Exploring the world of vegan baking: easy recipes

January 17, 2024

Here at Plant-Based Baker, we’re all about embracing the joy of vegan baking. Vegan food is not only delicious, but it’s also kind to our planet and the animals that inhabit it. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve deep into the world of vegan baking, debunk some myths, and bring you some of the most scrumptious vegan recipes that will leave even the most skeptical critics begging for more.

From vegan cakes to cookies and everything in-between, you’ll uncover a new world of incredible flavors free from animal-derived ingredients. All you need is an open mind, some staple baking ingredients, and a love for food. Let’s get started!

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Vegan Baking Basics

Before we jump into the recipes, let’s lay a solid foundation by understanding the basics of vegan baking. Unlike traditional baking, vegan baking calls for the omission of ingredients such as milk, eggs, and butter, which are staples in most conventional recipes. But fear not! There are countless plant-based alternatives that are just as tasty and effective. This section will provide a detailed overview of substitutions you can use to make your baking endeavors egg-free, milk-free, and butter-free.

Eggs in baking serve as a binding agent, provide moisture, and help your baked goods rise. Instead, you can use flaxseeds, chia seeds, applesauce, or even mashed bananas as an egg substitute. For instance, one tablespoon of flaxseeds or chia seeds mixed with three tablespoons of water can replace one egg in most recipes.

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Milk is used in baking for its moisture content and richness. Vegan milk alternatives like almond, coconut, oat, or soy milk can easily replace dairy milk in a 1:1 ratio without compromising on the texture or flavor of your baked goods.

Lastly, butter provides fat and flavor in traditional baking. Plant-based alternatives to butter include coconut oil, vegan margarine, or even avocado.

Delightfully Easy Vegan Recipes

Now that you have a better understanding of vegan baking fundamentals, it’s time to dive into some delectable recipes that are easy to whip up and absolutely delicious.

Vegan Chocolate Cake

Who doesn’t love a decadent chocolate cake? This vegan chocolate cake recipe will become your new favorite. It’s rich, moist, and absolutely divine. Let’s start with the ingredients you will need.

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups of flour
  • 1 cup of sugar
  • 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon of baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 cup of almond milk
  • 1/2 cup of vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and oil your cake tin.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, mix the almond milk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and vinegar.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
  5. Pour the batter into the cake tin and bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Vegan Coconut Cream Pie

Coconut lovers, rejoice! This vegan coconut cream pie is creamy, dreamy, and unbelievably easy to make. Here’s the recipe for you to try.

Ingredients:

For the crust:

  • 1 1/2 cups of graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/2 cup of melted coconut oil

For the filling:

  • 1 can of coconut milk
  • 1/2 cup of sugar
  • 1/4 cup of cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • 1 cup of shredded coconut

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted coconut oil, press into a pie dish, and bake for 10 minutes.
  3. In a saucepan, combine the coconut milk, sugar, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thick and creamy.
  4. Remove from heat, stir in the vanilla extract and shredded coconut, then pour into the baked crust.
  5. Chill in the fridge for at least 3 hours before serving.

Vegan Baking Reviews

The vegan baking trend has been on the rise in recent years, and several renowned chefs and food critics have shared their reviews about the same. Many of them admit that vegan baking is not only healthier, but the use of plant-based ingredients also brings about unique, tasty flavors.

Popular vegan chef Chloe Coscarelli praises vegan baking for its creativity. She states, "Vegan baking has allowed me to think outside the box and experiment with different flavors and textures that I wouldn’t have thought of before."

Food critic Michael Pollan also shares his positive review of vegan baking. In his book Cooked, he writes, "The rise of vegan baking is a testament to the fact that good food doesn’t have to come at the expense of our health or the planet’s health."

Vegan Baking Tips

To wrap up this comprehensive guide, here are some useful tips that will help you excel in the art of vegan baking:

  • Always sift your dry ingredients: This will help you get rid of any lumps, and your baked goods will come out more light and fluffy.
  • Don’t overmix your batter: Overmixing your batter can lead to tough and dense cakes or muffins. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
  • Use quality ingredients: Always invest in high-quality ingredients. Your baked goods are only as good as the ingredients you put in them.
  • Experiment: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients. That’s the beauty of vegan baking.

So, there you have it – an all-encompassing guide to vegan baking. We hope this provides a good starting point for your vegan baking journey. Remember, baking is an art, and like any art form, it takes patience, practice, and passion. So, don your apron, roll up your sleeves, and start baking some plant-based goodness today!

Mastering the Art of Vegan Ice Cream

Making vegan ice cream is a delightful venture that comes with sweet rewards. Using plant-based milk alternatives, you can create a creamy, smooth, and flavorful dessert that rivals traditional dairy ice cream. Let’s explore a simple vegan ice cream recipe that you can create with just a few ingredients.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cans of coconut milk
  • 1/2 cup of sugar
  • 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions:

  1. Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
  2. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  3. Transfer the churned ice cream to a lidded container and freeze it for at least 3 hours or until firm.
  4. Serve your vegan ice cream as is, or with your favorite toppings!

This recipe is a basic template for making vegan ice cream. You can experiment by adding different flavors, such as cocoa powder for a rich chocolate ice cream or fresh strawberries for a fruity twist.

Dazzling Gluten-Free and Vegan Baking

For those who follow a gluten-free diet, vegan baking can still be a delightful experience. Many popular dessert recipes can be adapted to be gluten-free. Let’s take a look at a beloved classic – the chocolate chip cookie, but with a vegan, gluten-free twist.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup of gluten-free flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/3 cup of coconut oil
  • 1/2 cup of brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup of almond milk
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup of vegan chocolate chips

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, mix the coconut oil, brown sugar, almond milk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, then fold in the chocolate chips.
  5. Drop spoonfuls of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden.
  6. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

These vegan, gluten-free chocolate chip cookies are perfect for those on restricted diets who still want to enjoy a sweet treat.

Conclusion

From whipping up a delicious vegan chocolate cake to churning a dairy-free ice cream, the world of vegan baking is teeming with potential for creativity and flavor. Vegan desserts are no longer limited to fruit salads or simple cookies. As this guide has shown, you can easily recreate and even elevate traditional recipes, replacing dairy and eggs with plant-based alternatives.

Featuring easy vegan recipes and tips, this guide has armed you with everything you need to embark on your vegan baking journey. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, these recipes and tips have something to offer everyone. Remember, the best vegan baked goods are made with love, dedication, and a passion for plant-based ingredients. So, start preheating your oven, gather your ingredients, and let’s get baking!

Remember, as you venture into the diverse world of vegan desserts, don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things. Each ingredient substitution or new recipe is a step towards mastering the art of vegan baking. Whether it’s a creamy vegan ice cream, a moist vegan cake, or a chewy chocolate chip cookie, the opportunities for delicious, cruelty-free, and planet-friendly desserts are endless.

Here’s to exploring, discovering, and savoring the best vegan desserts the world has to offer. Happy baking!