Why vanilla is the best friend of vegan baking
What's the story
Vanilla might be the butt of jokes as the most boring flavor, but it's a vegan dessert's best friend!
This article delves into five creative ways to elevate vegan desserts with the power of vanilla.
Think cakes, custards, and more - vanilla's understated yet luxurious flavor turns basic ingredients into delectable treats everyone can enjoy.
Creamy delight
Vanilla bean coconut ice cream
Creating vegan ice cream is easy with just a few ingredients.
Start with full-fat coconut milk for creaminess, add raw sugar for sweetness, and vanilla bean seeds for a touch of flavor.
Churn everything in an ice maker until it reaches a creamy consistency.
This egg and dairy-free recipe delivers a creamy texture and fragrant flavor.
Sweet bites
Vanilla-infused chocolate truffles
Chocolate truffles are a timeless indulgence, but have you ever tried vanilla-infused ones?
Melt vegan dark chocolate with coconut cream (not heavy cream) and mix in pure vanilla extract for a rich, layered flavor.
After it cools, roll the mixture into balls and coat with cocoa powder or shredded coconut for a pretty finish.
These truffles are not only deliciously decadent but also entirely vegan. Enjoy!
Doughnut wonders
Baked vanilla doughnuts
Who said doughnuts have to be fried or full of eggs?
For these fluffy baked vanilla treats, combine flour, baking powder, almond milk, and a hefty pour of vanilla extract for a light and airy batter.
Bake until golden, then dunk in a simple glaze (powdered sugar + more vanilla extract = yum!).
You won't miss the deep-fried heaviness, and they're 100% vegan-friendly!
Silky smooth
Vanilla almond milk panna cotta
To achieve a vegan panna cotta that retains the sophistication of the classic Italian dessert, opt for agar-agar powder as a gelatin substitute.
Whisk together almond milk, sugar, and seeds scraped from a vanilla pod. Heat until slightly thickened, then pour into molds to set.
This technique preserves the dessert's silky texture while ensuring it remains plant-based.
Effortless elegance
No-bake vanilla cheesecake
Creating a no-bake cheesecake is a breeze. Begin with a crust of crushed nuts and dates.
For the filling, blend soaked cashews, lemon juice, coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until silky smooth.
Pour it over the crust and let it chill overnight.
This vegan and raw cheesecake delivers a burst of flavor without the refined sugars or artificial ingredients.