30 Mouthwatering Vegan Desserts for a Guilt-Free Indulgence

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

The beauty of plant-based baking is how effortlessly fruit, nuts, grains, and a few clever swaps can turn into dishes that feel lush yet stay dairy- and egg-free. Whether you love rich chocolate or bright citrus, there’s a sweet treat here to match your mood. Each dessert below can be prepared with ingredients available at most larger supermarkets, and none rely on specialty equipment beyond a standard kitchen set-up. Grab your whisk and let’s get dessert on the table.

1. Classic Chocolate Avocado Mousse

Indoor photo of two small glass jars filled with silky dark chocolate mousse, topped with a fresh raspberry and a mint sprig, placed on a rustic wooden table. Soft, warm lighting, no text or logos visible.
Ideogram

Ripe avocados lend silky body to this cocoa-rich mousse, eliminating the need for cream. Blend the fruit with unsweetened cocoa powder, maple syrup, and a splash of vanilla until perfectly smooth. Chill for an hour so the flavors deepen and the texture firms slightly. Serve in small glasses for a surprisingly decadent finish to any meal.

2. Coconut Mango Sticky Rice

Indoor photo of a shallow ceramic bowl containing glossy coconut sticky rice topped with neatly fanned slices of ripe mango and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. Soft overhead lighting, no text or logos.
Ideogram

Inspired by the Thai classic, this version uses full-fat coconut milk to infuse short-grain rice with tropical richness. Once the rice is tender, fold in a touch of sugar and a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. Cool slightly, then pair with juicy mango slices for bright contrast. A quick dusting of sesame seeds adds gentle crunch.

3. No-Bake Peanut Butter Oat Bars

Indoor photo of a parchment-lined pan of golden peanut butter oat bars cut into neat squares, one piece slightly pulled forward to show chewy texture. Even, neutral lighting, no text or logos.
Ideogram

Rolled oats, natural peanut butter, and a drizzle of maple syrup are pressed together to form these portable treats. Because the recipe skips the oven, the bars stay delightfully soft while still holding their shape. A thin layer of melted dark chocolate on top turns them into a crowd-pleaser. Store extras in the fridge for up to a week.

4. Aquafaba Lemon Meringue Pie

Indoor photo of a slice of lemon meringue pie on a white plate, fluffy golden-tipped meringue perched over bright yellow filling and a crisp crust. Soft side lighting, no text or logos.
Ideogram

The liquid from a can of chickpeas, known as aquafaba, whips into billowy peaks that mimic egg whites. Spoon the foam over a tangy lemon curd set in a flaky vegan crust. A quick pass under the broiler browns the tips for a bakery-style look. Chill the pie before slicing so the layers stay distinct.

5. Blueberry Cashew Cheesecake

Indoor photo of a mini cashew cheesecake with a swirl of blueberry compote on top, sitting on a marble slab. Natural window lighting, no text or logos.
Ideogram

Soaked cashews blend into a creamy filling that rivals traditional cheesecake. A date-almond crust provides subtle sweetness and a nutty base. After an overnight set in the fridge, spoon on a quick stovetop blueberry sauce. Each bite balances tart fruit and velvety filling.

6. Tahini Swirl Brownies

Indoor photo of a square pan of fudge-style brownies, creamy tahini swirls visible on the shiny surface. Soft kitchen lighting, no text or logos.
Ideogram

Cocoa powder and dark chocolate chips create intense flavor, while flaxseed “eggs” keep the crumb tender. Dollops of tahini are marbled through the batter before baking, giving each bite nutty depth. Let the pan cool completely for clean slices. These brownies freeze beautifully for make-ahead dessert emergencies.

7. Chai-Spiced Rice Pudding

Indoor photo of two small ceramic bowls of creamy rice pudding sprinkled with ground cinnamon and cardamom, steam gently rising. Warm ambient lighting, no text or logos.
Ideogram

Slow-simmered arborio rice absorbs almond milk steeped with chai spices—think cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves. The mixture thickens into a spoonable comfort dessert that tastes like a cozy mug of tea. Sweeten with brown sugar or coconut sugar for caramel notes. Serve warm or chilled, depending on the season.

8. Raspberry Almond Crumble Bars

Indoor photo of layered crumble bars on a white platter, ruby red raspberry filling peeking through golden almond topping. Diffused light, no text or logos.
Ideogram

A single dough acts as both base and crumble, saving time. Press half into the pan, spread with raspberry jam or fresh compote, and scatter the rest on top with sliced almonds for crunch. Bake until edges turn deep gold and the fruit bubbles slightly. Cool fully before cutting so the layers stay intact.

9. Matcha Coconut Ice Cream

Indoor photo of a ceramic bowl with two scoops of pale green matcha ice cream, coconut flakes sprinkled on top, a metal spoon resting nearby. Soft studio lighting, no text or logos.
Ideogram

Full-fat coconut milk forms the lush base of this churned treat. A couple of teaspoons of culinary-grade matcha powder add earthy flavor and gentle caffeine. Chill the mixture thoroughly before spinning in an ice-cream maker for the smoothest texture. Serve with toasted coconut for extra fragrance.

10. Banana Nice Cream Sundae

Indoor photo of a tall glass sundae dish filled with swirled banana nice cream, chocolate drizzle, and crushed nuts. Bright kitchen lighting, no text or logos.
Ideogram

Frozen banana slices blend into soft-serve texture without added sugar. Customize with cocoa powder, berries, or nut butter as you whirl. For a sundae, layer the nice cream with chocolate sauce made from melted dark chocolate and coconut oil. Enjoy immediately, since it melts faster than dairy ice cream.

11. Salted Caramel Date Truffles

Indoor photo of bite-sized date truffles dusted with flaky sea salt, arranged in a small ceramic dish. Warm, moody lighting, no text or logos.
Ideogram

Medjool dates blitzed with almond butter turn into a naturally sweet dough that tastes like caramel. Roll the mixture into balls, then coat with melted dark chocolate. A pinch of sea salt on each truffle sharpens the flavor and adds crunch. Keep them chilled for a firm snap.

12. Pistachio Rosewater Baklava Bites

Indoor photo of mini baklava squares on a porcelain plate, layers of crisp phyllo visible with pistachio filling, light sheen of syrup glistening. Soft directional lighting, no text or logos.
Ideogram

Vegan butter keeps the phyllo layers flaky while ground pistachios and a hint of cardamom create aromatic filling. After baking, pour over a rosewater-infused syrup that soaks into the layers without making them soggy. Cut into small squares for easy sharing. The flavors deepen overnight, so they’re perfect to make ahead.

13. Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes with Maple Frosting

Indoor photo of three pumpkin cupcakes on a wooden board, piped with maple frosting and dusted with cinnamon. Gentle autumnal lighting, no text or logos.
Ideogram

Canned pumpkin purée adds moisture and subtle sweetness, so the batter stays tender even without eggs. Warm spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove—underscore the fall theme. The frosting comes together with vegan butter, powdered sugar, and a splash of pure maple syrup. Serve at room temperature for the best texture.

14. Dark Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries

Indoor photo of a small tray of red strawberries half-dipped in glossy dark chocolate, chocolate still slightly soft. Soft overhead lighting, no text or logos.
Ideogram

Choose firm, ripe strawberries, dry them well, and dip into melted dairy-free chocolate. Let the coating set on parchment for about fifteen minutes. A quick sprinkle of crushed pistachios or shredded coconut adds contrast. These look elegant yet take only minutes to prepare.

15. Strawberry Shortcake Biscuits

Indoor photo of split shortcake biscuits filled with macerated strawberries and coconut whipped cream, stacked on a cake stand. Natural afternoon light, no text or logos.
Ideogram

Fluffy biscuits rely on cold vegan butter and a touch of baking powder for lift. Sweetened strawberries release their juices after a short rest with sugar. Layer the fruit and its syrup between biscuit halves with clouds of whipped coconut cream. Serve immediately so the biscuits stay crisp at the edges.

16. Mocha Chia Seed Pudding

Indoor photo of a glass jar showing distinct layers of mocha chia pudding and coconut yogurt, topped with cacao nibs. Soft side lighting, no text or logos.
Ideogram

Mix brewed coffee, cocoa powder, and plant milk, then whisk in chia seeds. After a few hours in the fridge, the seeds swell to create a thick, spoonable pudding. A layer of coconut yogurt brightens the flavor and contrasts the deep mocha notes. Sprinkle with cacao nibs for crunch and extra chocolate aroma.

17. Carrot Cake with Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting

Indoor photo of a single slice of moist carrot cake on a dessert plate, thick layer of cream cheese frosting on top, walnuts scattered around. Warm lighting, no text or logos.
Ideogram

Finely grated carrots keep the crumb tender while crushed pineapple adds subtle sweetness. Flaxseed meal substitutes for eggs, binding the batter without affecting taste. The frosting blends dairy-free cream cheese and powdered sugar into a tangy finish. Stud the sides with chopped pecans if you enjoy extra texture.

18. Ginger Molasses Cookies

Indoor photo of an open cookie jar with ginger molasses cookies stacked inside, sugar crystals sparkling on the cracked tops. Cozy kitchen lighting, no text or logos.
Ideogram

Dark molasses and fresh grated ginger give these cookies their signature snap of flavor. Vegan butter keeps them chewy in the center while the edges crisp nicely. Roll the dough in coarse sugar before baking for a subtle crunch. The cookies stay soft for days if stored in an airtight tin.

19. Pear & Cranberry Crisp

Indoor photo of a cast-iron skillet filled with bubbling pear cranberry crisp, golden oat topping visible, served on a trivet. Warm ambient lighting, no text or logos.
Ideogram

Sweet pears pair beautifully with tart cranberries beneath a blanket of oat-almond crumble. A touch of orange zest livens up the fruit filling. Bake until the topping turns deeply golden and the juices thicken slightly. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla soy ice cream.

20. Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins

Indoor photo of a wire rack holding freshly baked lemon poppy seed muffins, one split open to show fluffy interior. Bright morning light, no text or logos.
Ideogram

Aquafaba whipped lightly mimics eggs, giving these muffins a springy crumb. Fresh lemon juice and zest lend vibrant flavor without being overpowering. Poppy seeds add a subtle crunch and classic speckled look. They’re quick enough for weekday baking yet special enough for brunch.

21. Black Sesame Snowballs

Indoor photo of black sesame snowball cookies dusted with powdered sugar, arranged on a small slate board. Soft diffused light, no text or logos.
Ideogram

Ground black sesame seeds bring nutty depth and an eye-catching color to these melt-in-your-mouth cookies. The dough comes together with vegan butter, flour, and a hint of vanilla. After baking, roll the rounds in powdered sugar for a snowy finish. They keep well, making them handy for gifting.

22. Chocolate Hazelnut Tart

Indoor photo of a narrow slice of glossy chocolate hazelnut tart on a dessert fork, hazelnut pieces sprinkled on top. Refined restaurant-style lighting, no text or logos.
Ideogram

A press-in crust of crushed hazelnuts and dates forms a sturdy shell without the need for baking. The filling blends silken tofu with melted dark chocolate for a luxurious texture. Chill until set, then garnish with toasted nuts for crunch. Serve small slices; a little goes a long way.

23. Mint Chocolate Chip Milkshake

Indoor photo of a tall frosted glass filled with pale green mint milkshake, chocolate chips visible throughout, topped with coconut whipped cream. Retro diner lighting, no text or logos.
Ideogram

Frozen bananas and a splash of oat milk make a creamy base without ice cream. Add peppermint extract and spinach leaves for natural color, then blend until smooth. Stir in mini dairy-free chocolate chips for classic texture. Enjoy immediately with a reusable straw.

24. Apple Cinnamon Hand Pies

Indoor photo of golden hand pies on a cooling rack, one broken open to reveal apple filling gently steaming. Warm evening light, no text or logos.
Ideogram

Flaky store-bought vegan pastry dough speeds up the process, while diced apples, cinnamon, and brown sugar form the filling. Brush the tops with plant milk so they bake to a deep golden sheen. A few vents cut into each pie release steam and prevent bursting. They’re tidy enough to eat without utensils.

25. Key Lime Parfait

Indoor photo of layered parfait glasses containing lime custard, graham cracker crumbs, and coconut whipped cream, lime zest sprinkled on top. Bright, fresh lighting, no text or logos.
Ideogram

Silken tofu blended with fresh key lime juice and zest produces a tangy custard. Alternate spoonfuls with crushed vegan graham crackers for texture contrast. Finish with dollops of coconut whip and a twist of lime peel. Chill for at least two hours so the flavors meld.

26. Almond Joy Energy Balls

Indoor photo of chocolate-coated energy balls with almond slivers on top, arranged on parchment paper. Neutral studio lighting, no text or logos.
Ideogram

Dates, shredded coconut, and cocoa powder blitz together to capture candy-bar flavor in snack form. Press an almond into each ball before rolling to echo the original treat. A quick dip in melted chocolate seals in moisture. Keep a batch in the freezer for grab-and-go sweetness.

27. Sweet Potato Brownie Bites

Indoor photo of mini brownie squares on a white platter, orange flecks hinting at sweet potato inside, dusting of cocoa powder on top. Soft bakery lighting, no text or logos.
Ideogram

Roasted sweet potato purée adds moisture and subtle caramel notes without extra oil. Cocoa powder and dark chocolate chips deliver full-on chocolate flavor. Bake the batter in a mini-muffin tin for portion-controlled bites. They’re dense, fudgy, and surprisingly nutrient-rich.

28. Blueberry-Lemon Scones

Indoor photo of triangular blueberry scones on a baking sheet lined with parchment, lemon glaze drizzled on top. Morning window light, no text or logos.
Ideogram

Cold vegan butter creates flaky layers in these tender scones. Fresh blueberries burst during baking, pairing nicely with bright lemon zest. A simple glaze of powdered sugar and juice adds a touch of shine. Serve slightly warm alongside afternoon tea.

29. Orange Olive Oil Polenta Cake

Indoor photo of a single slice of golden polenta cake on a ceramic plate, candied orange peel garnish. Elegant, soft lighting, no text or logos.
Ideogram

Fine cornmeal lends subtle crunch, while fruity olive oil keeps the crumb moist. Fresh orange juice and zest flavor the batter without overpowering it. Bake until the edges pull away from the pan and the top is lightly domed. A dusting of powdered sugar finishes the rustic look.

30. Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta with Berry Compote

Indoor photo of a small glass ramekin of silky white panna cotta topped with glossy mixed berry compote, vanilla bean specks visible. Soft directional lighting, no text or logos.
Ideogram

Agar-agar powder sets coconut milk into a creamy dessert that gently wobbles like its dairy counterpart. Scraped vanilla bean seeds perfume the base without needing extract. Once chilled, spoon on a quick berry compote cooked with a touch of lemon juice. Serve well-chilled for the cleanest release from the mould.

Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.