VegKitchen

  • Vegan Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Main Dishes
    • Pasta and Noodles
    • Salads
    • Sandwiches and Wraps
    • Sauces, Dressings, and Condiments
    • Side Dishes
    • Soups, Stews, and Chilis
    • Snacks and Dips
    • Desserts
    • Drinks
    • Cheese-y Delights
    • Raw Vegan
    • Slow-Cooker
  • Vegan Living
    • Vegan Substitutions Guide
    • Kid Friendly
    • More Vegan Living
  • About
  • Shop Cookbooks
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Vegan Life
  • Cookbooks
  • Freebie!
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • Vegan Life
  • Cookbooks
  • Freebie!
×
Home

Search Results for: muffins

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

September 24, 2025 by Nicole @ VegKitchen 3 Comments

vegan pumpkin chocolate chip muffins

These yummy vegan pumpkin chocolate chip muffins are loaded with healthy ingredients like fresh pumpkin puree, oat flour, and flaked almonds. Plus, this one bowl recipe takes just 30 minutes to make!

vegan pumpkin chocolate chip muffins in a bowl

I'm obsessed with putting pumpkin in everything in the Fall, but especially muffins and cookies. So it should be no surprise to see these pumpkin muffins hit the blog!

These vegan muffins are ridiculously easy. You need just one bowl, a muffin tray and an oven to make them. And even better yet - they're the healthiest pumpkin muffins you'll ever find too!

These vegan pumpkin muffins are:

  • Vegan.
  • Gluten-Free.
  • Refined sugar free.
  • Packed with fiber and other nutrients.
  • Healthy!
  • And totally delicious.

As a chocolate lover, I added dark chocolate chips to mine. But I've also tried them with blueberries, which also made a great addition.

The almonds add a nice crunch, while the peanut butter gives them a great creamy texture. They taste so indulgent, you can even get away with serving them for dessert.

Making the Vegan Pumpkin Muffins (Step by Step)

It really is unbelievably easy. First, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit / 180 degrees Celsius, and lightly grease a muffin tray.

vegan pumpkin chocolate chip muffins

If you want to keep this recipe completely oil-free and still prevent sticking, you can use silicone muffin cups instead.

Add the dry ingredients (gluten-free oat flour, gluten-free self-raising flour, baking soda, cinnamon and coconut sugar) to a large mixing bowl. Mix together well.

mixing the batter for the vegan pumpkin chocolate chip muffins

Now add the plant based milk, apple cider vinegar, pumpkin purée, flax eggs, peanut butter and apple purée.

Mix together once again, then finally mix in the dairy-free chocolate chips and flaked almonds.

vegan pumpkin chocolate chip muffin batter in the muffin tin

Divide the batter evenly across the muffin tray, filling the divisions almost all the way to the top (or around ¾, if using muffin cases).

Bake in the preheated oven for around 18-20 minutes, until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean from the centre.

Allow the pumpkin muffins to cool for around 10 minutes before removing from the muffin tray and serving.

Homemade Pumpkin Puree

You can, of course, use canned pumpkin for this recipe. But in an effort to keep things as healthy and natural as possible, I do like to make my own.

Simply peel and chop a sweet pumpkin variety, spread across a sheet of parchment paper on a baking tray and bake at 400 degrees F for 20-25 minutes, until soft and golden brown.

You can then mash the pumpkin with a potato masher, or add it to a blender or food processor to make pumpkin purée.

Storing and Freezing the Muffins

You can keep these pumpkin muffins in the fridge, covered or in an airtight container, for 5-6 days.

They are also freezer-friendly. Store them in a freezer-friendly container for up to around 2 months, leaving to thaw fully in the fridge or on the counter before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

If you are not using self-raising flour, add ½ teaspoon more baking soda.

The peanut butter can be replaced with any other nut or seed butter of your choice. Alternatively, you can take it out and replace with an equal amount of apple sauce.

Feel free to replace the flaked almonds with any other nuts or seeds of your choice. For instance, I love adding pecans and/or pumpkin seeds to muffins.

Fresh berries also make a great addition.

Do not overmix the batter because if you do, the texture won't be as fluffy.

Make sure not to leave them in the oven for too long as they can burn quite easily. It's best to stick more to the 18-minute mark, as they do firm up a bit more while cooling.

vegan pumpkin chocolate chip muffins in a muffin tray

More Recipes to Try

If you love these vegan pumpkin muffins, be sure to try these other delicious treats.

  • Vegan Blueberry Muffins
  • Healthy Carrot Muffins
  • Pumpkin Protein Balls
  • Vegan Pumpkin Pie

Recipe

vegan pumpkin chocolate chip muffins

Vegan Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

5 from 1 vote
These fluffy vegan muffins are packed with pumpkin flavor, crunchy pecans, and sweet dark chocolate chips. Yum!
Print Pin Save Saved!
Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes minutes
Servings: 12 muffins
Prevent your screen from going dark

Equipment

  • muffin pan

Ingredients

  • 1 cup oat flour gluten-free if desired
  • 1 cup self raising flour gluten-free if desired
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 ½ cups coconut sugar
  • 1 cup plant based milk
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • ⅔ cup pumpkin puree
  • 2 tablespoon ground flaxseed
  • ¼ cup water
  • ¼ cup peanut butter creamy
  • ¼ cup apple sauce
  • ½ cup vegan chocolate chips
  • ⅓ cup sliced almonds plus extra for garnish

Instructions

  • Make the "flax eggs", which will be our egg substitute. In a small bowl, whisk together the ground flaxseed and water. Set aside for 10-15 minutes to thicken.
  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius ) and lightly grease a muffin tray.
  • Add the oat flour, self-raising flour, baking soda, cinnamon and coconut sugar to a large mixing bowl. Mix together well.
  • Now add plant based milk, apple cider vinegar, pumpkin purée, flax eggs, peanut butter and apple sauce. Mix together once again, then finally fold in the dairy-free chocolate chips and flaked almonds.
  • Divide the batter evenly across the muffin tray, filling the divisions almost all the way to the top (or around ¾, if using muffin liners).
  • Bake in the preheated oven for around 18-20 minutes, until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean from the center. (You can optionally sprinkle some extra flaked almonds on top of the muffins in the last 5 minutes of baking.)
  • Allow to cool for around 10 minutes before removing from the muffin tray and serving.

Notes

If you want to keep this recipe completely oil-free and still prevent sticking, you can use muffin cases instead.
If not using self-raising flour, add ½ teaspoon more baking soda.
These pumpkin muffins keep in the fridge, covered or in an airtight container, for 5-6 days. You can also freeze them in a freezer-friendly container for around 2 months.

Nutrition (Estimate per Serving)

Calories: 244kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 5gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.001gSodium: 184mgPotassium: 139mgFiber: 3gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 2120IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 2mg
Vegan-ize any recipe!Grab our free vegan cheat sheet, packed with my favorite easy substitutions to make any recipe vegan.

Vegan Blueberry Muffins (Gluten-free)

April 22, 2021 by Nicole @ VegKitchen Leave a Comment

These vegan blueberry muffins are soft, fluffy, and bursting with fresh blueberry flavor. They're easy to make in one bowl, in under 30 minutes. Perfect for breakfast or dessert!

vegan blueberry muffins in a muffin tin
[feast_advanced_jump_to]

Blueberry muffins are a classic and beloved treat for a reason. They're totally delicious! You can enjoy them for breakfast, as a snack, or as a dessert. I personally love starting the morning with them, along with a hot cup of coffee.

These muffins have everything you could want from a sweet treat like this. They are soft and fluffy and filled with juicy blueberry bites.

You only need one bowl and less than 30 minutes to make these blueberry muffins from scratch!

These vegan blueberry muffins are:

  • 100% vegan, egg-free, and dairy-free.
  • Gluten-free.
  • Filled with fresh blueberries.
  • Perfect for breakfast or dessert!

Let's get baking!

vegan blueberry muffins piled high

Ingredients & Substitutions

  • Gluten-free oats. These are ideal for creating a crumbly, slightly chewy texture.
  • Cornmeal. This works really well with the other flavors and gives a slightly nutty flavor.
  • Cinnamon. Guaranteed to make your kitchen smell amazing!
  • Rice flour.
  • Baking powder.
  • Coconut flour. Just a little bit will help make the perfect texture!
  • Plant based milk. Soy and almond milk both work great.
  • Flax eggs. These are made by stirring together ground flaxseed with twice the amount of water, and setting aside for 10 minutes.
  • Maple syrup. You an also substitute agave syrup.
  • Coconut oil. Don't worry, this won't make the muffins taste like coconut.
  • Fresh blueberries. A key ingredient for making these muffins really stand out!

How to make vegan blueberry muffins

It's super easy! Firstly, preheat the oven to 180 degrees C (350 F) and lightly grease a muffin tin with vegan butter or olive oil.

Now, add the oats, cornmeal, cinnamon, rice flour, baking powder and coconut flour in a mixing bowl. In a different bowl, stir together the plant based milk, flax eggs, maple syrup and coconut oil.

mixing the muffin batter

Add the wet ingredients to the dry and stir in the blueberries.

Next, evenly distribute the batter throughout the muffin tin, adding a few extra blueberries on top of each muffin. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.

Next, evenly distribute the batter throughout the muffin tin, adding a few extra blueberries on top of each muffin. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.

Allow to cool down for around 10 minutes before serving.

putting the muffin batter into a muffin tin

Tips & Tricks

If using measuring cups to weigh out the ingredients, use a spoon to add the flour to the measuring cup, and then use a butter knife to swipe off the excess. I would recommend using a scale to weigh out the ingredients. You can convert to metric in the recipe card below.

Don't overmix the batter, as this will make the blueberry muffins less fluffy.

If you don't like blueberries, you can replace them with any other berries of your choice. Raspberries, for instance, work really well.

If using frozen blueberries, add them to the batter while they are still frozen. It sometimes help to toss them in a little bit of flour first, so they don't sink to the bottom.

Store the muffins on the counter for around 3 days (covered), or for up to 6 days in the fridge. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months. Simply allow to thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

vegan blueberry muffin with a bite taken out of it

More Delicious Recipes

If you love these vegan blueberry muffins, be sure to check out these other delicious recipes:

  • Cranberry Orange Muffins
  • Lemon Blueberry Bundt Cake
  • Healthy Carrot Muffins
  • Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins
  • Healthy Pumpkin Muffins

Recipe

Vegan Blueberry Muffins (Gluten-free)

No ratings yet
These vegan blueberry muffins are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a quick snack! They are fluffy and soft, and bursting with tangy blueberries. Gluten-free and easy to make in under 30 minutes.
Print Pin Save Saved!
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes minutes
Servings: 10 muffins
Prevent your screen from going dark

Equipment

  • Conventional oven
  • Muffin tin
  • Mixing bowl x 2

Ingredients

  • ¾ cup gluten-free oats
  • ⅓ cup cornmeal
  • ½ tablespoon cinnamon
  • 1 cup rice flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup coconut flour
  • ½ cup plant based milk
  • 3 flax eggs 3 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 6 tablespoon water, set aside for 10 minutes
  • ½ cup maple syrup
  • ¼ cup coconut oil melted
  • 1 cup blueberries
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 180 degrees C (350 F) and lightly grease a muffin tin with vegan butter or olive oil.
  • Add the oats, cornmeal, cinnamon, rice flour, baking powder and coconut flour in a mixing bowl.
  • In a different bowl, stir together the plant based milk, flax eggs, maple syrup and coconut oil.
  • Add the wet ingredients to the dry and mix until well combined.
  • Stir in the blueberries.
  • Evenly distribute the batter throughout the muffin tin, adding a few extra blueberries on top of each muffin. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
  • Allow to cool down for around 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition (Estimate per Serving)

Calories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 39gProtein: 4gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 6gSodium: 139mgPotassium: 263mgFiber: 5gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 56IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 104mgIron: 1mg
Vegan-ize any recipe!Grab our free vegan cheat sheet, packed with my favorite easy substitutions to make any recipe vegan.

Easy Vegan Bran Muffins

January 15, 2021 by Nicole @ VegKitchen 16 Comments

vegan bran muffins

Traditional all bran muffins have been given a plant based makeover, in these easy vegan bran muffins. This healthy and delicious breakfast muffin can be even more fun with the addition of your favorite mix-ins. Try adding raisins, dried cranberries, dried blueberries, chocolate chips, or diced apples. Your imagination is the limit!

healthy vegan bran muffins

I loved the traditional All Bran Muffins that I had growing up. So of course, I had to do my best to make a vegan-ized version of that very special treat.

The easy vegan bran muffins are one of my favorite make-ahead breakfast recipes. They're quick and simple to throw together over the weekend, and have breakfast ready all week long.

These vegan bran muffins are:

  • Super healthy!
  • Packed with fiber
  • Ready in just 30 minutes
  • Kid-friendly

And did I mention that they're totally delicious too?

vegan bran muffins stacked on a blue napkin

Tips & Tricks

Wheat Bran - I used this wheat bran from Bob's Red Mill. But you can use your favorite brand.

Flour - I used a whole wheat flour for my vegan muffins, as it's a bit healthier. But you can also substitute all purpose flour and the recipe works just fine.

Ground Flax Seed - Don't skip the flax seed in this recipe (I used this brand!). When mixed with the liquid in the recipe, the flax seed works like a sort of glue to hold the batter together. It helps take the place of the eggs in the original recipe.

Non Dairy Milk - I used almond milk in this recipe, but you can substitute any kind of dairy free milk that you prefer. Soy milk and oat milk both work very well.

all bran muffins on a white countertop

Variations

Try experimenting with your favorite mix-ins. Add ¼ cup of any of these to your batter for a fun treat. The combinations are endless!

My favorite mix-ins are:

  • Chocolate Chips
  • Diced Apples
  • Raisins
  • Dried Berries (like cranberries or blueberries)
  • Nuts (like almonds or walnuts - chop them up first!)
  • Sunflower Seed

If you love these all bran muffins, be sure to check out these other tasty vegan muffin recipes. And for more make ahead meal ideas, don't miss this guide to vegan meal planning.

Happy cooking !

Recipe

healthy vegan bran muffins

Vegan Bran Muffins

4.87 from 43 votes
These easy all bran muffins make for a healthy and delicious breakfast treat. Try adding some chocolate chips or raisins for an extra fun twist.
Print Pin Save Saved!
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes minutes
Servings: 12 muffins
Prevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

  • 1 ⅓ cups whole wheat flour can substitute all purpose flour
  • 1 cup wheat bran
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ⅛ teaspoon salt
  • 1 ¼ cups almond milk or other nondairy milk
  • ½ cup applesauce unsweetened
  • 2 tablespoon ground flaxseed
  • 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350F degrees. Line muffin tins with liners.
  • In a stand mixer, combine the flour, wheat bran, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt.
  • Add the almond milk, applesauce, ground flaxseed, and vanilla extract.
  • Pour batter into the muffin tins, and bae for 22-25 minutes. They are done when a toothpick inserted into the middle of the muffin comes out clean.

Notes

Feel free to add ¼ cup of raisins, chocolate chips, or nuts for a fun variation.

Nutrition (Estimate per Serving)

Calories: 138kcalCarbohydrates: 33gProtein: 5gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 153mgPotassium: 311mgFiber: 10gSugar: 10gVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 61mgIron: 3mg
Vegan-ize any recipe!Grab our free vegan cheat sheet, packed with my favorite easy substitutions to make any recipe vegan.

Healthy Carrot Muffins - vegan, gluten-free

March 30, 2019 by Nicole @ VegKitchen Leave a Comment

These Healthy Carrot Muffins are loaded with nutritious veggies and packed with flavor from fresh carrots,  coconut, walnuts, and raisins. Plus, they're completely vegan, gluten-free, and ready to eat in under 30 minutes. What's not to love?

healthy carrot muffins being served on a platter

vegan baking substitutions cheat sheet

I absolutely love muffins! They’re at the top of my sweets list - right up there with cupcakes. And it's completely  acceptable to eat them for breakfast. What's not to love?

Blueberry-Banana muffins have always been one of my favorites. But lately I've been experimenting with veggie-packed muffins as well - like these healthy pumpkin muffins that I created last Fall.

That's one thing I really love about working with muffin and cupcake batter, the flavors are basically only limited by your imagination.

And so I wanted to create a healthy-ish muffin, featuring one of my own favorite veggies... carrots.

These healthy carrot muffins are:

  • Quick & Easy to make in just 30 minutes
  • Loaded with nutritious veggies, so you can indulge guilt free!
  • 100% vegan and vegetarian
  • Gluten-Free
  • Dairy-Free

These vegan carrot muffins are loaded with flavor from coconut flakes, carrots, raisins, and walnuts. Gluten-free quick oats give them a whole lot of texture, yet they’re still light and fluffy.

They make a great healthy vegan breakfast, or even a guilt-free dessert.

close up of vegan carrot muffins with carrots, raisins, and walnuts

Tips for Perfect Vegan Carrot Muffins

Coconut Oil. I use coconut oil as a substitute for butter in many of my vegan recipes. In addition to being vegan-friendly, it's a lighter alternative to butter and other heavy oils. Plus, it adds a great coconut flavor to the muffins. (If you want to see how I vegan-ize everything, you can grab my free baking substitution cheat sheet here!)

Coconut Sugar. Readers often ask me - is coconut sugar better than regular sugar? Coconut sugar is also called coconut palm sugar. It comes from dehydrated coconut palm.

It’s loaded with more vitamins and minerals than white table sugar. It’s a nutritional super-food that can help lower your blood sugar and keep your gut healthy. Read more about it here.

So it's a great healthy substitute for regular sugar, and I do use it when I think the flavor will be a nice complement to the recipe. Like these carrot muffins!

Use a cookie scoop. Using an ice cream scooper or a dedicated cookie scoop (called "dishers" by professional bakers) makes it so much easier to handle the muffin batter. And you get uniformly sized muffins, so they all cook at the same rate!

Watch for gluten-free brands. To keep this recipe gluten-free, make sure you select a gluten-free baking flour and a gluten-free brand of quick oats. Some of them have unexpected gluten!

using a cookie scoop to fill muffin tins

How to Make Healthy Carrot Muffins

You won't believe how easy it is to cook up this healthy vegan carrot muffins in less than 30 minutes!

Start by preheating the oven to 350 degrees F.

Combine gluten-free flour, sugar, quick oats, salt, and baking powder in a large bowl and make a well in the center.

mixing together the dry ingredients for healthy carrot muffins

In a small bowl - whisk up your "flax eggs". To make a flax egg - you simply whisk together 3 tablespoons of water and a tablespoon of ground flax seed. (Print my free vegan baking substitution sheet for a handy reminder!)

Mix in coconut oil, water and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the well you made in the flour mixture and stir until combined.

Fold in the raisins and walnuts.

adding the raisins to carrot muffin batter

Then the coconut flakes.

folding coconut into carrot muffin batter

And finally add in the shredded carrots.

adding carrots to the vegan carrot muffin batter

Fold the carrot muffin batter together until it's well combined.

mixing the batter for healthy carrot muffins

Grease muffin tins with non-stick spray. You could also use mini-muffin tins to make bite-sized carrot muffins.

Scoop the batter into the muffin tins, filling them each three-quarters of the way full.

filling muffin tins with carrot muffin batter

Bake the carrot muffins for 15-18 minutes until the muffins are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

coconut carrot muffins being served

Let the muffins cool completely before serving.

If you want to make these muffins a bit fancier, you can drizzle them with a simple brown sugar glaze. Just whisk together brown sugar with a bit of soy or almond milk.

You could even sprinkle them with extra coconut flakes for more flair!

If you love these healthy carrot muffins, check out some of my other favorite muffin recipes:

  • Healthy Pumpkin Muffins (vegan)
  • Blueberry Banana Muffins
  • Rhubarb Strawberry Muffins
  • Orange Quinoa Muffins

Happy baking!

vegan baking substitutions cheat sheet

Recipe

Healthy Carrot Muffins - Vegan and Gluten-Free

5 from 1 vote
These Healthy Carrot Muffins are loaded with nutritious veggies and packed with flavor from fresh carrots,  coconut, walnuts, and raisins. Plus, they're completely vegan, gluten-free, and ready to eat in under 30 minutes. What's not to love?
Print Pin Save Saved!
Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes minutes
15 minutes minutes
Total Time: 28 minutes minutes
Servings: 18 muffins
Prevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

Supplies Needed:

  • muffin tins
  • cookie scooper optional

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ Cup Gluten Free Baking Flour
  • 1 Cup Quick Oats gluten free
  • 2 flax eggs see recipe notes
  • 1 Cup Coconut sugar
  • 1 Cup Golden Raisins
  • 1 Cup Unsweetened Coconut Flakes
  • ¼ Cup Coconut oil melted
  • ¾ Cup Water
  • ½ Cup Walnuts
  • 1 Cup grated carrot
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • cooking spray
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F.
  • Combine flax eggs, coconut oil, water and vanilla and stir. Set aside wet ingredients.
  • In a separate bowl, combine the flour, sugar, oats, salt, baking powder, raisins, coconut flakes, carrots and walnuts. Make a well and add the wet ingredients to the bowl, and combine.
  • Spray muffin tins with non-stick spray.
  • Scoop muffin batter into the muffin tins, filling each ⅔ of the way full.
  • Bake for 15-18 minutes, until edges start to brown and mixture is no longer wet looking.
  • Let cool for a few minutes then remove from pan.

Video

Notes

  1. Please note that some brands of quick oats contain gluten, added during processing. Look for a brand labeled as gluten-free.
  2. To make a flax egg, whisk together 3 tablespoon water and 1 tablespoon ground flax meal. This is a great substitute for traditional eggs in baking.

Nutrition (Estimate per Serving)

Calories: 191kcalCarbohydrates: 27gProtein: 2gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 58mgPotassium: 175mgFiber: 3gSugar: 11gVitamin A: 1190IUVitamin C: 0.7mgCalcium: 35mgIron: 1.1mg
Vegan-ize any recipe!Grab our free vegan cheat sheet, packed with my favorite easy substitutions to make any recipe vegan.

Vegan Molasses Muffins

August 29, 2017 by Nicole @ VegKitchen 10 Comments

Vegan molasses muffins

Inspired by traditional Pennsylvania Dutch shoo-fly pie, molasses and a crumb topping team up in delectably wholesome vegan molasses muffins. Barley malt syrup works just as well as molasses and produces a slightly milder flavor. Since these aren't overly sweet, they make a great breakfast muffin, and are welcome in the lunchbox as well; delicious with slices of crisp apple. Photos by Hannah Kaminsky. [Read more...]

Crunchy Granola Muffins

December 14, 2015 by Nicole @ VegKitchen 1 Comment

Crunchy Granola Muffins

It's back to the 1960s with these hearty (but not heavy) crunchy granola muffins! Use your favorite homemade or bulk-purchased granola for these easy vegan muffins. If you want to do the from-scratch route, try our Classic Crunchy Granola - a perfect fit! These make a nice breakfast, on-the-go snack, and are fabulous with a cup of coffee or tea on a cold day. Photos by Evan Atlas.
[Read more...]

Black Bean Zucchini Corn Muffins

June 4, 2015 by Nicole @ VegKitchen 3 Comments

black bean, corn, and zucchini muffins

These healthy vegan corn muffins makes good use of summer's fresh corn and the season's abundance of zucchini. Other times of year, you can use frozen kernels, and of course, zucchini is a year-round veggie. These make a perfect accompaniment to hot or cold soups. Black beans give these a bit of heft, making them a nice change of pace for the lunch box. Photos by Evan Atlas. 
[Read more...]

Lemon Blueberry Muffins

March 25, 2015 by Nicole @ VegKitchen 13 Comments

Lemony Blueberry Muffins

These subtly lemon-flavored vegan blueberry muffins are perfect for making on cool summer evenings during blueberry season, or any time of year with frozen organic blueberries. The double twist of lemon juice and zest (finely grated peel) is what makes them shine. Photos by Evan Atlas. [Read more...]

8 Delectable and Healthy Vegan Muffins

October 6, 2014 by Nicole @ VegKitchen Leave a Comment

Vegan orange-chocolate chip muffins

A healthy vegan muffin recipe that's moist and cake-like isn't hard to find — here are 8 of our favorites to choose from. Incorporating whole grains, fruits, and nuts, these muffins are good for any time of day as a treat or dessert; they're also a fantastic addition to portable lunches. Here are some of VegKitchen's favorites; make sure to browse through all of our vegan muffin recipes.

Pretty streusel-topped Double-Orange Chocolate Chip Muffins (at top) are not only delicious, but contain a dose of Vitamin C from fresh orange juice as well as concentrated orange juice. The concentrate also contributes sweetness as well as color. 

[Read more...]

Corn Kernel Cornbread or Muffins

September 22, 2014 by Nicole @ VegKitchen 3 Comments

Vegan corn kernel cornbread recipe

This vegan cornbread is a perfect companion to all sorts of bean stews and chilis. Consider adding the optional chilies and nondairy cheese, which give this pan bread a moist texture as well as a major yum factor. And since cornbread is only as good as it is fresh, see how to  to turn any leftovers into a delicious stuffing for a subsequent meal. This makes one 9-inch pan bread (12 servings) or 1 dozen muffinsRecipe from Plant Power: Transform Your Kitchen, Plate, and Life with More Than 150 Fresh and Flavorful Vegan Recipes by Nava Atlas. ©2014, published by HarperOne, reprinted by permission. Photo by Hannah Kaminsky.
[Read more...]

Vegan Zucchini-Raisin Muffins

December 16, 2013 by Nicole @ VegKitchen 12 Comments

Zucchini-raisin muffins

These delectable and healthy vegan zucchini-raisin muffins give you the classic  combo in an egg-free, dairy-free rendition. Use them as an alternative to sandwiches for brown-bag or school lunch, or as a healthy snack. For this recipe, the chocolate chips and walnuts are optional, but I like to use them both!
[Read more...]

Orange-Cranberry Muffins or Mini-Loaves

June 29, 2013 by Nicole @ VegKitchen 7 Comments

Vegan Orange Cranberry Muffins

These delicious and healthy vegan muffins or mini-loaves prove that pairing orange and cranberry makes for a lively flavor combination in baked goods. If I'm in the mood to make muffins for a weekend brunch, this is one of my top choices! And for winter holiday baking or giving, this batter is nice made into mini-loaves.This makes 1 dozen muffins, or 3 to 4 mini-loaves. Photos by Evan Atlas. Adapted from The Vegetarian Family Cookbook.

[Read more...]

Double-Orange Chocolate Chip Muffins

April 1, 2013 by Nicole @ VegKitchen 5 Comments

Vegan orange-chocolate chip muffins

These pretty streusel-topped vegan chocolate chip muffins are not only delectable, but contain a dose of Vitamin C from fresh orange juice as well as concentrated orange juice. The concentrate also contributes sweetness as well as color. Photos by Rachael Braun. [Read more...]

Vegan Carrot-Walnut Muffins

April 1, 2013 by Nicole @ VegKitchen 1 Comment

Vegan carrot muffins - recipe

Carrots and orange juice concentrate pair up in these moist vegan carrot muffins, providing a dose of vitamins A and C, as well as an enticing golden color. Make them in the evening; enjoy a warm muffin for your evening snack, then the next day for an on-the-go breakfast. Or, pack a couple in your or your kids' lunch box with fresh fruit for a change of pace from a sandwich. Photos by Hannah Kaminsky of Bittersweet Blog.
[Read more...]

Magic Vegan Muffins, with Variations

July 18, 2012 by Nicole @ VegKitchen 6 Comments

Lemony Blueberry Muffins

The magic in these vegan muffin recipes is that they use no eggs or dairy, but instead use applesauce as a binding and fat substitute. It's a great healthy baking technique, making the muffins amazingly moist while greatly reducing the need for added fat. Kids love muffins, and by using wholesome ingredients, they become a great substitute for sandwiches for school lunches, as well as serving as any time snacks. [Read more...]

Gingery Vegan Peach Muffins

April 1, 2011 by Nicole @ VegKitchen Leave a Comment

Gingery Peach or Nectarine muffins - vegan

Use perfectly ripe fruit—lush and sweet, but not too soft—for these late-summer vegan peach muffins that have more than a hint of ginger! Nectarines work just as well. Enjoy them with iced coffee or tea. Photos by Hannah Kaminsky. [Read more...]

Pumpkin Protein Balls

September 23, 2025 by Nicole @ VegKitchen Leave a Comment

pumpkin energy balls

These Pumpkin Protein Balls are simple, delicious, and packed with healthy protein. And they're vegan friendly too!

hand grabbing pumpkin protein ball from top of small pyramid stack of protein balls
[feast_advanced_jump_to]

These protein balls make for a healthy homemade vegan snack or a delightful bite-sized dessert. And with all that creamy pumpkin flavor - they're the perfect treat for Fall. They taste like tiny slices of perfect pumpkin pie.

These Pumpkin Protein Balls are:

  • Protein-packed
  • A wonderful two-bite snack
  • Made with healthy, simple ingredients
  • Vegan
  • YUMMY
  • Easy to make in less than an hour

They are the perfect energy fix when you're in a crunch!

This recipe uses simple but delicious ingredients like rolled oats, raisins, cinnamon, and pumpkin puree. So believe me when I say your house will smell DELISH when you make these pumpkin energy balls!

Helpful Tips

hand placing pumpkin protein balls onto baking tray

Making the "chia egg".

To make this recipe egg-free, we're pulling out a classic vegan move: the chia egg. All you do is mix chia seeds with water, let the mixture set for about 15 minutes, and you've got yourself a gel-like substance that mimics the texture of a regular egg.

It holds everything together just as well as a traditional egg, and bonus points? Chia eggs are packed with nutrients, so you're sneaking in a little health boost too.

Making your own oat flour.

Oat flour is super easy to make, which is why the recipe includes making your own. All you need are some rolled oats and a high-speed blender to process them until they are ground into a powder. It's that simple!

Of course, if you want to make this recipe a little bit quicker, you are welcome to substitute a store bought oat flour as well.

Sweeten up your protein balls.

These pumpkin energy bites are so delicious, but they're not overly sweet. If you're looking to sweeten things up a bit, add 1-2 tablespoons of maple syrup or additional raisins. You could also add dark chocolate chips or craisins for a fun twist.

FAQs about this recipe!

pumpkin protein balls in a white bowl next to small bowls of raisins and oats

How long can I store these protein balls?

These pumpkin protein balls can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Alternatively, you could keep them in the freezer for a month or two. Just let them thaw before eating them again!

Are these vegan protein balls healthy?

These protein balls are packed with nutrition! Thanks to the rolled oats, raisins, and chia seeds, these protein balls make for a delicious, nutrient-dense treat. You can find the full nutrition details in the recipe card below.

More Tasty Recipes

If you love pumpkin season as much as I do, you need to try these recipes too:

  • Easy Vegan Pumpkin Pie
  • Vegan Praline Pecan Pie
  • Vegan Pumpkin Waffles
  • Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

Recipe

pumpkin energy balls

Pumpkin Protein Balls

5 from 2 votes
These Pumpkin Protein Balls are simple, delicious, and packed with healthy protein. And they're vegan friendly too!
Print Pin Save Saved!
Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes minutes
waiting minutes: 35 minutes minutes
Servings: 20 balls
Prevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

  • ⅓ cups rolled oats
  • 2 cups homemade oat flour see directions
  • ⅓ cup raisins
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 tablespoon chía seeds
  • ¼ cup water
  • ¾ cups pumpkin puree
  • ⅓ cup maple syrup may add additional for a sweeter treat
  • 3 tablespoon non-dairy milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup vanilla protein powder vegan, optional
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Prepare a baking tray with baking paper and set it aside.
  • Mix the chia seeds with water and let them sit for 10-15 minutes until the chia egg has developed.
  • Make homemade oat flour: Process rolled oats in a high-speed blender until oats are ground. To make two cups of homemade oat flour, you'll need 2 ⅓-½ cups of rolled oats. However, you can also use store-bought oat flour if desired.
  • Mix wet ingredients-pumpkin puree, non-dairy milk, vanilla extract, maple syrup, and chia egg-in a large bowl until well combined.
    pumpkin energy balls
  • Add raisins, cinnamon, pumpkin spice, and baking powder and combine.
    pumpkin energy balls
  • Finally, add oat flour (and protein powder if using) and stir to combine.
    pumpkin energy balls
  • Cover the batter with wrapping paper or a silicone wrap and place it in the fridge for 20-30 minutes to allow the oats to absorb any excess liquid.
    pumpkin energy balls
  • Roll the batter into 20 balls and then coat each of them with rolled oats.
    pumpkin energy balls
  • Bake the balls for 10-12 minutes or until oats get lightly brown.
    pumpkin energy balls

Notes

Store these energy balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.

Nutrition (Estimate per Serving)

Calories: 89kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 3gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 0.3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.4gTrans Fat: 0.001gCholesterol: 3mgSodium: 59mgPotassium: 113mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1440IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 44mgIron: 1mg
Vegan-ize any recipe!Grab our free vegan cheat sheet, packed with my favorite easy substitutions to make any recipe vegan.

Vegan Sloppy Joes - with Pinto Beans and Quinoa!

January 3, 2025 by Nicole @ VegKitchen 9 Comments

vegan sloppy joes

These Vegan Sloppy Joes bring big flavor to everyone's favorite messy sandwich. Packed with quinoa, pinto beans, and loads of flavor. Yum!

vegan sloppy joes
[feast_advanced_jump_to]

Let's be real: sometimes you just want a messy, saucy sandwich that you can barely fit in your mouth. Enter these Vegan Sloppy Joes, a plant-based spin on the nostalgic classic we all grew up loving.

Packed with hearty quinoa, creamy pinto beans, and a tangy tomato-based sauce, they're every bit as satisfying as the original-just without the meat.

Whether you're feeding a hungry crowd or just need a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe is a guaranteed hit. Grab some napkins; it's about to get deliciously sloppy.

Why You'll Love These Vegan Sloppy Joes

  • Protein-Rich: Quinoa and pinto beans provide a substantial protein boost, keeping you full and energized.
  • Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
  • Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser that appeals to both kids and adults.
  • Versatile: Serve on whole-grain rolls, in lettuce wraps, or over a bed of greens for a gluten-free option.
  • Make-Ahead: The flavors deepen over time, so it's great for meal prep and leftovers.

Get the Plant Power Cookbook!

This recipe is a sneak preview from the excellent cookbook: Plant Power: Transform Your Kitchen, Plate, and Life with More Than 150 Fresh and Flavorful Vegan Recipes by Nava Atlas.

I originally published this article years ago when the cookbook was first released, but I recently gave it a refresh because this recipe is simply too good to miss. I highly recommend giving it a try-and consider adding the cookbook to your vegan cookbook collection!

The recipe has been shared here with permission from the cookbook publisher, HarperOne. Photos were taken by Hannah Kaminsky.

vegan sloppy joes

Helpful Tips & Substitutions

Rinse the Quinoa: To remove its natural bitterness, always rinse quinoa under cold water before cooking.

Toast the Buns: Lightly toasting the rolls adds a pleasant crunch and prevents them from becoming soggy from the filling.

Customize the Spice Level: Adjust the chili powder and add hot sauce if you prefer a spicier kick.

Substitute the Pinto Beans: I like pinto beans, but black beans or kidney beans can be used as alternatives.

Serving Suggestions

Classic Style: Spoon the mixture onto toasted whole-grain buns and serve with a side of vegan coleslaw or pickles.

Lettuce Wraps: For a lighter option, serve the sloppy joe mixture in large lettuce leaves.

Over Grains: Serve atop brown rice or quinoa for a hearty, bun-free meal.

With Sweet Potatoes: Pair with baked sweet potatoes for a balanced and nutritious dinner.

More Vegan Recipes

If you love these Vegan Sloppy Joes, be sure to check out these other delicious recipes:

  • Copycat Vegan Big Mac Sauce
  • Vegan Grilled Cheese Five Ways
  • 25+ Vegan Tailgate Recipes

Recipe

vegan sloppy joes

Vegan Sloppy Joes

No ratings yet
These Vegan Sloppy Joes are made with protein-packed quinoa, creamy pinto beans, and a tangy, sweet tomato sauce
Print Pin Save Saved!
Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes minutes
Servings: 6 sandwiches
Prevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

  • ½ cup uncooked quinoa rinsed in a fine sieve
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • ½ medium green bell pepper finely diced
  • 15 oz canned pinto beans (or 1 ½ cups cooked), drained, rinsed, and coarsely mashed
  • 15 oz canned tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
  • 1 medium tomato finely diced
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce to tamari, adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon agave nectar or maple syrup to taste, or substitute maple syrup
  • 2 teaspoon chili powder add more for extra spice
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • 6 whole grain rolls or use English muffins or mini-pitas
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Combine the quinoa with 1 cup water in a small saucepan. Bring to a slow boil, then lower the heat, cover, and simmer until the water is absorbed, about 15 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, heat the oil, broth, or water in a medium skillet. Add the onion and sauté until translucent. Add the bell pepper and sauté until both are golden.
  • Add the remaining ingredients except the bread of choice, and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook over medium-low heat, loosely covered, for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Let the skillet stand off the heat for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to mingle further and for the quinoa to absorb the tomato flavors.
  • Evenly spoon the filling over the bottoms of whole-grain rolls, cover with the tops, or serve open-faced.

Nutrition (Estimate per Serving)

Calories: 170kcalCarbohydrates: 29gProtein: 7gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 707mgPotassium: 602mgFiber: 6gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 743IUVitamin C: 19mgCalcium: 63mgIron: 3mg
Vegan-ize any recipe!Grab our free vegan cheat sheet, packed with my favorite easy substitutions to make any recipe vegan.

Vegan Pumpkin Waffles

November 9, 2023 by Nicole @ VegKitchen Leave a Comment

healthy vegan waffles

These simple Vegan Pumpkin Waffles are packed with delicious pumpkin flavor and made with healthy plant-based ingredients. Serve them up with your favorite toppings for a delicious breakfast treat!

healthy vegan waffles

Mmmm.. pumpkin spice season! I know, I know. You either love it or hate it. And personally... I love it. (As evidenced by all of these vegan-friendly pumpkin recipes!)

I've been meaning to try out my new waffle maker, and figured this would be the perfect opportunity. These pumpkin waffles are perfectly crispy on the outside, soft and pillowy on the inside, and loaded with classic Fall flavors. What's not to love? 

Let's get cooking!

healthy vegan waffles

Helpful Tips & Substitutions 

You can substitute coconut oil with melted vegan butter if you prefer. I like Earth's Balance Buttery Spread.

Try adding a tablespoon of ground flaxseed for an extra dose of protein.

For sweeter waffles, add a tablespoon of organic brown sugar or coconut sugar to the batter.

To keep the cooked waffles warm while you cook the rest of the batter, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper in an oven set to low heat (around 200 degrees).

If you have any leftover pumpkin puree after making this recipe, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and use it to make pancakes or muffins.

healthy vegan waffles

Topping Ideas

Get creative with a variety of sweet and savory waffle toppings. Here are some fun ideas:

  • Fresh fruit, such as berries or apple slices.
  • Agave Syrup
  • Maple Syrup
  • Chopped Nuts
  • Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting
  • Vegan Whipped Cream
  • Homemade Vegan Nutella
  • Shredded Coconut
healthy vegan waffles

Recipe Variations

Coconut Waffles - Replace the oat milk with coconut milk and add ¼ cup of shredded coconut to the batter.

Chocolate Pumpkin Waffles - Add 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the batter.

Cinnamon Sugar Waffles - Add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the batter and sprinkle each waffle with a bit of organic pure cane sugar before you flip it in the waffle iron.

Apple Filled Waffles - Core and dice 1 apple and fold it into the batter before adding to the waffle iron.

Sweet Potato Waffles - Replace the pumpkin with mashed sweet potatoes. Add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the batter.

healthy vegan waffles

More Vegan Breakfast Ideas

If you love these vegan pumpkin waffles, be sure to check out these other delicious recipes: 

  • Vegan Pumpkin Donuts
  • Vegan Banana Oat Pancakes
  • 35+ Healthy Vegan Breakfast Recipes

Recipe

healthy vegan waffles

Vegan Pumpkin Waffles

5 from 1 vote
These simple Vegan Pumpkin Waffles are packed with delicious pumpkin flavor and made with plant-based ingredients. A delicious and healthy breakfast treat!
Print Pin Save Saved!
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 4 minutes minutes
Total Time: 9 minutes minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Prevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

  • 2 ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups oat milk
  • 15 oz pumpkin puree 1 can
  • ¼ cup coconut oil
  • ¼ cup organic pure cane sugar
  • 2 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • In a medium size bowl add the pumpkin puree, oat milk, coconut oil and sugar. Whisk until well combined.
    healthy vegan waffles
  • Then add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon to the same bowl and whisk until well combined and smooth.
    healthy vegan waffles
  • Heat your waffle iron to medium high heat and spray with non-stick spray.
  • Add about ⅓ cup batter to the iron. Let it cook for about 3-4 minutes.
  • Repeat until batter is done.
  • Serve with your favorite toppings.
    healthy vegan waffles
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition (Estimate per Serving)

Calories: 519kcalCarbohydrates: 87gProtein: 10gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 558mgPotassium: 355mgFiber: 6gSugar: 26gVitamin A: 16792IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 331mgIron: 6mg
Vegan-ize any recipe!Grab our free vegan cheat sheet, packed with my favorite easy substitutions to make any recipe vegan.

Raw Vegan Strawberry Jam

May 31, 2022 by Nicole @ VegKitchen Leave a Comment

raw strawberry jam

Have you tried raw vegan strawberry jam before? Just 3 ingredients is all it takes to make this thick, delicious, nutrient rich strawberry jam. Vegan friendly and perfect for spreading on toast, waffles, pancakes, crepes, and more. 

raw strawberry jam

If you are a lover of strawberries, you have to give this a try. Also, check out my 12 chia seed pudding recipes to whip up as well. Or learn how to make cherry pomegranate refrigerator jam. It is so tasty as well. 

Chia seeds seemed to be the perfect addition to this jam to transform the texture and of course give you extra nutrients and leave you feeling full and satisfied. I also have some delicious vegan strawberry recipes you guys might be interested in. 

This Raw Vegan Strawberry Jam Recipe Is...

  • Made with 3 Ingredients 
  • Easy to Make 
  • Perfect for Using Ripe Strawberries 
  • Spreads Well On Bread and other items 
  • Vegan 
  • Vegetarian 
  • Naturally Gluten Free 
  • Dairy Free 

How to Make Vegan Strawberry Jam 

raw strawberry jam

Full steps for this vegan raw strawberry jam are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post. This is a quick walk through on how it is made. 

  1. Start by adding water and chia seeds into a bowl. Stir and let sit for 1 hour. 
  2. Once the chia seeds are a thick paste, you will add the fresh strawberries, and sweetener to a blender. 
  3. Blend until it is pureed. 

Tips for Making Raw Vegan Strawberry Jam 

raw strawberry jam

Blender or Food Processor 

You will want to add all your ingredients into a food processor or high speed blender. Then turn on and let it puree the mixture. 

Scrape Down The Sides 

When blending make sure to take a spatula and scrape down the sides and lift any stuck on bits in the bottom of your blender. Sometimes you will find the berries splatter to the walls and don't puree fully. 

Variations to Raw Vegan Strawberry Jam 

raw strawberry jam

Fruit 

So this is made with strawberries, but you could easily swap it out for any fresh berries you would like. Blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, or any other fruit of choice. 

Sweetener 

So I used a liquid sweetener but this is of course optional. If you don't want to sweeten the jam you do not have too. Or you could use a maple syrup if you prefer. 

Strawberry Jam FAQs

raw strawberry jam

How to know my chia seeds are ready to be pureed? 

You want your chia seeds to become a thick paste in the cup. As the chia seeds soak in the water they will expand. And in around an hour or a bit longer you will find they have swelled nicely and create a thick paste. 

How to store this fresh jam? 

You will want to put the vegan jam in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 5 days. Since there are no preservatives, it will spoil faster than a bottle of jam from the store. 

Can you freeze the strawberry jam? 

To be honest I have never frozen chia seeds in a jam. So I can't say for sure if the texture will be different once it thaws from being frozen. I would think the texture could alter a bit. So if you do try let me know in the comments. 

Recipe

raw strawberry jam

Raw Vegan Strawberry Jam

5 from 3 votes
This raw vegan strawberry jam is quick, easy, and made with just three simple ingredients. It's the perfect topping for pancakes, toast, or muffins!
Print Pin Save Saved!
Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Soaking Time: 1 hour hour
Servings: 8 servings (each about ¼ cup)
Prevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

  • ½ cup water
  • 2 tablespoon chía seeds
  • 2 cups strawberries fresh, green tops removed
  • 1 tablespoon of liquid sweetener such as stevia, optional
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Mix the wáter and chia seeds together in a small bowl or jar.
  • Let the chia seed mixture rest for at least an hour, until it becomes a a thick paste.
  • Combine the chía seed paste, the fresh strawberries and the sweetener (optional) in a blender
    raw strawberry jam
  • Puree until smooth.
    raw strawberry jam

Notes

  • This vegan strawberry jam is a great topping for pancakes, waffles, or crepes.
  • It's even great layered with dairy-free yogurt as a parfait!
  • Keep in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
  • You can substitute other berries or fruits for the strawberries to make a variety of jam flavors.

Nutrition (Estimate per Serving)

Calories: 26kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 1gSodium: 2mgPotassium: 67mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 6IUVitamin C: 21mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 1mg
Vegan-ize any recipe!Grab our free vegan cheat sheet, packed with my favorite easy substitutions to make any recipe vegan.

25+ Best Vegan Recipes For Summer

May 12, 2022 by Nicole @ VegKitchen Leave a Comment

best vegan recipes

We've rounded up our best vegan recipes for summer! From smoothies and muffins for breakfast, refreshing sweet treats like Vegan Strawberry Mango Popsicles and Vegan Banana Pudding to delightful sushi sandwiches and easy one-skillet recipes for meatless lunch or dinners, they're all easy to make and enjoy all through the warm season.

best vegan recipes

25+ Best Vegan Recipes For Summer

Breakfast

Strawberry-Vanilla Maca Smoothie

Our strawberry-vanilla maca smoothie is the perfect start to your day! Thanks to the maca powder and delightful fresh fruit, it's packed with incredible health benefits. This smoothie has a soft, creamy, strawberry-vanilla flavor, and it takes only five minutes to make! Our strawberry-vanilla maca smoothie is a filling, nutritious breakfast idea that has a delicious taste.

Vegan Blueberry Pancakes

Vegan blueberry pancakes make the perfect addition to your Saturday brunch. We bet it will be your new favorite pancake recipe, actually! These pancakes are made with simple ingredients and have a satisfying, fluffy texture. They're incredibly fragrant and are a one-bowl recipe. Easy preparation, simple clean-up, and tasty pancakes! These vegan blueberry pancakes are going to be the most requested breakfast.

Lemon Blueberry Muffins

Muffins are perfect for any time, so we put these lemon blueberry muffins with our breakfast, but we certainly encourage enjoying them at any time of the day. They have a soft, subtle lemon flavor with a perfect muffin texture.

Salads

Best Vegan Potato Salad

Our vegan potato salad recipe is the best. It makes the ideal summer side dish and delivers a satisfying flavor. It is made with flavor-packed fresh herbs and an abundance of vegetables. Vegan potato salad has a great texture and an earthy flavor to it. It is a great salad for all your summer bbqs' and potlucks.

Massaged Kale Salad with Orange-Miso Dressing

Massaged kale salad with orange-miso dressing is a comforting, cozy, and satisfying dish. It is gluten and oil-free and prepared with an abundance of rich, healthy greens. This kale salad is hearty and will keep you full for a long time. It also looks quite pretty on a plate.

Main Dishes

Marinated Mushrooms With Wild Rice

Marinated mushrooms with wild rice makes a great option for a meatless dinner. It is easy to make and ready to enjoy in less than an hour. Marinated mushrooms with wild rice also looks great on a dish. It’s a wonderful meal to serve for guests as well.

Vegan Sushi Sandwich

Our vegan sushi sandwich takes some effort, we admit, but it's also absolutely DELISH to the max! It's a delightful sandwich for all sushi-lovers and makes a great lunch or dinner.

Vegan White Beans and Kale Skillet

Vegan white beans and kale skillet is packed with nutrition. It is a hearty meal with white beans, kale, sweet onions, and a handful of other delicious ingredients. This skillet recipe is Italian-inspired and guaranteed to give great taste! Not only is vegan white beans and kale skillet super delicious, but its' also easy to toss together. It's a great hearty dinner for a busy work week.

Vegan Zucchini Noodles with Vegan Bolognese

Vegan zucchini noodles with vegan bolognese is a healthy and well-balanced vegan meal. It is entirely plant-based and low-carb but massively tasty. This vegan noodle dish recipe even has all the secrets you need to make the best-tasting zucchini noodles right at home.

Zucchini Fritters

These little fritters are a great meal, apple, or snack. Even your kids will love them! Our zucchini fritter recipe is healthy and has the best texture. They're perfectly crispy on the outside, and you're greeted with soft deliciousness on the inside. These zucchini fritters are low calories and taste great paired with creamy cashew cream cheese. You can't go wrong with fritters, and these zucchini-based ones are the best.

Ginger Grilled Tofu

Ginger-grilled tofu is a great recipe. It has a satisfying flavor and can be served alongside nearly anything. Try steamed or grilled veggies, your favorite garden salad, or some rice. Ginger-grilled tofu is a versatile dish that compliments any side dish.

Portobello Mushroom Steak

This vegan steak is easy to whip up and tastes fantastic. In addition to this, it is a very versatile meat replacement. You can easily serve this vegan steak to guests at a summer bbq or a potluck. It looks beautiful and can be paired with your favorite steak side.

Portobello Mushroom Wraps with Creamy Coleslaw

Perfect for a hearty lunch or refreshing dinner, these portobello mushroom wraps are the perfect balance of creamy and tangy. They're easy to make, low in calories, and healthy. These mushroom wraps are sure to be a hit.

Snacks/Extras

Vegan Strawberry Mango Popsicles

If you're looking for a refreshing sweet treat, you found it with our vegan strawberry-mango popsicles. They are a 3-ingredient, cool treat that is entirely vegan. In addition, these popsicles are made with real, healthy ingredients.

Vegan Strawberry Nice Cream

Our vegan strawberry ice cream is a guilt-free treat. There isn't any added sugar to this frosty delight, and it's made with fresh fruit. It's sweet, chilly, and delicious.

No-bake Vegan Strawberry Shortcakes

This vegan summer dessert is a delicious no-bake treat. It's easy to make and looks beautiful. It's a great dessert for all occasions and is packed with tons of fresh strawberries. This vegan dessert is simple, sweet, and satisfying.

Strawberry-Watermelon Slush (with ACV option)

There isn’t anything better on a hot summer day than fresh watermelon slush! It’s so tasty and quenches your thirst immediately. Well, this watermelon slush adds in fresh strawberries to take the flavor to another level. It is sweet and delicious.

Rustic Vegan Strawberry Tart

This plant-based strawberry tart is going to be a hit this summer! It's bursting with fresh flavor from the strawberries and has a perfect pie crust texture. This strawberry tart is delicious, but it's also ready to eat in under an hour. It's fast, simple, and guaranteed goodness every time.

Easy Skillet Blueberry Crumble

Our easy skillet blueberry crumble comes together with just a few ingredients. It looks beautiful in a dish, and it tastes even better. This recipe is simple and perfect for a beginner baker but delivers a professional baker's taste.

Blueberry Cheesecake (Vegan and Raw)

This vegan blueberry cheesecake is rich and decadent. It's entirely vegan but has the texture of a traditional cheesecake, thanks to the rich nutty ingredients. Our blueberry cheesecake is easy to make and makes a delightful dessert for summer picnics and barbecues.

Fresh Mango or Nectarine and Blueberry Ice Pops

These ice pops are sure to be a hit at your next event. They're refreshing, chilly, and healthy, all on a popsicle stick. In addition, they're made with fresh fruit, giving these ice pops a sweet, fresh flavor. These ice pops are delicious!

Cookies and Cream Vegan Popsicles

These dairy-free popsicles require only five ingredients. They're simple to make and taste fantastic. Vegan cookies and cream popsicles are the ultimate sweet treat but are entirely vegan and can easily be gluten-free if needed too.

Vegan Banana Pudding

This rich, creamy, decadent vegan summer dessert will be a hit. It's easy to make and entirely vegan. It's sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

No-Bake Vegan Lemon Bars

These no-bake vegan lemon bars are a summery treat. They're perfect for all occasions and are easy to make. These lemon bars are a simple, vegan no-bake dessert that everyone will be asking for the recipe for!

Late Summer Fruit Salad with Agave-Mint Dressing

This vegan summer dessert is bursting with sweet, juicy fresh fruit. It’s the perfect side to any summer BBQ and has a satisfying mint dressing. Our late summer fruit salad will be a winner at your summer gatherings.

Vegan Granola Bars

April 14, 2022 by Nicole @ VegKitchen Leave a Comment

granola bars vegan gluten free

Whip up a batch of these Vegan Granola Bars for a simple and hearty snack option. They are loaded with creamy peanut butter, quick oats, rice cereal, dried fruit, coconut, nuts, and more. Even better, these tasty bars don't contain preservatives the way storebought bars do.

vegan granola bars stacked on wooden cutting board
[feast_advanced_jump_to]

This vegan bar is going to fuel your body, satisfy you, and leave you happy. Learn how easy it is to make your own granola bars!

Also, here are a few more snacks to try out. Try my oat flour banana bread, carrot cake bliss balls, or even these bran muffins.

This Vegan Granola Bars recipe is...

  • Vegan
  • Nutrient rich
  • Dairy free
  • Gluten free
  • Homemade

How to Make Vegan Granola Bars

how to make vegan granola bars collage
  1. In a saucepan, melt peanut butter, syrup, oil, and cinnamon.
  2. Once smooth, remove from heat and stir in remaining ingredients.
  3. Pour mixture into a prepared 9x9 pan and press down firmly.
  4. Let the bars set up, then slice and serve.

Full directions for how to make Vegan Granola Bars are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.

Tips & Tricks for Vegan Granola Bars

vegan granola bars uncut in baking pan

Prep Your Pan

I like to line my pan with parchment paper. This will allow you to lift the cooled granola bars out of the pan to slice them easily. If you don't line your pan, the bars can be tricky to remove.

Press Down Bars

Use the bottom of a cup to really press the bars together in the pan. This will help the mixture to all stick together. If you don't press it well, the granola bars may fall apart.

Variations to Vegan Granola Bars

side view of stacked vegan granola bars on wooden cutting board

Nut Butter

Instead of using peanut butter, swap it out for your favorite nut butter. Just remember that other nut butters tend to be a lot softer than peanut butter, so maybe use a bit less of another nut butter.

Nuts

I used pecans and sunflower seeds in my granola bars. You are welcome to change out the nuts to any kind you want. Walnuts, cashews, peanuts, pumpkin seeds, etc. would all work great!

Fruit

I used dried cranberries in my bars, but dried blueberries, strawberries, or other fruit would also be tasty.

Liquid Sweetener

Agave or other liquid sweeteners could be used to replace the maple syrup in this recipe if you would prefer. They all should work the same way.

Vegan Granola Bars FAQs

top view of vegan granola bars on wooden cutting board

How long does it take the granola bars to set up?

You will want to chill your granola bars for at least 2-4 hours before you slice them. The bars need time to cool down, as the hot peanut butter mixture will be too runny to stick together.

How should I store these granola bars?

These bars will need to be stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Since there aren't any preservatives in these bars, they will become too soft and spoil if left on the counter.

Can you freeze these granola bars?

These granola bars can be frozen. Just place them in a proper container or freezer bag. Then you can freeze them for 3-4 months. Simmply thaw the bars in the fridge the night before you plan to eat them.

Does this granola bar recipe double well?

You are more than welcome to double this recipe. Just use a 9x13 pan if you decide to double the granola bars.

More Vegan Recipes

If you love these vegan granola bars, be sure to check out these other delicious ideas:

  • Easy Vegan Blondies
  • No-Bake Vegan Lemon Bars
  • Vegan Peanut Butter Granola Cookies

Recipe

granola bars vegan gluten free

Vegan Granola Bars

5 from 2 votes
Whip up a batch of these Vegan Granola Bars for a simple and hearty snack option. Even better, these tasty bars don't contain preservatives!
Print Pin Save Saved!
Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes minutes
Chill time: 2 hours hours
Total Time: 2 hours hours 15 minutes minutes
Servings: 8 bars
Prevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • ½ cup maple syrup
  • ¼ cup coconut oil
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 2 cups quick oats
  • 1 cup puffed rice cereal
  • ½ cup dried cranberries
  • ½ cup pecans chopped
  • ¼ cup flaked coconut
  • ¼ cup sunflower seeds
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • In a large saucepan, melt peanut butter, maple syrup, coconut oil, and cinnamon over low heat.
    granola bars vegan gluten free
  • Stir until smooth.
    granola bars vegan gluten free
  • Remove mixture from heat and stir in the oats, rice cereal, cranberries, pecans, flaked coconut, and sunflower seeds.
    granola bars vegan gluten free
  • Stir until everything is coated in the peanut butter mixture.
    granola bars vegan gluten free
  • Pour the mixture into a parchment-lined 9x9 square dish and press down firmly.
    granola bars vegan gluten free
  • Allow bars to cool completely in the fridge before slicing into your bars.
    granola bars vegan gluten free
  • Store your granola bars in an airtight container in the fridge.

Notes

  • It's important to pack the bars very tightly. You can use a measuring cup or the bottom of a glass to get the bars very condensed.
  • Store granola bars in the fridge, otherwise they will not stay in bar form.
  • These bars can easily be customized to suit your preferences; as long as there is a total of 1 ½ cups of mix ins, you don't have to use the exact ones mentioned in the recipe.

Nutrition (Estimate per Serving)

Calories: 495kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 12gFat: 33gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 7gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gSodium: 143mgPotassium: 373mgFiber: 5gSugar: 22gVitamin A: 6IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 59mgIron: 2mg
Vegan-ize any recipe!Grab our free vegan cheat sheet, packed with my favorite easy substitutions to make any recipe vegan.

Vegan Blueberry Pancakes

April 5, 2022 by Nicole @ VegKitchen Leave a Comment

vegan blueberry pancakes

Pancakes are a staple in my house, especially when I'm planning our Saturday brunch! Pancakes are so satisfying and have a cozy, nostalgic feel to them. Our Vegan Blueberry Pancakes will be your new go-to. They're made with flour, vanilla almond milk, applesauce, and a few other pantry-staple ingredients. They smell great and have that perfect fluffy pancake texture we all know and love.

stack of vegan blueberry pancakes with a slice cut out and fork and syrup on white plate
[feast_advanced_jump_to]

One of the best parts about making pancakes is knowing that they'll always be tasty-and our recipe for vegan pancakes isn't any different. This recipe has been taste-tasted by even the pickiest of eaters and still checks out as being absolutely DELISH!

Our blueberry pancakes follow a simple recipe. They're a perfect meal to get your littles involved in making. They'll have a blast measuring and mixing, and before you know it, the pancakes will be ready to enjoy!

This Vegan Blueberry Pancakes recipe is...

  • Easy to make
  • A one-bowl recipe
  • Great for making with your littles
  • Perfect for Saturday brunch
  • Loaded with nutrient-packed blueberries
  • Fluffy and scrumptious

How to Make Vegan Blueberry Pancakes

how to make vegan blueberry pancakes collage
  1. Preheat a nonstick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Whisk together dry ingredients in a large bowl.
  3. Add wet ingredients and stir until combined.
  4. Fold in blueberries until evenly distributed.
  5. Cook the pancakes until they're golden brown on both sides.
  6. Serve warm topped with fresh blueberries and maple syrup.

Full directions for how to make Vegan Blueberry Pancakes are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.

Tips & Tricks for Vegan Blueberry Pancakes

stack of vegan blueberry pancakes on white plate on top of wooden cutting board on marble countertop

Large Bowl

This is a simple one-bowl recipe which means all of the ingredients get mixed together in one large mixing bowl. Make sure to choose a large enough bowl that will give you enough room to mix everything. Choosing a large enough bowl will decrease any spillage.We love this stainless steel mixing bowl set.

Whisking Benefits

You've probably seen the word "whisk" countless times in recipes, but do you know why? Whisking accomplishes two things at once: it mixes the ingredients and incorporates air. The shape of the whisk allows the wires to grab all of the batter around the bowl, mix, and bring in air. Because of this, whisking usually results in a fluffy result-in this case, extra fluffy pancakes!

If you don't own a whisk already, here are a few to consider:

  • 3-Pack Stainless Steel Whisk
  • 11-Inch Whisk

Baking Powder

Baking powder is an important ingredient in our pancakes, and it's crucial that your baking powder is fresh and active. Usually, baking powder has a shelf life of anywhere from 6-12 months.

To test if your baking powder is active, simply drop half a teaspoon into boiling water. The water should bubble up quickly. If it doesn't, then the baking powder isn't active, and you'll need to replace it in order to make a recipe successfully.

Brunch Deliciousness

If you're anything like my family and me, then you LOVE brunch! Our blueberry pancakes are a perfect addition to any brunch plan. Here are a few other brunch-y ideas to try:

  • Wheat Bran Muffins
  • Southwestern Tofu Scramble
  • Vegan French Toast
  • Vegan Vanilla Fruit Cup Soup

Variations to Vegan Blueberry Pancakes

Pancake Toppings

I topped our pancakes with fresh blueberries and a drizzle of maple syrup. A few other pancake topping ideas include jam, lemon and sugar, and vegan bacon and maple syrup.

Vegan Blueberry Pancakes FAQs

close up stack of vegan blueberry pancakes topped with blueberries and syrup on white plate on wooden board

Why don't my pancakes have the right texture?

The texture of pancakes depends a lot on the quality of the ingredients used and the process of combining them. To have the best tasting pancakes, use fresh ingredients. Additionally, avoid overmixing the batter; simply whisk until combined.

How do you know when to flip the pancakes?

The common mistake when making pancakes is trying to flip them too early. Many people flip their pancakes right after the batter bubbles; however, you should wait until the batter bubbles pop and don't bubble anymore. This indicates that the underside is cooked (because the hole is not filling up with more batter to bubble again), and it's ready to flip.

Recipe

vegan blueberry pancakes

Vegan Blueberry Pancakes

4.67 from 3 votes
Pancakes are a staple in my house, especially when I'm planning our Saturday brunch! Our Vegan Blueberry Pancakes will be your new go-to.
Print Pin Save Saved!
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes minutes
Servings: 8 pancakes
Prevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

  • 1 cup flour
  • 2 tablespoon sugar
  • 2 teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup vanilla almond milk
  • ⅓ cup applesauce
  • 2 tablespoon oil
  • ½ cup blueberries
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Preheat a nonstick skillet over medium heat.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
    vegan blueberry pancakes
  • Add the almond milk, applesauce, and oil, and stir until combined
    vegan blueberry pancakes
  • Mix well-some lumps are okay.
    vegan blueberry pancakes
  • Fold in the blueberries until evenly distributed.
    vegan blueberry pancakes
  • Cook the pancakes in the preheated pan, using a ¼ cup measuring cup to scoop the batter.
    vegan blueberry pancakes
  • Flip once after 3-4 minutes, then cook an additional 3-4 minutes or until both sides are lightly golden brown.
    vegan blueberry pancakes
  • Serve pancakes warm with additional blueberries and some maple syrup.
    vegan blueberry pancakes

Nutrition (Estimate per Serving)

Calories: 112kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 2gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 1gSodium: 200mgPotassium: 32mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 8IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 81mgIron: 1mg
Vegan-ize any recipe!Grab our free vegan cheat sheet, packed with my favorite easy substitutions to make any recipe vegan.

Vegan Pumpkin Pie Recipe

November 10, 2021 by Nicole @ VegKitchen Leave a Comment

The ultimate vegan pumpkin pie - made totally from scratch! This dreamy dairy-free dessert has a golden, flaky homemade crust and a silky-smooth, gently spiced pumpkin filling. It's the kind of pie that'll steal the show at your Thanksgiving table (and no one will miss the dairy, promise).

Vegan pumpkin pie being served on a white dish

Who doesn't love pumpkin pie?! It's certainly one of my favorite Fall desserts. And the great news is that it's easier than you may think to make a homemade vegan pumpkin pie from scratch.

Even if you're not an expert baker, you can whip up an impressive dessert like this one for special occasions like Thanksgiving and Christmas. I can guarantee that everyone will be impressed!

(And if you are planning a meatless holiday feast, be sure to check out my complete Vegan Thanksgiving cookbook!)

vegan pumpkin pie being served

My vegan pumpkin pie recipe features just simple ingredients and a very approachable methods, anyone can handle it!

I love making a homemade crust which is buttery and flaky. The pumpkin pie filling is smooth and custardy, and will make your whole kitchen smell amazing.

So if you're looking for a go-to vegan pumpkin pie recipe, look no further!

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Ingredients for vegan pumpkin pie

Pie crust. I used my homemade vegan pie crust recipe, but you can also use a store-bought one if you want to save time. They typically come in a ready-to-fill shell and disposable foil pan, which makes it very easy to use.

Pumpkin Purée. You can use either canned pumpkin purée (make sure it's plain and unsweetened), or make your own from scratch using my tutorial on how to make pumpkin purée.

Cornstarch. This will be used for thickening the pie filling, resulting in a custardy, smooth consistency.

Cinnamon. You can also use a store bought pumpkin spice blend instead, if you prefer.

Brown sugar. You can also use coconut sugar, if you prefer. But I do like the richer flavor from the brown sugar. Be sure to choose a vegan-friendly brown sugar brand.

Maple syrup. You can also substitute another liquid sweetener of your choice, such as agave nectar.

Plant based milk. Use any unsweetened variety of your choice, such as almond milk or soy milk.

A pinch of salt.

Dairy-Free Heavy Cream Substitute of your choice. I am currently a fan of this one from Califa Farms. You can also use coconut cream - be sure to use the coconut cream and not coconut milk in this case.

Vanilla extract.

How to Make Vegan Pumpkin Pie

Start by preheating the oven to 350 degrees F/180 C.

Pumpkin pie ingredients in a mixing bowl
Pumpkin pie filling being mixed

To a large mixing bowl, add the pumpkin purée, cornstarch, cinnamon, brown sugar, maple syrup, plant based milk, soy cream and vanilla extract. Use a handheld mixer to whisk until the mixture is smooth. You can also do this in a food processor or blender.

Pour the filling into a 9-inch tin lined with the vegan pie crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-55 minutes.

Vegan pie crust in a pie dish
Vegan pie crust with pumpkin filling
Vegan pumpkin pie on a baking tray

Transfer to the fridge and allow to cool for at least an hour before slicing and serving with vegan whipped cream.

How to Make Pumpkin Pie Ahead of Time

This is a perfect dessert for making ahead of time. You can prepare the pie crust and filling the day before you want to serve the vegan pumpkin pie. Then simply assemble the pie and bake as usual.

Slice of vegan pumpkin pie on a plate

Storing & Freezing the Pie

The vegan pumpkin pie keeps well in the fridge, covered, for up to a week.

You can also freeze it as individual slices for up to 2 months in a freezer-friendly container. When ready to serve, allow to thaw fully in the fridge.

Closeup of vegan pumpkin pie

More Vegan Desserts

  • If you love pumpkin, you'll love my vegan pumpkin bread.
  • Vegan banana chocolate chip muffins are easy to make and super fluffy.
  • These vegan pumpkin protein balls are the perfect pick-me-up.
  • Vegan granola bars also make a fantastic snack or breakfast!
Vegan pumpkin pie topped with whipped cream

If you give this vegan pumpkin pie recipe a go, be sure to tag me on Instagram (@veg.kitchen) so I can see your creations, and leave your feedback in the comments below with a star rating.

Recipe

vegan pumpkin pie

Vegan Pumpkin Pie

5 from 2 votes
This homemade vegan pumpkin pie is made 100% from scratch - and it's way easier than you think! It's rich, creamy, totally delicious, and perfect for Thanksgiving dessert.
Print Pin Save Saved!
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes minutes
0 minutes minutes
Total Time: 1 hour hour
Servings: 8 servings
Prevent your screen from going dark

Equipment

  • stand mixer or handheld mixer
  • 9" tart pan or pie plate

Ingredients

  • 2 ½ cups pumpkin puree
  • 2 tablespoon cornstarch
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • ⅓ cup maple syrup
  • ½ cup plant based milk
  • 1 cup dairy-free heavy cream substitute or substitute coconut cream
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 vegan pie crust homemade or store bought
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 Celsius).
  • To a large mixing bowl, add the pumpkin purée, cornstarch, cinnamon, brown sugar, maple syrup, plant based milk, soy cream and vanilla extract. Use a handheld mixer to whisk until the mixture is smooth. You can also do this in a food processor or blender.
    2 ½ cups pumpkin puree, 2 tablespoon cornstarch, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 cup brown sugar, ⅓ cup maple syrup, ½ cup plant based milk, 1 cup dairy-free heavy cream substitute, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pour the filling into a 9-inch pie tin lined with the vegan pie crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-55 minutes.
    1 vegan pie crust
  • Transfer to the fridge and allow to cool for at least an hour before slicing and serving with vegan whipped cream.

Video

Notes

To make gluten-free: Use either a homemade or store bought gluten-free pie crust.
To store: Keep in the fridge, covered, for up to a week.
To freeze: Freeze the pumpkin pie as individual slices for up to 2 months in a freezer-friendly container. When ready to serve, allow to thaw fully in the fridge.

Nutrition (Estimate per Serving)

Calories: 218kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 1gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 53mgPotassium: 283mgFiber: 2gSugar: 41gVitamin A: 11920IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 1mg
Vegan-ize any recipe!Grab our free vegan cheat sheet, packed with my favorite easy substitutions to make any recipe vegan.

Oat Milk Latte

July 14, 2021 by Nicole @ VegKitchen Leave a Comment

oat milk latte

Skip the coffee shop drive thru and make a delicious Oat Milk Latte at home! Sip away and enjoy this refreshingly smooth, rich espresso topped with an oat milk foam at home. 

glass of oat milk latte on table
[feast_advanced_jump_to]

If you love Dunkin Donuts' Oat Milk Lattes, you will enjoy this homemade version. Plus the price of making your own latte at home is only a fraction of the price of ordering one!

Since you'll be skipping the coffee shop drive thru, you'll probably want to whip up a coffee shop treat to go with your Oat Milk Latte. A donut is the classic choice, but I also love pairing my latte with a sweet muffin or a bagel with a savory spread!

This Oat Milk Latte recipe is...

  • Dairy-free
  • Vegan 
  • Vegetarian 
  • Naturally gluten-free 
  • Made with 2 ingredients 

How to Make Oat Milk Latte

how to make oat milk latte collage
  1. Start by brewing a cup of espresso. 
  2. Then add your oat milk to a bowl or cup and use a frother. 
  3. Pour brewed espresso in a cup, and top with the oat milk foam. 
  4. Serve and enjoy. 

Full directions for how to make Oat Milk Latte are in the printable recipe card featured below. 

Tips & Tricks for Oat Milk Latte 

pouring espresso into glass for oat milk latte

Espresso 

You can use an espresso machine to make your espresso, or you can use instant espresso. Just mix up your espresso as directed on the package. 

Or if you don't own an espresso maker, you can make a strong coffee in place of the espresso. Make a double strength brew of regular coffee to get a flavor similar to espresso. 

Frothing Milk 

I used a milk frother for this recipe, but not every home has one. You can whisk your milk by hand on the stovetop. This takes a good amount of work, but is do-able. 

Another option is to add in the warm milk and blend for around a minute to froth. Just make sure your blender can handle the heat!

Variations to Oat Milk Latte

side view two cups of oat milk latte

Sweetening

Go right ahead and sweeten your latte with a splash of sugar, sweetener of choice, etc. Just stir your sweetener in with the espresso, then pour the frothy milk on the top. 

Decaf 

If you don't need the caffeine but want a coffee fix, reach for a decaf coffee and brew it up to double strength. Then top with the oat milk and enjoy. 

Spices 

Try adding cinnamon, nutmeg, or even pumpkin spice to your drink. You can sprinkle the spices on top, or stir them into the espresso before you top it with the milk. 

Vanilla 

Add a splash of vanilla to flavor the espresso-a sweet treat for sure!

Flavored Oat Milk 

Go right ahead and grab any flavor of oat milk you want: unflavored, vanilla, or even extra creamy. You will find that the coffee will have a slightly different flavor depending on what flavor of oat milk you use. 

Oat Milk Latte FAQs

pouring oat milk into glass for oat milk latte

What is the difference between coffee and espresso? 

Espresso is a dark roast that is finely ground and brewed. Alternately, coffee can have a variety of blends from mild to rich. The biggest difference between coffee and espresso is how they are brewed.

Can I make an iced Oat Milk Latte? 

Go right ahead and make an iced latte if you would like. To ice your latte, brew up your espresso and let it cool a bit. Then pour ice in a cup, add espresso, and pour the oat milk on top. Then add any sweeteners. 

What is an alternative to oat milk? 

If you want other plant-based milk alternatives, use coconut milk or almond milk to replace the oat milk. 

Recipe

oat milk latte

Oat Milk Latte

5 from 1 vote
Skip the coffee shop drive thru and make a delicious Oat Milk Latte at home! Sip away and enjoy this refreshingly smooth, rich espresso topped with an oat milk foam at home.
Print Pin Save Saved!
Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes minutes
Servings: 1 (6 oz) latte
Prevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

  • 1 shot espresso
  • ⅔ cup oat milk
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Pour espresso into mug.
    oat milk latte
  • Using a milk frother on the max foam setting, froth the oat milk.
    oat milk latte
  • Carefully pour the oat milk into the mug with the espresso.
    oat milk latte
  • Enjoy!
    oat milk latte

Notes

  • There is literally so much you can do to make this recipe your own!
  • I like to stir a bit of maple syrup into the espresso, then pour the frothed oat milk on top, and finally top with some ground cinnamon.
  • If you don't own a milk frother, then the best way to get frothy milk is with a blender.
  • Make sure that your blender is meant to handle hot liquids-it should have steam escape holes.
  • To use a blender, first heat the oat milk, then blend on high for 30 seconds to a minute.
  • You can also whisk the oat milk while heating it over the stove, however this method takes the most effort.
  • You can add a splash of vanilla and some sugar to the espresso to make it a sweet treat!
  • If you don't have an espresso machine, use double-strength coffee (about ¼ cup).
  • I also tested this recipe with instant espresso powder-follow the instructions on the package to get a shot of instant espresso, then proceed with the instructions
  • I find that adding the flavorings, sugars, etc. is best when stirred into the espresso, before adding the milk.
  • You can also buy flavored oat milks (ex. sweetened vanilla) to make this extra tasty!

Nutrition (Estimate per Serving)

Calories: 86kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 3gFat: 2gSodium: 76mgPotassium: 80mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 328IUCalcium: 230mgIron: 1mg
Vegan-ize any recipe!Grab our free vegan cheat sheet, packed with my favorite easy substitutions to make any recipe vegan.

Vegan Easter Recipes

March 25, 2021 by Nicole @ VegKitchen 8 Comments

vegan easter recipes

Planning a plant-based Easter feast? You've come to the right place. I've rounded up all my favorite Vegan Easter recipes right here, so you can plan the perfect menu. From easy appetizers, to hearty main dishes, to sweet desserts - there's something for everyone.

Easter is the perfect holiday for putting together a vegan brunch or dinner. With all of the fresh, seasonal product of spring - these recipes are filled with light leafy greens, fresh asparagus, beets, carrots, and bright, citrusy flavors. So much deliciousness!

Use these mix and match vegan menu suggestions to create a memorable Easter feast for your family and friends.

P.S. If you want to make things even easier this Easter, go snag a copy of my new Vegan Brunch Book. It's the perfect way to plan a delicious and simple Easter brunch!

Vegan Easter Appetizers

  • Deviled Tomatoes
  • Mushroom, Asparagus, and Artichoke Medley
  • Beet Muhummara
  • Spinach or Arugula Strudel
  • Green Pea, Parsley, and Pistachio Dip
  • Raw Vegan Cheddar Cheese Spread
  • Rosemary Roasted Mushrooms
  • Mushroom, Asparagus, and Artichoke Medley
Deviled tomatoes recipes
Deviled tomatoes

Vegan Easter Soups

  • Greek-Flavored Spinach and Orzo Soup
  • Vegan Tomato Gazpacho
  • Lemony Leek and Mushroom Soup
  • Creole Carrot Soup
  • Vegan Cream of Broccoli Soup
  • Creole Eggplant Soup
  • Classic Leek and Potato Soup
Creole Eggplant soup recipe
Creole Eggplant Soup

Vegan Easter Salads

  • Spring Greens Salad with Endive and Oranges
  • Mixed Greens Salad with Beets and Walnuts
  • Asparagus with Mustard-Dill Sauce
  • Beet and Red Cabbage Slaw
  • Orange and Cucumber Salad with Spring Greens
  • Mixed Greens Salad with Avocado, Apples, and Baked Tofu
  • Quinoa and Asparagus Salad
Spring greens salad with cucumbers and oranges
Orange and Cucumber Salad with Spring Greens

Vegan Easter Main Dishes

  • Seitan and Polenta Skillet with Fresh Greens
  • Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta
  • Roasted Seitan, Peppers, and Portabellas
  • Crustless Tofu Quiche with Mushrooms and Herbs
  • Orzo-Stuffed Bell Peppers
  • Pasta Primavera
  • Linguine with Asparagus and Portabella Mushrooms
  • Citrus-Roasted Tofu (photo at top)
  • Spring Vegetable Tart
  • Paella Vegetariana
  • Quinoa, Broccoli, and Vegan Cheese Casserole
  • Vegetable White Bean Hash
  • Baked Chickpea Ratatouille
Roasted Seitan with Peppers and Mushrooms
Roasted Seitan, Peppers, and Portabellas

Vegan Easter Side Dishes

  • Roasted Potatoes and Tomatoes with Rosemary
  • New Potatoes with Parsley and Almond Pesto
  • Vegan Lentil Meatballs
  • Hasselback Potatoes
  • Sautéed Broccoli or Broccoli Rabe, Baby Carrots, and Yellow SquashCauliflower with Parsley-Pecan Breadcrumbs
  • Cauliflower Rice Pilaf
  • Contemporary Creamed Spinach
  • Simple Sesame-Roasted Asparagus
  • Asparagus, Squash, and Red Bell Pepper Sauté
  • Orange-Glazed Beets
Hasselback Potatoes Cooked
Hasselback Potatoes

Vegan Easter Desserts and Treats

  • Vegan Rice Pudding
  • Carrot-Walnut Muffins
  • Triple-Citrus Cupcakes
  • Caramel Macchiato "Cheese" Cake
  • Big Orange Bundt Cake
  • Vegan Apple Strudel
  • Cool Season Fruit Bowl
  • Creamy Peanut Butter Pie
  • Chocolate Ganache Cake
  • Chocolate-Coated Key Lime-Coconut Creme Pie

Still craving something sweet? Find even more vegan Easter desserts here.

Chocolate-coated vegan key lime pie recipe
Chocolate-Coated Key Lime Coconut Creme Pie

And if you're still searching for the perfect recipes, be sure to check out my new Vegan Brunch Book! It's the easiest way to plan the ultimate vegan friendly Easter Brunch.

No-Bake Vegan Lemon Bars

January 22, 2021 by Nicole @ VegKitchen 1 Comment

vegan lemon bars

These no-bake vegan lemon bars come together with just six simple ingredients. They're bright, sweet, tart, and perfect for an easy treat - whether you need a quick weekday pick-me-up or something to tuck into lunchboxes.

vegan lemon bars being served on a white tray

If you're a fan of that classic sweet-tart lemon flavor, these vegan lemon bars are one dessert that's sure to hit the spot. They're made with a simple mix of shredded coconut, almond flour, fresh lemon juice and zest, and maple syrup, coming together quickly with no baking required.

The texture is a little different from traditional lemon bars, but in the best way. These sliceable lemon-coconut bars are soft, bright, and satisfying- exactly the kind of treat to reach for when your sweet tooth starts calling.

One of the best things about these lemon bars is that they're naturally vegan, gluten-free, and raw. Since they're made with simple whole-food ingredients and require no baking, they're an easy treat you can feel good about enjoying anytime you're craving something sweet and citrusy.

These lemon bars have become one of my favorite dessert bars - in addition to these classic vegan blondies!

vegan lemon bars

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Almond flour: Almond flour forms the base of these bars and gives them structure along with a subtle nutty flavor. Use finely ground almond flour for the best texture. Almond meal can work in a pinch, but the bars will be a bit more coarse.

Shredded coconut: Unsweetened shredded coconut adds texture and a light coconut flavor that pairs beautifully with the bright lemon. If you prefer a softer texture, go with finely shredded coconut.

Maple syrup: Maple syrup provides natural sweetness and helps bind the mixture together. Its warm flavor balances the tartness of the lemon perfectly. If needed, you can substitute agave nectar for a similar consistency and sweetness.

Lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice gives these bars their signature bright, tangy flavor. Bottled juice can work if needed, but fresh lemons will give the best taste.

Lemon zest: The zest intensifies the lemon flavor and adds a fragrant citrus aroma. Don't skip it - it really makes the bars pop.

Vanilla extract: A small splash of vanilla rounds out the flavors and adds a subtle sweetness.

Salt: Just a pinch helps balance the sweetness and enhances the lemon flavor.

vegan lemon bars

Helpful Tips

Use fresh lemons: Fresh lemon juice and zest make a big difference in flavor. They give the bars that bright, vibrant citrus taste that really makes them stand out.

Line the pan with parchment paper: Parchment paper makes it much easier to lift the bars out of the pan after chilling and helps you slice them neatly without any falling apart.

Chill until firm: When spreading the mixture into the pan, press it down evenly and firmly so the bars hold together well. Give the bars enough time in the refrigerator to fully set before cutting. This helps them hold their shape and makes slicing much easier.

Fun Variations

  • Dust with powdered sugar: For a classic look, lightly dust the lemon bars with powdered sugar just before serving.
  • Add a lemon drizzle: For extra sweetness and a bright citrus finish, whisk together powdered sugar with a little fresh lemon juice until smooth, then drizzle it over the chilled bars.
  • Top with extra coconut: Sprinkle a little additional shredded coconut over the top before chilling for more texture and coconut flavor.
  • Make lemon bites instead: Instead of pressing the mixture into a pan, roll it into small balls to make bite-sized lemon treats.
  • Add a citrus twist: Mix in a little lime or orange zest along with the lemon for a slightly different citrus flavor.

Storing & Freezing

Refrigerator:
These lemon bars should be stored in the refrigerator to keep their texture firm. Place them in an airtight container and they'll keep well for up to a week. If you're making them for a gathering or special occasion, you can easily prepare them a day or two in advance.

Freezer:
For longer storage, slice the bars and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy one, simply transfer it to the refrigerator to thaw, and it will be ready to eat.

How to Store No-Bake Vegan Lemon Bars 

Refrigerate

These coconut lemon bars need to be kept in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to a week in an airtight container. If you plan to make these bars for entertaining, you can make them up to two days in advance. 

Freezer

Slice your bars and place them in a freezer-safe container. You can store them in the freezer for up to three months. Lemon bars make for a great grab-and-go snack or dessert. Just remove one or more from the freezer, and let them thaw in the fridge. Then enjoy!

More Lemon Recipes

Craving more lemon recipes? Give these recipes a try!

  • Lemon Blueberry Muffins 
  • Vegan Granola Bars
  • Vegan Lemon Ginger Scones
  • Vegan Pumpkin Bars

Recipe

vegan lemon bars

No-Bake Vegan Lemon Bars

4.41 from 10 votes
These no-bake vegan lemon bars come together with just six simple ingredients. They're bright, sweet, tart, and perfect for an easy treat - whether you need a quick weekday pick-me-up or something to tuck into lunchboxes.
Print Pin Save Saved!
Prep Time: 30 minutes minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes minutes
Servings: 9 bars
Prevent your screen from going dark

Equipment

  • 6" square baking pan

Ingredients

  • 2 cups almond flour
  • ⅓ cup maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • juice of 1 lemon about 2 tbsp
  • zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 cups shredded coconut
  • pinch salt
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Mix the maple syrup, vanilla extract, and lemon juice in a medium bowl. Add the lemon zest, and stir to combine well.
    vegan lemon bars
  • Add the almond flour, salt, and shredded coconut. Stir very well to combine. The result should be a thick paste-like batter.
    vegan lemon bars
  • Line a 6'' square baking tray with parchment paper. (You can skip this if using a silicone baking tray.)
  • Pour the mixture into the tray, pressing it flat with your fingers until flat and even.
    vegan lemon bars
  • Refrigerate for 2 hours, to allow the lemon bars to firm up. Cut into 9 square bars.

Notes

The lemon bars can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Nutrition (Estimate per Serving)

Calories: 274kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 6gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.3gSodium: 54mgPotassium: 95mgFiber: 4gSugar: 17gVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 68mgIron: 1mg
Vegan-ize any recipe!Grab our free vegan cheat sheet, packed with my favorite easy substitutions to make any recipe vegan.

Chia Almond Delight Snack Smoothie

August 5, 2019 by Nicole @ VegKitchen Leave a Comment

Almonds in a bowl

This slightly sweet and creamy Chia Almond Delight Snack Smoothie recipe is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or a healthy dessert. Additionally, this smoothie is also super versatile! Have fun customizing it to your own taste.

Almonds in a bowl

This delicious recipe was adapted from Chia: The Complete Guide to the Ultimate Superfood* by Wayne Coates, PhD. As noted in his book, both the chia and the almonds in this recipe really amp up the health factor of this smoothie!

In fact, chia is such an amazing superfood that I like to have some almost every day! I can easily get some chia in at breakfast time with this yummy smoothie or a make-ahead chia pudding. But if I'm feeling more carbs at breakfast time, I love tossing some chia seeds into some banana or jam-filled muffins.

How to Make Chia Almond Delight Snack Smoothie

Chia seeds in a spoon and in a jar
  1. Add all ingredients to a blender.
  2. Blend until smooth.
  3. Drink immediately.

Full directions for how to make Chia Almond Delight Snack Smoothie are in the printable recipe card below.

Chia Almond Delight Snack Smoothie FAQs

How can I make variations to my smoothie?

You can easily adjust your smoothie by using different milks, nut butters, and even fruits! Choose your favorite flavors or use whatever you have left in your pantry. If you decide to toss in some fruit, you may want to leave out the additional sweetener.

Recipe

Almonds in a bowl

Chia Almond Delight Snack Smoothie

5 from 1 vote
This slightly sweet and creamy Chia Almond Delight Snack Smoothie recipe is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or a healthy dessert. Additionally, this smoothie is also super versatile! Have fun customizing it to your own taste.
Print Pin Save Saved!
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes minutes
Servings: 1 serving
Prevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds
  • 1 ½ cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 1 tablespoon almond butter
  • dash of almond or vanilla extract optional
  • pinch of natural sweetener such as honey, brown rice syrup, agave, stevia, etc.; optional
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Add all ingredients to a blender.
  • Blend until smooth.
  • Drink immediately.

Nutrition (Estimate per Serving)

Calories: 209kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 7gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 7gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 1gSodium: 491mgPotassium: 169mgFiber: 7gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 7IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 581mgIron: 1mg
Vegan-ize any recipe!Grab our free vegan cheat sheet, packed with my favorite easy substitutions to make any recipe vegan.

*This post contains affiliate links. If the product is purchased by linking through this review, VegKitchen receives a modest commission, which helps maintain our site and helps it to continue growing!

Healthy Vegan School Lunch Ideas

July 30, 2018 by Nicole @ VegKitchen 85 Comments

vegan school lunches

Summer always seems to disappear quickly, and back-to-school days find parents scrambling to get the kids ready. One thing you can check off your to-do list is finding  healthy school lunch recipes.

vegan school lunches

If your child is vegan or vegetarian, that adds to the challenge. Don't despair! With our handy list of recipes and ideas, creating easy, tasty school lunches will be a breeze.

And, if you like the idea of having all of our best school lunch ideas, tips, and tricks in one neat package, you may want to check out our Healthy Plant Based School Lunches E-Book.

Here are some of the tips that will keep you sane from the first day of school to the last:

1. Keep your lunch-making supplies together.

Keeping everything you need for prepping lunches in one place makes for a much more efficient morning "rush hour." In one cabinet, you can store the lunch boxes, sandwich bags, thermoses, plastic spoons and forks, toothpicks, and small plastic storage containers. I also keep packaged snacks with these supplies for easy access.

2. Stock up on cold packs.

Make sure you have plenty of freezer packs available at the start of the school year. Somehow these things never make it back into my freezer in the evening, so having spares is essential. I like these slim ones that are easy to stack together in the freezer.

3. Vary the types of bread used for sandwiches. 

Bagels, rolls, pita pockets, English muffins, raisin bread, and even fresh flour tortillas or "wraps" can add interest to standard sandwich fare. Check out our sandwich and wrap recipes for ideas.

Macaroni confetti salad

4. Consider a thermos.

Dishes that taste just as good warm or at room temperature are more successful than those that need to stay hot (but usually don't).

If your child's school has a microwave available, your thermos offerings can include macaroni and cheese, soups, and leftover casseroles.

Lunch box fruit salad

5. Make fruit appealing.

Fruit packed into lunch boxes can come home uneaten unless you try some simple tricks. Small chunks of fruit, such as strawberries, grapes, melon, tiny seedless orange sections, and such, served on a skewer (long cocktail toothpicks are perfect), are always eaten.

Similarly, apple slices are more likely to be eaten if you supply a tiny container of peanut butter to dip them into.

Hummus, pita, and veggies

6. Raw vegetables are better with dip. 

When sending carrots (or baby carrots), celery, bell peppers, etc. - cut them into strips and add a tiny container of your child's favorite dressing or dip.

Natural store-bought or homemade hummus is a great choice, as is vegan ranch dressing. Add wedges of pita bread for dipping, too.

Granola for lunch


7. Cereal is an unexpected treat at lunch.

Pack some nutritious cereal in a lidded bowl-shaped container, and your child can add his or her favorite nondairy milk to it (vanilla almond milk is particularly good with cereal) when it's time to eat.

Teamed with a banana, this makes a filling meal. And it's always fun to eat breakfast at "weird" times.

Crunchy Granola Muffins recipe

8. Make wholesome homemade muffins.

Muffins are always a crowd pleaser, and it's super easy to make tasty ones that are actually healthy too.

Check out these Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins or these Magic Vegan Muffins for starters.

Pack a wedge of vegan cheese or a container of coconut yogurt, plus fresh fruit to go along with them.

BBQ Chickpea pita sandwich

9. Salads in pita bread or in wraps appeal to kids with more adventurous palates.

Augment simple salads of lettuce, tomato, peppers, and cucumbers with chickpeas, chunks of baked tofu, chickpeas or other beans, and grated nondairy cheese.

Keep pita sandwiches fresh by wrapping them first in foil, then placing them in sandwich bags.

Peanut Butter Dip for Apples or Veggies

10. Expand on PB & J.

Try cashew, almond, or sunflower butters, and no-sugar added fruit spreads or apple butter for a change of pace.

Vegan veggie burger emergency dinner

11. Pack a veggie burger.

Veggie burgers make a surprisingly good packed lunch. Serve it on a whole grain roll or English muffin, with your child's favorite condiments for a fun surprise.

Veggie Deli Hero Sandwiches

12. Faux meats can expand lunch box variety.

Vegan deli slices might especially appeal to teens. "Chicken" or "turkey"-style slices on soft whole grain bread appeal to tastes of any age.

Veggie Deli Heroes with Herb Mayonnaise are a great choice that will appeal to older kids and teens.

"Tofuna" - tuna-style tofu sandwich spread recipe


13. Vegan "Tuna"or "egg" salads.

These are delicious stuffed into pitas or in sandwiches. Check out these recipes for "Tofuna" Salad Sandwich Spread; Tofu Eggless "Egg" Salad; and Sharon's Chickpea Salad or Sandwich Spread) to get you started.

Lunch box pasta salad

13. Pasta salad is an appealing lunch option.

Use small shapes such as elbows, wagon wheels, shells, or tiny tubes, which pack well into containers.

Add your child's favorite veggies-steamed broccoli, peas, corn and carrots, plus olives and their favorite dressing can add up to nice lunch box fare.

Check out all my favorite pasta salad recipes here.

Vegan Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies

14. Wholesome homemade cookies.

Cookies make a perfect after-school snack when served with almond milk. And the next day, you can pack the extras in their lunch box. Check out these vegan cookie recipes to get baking!

SCHOOL SNACKS

Snacks packed for school, whether for snack time or as an extra treat for the lunch box, should be simple and neat.

Explore natural foods stores for packaged snack ideas. Their cookies, cereals, fruit bars, and such, are often naturally sweetened and low in fat.

Similarly, natural chips, rice puffs or crisps, and other crunchy snacks have less salt and fat than their supermarket counterparts.

Prices can sometimes (but not always) be a little higher, but you're getting more value for your money.

Here are some suggestions for school snacks:

  • Natural fruit leathers (or make your own fruit leather!)
  • Low-fat fruit and cereal bars
  • Granola bars
  • Good-quality, non-frosted toaster tarts
  • Dried fruit, such as apple rings or apricots
  • Trail mix (dried fruits with nuts and seeds)
  • Rice cakes or mini-rice cakes
  • Individual containers applesauce or fruit cup
  • Naturally sweetened cereal
  • Graham crackers
  • Sesame breadsticks
  • Fruit-sweetened cookies
  • Bagel crisps
  • Baby bananas
  • Small seedless oranges

More Resources

For more tips on feeding vegan and vegetarian kids, check out these resources:

  • Healthy Plant Based School Lunches Book (our best resource!)
  • 4 Back to School Nutrition Tips
  • Tips & Tricks for Vegan School Lunches They'll Eat

Vegan Banana Pancakes {gluten free}

June 8, 2018 by Nicole @ VegKitchen 1 Comment

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so why not start with these gluten-free vegan banana pancakes? These mouthwatering pancakes are light and fluffy, and topped with sticky sweet syrup, powdered sugar,  and fresh bananas. You won't believe they cook up in just 20 minutes!

Vegan Banana Pancakes {gluten free}

Vegan Banana Pancakes for Breakfast

We all live busy lives, so making an elaborate breakfast just can't be a priority for everyone. But they don't say breakfast is the most important meal of the day because it sounds catchy.

Breakfast is important because it gives you a boost of energy for your day, and kickstarts your metabolism. Who doesn't want that?

Vegan Banana Pancakes {gluten free}

Luckily, these vegan banana pancakes are quick to make, filling, healthy, and delicious! If you like bananas, you're going to love these!

Instead of being made with regular wheat flour, they're made with gluten-free rice flour, which will make for lighter, fluffier pancakes.

Oh, and if you love these, be sure to check out these other great vegan pancake recipes.

And if you haven't already grabbed it, be sure to snag a copy of this free vegan cheat sheet. It's filled with all my favorite substitutions to make any recipe vegan!

Preparing Vegan Banana Pancakes

Vegan Banana Pancakes {gluten free}

First, gather up all your ingredients. Make sure that your bananas are nice and ripe so that they're easy to mash. And melt your coconut oil - I just stick mine in the microwave for a few seconds. And you're ready to cook!

Take your ripe bananas and mash them up in a bowl. Then, put them off to the side. We'll get back to them shortly.

Vegan Banana Pancakes {gluten free}

Then in a larger bowl, add your flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir these together so everything is evenly distributed, and add the melted coconut oil and vinegar.

Yes, you read that right. Vinegar. You're probably thinking, "Who would put vinegar in their pancakes?"

But it's actually more common than you might think, and it's the secret ingredient for this recipe! The vinegar will react with the baking powder, creating bubbles and lead to perfect, fluffy pancakes.

Now, slowly add in your vanilla almond milk and mix. And finally we get to the bananas! Add the bananas to the mix and stir everything into a thick pancake batter.

Vegan Banana Pancakes {gluten free}

You don't want your mixture to be too watery or too thick. If it's too watery, add a tablespoon of flour. If it's too thick, add a tablespoon of almond milk until you get the consistency you'd like.

Now, put your pan over medium heat. Spray on some non-stick spray and pour your batter onto the pan. You can make them as large or as small as you want.

I like to use about ¼ cup of batter for each pancake. You will want to cook your banana pancakes on each side for about two minutes or until golden brown.

Vegan Banana Pancakes {gluten free}

Once you're all done, sprinkle your vegan banana pancakes with powdered sugar. Then top with fruit or syrup - or both! You can also eat these pancakes plain, and they are just as delicious.

If you're looking for something to make with the rest of your ripe bananas, try this blueberry banana muffin or these Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins next.

And for more breakfast ideas - check out some of my favorite vegan breakfasts here. I especially love this Vegan French Toast and these Vegan Donuts.

(And of course, don't forget to grab this free printable cheat sheet to help you vegan-ize all your favorite recipes!) 

Vegan Banana Pancakes {gluten free}

Recipe

Vegan Banana Pancakes {gluten-free}

No ratings yet
These mouthwatering vegan banana pancakes are light and fluffy, and topped with sticky sweet syrup, powdered sugar,  and fresh bananas.
Print Pin Save Saved!
Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Prevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

  • 2 ripe bananas
  • 1 ½ cup Rice flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • Pinch salt
  • 1 cup vanilla almond milk
  • 1 tablespoon vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil melted
  • FOR TOPPING (optional):
  • powdered sugar
  • syrup
  • fresh bananas sliced
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • First start by mashing up your bananas in a small bowl, set aside.
  • Now in a bigger bowl add your flour, baking powder, and salt. Give it a stir.
  • Now add in your coconut oil and vinegar. Now slowly add in your milk and mix around.
  • Now add in your bananas and mix well. You don't want it to be too watery or too thick. If it's too watery, add a tablespoon of flour. If it's too thick, add a tablespoon of almond milk until you get the consistency you'd like.
  • Now put your pan over medium heat. Spray some non-stick spray and pour your batter. I like to use the ¼ measuring cup for each pancake. You will want to cook them on each side for about 2 minutes or until golden brown.
  • Once you're all done, sprinkle powder sugar, top with fruit, or syrup. You can also eat them plain!

Nutrition (Estimate per Serving)

Calories: 335kcalCarbohydrates: 62gProtein: 4gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 6gSodium: 2mgPotassium: 458mgFiber: 2gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 40IUVitamin C: 5.1mgCalcium: 96mgIron: 0.5mg
Vegan-ize any recipe!Grab our free vegan cheat sheet, packed with my favorite easy substitutions to make any recipe vegan.

5 Vegan Egg Substitutes That Are Already In Your Kitchen

January 21, 2018 by Nicole @ VegKitchen 4 Comments

Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins

An omnivorous colleague and I recently had a good-natured spat about cake. She insisted that non-vegan cake (or "real" cake, as she called it) was superior to the vegan version. Naturally, I challenged her to a cupcake battle.

Without telling them which was which, we had everyone in our office sample her non-vegan chocolate cupcakes and my vegan ones. In the end, only half could tell them apart. People kept asking me, "No butter? No eggs? What did you put in them?"

Vegan baking can be as inventive as hiding zucchini and black beans in desserts or as simple as making a vegan substitution. If you're working off an old family recipe or want to experiment with creating your own recipes, here are 5 simple vegan egg substitutes that are sitting in your kitchen right now.

Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins

Bananas

Bananas work as a binder, making them a great vegan egg substitute for baked goods. And-as a bonus-bananas add a dose of potassium too. They're sweet, so you might want to use less sugar than the recipe calls for (or, if you're me, forgo the extra tablespoon!). Using this substitute might add some banana flavor to whatever you're cooking, but with many baked goods, that just compounds the yum factor.

Substitute half a banana for one egg.

Try it in Laura Theodore's Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins.

Cornstarch

Using cornstarch as an egg substitute will thicken your batter, so it's best for recipes like cookies and puddings.

To replace one egg, mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of water.

White Vinegar and Baking Powder

This combo is a great vegan egg substitute for cakes. It doesn't have a strong effect on the flavor of your cake as long as you also add a pinch of salt.

For each "egg," mix one tablespoon of water with one tablespoon of white vinegar in a separate bowl or glass. Then, stir in a teaspoon of baking powder. Now you're ready to add the mixture to your batter.

Cinnamon-Raisin Quick Bread

Applesauce

Like banana, applesauce doubles as an egg replacement and a sweetener. But it has the advantage of being an easier flavor to mask.

Opt for one-third of a cup of applesauce without baking powder (for a rich, dense cake or brownie) or one-fourth of a cup with a teaspoon of baking powder (for a light, fluffy dessert).

Try this egg substitute in Quick Cinnamon-Raisin Bread (shown above).

Water, Oil, and Baking Powder

In recipes that call for only one egg, a quarter cup of vegetable oil should be fine.

But for recipes that call for more than one, you can avoid a greasy baked good by whisking together two tablespoons of water, one teaspoon of vegetable oil, and two teaspoons of baking powder for each "egg" the recipe calls for.

For more vegan substitutions:

  • Vegan Baking Substitutions Guide
  • Vegan Substitutions Guide

Let's Go Nuts for Good Health

March 30, 2017 by Nicole @ VegKitchen Leave a Comment

Glazed and spiced mixed nuts

Here's a look at the benefits of eating nuts regularly, and the best nuts to eat. If you're going for a more balanced diet, trying to lower your cholesterol, and even want to lose weight, be sure to include nuts in your daily fare.

Just a single handful can have a powerful, positive impact on your diet. Nuts are high in fiber, protein, and - most important - good fats. The fiber and protein will leave you feeling full and can help curb cravings.

People who eat nuts daily tend to feel satiated and, as a result, eat fewer calories throughout the day. The monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats will help regulate cholesterol, reduce your risk of cancer, and deter type 2 diabetes. They even help keep skin hydrated and plump - meaning you will look younger.

Types of Nuts and Their Benefits

Almonds

Almonds are packed with vitamin E, healthy fats, and fiber. They are known for their ability to support heart health, regulate blood sugar levels, and promote healthy brain function. The combination of magnesium and riboflavin in almonds contributes to increased energy production and reduced fatigue. Check out these delicious recipes featuring almonds and almond butter!

Walnuts

Walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for brain health and function. Their polyphenol content provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Regular consumption of walnuts has been linked to improved cognitive function, reduced risk of heart disease, and enhanced sperm quality in men.

Walnuts are delicious tossed over a salad like this one, baked into sweet treats like these carrot walnut muffins, or as an ingredient in energy balls.

Cashews

Cashews are a good source of healthy fats, fiber, and minerals like copper and magnesium. They support healthy bones and nerve function, aid in weight management due to their satiating effect, and contribute to a healthy heart by reducing bad cholesterol levels.

I love cashew cream as a dairy replacement, or try making these cashew fat bombs for a healthy treat!

Pistachios

Pistachios are low in calories and high in protein, making them an excellent snack choice for weight management. Rich in antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, pistachios support eye health and may help reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration.

Roasting pistachios is my favorite way to enjoy them. Or get creative with this pistachio pesto sauce.

Brazil Nuts

Brazil nuts are known for their high selenium content, which plays a crucial role in antioxidant defense and thyroid function. Selenium also supports immune health, reproductive health, and DNA synthesis. Incorporating a few brazil nuts into your diet can provide your daily recommended intake of this essential mineral. Try tossing Brazil nuts in this sweet and spicy glaze.

Hazelnuts

Hazelnuts are a great source of vitamin E, healthy fats, and antioxidants. They contribute to heart health, aid in weight management, and provide neuroprotective benefits. The antioxidants in hazelnuts help combat oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Use them to make your own vegan nutella!

Nutritional Benefits of Nuts

Nuts are rich in a variety of essential nutrients that support overall well-being. They provide an excellent source of plant-based proteins, healthy fats, vitamins (such as vitamin E and B vitamins), minerals (such as magnesium, potassium, and selenium), and dietary fiber. Incorporating a variety of nuts into your daily diet can significantly contribute to meeting your nutritional requirements.

Heart Health

Regular consumption of nuts has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease. The abundance of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats found in nuts, including omega-3 fatty acids, helps to increase the levels of good cholesterol (HDL) while reducing bad cholesterol (LDL) levels. This cholesterol-balancing effect of nuts aids in maintaining cardiovascular health and reduces the risk of heart attacks or strokes.

Weight Management

Contrary to popular belief, including nuts in your diet can actually aid in weight management. Despite their calorie density, nuts have been associated with increased satiety and reduced appetite, leading to reduced calorie intake overall. The combination of healthy fats, protein, and fiber in nuts helps to keep you feeling full and satisfied for longer periods, reducing the likelihood of unhealthy snacking or overeating.

Brain Health

Nuts, especially walnuts, are known for their brain-boosting properties. Rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin E, nuts play a vital role in maintaining cognitive function and preventing age-related decline. These nutrients contribute to improved memory, enhanced focus, and overall brain health. Incorporating a handful of nuts into your daily routine can support optimal brain function.

Diabetes Management

Nuts have shown great potential in managing diabetes. With their low glycemic index, they have a minimal impact on blood sugar levels. The healthy fats, protein, and fiber content in nuts help regulate blood sugar and insulin levels. Additionally, the magnesium content in nuts has been associated with improved insulin sensitivity. Including nuts as part of a balanced diet can assist in better diabetes management.

Anti-inflammatory Properties

Many nuts, such as almonds and pistachios, possess anti-inflammatory properties due to their rich content of antioxidants and polyphenols. Chronic inflammation is linked to numerous health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. By incorporating anti-inflammatory foods like nuts, you can help combat inflammation, support a healthy immune system, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.


The infographics were provided by eReplacementParts.com

More Vegan Eating Resources

If you found this guide to nuts helpful, check out these other plant based tips and recipes:

  • Best Vegan Protein Sources
  • 30 High Protein Vegan Snacks
  • 34 High Fiber Vegan Foods

Savory Eggless Benedict

April 26, 2016 by Nicole @ VegKitchen 1 Comment

Eggless Benedict from Minimalist Baker

After going dairy-free, I mourned the loss of eggs Benedict. But this plant-based eggless Benedict recipe satisfies the craving! If you are a fan of creamy sauces and avocado toast, this is the dish for you. Toasted English muffins, sautéed tomatoes, and ripe avocados are topped with a seriously decadent vegan hollandaise that gives the real thing a run for its money. Recipe from Minimalist Baker's Everyday Cooking by Dana Schultz © 2016, reprinted by permission of Avery Publishing. [Read more...]

Quinoa and Red Lentil Burgers

March 9, 2016 by Nicole @ VegKitchen 11 Comments

Quinoa and red lentil burger

Quinoa and red lentils cook up in the same amount of time, right in the same saucepan, making these nourishing veggie burgers super convenient to make. You can make the whole batch, and freeze half of them for later use once baked and cooled. While these bake, consider roasting some potato wedges or other vegetables at the same time. Add a green salad one of our easy slaws for a great meal. Recipe adapted from Plant Power by Nava Atlas. Photos by Hannah Kaminsky. [Read more...]

6 Special Vegan Mother's Day Brunch Recipes

May 8, 2015 by Nicole @ VegKitchen Leave a Comment

Buckwheat Crepes + Chocolate Sauce by Jenne Claiborne from Sweet Potato Soul

Anyone can take their mom out to eat for Mother's Day — but if she's vegan, why fight crowds and limited menu options? Your mom will be more impressed and grateful if you show your love by making a special brunch. These vegan Mother's Day brunch recipes are healthy and tasty, and will please everyone at the table.

Let's start with Jenné Claiborne's Buckwheat Crepes with Chocolate Sauce, above. These whole grain crepes are delicious, filling, very pretty, and totally healthy! the chocolate sauce takes the crepes to the next level.
[Read more...]

Smoky Sunflower Bean Burgers or Sliders

October 22, 2014 by Nicole @ VegKitchen 4 Comments

Vegan bean burgers or sliders

An easy bean burger with a little crunch from sunflower seeds and a subtle smoky flavor, these work well with pink, pinto, or red beans. Make some potato oven fries or sweet potato oven fries at the same time, and serve with your favorite condiments in pita bread or on whole grain buns.  [Read more...]

Quinoa and Wild Rice Burgers

October 4, 2014 by Nicole @ VegKitchen 2 Comments

Quinoa and Wild Rice Vegan Burger

Quinoa and wild rice make a tasty team in these vegan burgers. Serve on their own with a sauce or on whole-grain buns; they’re good in pita breads with leafy greens and/or sprouts as well. Since these two grains have very different cook times, it may be best to have the quinoa cooked and ready ahead of time. Having the wild rice cooked ahead of time as well will make preparing these a breeze. [Read more...]

Health Benefits of Chia, Flax, and Hemp Seeds

May 10, 2014 by Nicole @ VegKitchen 49 Comments

Chia seeds - varieties

Chia, hemp, and flaxseeds seem to be everywhere these days! This trio of tiny seeds offers an abundance of health benefits, not the least of which are the valuable Omega-3 fatty acids. These seeds aren’t just for those following plant-based diets, but anyone who wants to boost their intake of nutrients. Read on for a brief introduction to these small but mighty super foods, their comparative benefits, and some ways to use them in your daily fare. [Read more...]

Quinoa, Lentil, and Mushroom Burgers

February 2, 2014 by Nicole @ VegKitchen 30 Comments

Quinoa burger2

If anyone you know says that they could never go vegan because they’d miss hamburgers, just serve them these. Not that these are at all meat-like nor aspire to be. These burgers, with high-protein quinoa and lentils, plus flavorful mushrooms and plenty of seasonings, are hearty and satisfying. Serve them with your favorite fixings, or just on their own as a high-protein embellishment for the plate. [Read more...]

Vegan Cornbread Stuffing

October 28, 2013 by Nicole @ VegKitchen Leave a Comment

Vegan Cornbread Stuffing

Cornbread is only as good as it is fresh; and when it's past that point, I like to make this simple, comforting stuffing. Of course, if you don't happen to have half a pan of leftover cornbread on hand, use a prepared cornbread. [Read more...]

Easy Portobello Burgers

September 2, 2013 by Nicole @ VegKitchen 2 Comments

Easy Portobello Burgers

The easiest route to a grilled vegan burger is to simply lavish portobello mushroom caps in a good marinade and plunk them on the grill. These Easy Portobello Burgers are good with or without buns, and can be made on an indoor electric grill as well.

Easy Portobello burgers on a plate next to bowl of toppings
[feast_advanced_jump_to]

You can easy make variations of this recipe. Simply choose different marinades and toppings. If you don't have either kind of grill, simply prepare these burgers in a skillet. These vegan burgers are delicious with lightly cooked or grilled corn and a big salad or any kind of potato salad.

Easy Portobello Burgers assembled on a plate next to chips

How to Make Easy Portobello Burgers

  1. Stem and clean portobellos, then marinate.
  2. To grill: Prep grill. Grill portobellos on both sides until charred to your liking.
  3. To cook in a skillet: Heat marinade in the skillet. Cook portobellos on both sides until browned to your liking.
  4. Serve on whole-grain buns with whatever other accompaniments you'd like.

More Recipes

  • Here are lots more vegan burger recipes. 
  • Find more recipes for grilling in VegKitchen's The Vegan Barbecue.
  • Find more ways to make Special Occasions and Entertaining easier and healthier.

Recipe

Easy Portobello Burgers

Easy Portobello Burgers

5 from 1 vote
These Easy Portobello Burgers are good with or without buns, and can be made on an indoor electric grill as well.
Print Pin Save Saved!
Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes minutes
Servings: 2
Prevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

  • portobello caps as many as needed (1 per serving)
  • teriyaki marinade homemade or bottled; as needed for marinating
  • whole-grain buns or toasted English muffins

Toppings (Optional)

  • onions carmelized or raw slices
  • garlic sautéed
  • scallions thinly sliced
  • tomatoes sliced
  • baby greens baby spinach or baby arugula
  • salsa store bought or homemade
  • ketchup
  • mustard
  • sweet pickle relish
  • vegan mayonnaise

Instructions

  • Stem the portabellas and wipe them clean. Pour the marinade of choice into a shallow container and arrange the portobello caps, underside down, in a single layer. Let stand for at least 15 minutes and up to an hour. Pour unused marinade back into a bottle for finishing the dish; you'll have enough left over to use for another occasion.
  • To grill: Prepare grill. Grill the portobellos, underside down, for 4-5 minutes. Brush generously with more marinade, then flip and grill for 5 minutes longer or until charred to your liking.
  • To cook in a skillet: Heat a shallow layer of marinade in the skillet. Cook the portobellos, underside down, for 4-5 minutes. Flip and cook for 5 minutes longer, or until browned to your liking. Add a small amount of additional marinade if needed to keep the skillet moist.
  • Serve portobello caps on whole-grain buns with whatever other toppings you'd like. You can place a variety of these toppings and condiments on the table, and let everyone fix their own sandwich!

Nutrition (Estimate per Serving)

Calories: 441kcalCarbohydrates: 73gProtein: 24gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 11454mgPotassium: 1080mgFiber: 4gSugar: 48gVitamin A: 134IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 129mgIron: 7mg
Vegan-ize any recipe!Grab our free vegan cheat sheet, packed with my favorite easy substitutions to make any recipe vegan.

 Photos by Rachael Braun.

Vegan Pumpkin Bread

October 29, 2012 by Nicole @ VegKitchen Leave a Comment

Pumpkin or squash mini-loaves

This Vegan Pumpkin Bread is perfect for Fall! Packed with delicious pumpkin spice flavor, it makes a tasty snack or a fantastic holiday gift.

vegan pumpkin bread on a blue plate

This vegan pumpkin bread is one of my all time favorite Fall treats. It's so simple to make, totally delicious, and I usually have all the ingredients on hand to start with.

I typically bake this recipe in three mini loaf pans (like these), so I can keep one for my family and gift the others to friends. They make a nice gift to bring when visiting friends and relatives over the winter holidays.

These pumpkin breads are also a great family-friendly treat, full of nutritious ingredients, to make and enjoy at home. A mug of hot cocoa is the very best companion for this pumpkin bread, but tea will work too.

mini pumpkin loaf

If you love this vegan pumpkin bread, be sure to check out these other tasty ideas:

  • Vegan Pumpkin Pie
  • Vegan Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins
  • Vegan Pumpkin Protein Balls

Recipe

Pumpkin or squash mini-loaves

Vegan Pumpkin Bread (Mini Loaves!)

No ratings yet
This Vegan Pumpkin Bread is perfect for Fall! Packed with delicious pumpkin spice flavor, it makes a tasty snack or a fantastic holiday gift.
Print Pin Save Saved!
Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes minutes
Servings: 36 slices
Prevent your screen from going dark

Equipment

  • 3 Mini Loaf Pans

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups whole wheat pastry flour
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree fresh or canned
  • 2 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoon safflower oil
  • 2 tablespoon orange juice or apple juice, more or less as needed
  • ⅔ cup raisins or currants
  • ⅓ cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans
  • ½ cup vegan chocolate chips optional
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  • Combine the first 6 (dry) ingredients in a mixing bowl and stir together.
  • In another bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, syrup, and oil and whisk together until smooth. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Stir together until completely mixed. If the batter is too stiff to mix, add a very small amount of juice to loosen it a bit, but let it should remain thick.
  • Stir in the raisins or currants, walnuts or pecans, and optional chocolate chips.
  • Divide the batter between 3 lightly oiled mini loaf pans (mine are 6 by 3 inches).
  • Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center of one tests clean.

Nutrition (Estimate per Serving)

Calories: 69kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 1gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.001gSodium: 40mgPotassium: 66mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 1062IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 24mgIron: 1mg
Vegan-ize any recipe!Grab our free vegan cheat sheet, packed with my favorite easy substitutions to make any recipe vegan.
  • 1
  • 2
  • Next Page »

Welcome!

Hi, I'm Nicole. I'm the creator behind VegKitchen, and the author of the popular cookbook, Weeknight One Pot Vegan Cooking.

About Me
vegan substitution chart

Featured Recipes

  • vegan lentil soup
    Sweet Potato Lentil Soup (Vegan & Vegetarian)
  • vegan hummingbird cake
    Vegan Hummingbird Cake
  • vegan jalapeno poppers
    Vegan Jalapeno Poppers
  • Sticky Sesame Cauliflower
  • vegan irish stew
    Old-Fashioned Vegan Stew
  • vegan birthday cake
    Vegan Funfetti Cake

Footer

  • Shop Cookbooks
  • Free Vegan Cheat Sheet
  • About Us
  • Work with Me
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2026 VegKitchen.com

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required