Home Vegan Post Easy Vegan Baking Recipes: Cakes, Cookies & More

Easy Vegan Baking Recipes: Cakes, Cookies & More

Baking without eggs or dairy may seem intimidating at first—but vegan baking is not only possible, it’s often easier, healthier, and just as indulgent as traditional methods. Whether you’re new to plant-based living or a seasoned vegan looking to expand your dessert repertoire, this comprehensive guide to vegan baking recipes will help you create delicious baked goods with ease.

From chewy cookies and fluffy muffins to moist cakes and gooey brownies, every recipe here is crafted for both flavor and simplicity. These tried-and-true baked favorites are made using everyday ingredients and are perfect for family gatherings, weeknight treats, or special occasions.

Why Vegan Baking Works (Yes, Without Eggs or Dairy)

Eggs and dairy have long been considered essentials in baking for moisture, structure, and richness. But plant-based ingredients can do the same—often better.

  • Egg replacements like flaxseed, chia seed, applesauce, or aquafaba bind ingredients while adding nutrients.

  • Plant-based milks such as oat, almond, or soy replicate the moisture and fat of dairy without cholesterol.

  • Vegan butters or oils deliver the same flaky, tender textures in pie crusts and cakes.

The result? Healthier, cruelty-free treats that are just as decadent and satisfying.

Pantry Essentials for Vegan Baking

To set yourself up for success, keep these ingredients on hand:

  • Ground flaxseed or chia seeds (egg replacer)

  • Non-dairy milk (oat, soy, almond, etc.)

  • Applesauce or mashed banana (moisture & sweetness)

  • Vegan butter or coconut oil

  • All-purpose flour, almond flour, or oat flour

  • Baking soda and baking powder

  • Maple syrup or agave nectar

  • Coconut sugar or organic cane sugar

  • Cocoa powder

  • Vanilla extract

  • Dairy-free chocolate chips

1. Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies

Soft, chewy, and golden on the edges. These cookies use vegan butter and flax eggs for the perfect balance of crisp and gooey.

Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water (flax egg)

  • ½ cup vegan butter

  • ¾ cup brown sugar

  • ¼ cup cane sugar

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1½ cups all-purpose flour

  • ½ tsp baking soda

  • ½ tsp salt

  • ¾ cup vegan chocolate chips

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

  2. Mix flax and water, set aside.

  3. Cream vegan butter and sugars.

  4. Add flax egg and vanilla.

  5. Mix in flour, baking soda, and salt.

  6. Fold in chocolate chips.

  7. Scoop onto baking sheet and bake 10–12 minutes.

2. Fluffy Vegan Muffins (Any Flavor)

These muffins rise beautifully without eggs and stay moist thanks to applesauce and non-dairy milk.

Base Ingredients:

  • 2 cups flour (all-purpose or whole wheat)

  • 1 tbsp baking powder

  • ½ tsp salt

  • 1 tsp cinnamon (optional)

  • ¾ cup plant milk

  • ⅓ cup neutral oil or melted coconut oil

  • ½ cup maple syrup or sugar

  • ½ cup applesauce

  • 1 tsp vanilla

Add-ins:

  • Blueberries, raspberries, chopped nuts, vegan chocolate chips

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F.

  2. Mix dry ingredients.

  3. Whisk wet ingredients in a separate bowl.

  4. Combine and fold in add-ins.

  5. Pour into lined muffin tin and bake 18–22 minutes.

3. Vegan Banana Bread

Overripe bananas never go to waste with this moist, naturally sweetened banana bread.

Ingredients:

  • 3 ripe bananas

  • ¼ cup melted coconut oil

  • ¼ cup maple syrup

  • ¼ cup almond milk

  • 1 tsp vanilla

  • 1½ cups flour

  • 1 tsp baking soda

  • ½ tsp salt

  • Optional: chopped walnuts or chocolate chips

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

  2. Mash bananas in a bowl.

  3. Stir in oil, syrup, milk, and vanilla.

  4. Add dry ingredients, mix until combined.

  5. Pour into loaf pan, bake 50–55 minutes.

4. Vegan Brownies

These brownies are rich, fudgy, and incredibly chocolatey without any animal products.

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup melted vegan butter

  • 1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water

  • 1 cup sugar

  • ½ cup cocoa powder

  • ½ tsp baking powder

  • ½ tsp salt

  • ¾ cup flour

  • ½ cup non-dairy milk

  • ½ cup chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

  2. Mix flaxseed and water, set aside.

  3. Stir together melted butter, sugar, and flax egg.

  4. Add dry ingredients and milk until smooth.

  5. Pour into greased pan, bake 25–30 minutes.

5. Vegan Vanilla Cake

Perfect for birthdays or celebrations, this vanilla cake is fluffy and light with a simple vegan buttercream.

Ingredients:

  • 1½ cups flour

  • 1 cup sugar

  • 1 tsp baking soda

  • ½ tsp salt

  • 1 cup plant milk + 1 tsp apple cider vinegar (vegan buttermilk)

  • ⅓ cup oil

  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract

Frosting:

  • ½ cup vegan butter

  • 2 cups powdered sugar

  • 1 tsp vanilla

  • 1–2 tbsp plant milk

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

  2. Mix dry ingredients.

  3. Combine milk + vinegar and let sit 5 minutes.

  4. Add wet to dry, mix until smooth.

  5. Bake in 8” pan 30–35 minutes.

  6. Cool completely, frost with buttercream.

6. Vegan Apple Crisp

Warm apples with a crispy oat topping—no baking skills needed.

Filling:

  • 4 apples, sliced

  • 2 tbsp maple syrup

  • 1 tsp cinnamon

  • 1 tsp lemon juice

Topping:

  • ¾ cup oats

  • ½ cup flour

  • ¼ cup coconut sugar

  • ⅓ cup vegan butter or coconut oil

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F.

  2. Toss filling ingredients, place in baking dish.

  3. Mix topping, sprinkle over apples.

  4. Bake 35–40 minutes until golden.

Tips for Successful Vegan Baking

  • Measure accurately: Vegan baking requires balance. Spoon and level flour for precision.

  • Don’t overmix: Especially for muffins and cakes—too much mixing creates dense results.

  • Let it cool: Vegan treats firm up as they cool. Avoid slicing or moving too soon.

  • Experiment wisely: Swap ingredients one at a time to understand how each change affects texture or taste.

Seasonal & Special Occasion Ideas

  • Fall: Vegan pumpkin bread, pecan pie, or spiced apple muffins

  • Winter holidays: Gingerbread cookies, chocolate peppermint brownies

  • Spring: Lemon poppyseed cake or strawberry oat bars

  • Summer: Berry cobbler, peach crisp, or zucchini bread

Plant-based baking doesn’t stop at dessert. You can also explore savory options like vegan cornbread, herbed scones, or cheesy biscuits using nutritional yeast.

Show Off Your Vegan Lifestyle

Baking is a joy—but being vegan is a lifestyle. Whether you’re in the kitchen or out in the world, you can show your plant-powered values proudly. The Dharma Store offers vegan-themed t-shirts made from organic cotton—comfort, style, and compassion all in one.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing complicated about baking without eggs or dairy. These easy vegan baking recipes prove that you can enjoy the same fluffy cakes, rich brownies, and chewy cookies you know and love—all while sticking to a compassionate, sustainable lifestyle.

The best part? No one will know they’re vegan.

So preheat that oven, grab your whisk, and treat yourself to the joy of dairy-free, egg-free, and 100% delicious baking.