Paige's Vegan Baking Breakdown

Whether you’re vegan or accommodating a vegan friend or family member, dessert can be a bit of a challenge. Cakes, brownies and cookies, after all, typically have milk, eggs, or butter if not a combination. 

Don’t fret! You can still create delectable desserts completely free of animal products. It just requires a couple of swap-outs.

Vegan baking substitutions

Eggs

Eggs act as a binder and add moisture to your final baking product. A worthy substitute for both is swapping out about ¼ c mashed banana, mashed avocado or applesauce. Flax seed can also act as a thickening agent.

Egg Whites

Fluffy egg whites used for mousse and other desserts aren’t completely off the table. Aquafaba creates a similar consistency. (Hint: you know the liquid in your can of chickpeas? It’s that - whipped up with a little cream of tartar.)

Tread with caution with this one; for some things (like macarons) it still just doesn’t quite do the trick.

Butter

You can use any vegetable oil to replace butter. Our favorite is coconut oil because it carries a hint of sweetness and remains slightly solid at room temperature just like butter does.

Milk

Any vegan-friendly milk substitute will work as a replacement. We think almond milk works best.

Chocolate

While cocoa beans are plant-based, a lot of chocolate is mixed with milk. Most dark chocolate is vegan (70% and up) but check your labels! Carob is also a worthy substitute. 

Chocolate Ganache

Carob mixed with coconut cream makes a beautiful ganache. In case you’re wondering, coconut cream is the thick layer of coconut at the top of your can of coconut milk. You can also find just coconut cream in a can.

Whipped Cream

Missing that fluffy, whipped goodness in your life? Simply whip high-quality coconut cream until peaks form. 

Gluten-Free Bonus!

If you’re doing some gluten-free baking and can’t find a good flour substitute at the store, try GF oat flour - or make your own by putting GF oats in a blender or food processor.

Looking for vegan goodies, but don’t feel like baking? No worries - we’ve got you covered. Just check out the options in our online store!