’re keeping it simple with a mix of brown sugar and cinnamon. But if you want to take it up a notch, a little vegan butter wouldn’t hurt!
The glaze is completely customizable–make it as thick or thin as you like by adjusting the almond milk. No cream cheese? No problem.
It might not have that tangy kick, but it still delivers on sweetness. Proof that you can have your indulgent treat and skip the dairy, too.
7.Sugar Cookies
Sugar cookies are a must-have in your recipe arsenal. They’re super versatile and can be tweaked to create all sorts of fun and flavorful treats.
Having a reliable dairy-free recipe is especially handy during the holidays! Plus, these cookies are also gluten-free.
The recipe uses almond flour and almond milk, but feel free to experiment with other gluten-free flours and dairy-free milks to suit your needs.
The base dough is tender and delicious, making it perfect for creating a variety of cookies.
Add some nuts, dried fruit, or chocolate chips, and you’ve got a whole batch of customizable goodies in no time!
8.Dairy-free Cupcakes and Frosting
Ditch the dairy without sacrificing flavor! These cupcakes and frosting are proof that going dairy-free doesn’t mean missing out.
Using vegan milk and yogurt adds richness and moisture, making these treats every bit as delicious as their traditional counterparts. Plus, with vegan butter, whipping up a smooth and fluffy frosting is a breeze.
Whether you’re a long-time vegan or just exploring dairy-free options, these cupcakes are a game-changer.
9.Cranberry Pistachio Oat Bars
These treats are a feast for the eyes and taste buds alike! The vibrant green pistachios and crimson cranberries create a stunning mix of colors.
With a hint of maple syrup, they offer a perfect balance of chewy and nutty flavors. Drizzled with a rich dark chocolate and coconut oil glaze, then sprinkled with sea salt, they become simply irresistible.
10.5-Ingredient White Chocolate Truffles
Thinking these are traditional white chocolate treats? Think again! While white chocolate typically includes milk, this version uses cocoa butter and macadamia nuts for a creamy twist.
Blend everything together, let it set, then roll the mixture in coconut for a delicious finish. The result? Chewy, coconut-coated bites that make a great white chocolate alternative.
Just a tip: when shopping for cocoa butter, make sure it’s food-grade–check the package to confirm it’s meant for eating, not for soaps or lotions.
11.Gluten and Dairy-free Chocolate Zucchini Bread
I remember when gluten-free options were, well, less than exciting. The texture was often off, and let’s just say it wasn’t exactly a treat for the taste buds.
But with the newer gluten-free flours on the market, those days are behind us. This moist and flavorful loaf is a game-changer.
With fewer than 10 ingredients and less than 10 minutes of prep time, it’s a breeze to make.
Just mix everything together, let the batter rest for a few minutes to let the magic happen, and then bake for about half an hour. The result?
A delicious, tender loaf that’s perfect with a cup of coffee. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor–what more could you ask for?
12.Bread Pudding
Bread pudding is the ultimate comfort food, and this vegan version delivers big on flavor.
Made with day-old bread soaked in a spiced custard, this recipe swaps eggs for a creamy coconut milk and dairy-free milk mixture, spiced with vanilla and cinnamon, and thickened to perfection with cornstarch.
Let the bread soak in the mixture for at least an hour before baking to ensure every bite is infused with that delicious flavor.
Serve it warm for a cozy treat, or let it cool and slice it up for later–either way, it’s a crowd-pleaser!
13.Spiced Applesauce Cake
Imagine a slice of heaven on a plate–this loaded cake is the ultimate treat!
Packed with warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves, plus a hint of cocoa for that rich chocolate flavor, this cake is a flavor powerhouse.
But the real stars are the mix-ins–chopped walnuts for crunch, chocolate chips for sweetness, and plump raisins for a fruity twist.
Pro tip: soak those golden raisins in a little rum for an extra burst of moisture and flavor. Every bite is pure bliss!
14.Raspberry Crumb Bars
Dairy-free butter takes shortbread to the next level! While cocoa butter and oil work, nothing beats the crumbly goodness of butter-based shortbread.
Mix the dough gently until it just comes together–remember, under-mixing is key to keeping it tender. Finish shaping it as you roll it out.
Par-bake the base until it’s lightly golden, then top with raspberry and lemon filling and the remaining crust. Simple yet irresistible, this shortbread is a must-try!
15.Olive Oil Cake
Who says cake needs frosting? Sometimes, a simple, flavorful cake is all you need. This moist and delicious treat is perfect just as it is.
With only eight ingredients, you can whip up the batter and have it in the oven in just 15 minutes. The olive oil adds a unique twist, complementing the orange flavor beautifully.
For an authentic experience, serve it with a cup of tea and enjoy the pure, unadulterated taste of a well-crafted cake.
16.Pumpkin Pie
Sharing family-favorite treats with everyone is such a joy. Using dairy-free butter, you can create an amazing batch of pastry that’s tender and just right.
The coconut flavor is so subtle you might not even notice it’s there. If you’re a coconut fan, go ahead and top your pie with some coconut whipped cream for an extra-special treat.
17.Apple Fries
Apple fries are as simple as they sound! Toss sliced apples in a mix of sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch, then bake until golden and crisp–just 15 to 20 minutes in the oven does the trick.
And the best part? You can dip them in the caramel from your last dessert for an extra-special treat. With apples and date caramel, it’s almost like eating healthy! 🍎
18.Lime and Gin Coconut Macaroons
Macaroons are the perfect treat if you’re looking for something big, chewy, and super easy to make.
Unlike macarons, these don’t require any fancy egg white techniques–just mix the egg white with sugar, gin, lime zest, salt, and a hint of almond extract until everything comes together.
Fold in some coconut, drop spoonfuls onto a greased baking sheet or individual baking wafers, and bake until golden. Once cooled, dip the bottoms in your favorite dairy-free chocolate for an extra-special touch.
These chewy coconut bites, with a hint of lime and a drizzle of chocolate, make for a simple yet irresistible snack.
19.Dairy-free Brownies
Ditch the dairy without sacrificing flavor–these brownies are here to prove it! By swapping butter for oil, you keep them rich and moist while cutting out the dairy.
These treats are a breeze to make and bake up to a fudgy, chocolatey perfection. They still use eggs, though, so if you’re aiming for vegan, check out our banana brownies!
The banana flavor is subtle but adds natural sweetness and moisture. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth! 🍌
20.Pumpkin Blondies
Pumpkin and white chocolate blondies might just be my new obsession! These treats come together as easily as a brownie mix. Start by mixing coconut oil with pumpkin puree, sugar, vanilla, and an egg.
Then, gently fold in the dry ingredients–don’t overdo it, or your blondies might end up tough and cakey. The result? Soft, chewy, and perfectly spiced blondies with a sweet white chocolate twist.
21.Sea Salt Caramel Coconut Ice Cream
Date Caramel: A Game-Changing Twist When I first heard about date caramel, I did a double take. Caramel made from dates? That’s a new one!
I’d previously made vegan caramel with vegan butter and coconut milk, which was amazing, but this was something different. Curiosity piqued, I gave it a try.
It doesn’t have that buttery flavor, but trust me, it’s pretty darn incredible. Plus, it’s made with just two ingredients!
I like to add an extra splash of bourbon for a grown-up twist, though rum would be a fantastic alternative too.
This dairy-free caramel is a healthier, yet equally indulgent, way to satisfy your sweet cravings.
22.Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream
Get ready for a treat you won’t want to wait for!
This homemade ice cream is a game-changer, and if you don’t have an ice cream maker yet, consider adding one to your wish list–especially with the holidays around the corner.
Made with soaked cashews, brown sugar, agave, coconut milk, and coconut oil, this recipe is as smooth as it gets. The best part? It’s a breeze to make–just blend everything until silky smooth.
For the cookie dough chunks, feel free to get creative! Swap in almond butter or use your favorite vegan cookie recipe instead of the peanut butter version.
No matter how you mix it up, this ice cream is creamy, sweet, and so good you’ll forget it’s dairy-free.
23.Lemon Curd Tart
These are incredibly quick to whip up! The crust is made with almond flour, giving it a delicious flavor and making it gluten-free. When preparing the curd, cook it on low-medium heat, stirring constantly.
It takes a bit of patience, but it’ll smooth out nicely after a few minutes. Don’t forget to pre-bake the crust and let it cool before adding the filling.
If you’re prepping ahead, try brushing the crust with a little egg white–it’ll create a barrier so the lemon curd doesn’t soak through.
24.Tahini Chocolate Banana Soft Serve
Frozen banana ice cream is a game-changer–it’s creamy, rich, and tastes just like traditional ice cream, but without the dairy.
If you’re new to tahini, it has a slightly bitter, nutty flavor, similar to nut butter but without the sweetness.
The combination of banana, cocoa, tahini, and a pinch of sea salt might sound unusual, but trust us, it’s pure magic.
A drizzle of maple syrup and some blended dates add just the right touch of sweetness.
To take it to the next level, swirl in a half batch of chocolate tahini sauce and a spoonful of date caramel for a treat that’s both indulgent and refreshing.
24 Dairy-Free Desserts (+ Easy Recipes)
Course: DessertsCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcalStruggling with dairy-free desserts? Wondering how to get that thick, fluffy frosting without butter? But guess what? There are so many amazing dairy-free alternatives out there that’ll let you enjoy your favorite treats.
Ingredients
Banana Cream Pie
Vegan Strawberry Cheesecake Bites
Lime Bars
Blueberry Coffee Cake
Vegan Chocolate Pudding
Cinnamon Rolls
Sugar Cookies
Dairy-free Cupcakes and Frosting
Cranberry Pistachio Oat Bars
5-Ingredient White Chocolate Truffles
Gluten and Dairy-free Chocolate Zucchini Bread
Bread Pudding
Spiced Applesauce Cake
Raspberry Crumb Bars
Olive Oil Cake
Pumpkin Pie
Apple Fries
Lime and Gin Coconut Macaroons
Dairy-free Brownies
Pumpkin Blondies
Sea Salt Caramel Coconut Ice Cream
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream
Lemon Curd Tart
Tahini Chocolate Banana Soft Serve
Directions
- Select your favorite recipe.
- Organize all the required ingredients.
- Prep a delicious recipe in 30 minutes or less!