🍫 Sweet Without Sacrifice
Think veganism means giving up dessert? Think again.
Whether you’re newly plant-based or just dairy-free-curious, there’s a whole world of delicious, easy vegan desserts that are compassionate, accessible, and downright indulgent. From gooey brownies and creamy puddings to fruity crisps and no-bake bites, you’ll be amazed at how satisfying dairy- and egg-free sweets can be.
At The Dharma Store, we believe compassion should taste good, too. These simple vegan dessert ideas are perfect for anyone seeking guilt-free indulgence that aligns with a cruelty-free lifestyle. Throw on your favorite “Powered by Plants” tee, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get baking (or not—many of these are no-bake!).
🥥 Vegan Pantry Staples for Sweet Success
Before diving into the recipes, here are some vegan baking essentials to keep stocked:
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Plant-Based Milks: Almond, soy, oat, coconut
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Natural Sweeteners: Maple syrup, agave, coconut sugar, dates
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Binders: Flaxseed (1 tbsp flax + 3 tbsp water = 1 egg), chia seeds, mashed banana
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Fats: Coconut oil, avocado, vegan butter
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Flours: All-purpose, oat, almond, coconut
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Canned Coconut Milk: For creamy textures
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Dark Chocolate Chips: Check for dairy-free labels
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Nuts & Nut Butters: Peanut, almond, cashew
🍪 No-Bake Vegan Desserts: Fast, Fuss-Free, Fabulous
1. No-Bake Energy Balls
Perfect as a sweet snack or post-dinner bite.
Ingredients:
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1 cup oats
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½ cup peanut butter
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¼ cup maple syrup
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¼ cup dark chocolate chips
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2 tbsp flaxseed meal
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Pinch of sea salt
Instructions:
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Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
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Roll into small balls.
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Chill for 30 minutes and enjoy!
💡 Customize with coconut flakes, chopped dates, or cinnamon.
2. Chocolate Avocado Mousse
Creamy, decadent, and packed with healthy fats.
Ingredients:
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2 ripe avocados
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¼ cup cocoa powder
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¼ cup maple syrup
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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Pinch of sea salt
Instructions:
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Blend all ingredients until smooth.
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Chill for 1 hour.
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Serve with berries or dairy-free whipped topping.
💡 Top with crushed almonds for a crunch.
3. Frozen Banana Bites
These bite-sized treats satisfy ice cream cravings.
Ingredients:
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2 bananas, sliced
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½ cup dark chocolate, melted
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2 tbsp almond butter
Instructions:
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Sandwich almond butter between banana slices.
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Dip in melted chocolate.
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Freeze for 1 hour.
💡 Try using peanut butter or tahini for variation.
🍰 Baked Vegan Desserts: Comfort in Every Crumb
4. Avocado Brownies
Fudgy, nutrient-dense, and totally indulgent.
Ingredients:
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1 ripe avocado
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½ cup maple syrup
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½ cup oat flour
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¼ cup cocoa powder
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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½ tsp baking soda
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¼ cup dairy-free chocolate chips
Instructions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Blend all ingredients until smooth.
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Pour into greased baking dish.
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Bake for 20–25 minutes.
💡 Let cool completely for best texture.
5. Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
A classic made compassionate.
Ingredients:
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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½ cup coconut sugar
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¼ cup coconut oil
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¼ cup almond milk
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½ tsp baking soda
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½ tsp vanilla
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½ cup dairy-free chocolate chips
Instructions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F.
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Mix dry and wet ingredients separately, then combine.
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Scoop dough onto lined baking tray.
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Bake for 10–12 minutes.
💡 Sprinkle with sea salt after baking for a gourmet touch.
6. Baked Apple Crisp
Warm, spiced, and topped with a crumbly oat topping.
Filling:
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4 apples, sliced
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1 tbsp lemon juice
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1 tsp cinnamon
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1 tbsp maple syrup
Topping:
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1 cup oats
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¼ cup almond flour
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¼ cup coconut oil
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2 tbsp maple syrup
Instructions:
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Preheat oven to 375°F.
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Toss filling ingredients and place in baking dish.
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Mix topping and sprinkle over apples.
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Bake for 30–35 minutes.
💡 Serve with coconut milk ice cream.
🍨 Vegan Ice Cream Alternatives
7. Coconut Milk Ice Cream
Creamy, churn-free, and customizable.
Base:
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2 cans full-fat coconut milk
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½ cup maple syrup
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1 tsp vanilla
Instructions:
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Mix ingredients and chill.
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Use an ice cream maker or freeze in a container, stirring every hour until solid.
💡 Add cocoa powder, espresso, or crushed cookies.
8. Nice Cream (Banana-Based)
Budget-friendly and endlessly versatile.
Basic Recipe:
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3 frozen bananas
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Splash of almond milk
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Optional: peanut butter, berries, cocoa powder
Instructions:
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Blend until smooth.
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Serve immediately or freeze for firmer texture.
💡 Try matcha, mango, or cinnamon swirl varieties.
🍓 Light & Fruity Vegan Dessert Ideas
9. Chia Pudding
Nutritious and great for prepping ahead.
Ingredients:
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¼ cup chia seeds
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1 cup plant milk
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1 tbsp maple syrup
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½ tsp vanilla
Instructions:
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Mix ingredients.
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Refrigerate overnight.
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Top with fruit, nuts, or granola.
💡 Layer with fruit puree for a parfait effect.
10. Baked Peaches or Pears
Naturally sweet with a warm twist.
Ingredients:
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2 peaches or pears, halved
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Drizzle of maple syrup
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Sprinkle of cinnamon and nuts
Instructions:
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Preheat oven to 375°F.
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Place fruit in baking dish, cut-side up.
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Drizzle and bake for 20–25 minutes.
💡 Serve with vegan vanilla yogurt or ice cream.
🧁 Quick Tips for Vegan Baking Success
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Use the right egg replacer:
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Flax egg: For muffins, pancakes
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Mashed banana/applesauce: For moist brownies or cakes
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Aquafaba (chickpea brine): For fluffy meringues or macarons
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Don’t overmix – especially when using gluten-free flours.
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Check your chocolate – Not all dark chocolate is dairy-free. Look for vegan-labeled chips or bars.
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Let it cool – Vegan desserts often firm up as they cool, especially cookies and brownies.
🧘 Dessert Meets Dharma: Indulge with Intention
Desserts should be joyful—not something to feel guilty about. When they’re made with compassion, whole foods, and cruelty-free ingredients, that joy becomes even more meaningful.
That’s why we at The Dharma Store love highlighting the sweetness of the vegan lifestyle. Every time you make an intentional choice—whether it’s baking cookies with almond milk or wearing a tee that proudly says “Peace Begins on Your Plate”—you’re making a statement for kindness.
So next time you’re craving something sweet, reach for one of these easy vegan dessert ideas. You’ll be treating your taste buds, your body, and the planet with love.
💬 What’s Your Favorite Vegan Dessert?
Have a go-to dairy-free sweet you swear by? Let us know in the comments—or tag us on Instagram @thedharmastore in your dessert pics. Bonus points if you’re rocking your favorite vegan tee while baking.