Food & Drink

Mastering The Art Of Vegan Baking For Plant-Powered Treats: 15 Vegan Bakes To Try

Going vegan need not preclude you from the delights of baking.

Making the transition to a vegan lifestyle doesn't have to mean bidding farewell to the joy of baking. Making simple plant-based swaps to your favourite cakes, biscuits and pastries will mean you can enjoy delicious, vegan-friendly teatime treats without compromising on taste or texture. We round up five plant-based ingredient alternatives to try, plus 15 vegan bakes to enjoy this spring, including classic recipes and family favourites.

Flaxseed Eggs


Mix ground flaxseeds with water to create a gel-like consistency that mimics the binding properties of eggs. Besides serving as a fantastic binder, flaxseed eggs also impart a subtle nutty flavour, enhancing the overall taste of your baked goods.

Aquafaba


Aquafaba is the liquid that results from cooking or soaking chickpeas. Instead of straining them when you open a can, save the viscous liquid to use as an excellent egg white substitute, capable of creating fluffy meringues, light macarons, and airy cakes. Whisk it until stiff peaks form, and watch your vegan desserts rise to the occasion.

Coconut Oil


Swap out butter for coconut oil to infuse your baked goods with a hint of tropical flavour. Coconut oil's rich and distinct flavour works wonders in cookies, cakes, and muffins. Opt for refined coconut oil if you prefer a more neutral taste or go for unrefined to enjoy the full coconut experience.

Almond Milk


A versatile dairy milk alternative, almond milk adds a subtle nuttiness to your baked treats. Use it as a one-to-one replacement for cow's milk in recipes, ensuring your cakes and muffins retain their moist texture while accommodating a vegan lifestyle.

Bananas


Harness the natural sweetness and binding properties of ripe bananas in lieu of eggs. Mashed bananas not only enhance the texture of your baked goods but also contribute a delightful sweetness and moistness. Banana bread, pancakes, and muffins are just a few of the endless possibilities with this fruit-based substitute.
Welsh Cakes

Welsh Cakes

Ahead of St David’s Day, perfect these traditional scones with some simple plant-based swaps. BBC Good Food

Triple Citrus Loaf Cake

Triple Citrus Loaf Cake

A zingy triple citrus hit to perk up your Elevenses. Waitrose

Blackberry & Pistachio Friands

Blackberry & Pistachio Friands

Delicate, fragrant and perfect with a cup of Earl Grey. Waitrose

Millionaire Shortbread

Millionaire Shortbread

A traybake staple, with simple store cupboard ingredients to knock up in a flash to soothe a sweet tooth. BBC Food

Baked Doughnuts

Baked Doughnuts

Light and pillowy, these baked not fried doughnuts are almost healthy… almost. BBC Food

Lemon Scones with Coconut Cream

Lemon Scones with Coconut Cream

A vegan twist on an afternoon favourite with a zingy lemon hint. Tesco

Almond & Cranberry Granola Bars

Almond & Cranberry Granola Bars

Perfect for pack-lunch boxes, these fruity granola bars will be a lunchtime favourite. Delicious Magazine

Chocolate & Almond Butter Cookies

Chocolate & Almond Butter Cookies

A grown-up take on a choc-chip cookie that’s child’s play to make. Delicious Magazine

Victoria Sponge Cake

Victoria Sponge Cake

A great birthday cake recipe to master and thus treat your plant-based friends on their big day. Delicious Magazine

Brownies

Brownies

Who doesn’t love a rich, chocolate brownie? An easy to follow recipe to bake with kids this half term. Olive Magazine

Carrot Cake

Carrot Cake

This vegan-friendly recipe guarantees a moist bake, every time. Olive Magazine

Banana Bread

Banana Bread

Not just a hang-over from lockdown, a good Banana Bread is a rich, nostalgic classic. Olive Magazine

Hot Cross Buns

Hot Cross Buns

Get in practise to wow vegan friends this Easter with this plant-based twist on the spring favourites. BBC Good Food

Cranberry & Orange Cookies

Cranberry & Orange Cookies

A beautiful hit of sweet and sour, these crumbly cookies will be a teatime hit. BBC Good Food

Chocolate Cake

Chocolate Cake

A classic, crowd-pleasing fudgy chocolate cake that is all indulgence. BBC Good Food

By Lydia Mansi
February 2024

Lydia Mansi

Lifestyle Editor

Lydia is an all-round lifestyle guru, tireless champion of women in business and our resident expert on beauty.

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