5 Must try vegan recipes

Vegan Croissants

Croissants are the epitome of buttery, flaky, and golden goodness. However, for those who follow a vegan lifestyle, traditional croissants present a challenge since they typically contain butter and sometimes milk. Thankfully, with the right techniques and substitutions, making delicious vegan croissants is entirely possible. Below, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about making these flaky pastries, ensuring they maintain their classic texture and flavor while being entirely plant-based.

Ingredients

To create vegan croissants, you’ll need ingredients that replicate the richness and functionality of dairy products. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the dough:

3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour

2 tbsp (25g) granulated sugar

2 tsp (10g) salt

2 ¼ tsp (7g) active dry yeast

¾ cup (180ml) unsweetened plant-based milk (such as almond, soy, or oat milk)

¼ cup (60ml) water

2 tbsp (30ml) vegetable oil

For the vegan butter block:

1 cup (225g) vegan butter or margarine (ensure it’s firm and suitable for baking)

1–2 tbsp (15–30g) all-purpose flour (optional, to prevent sticking)

Optional glaze:

¼ cup (60ml) unsweetened plant-based milk

1 tbsp (15g) maple syrup or agave nectar

Prep Time

Preparing vegan croissants is a labor of love. While the process is time-intensive, the results are worth every minute. Expect a prep time of around 2 hours (excluding resting and proofing times).

Cook Time

Baking croissants typically takes about 20–25 minutes in a preheated oven.

Total Time

Including chilling, proofing, and baking, the total time for making vegan croissants is approximately 20–24 hours. Most of this is hands-off time, allowing the dough to rest and develop layers.

Servings

This recipe makes 8–12 croissants, depending on how large you cut and shape them.

Yield

You’ll have a batch of buttery, flaky vegan croissants that are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack.

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Vegan Strawberry Macarons

Ingredients

To craft the perfect batch of vegan strawberry macarons, you’ll need the following:

For the macaron shells:

100 grams aquafaba (liquid from a can of unsalted chickpeas)

1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar

100 grams granulated sugar

100 grams powdered sugar

100 grams almond flour (finely sifted)

1/4 teaspoon pink gel food coloring (optional but recommended for vibrant strawberry appeal)

For the strawberry filling:

1/2 cup fresh or frozen strawberries (thawed and puréed)

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon cornstarch

2 tablespoons water

1/4 cup vegan butter (softened)

Prep Time

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time

Total Time: 55 minutes

Servings

Servings: 10 (approximately 20 macaron sandwiches)

Yield

Yield: 20 macarons

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Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

Whether you’re preparing for a big game day, hosting a party, or simply craving a mouthwatering snack, these Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Wings are the perfect choice. The combination of crispy, roasted cauliflower with a tangy, spicy buffalo sauce creates a mouthwatering flavor profile that rivals traditional chicken wings. In this blog post, we will explore the ingredients, preparation steps, and cooking process for these vegan-friendly cauliflower wings. This plant-based recipe is not only healthy but also a fun and flavorful way to satisfy your wing cravings without the guilt!

Ingredients for Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

To make these irresistible Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Wings, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Cauliflower Wings:

1 medium-sized head of cauliflower (cut into bite-sized florets)

1 cup all-purpose flour (can substitute with gluten-free flour if desired)

1 tablespoon cornstarch (for added crispiness)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky flavor)

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (such as almond, oat, or soy milk)

1 tablespoon olive oil (for roasting)

For the Buffalo Sauce:

1/2 cup hot sauce (use your favorite brand or adjust the heat level to taste)

2 tablespoons vegan butter (melted)

1 tablespoon maple syrup (for a touch of sweetness)

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (adds tang)

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)

A pinch of salt (to taste)

Prep Time

The preparation time for these Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Wings is relatively quick, making it a convenient snack or appetizer. From start to finish, it will take about 15–20 minutes to prepare the cauliflower florets and set them aside before cooking.

Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll do during the prep time:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets.

Prepare the batter and buffalo sauce, ensuring all the ingredients are ready to go.

Cook Time

Once you’ve prepped the cauliflower and buffalo sauce, the actual cooking process is where the magic happens. The cook time for these wings is approximately 25–30 minutes, with a few key steps during this phase:

Coat the cauliflower florets in the batter and bake them in the oven until crispy.

Toss the crispy cauliflower in the buffalo sauce and return them to the oven for a few additional minutes to ensure the sauce sticks.

During the cooking phase, you’ll notice the cauliflower wings turn golden brown and crispy, achieving that perfect “wing” texture. You may also choose to broil them for a couple of minutes at the end to add an extra crispy touch.

Total Time

The total time for making Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Wings, from prep to finish, is approximately 45 minutes. This includes both the prep time and the cook time, making it a relatively quick dish to prepare for parties, game nights, or even a weeknight snack.

Servings

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings, making it perfect for a small group of friends or family. However, it’s easy to scale up the recipe if you’re serving a larger crowd. Simply adjust the ingredients proportionally to ensure you have enough cauliflower wings for everyone to enjoy.

Yield

With this recipe, you’ll get about 1 to 1.5 pounds of cauliflower wings. The exact yield depends on the size of the cauliflower florets you cut and how much batter you use to coat them. You can easily serve these wings as a snack or appetizer for 4 people, or double the recipe to serve a larger group.

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Vegan Chocolate Avocado Mousse

Ingredients

The beauty of this vegan chocolate avocado mousse lies in its simplicity. Using just a handful of high-quality ingredients, you can create a dessert that’s both nutritious and satisfying. Here’s what you’ll need:

2 ripe avocados: Avocados serve as the base for this mousse, providing the creamy texture and healthy fats that make this dessert so luscious.

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: For that rich, chocolatey flavor that’s essential to any chocolate mousse. Be sure to use unsweetened cocoa powder to keep the sugar content in check.

1/4 cup maple syrup: This natural sweetener adds just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the chocolate flavor.

1 tsp vanilla extract: Vanilla enhances the chocolate flavor, giving the mousse a subtle aromatic sweetness.

2 tbsp almond milk (or any plant-based milk): This helps to thin out the mousse and make it extra creamy.

Pinch of salt: A little salt helps to balance the sweetness and bring out the chocolate’s depth.

Optional: A pinch of cinnamon: Cinnamon adds an extra layer of warmth and complexity to the flavor. It’s optional, but highly recommended for a unique twist.

These ingredients come together in no time and require minimal effort to create a dessert that feels indulgent yet nourishing.

Prep Time

Making vegan chocolate avocado mousse is incredibly quick and easy. Here’s what you can expect for the prep time:

Preparation time: About 10 minutes.

This short prep time makes it an ideal dessert when you’re in a hurry or need a last-minute treat for guests. No need to bake, chill, or wait — just blend and serve!

Cook Time

The best part about this dessert is that it requires zero cooking time. The process is all about blending, so there’s no need to heat anything up, which helps preserve the natural flavors of the ingredients. This makes the mousse even more refreshing and light.

Cook time: 0 minutes.

Total Time

From start to finish, the entire process takes very little time. You’ll be able to prepare this mousse in under 15 minutes, and it’s ready to serve immediately. The only thing to keep in mind is that letting the mousse chill in the refrigerator for a few minutes can enhance the flavors and make it even more delicious.

Total time: Approximately 10 to 15 minutes.

Servings

This recipe typically yields 2 to 4 servings, depending on portion sizes. If you’re serving a larger group, simply double or triple the recipe to accommodate more people.

Servings: 2–4 servings.

This mousse is perfect for an intimate dinner or as a surprise treat for your family or friends. You can easily scale the recipe based on how many people you’re serving.

Yield

Once you’ve made the mousse, you’ll find that it’s quite filling and satisfying. The creamy texture and rich flavor ensure that a little goes a long way. It’s the perfect dessert for those who want a sweet treat without overindulging.

Yield: Approximately 2–4 small bowls or servings.

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Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients

Making vegan chocolate chip cookies doesn’t require any special ingredients or hard-to-find products. In fact, most of the ingredients in a standard chocolate chip cookie recipe can easily be swapped out for plant-based alternatives. Here’s what you’ll need:

Flour — All-purpose flour is the most common choice, but you can experiment with whole wheat flour, oat flour, or gluten-free flour if you prefer. The texture of the cookie may vary depending on your choice of flour, but the flavor will still be just as delightful.

Baking soda — This will help the cookies rise and become light and fluffy. It’s a common ingredient in all kinds of cookies and is easily accessible.

Salt — A pinch of salt enhances the sweetness and balances out the flavors in the cookies.

Vegan butter — This is the fat that helps the cookies become chewy and crispy. Vegan butter is made from plant oils, and there are plenty of options available in supermarkets nowadays.

Brown sugar — Brown sugar adds richness and moisture, creating a lovely chewy texture. You can use coconut sugar or maple sugar as a substitute if you prefer.

Granulated sugar — This adds sweetness and also helps the cookies spread while baking.

Non-dairy milk — Almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, or coconut milk all work well in vegan baking. The milk helps bind the ingredients together and contributes to the cookie’s moisture.

Vanilla extract — The vanilla adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth that pairs beautifully with the chocolate chips.

Vegan chocolate chips — Of course, you can’t make chocolate chip cookies without chocolate! Look for dairy-free chocolate chips or use chopped dark chocolate, which is often naturally vegan.

Ground flaxseed (optional) — For an extra boost of fiber, some people like to add flaxseed meal, which also helps bind the dough together in the absence of eggs. This is an optional ingredient but worth considering for a nutritional boost.

Preparation Time

Vegan chocolate chip cookies are relatively quick and simple to prepare. The prep time involves gathering and mixing the ingredients, and you can expect to spend around 15–20 minutes on this step. If you’re using flaxseed as an egg substitute, you’ll need to mix it with water and let it sit for a few minutes to create a gel-like consistency. This extra step might add a few minutes, but it’s totally worth it!

Cook Time

After prepping your dough, it’s time to bake! The baking process typically takes 10–12 minutes depending on your oven’s temperature and how chewy or crispy you like your cookies. If you prefer soft, gooey cookies, aim for the shorter baking time. For crispier cookies, leave them in for a few extra minutes. The cookies should turn a golden-brown color around the edges when they are done.

Total Time

With prep time and cook time combined, you’ll have a batch of vegan chocolate chip cookies ready in about 30–35 minutes. This makes them a perfect go-to dessert for last-minute cravings or when you’re entertaining guests. Whether you need an afternoon pick-me-up or a midnight snack, this recipe will deliver.

Servings and Yield

This recipe makes around 24 cookies if you roll your dough into 1-inch balls. The number of cookies may vary depending on the size you choose, so feel free to adjust the portion sizes according to your preferences. If you want to make smaller cookies for a bite-sized snack, you can yield up to 30–36 cookies. However, if you prefer larger cookies, you may end up with around 18–20 cookies.

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