If you’re new to vegan baking, it might seem tough without eggs or dairy. But with these tips, you’ll make delicious dairy-free treats easily. You’ll learn about egg substitutes and how to replace butter and milk.

I started vegan baking 12 years ago, baking almost every week. I used books like Veganomicon and Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World by Isa Chandra Moskowitz. These books helped me learn the basics of vegan baking.

As I got better, I changed non-vegan recipes to fit my tastes and what I had at home. It was a mix of trial and error, with some recipes needing more work. Making vegan versions of recipes that used a lot of eggs or butter was hard.

But I learned to love the unique tastes of vegan ingredients. This change let me be creative and make new vegan recipes. It opened up a world of new flavors.

For beginners, start with easy recipes like cakes, muffins, and cookies. These are good for replacing eggs and dairy. You’ll make tasty treats.

Vegan baking is more than just avoiding animal products. It’s about enjoying plant-based ingredients and finding new flavors. Plus, many amazing breads are already vegan. You’re in for a treat!

Key Takeaways:

• Start with guidance from vegan baking books and gain confidence in adapting recipes based on your tastes and pantry availability.
• Embrace the unique flavors of non-dairy and non-egg ingredients in vegan baking, rather than trying to replicate the taste and texture of non-vegan counterparts.
• Carefully choose recipes that are suitable for vegan substitutions, such as cakes, muffins, brownies, loaves, cinnamon rolls, cookies, and scones.
• Experiment with different plant-based ingredients and enjoy the creativity that vegan baking offers.
• Explore the wide range of vegan baked goods available at local bakeries, natural food stores, and online platforms like Amazon.com.

Replacing Milk

Finding a good vegan milk substitute is crucial for baking. Soy milk is a top choice for baking and making sauces. It’s packed with protein, has less fat, and no cholesterol. Plus, it’s often fortified with calcium, making it a healthy pick.

Rice milk is another thin milk alternative. Though it tastes like cow’s milk, it has less protein than soy or almond milk. It’s best for baking, not thick sauces like béchamel or hollandaise.

Oat milk is a favorite for vegan baking. Its thick texture and creamy froth make it perfect for vegan cappuccinos and adding creaminess to dishes.

Coconut milk brings a unique coconut flavor to recipes. But, it’s key to know the difference between canned and ready-to-drink coconut milk. They vary in thickness and fat content. Pick the one that fits your baking needs.

There are more plant-based milk options too. Hemp milk, flax milk, and pea milk each bring their own taste and texture. Almond milk also comes in many flavors. Feel free to try different ones to find the best for your recipes.

For some recipes, you might need a vegan buttermilk substitute. Mix one tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice with a cup of soy milk for a tangy taste like traditional buttermilk.

For creamy sauces and custards, use thicker milks like soy, almond, oat, hemp, or flax. Adding cornstarch and water can thicken the sauce to the right consistency.

Think about the sweetness level when picking non-dairy milk. Use unsweetened milks for both sweet and savory dishes to control sweetness or flavor.

You can also use other non-dairy items as milk substitutes. Plain yogurt or Greek yogurt can replace milk in dishes like mac and cheese or pancakes. Sour cream works too, but add water to get the right consistency.

In a pinch, water can be used as a milk substitute. But, it changes the flavor and texture of your dishes. Cooked foods might be less creamy, and baked goods could rise less. Adding butter can help with the fat content.

When baking vegan, you can usually swap milk with any plant milk. Pick a substitute that fits your taste, dietary needs, and the outcome you want for your baked goods.

Replacing Eggs

Eggs are key in baking, adding binding, leavening, structure, and flavor. But, vegan bakers can easily swap them out for egg-free options. This lets you make tasty treats without eggs.

Aquafaba, the liquid from chickpeas, is a top choice for egg substitutes. Here’s how to use it:

• 1 tablespoon of aquafaba = 1 egg yolk
• 2 tablespoons of aquafaba = 1 egg white
• 3 tablespoons of aquafaba = 1 whole egg

Adding a pinch of cream of tartar to aquafaba helps it act like egg whites better. Use 1/16 teaspoon of cream of tartar for every 4 tablespoons of aquafaba (like 2 egg whites).

Chickpea flour is great for those who need a gluten-free option:

• 3 tablespoons of chickpea flour mixed with 3 tablespoons of water can replace one egg
• 4 tablespoons of chickpea flour for an extra-large egg

Flaxseed meal is another go-to for vegan baking:

• Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxmeal with 2 ½ tablespoons of water to replace one egg

Tofu is a protein-rich choice for egg substitutes. Use ¼ cup of silken tofu to make baked goods denser and moister.

For a fruity twist, try using ripe bananas or unsweetened applesauce as egg substitutes:

• Half of a mashed banana or ¼ cup of pureed banana can replace one egg
• ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce can also substitute one egg

Adding extra moisture and flavor? Use ¼ cup of pumpkin puree, sweet potatoes, or applesauce instead of one egg.

Other options include ground flaxseed or chia seeds mixed with water, vegan yogurt, cornstarch and liquid, and aquafaba for meringues or as an egg substitute. But remember, kala namak (black salt) adds flavor but doesn’t replace eggs in baking.

With many vegan egg substitutes available, you can easily try egg-free baking. Feel free to experiment with different options and ratios for your recipes. It’s exciting to know vegan treats can be just as tasty as traditional ones, especially for desserts.

With a 90% success rate in making recipes work with egg substitutes, you’ll soon be making delicious vegan treats.

Replacing Butter

Finding a good butter substitute is key in vegan baking. Butter adds flavor, texture, and helps with rising. But, there are many plant-based options that can make delicious dairy-free treats.

Applesauce is a great choice to replace butter. Use 1 cup of butter for every 1/2 cup of applesauce. This swap cuts down on fat and adds moisture to your baked goods.

Coconut oil is another option, but be careful with how much you use, especially in savory recipes. Its strong coconut taste can take over other flavors, so use it carefully.

For replacing butter with vegetable oil, use 3/4 cup of vegetable oil for every 1 cup of butter. This works well in most recipes and keeps your baked goods moist.

Olive oil is good for savory vegan baking. You can use it as a 1:1 butter substitute, adding a subtle fruity taste to your dishes.

Avocado puree and pumpkin puree are also great butter substitutes. Use avocado as a 1:1 substitute, and pumpkin puree in a 3/4 cup ratio for every 1 cup of butter. These options add a creamy texture and unique flavors to your baked goods.

If you want easy options, there are vegan butter substitutes at health food stores. These products are a quick way to avoid traditional butter without the hassle of making your own.

The choice of vegan butter substitute depends on what you like and the recipe you’re using. Trying different options like applesauce, coconut oil, vegetable oil, or olive oil can lead to tasty and fulfilling vegan baking results.

Vegan Baking Recipes

Now that you know the basics of vegan baking, let’s explore some delicious recipes. You can make everything from vegan chocolate chip cookies to moist carrot cake. The world of dairy-free treats is yours to explore.

The Vegan Chocolate Traybake is a favorite among vegan bakers. It has a perfect 5 out of 5 rating from 14 reviews. If you love chocolate, this recipe is a must-try.

For those who prefer tangy desserts, the Vegan Lemon Drizzle Cake is a hit. It has 304 ratings and an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars. It’s a reliable choice for any occasion.

The Vegan Birthday Cake is great for any celebration. It can be made in various sizes, from a four-layer cake to a 9 x 13 inch cake. This recipe is all about flexibility.

Vegan Chocolate Cupcakes

Craving something chocolatey? Vegan chocolate cupcakes are perfect. They’re great for satisfying your sweet tooth and loved by vegans and non-vegans alike.

Vegan Brownies

Vegan brownies are ideal for those who love fudgy treats. They have all the richness of traditional brownies but without dairy or eggs. These brownies are sure to impress.

Don’t let dietary restrictions stop you from enjoying delicious desserts. With the right ingredients and creativity, vegan baking is limitless. You can make everything from vegan scones to meringues using aquafaba.

So, put on your apron and start baking with these vegan recipes. Don’t forget to share your creations online, tagging @nora_cooks_vegan and using #noracooks. Your tasty treats might inspire others to try vegan baking too.

Choosing the Right Sweeteners and Ingredients

When baking vegan, picking the right sweeteners and ingredients is key. The choices you make affect the taste, texture, and success of your treats. Let’s look at some important options for vegan sweeteners, natural cocoa powder, and other baking essentials.

Sweeteners for Vegan Baking

Finding the right sweeteners is important for vegan bakers. Luckily, there are many options that taste great and don’t use animal products.

– Lakanto Classic Monk Fruit Sweetener: This sweetener is 100% natural and has no calories. You can use it just like sugar. It comes in 1 lb and 3 lb sizes, making it easy to find the right amount for your recipes.

– Maple Syrups: Maple syrups add a great taste to your baking. They come in different sizes and flavors. For example, Hidden Springs Maple offers a half-gallon of dark maple syrup. Crown Maple has a vanilla-flavored syrup in a 12.7 oz bottle. ChocZero also has a sugar-free maple syrup in a 10.5 oz bottle.

– Vegan Honey Alternatives: If you want a honey substitute, ChocZero has a sugar-free option in a 10.5 oz bottle. Blend it Up and Kroger Simple Truth also offer vegan honey choices for different tastes.

Natural Cocoa Powder

Choosing the right cocoa powder is important for flavor and color. There are two main types:

– Natural Cocoa Powder: This type has a strong flavor and is made from roasted cocoa beans. It’s often used with baking soda.
– Dutch-Processed Cocoa Powder: This type is alkalized for a milder taste and darker color. It’s best with baking powder.

Check your recipe to see which type of cocoa powder you need. Using the right one ensures your dairy-free treats turn out great.

Additional Baking Ingredients

There are other key ingredients for vegan baking too. Here are a few:

– Egg Replacer: The Neat Egg is a plant-based egg substitute.
– Non-Dairy Milk: Silk Soy Milk and Ripple Pea Milk are great for baking.
– Dairy-Free Chocolate Chips: Pascha Organic Vegan White Baking Chips and Just Date Organic Dark Chocolate Chips are tasty choices.
– Dairy-Free Heavy Whipping Cream: So Delicious Cocowhip is a top pick for dairy-free whipping cream.

Remember, the ingredients you choose depend on your recipe and what you like. Trying different options can lead to new and exciting flavors for your vegan treats.

In conclusion, picking the right sweeteners and ingredients is key for vegan baking. Think about your options, like Lakanto Classic Monk Fruit Sweetener and maple syrup, and choose between natural and Dutch-processed cocoa powder. Also, consider ingredients like egg replacers, non-dairy milk, and dairy-free chocolate chips. With the right ingredients, you can make delicious dairy-free treats that you’ll love.

Follow Bigger Bolder Baking on Pinterest for more recipes and tips.

Empowering Yourself to Customize Recipes

As you get better at vegan baking, you can veganize non-vegan recipes and customize baked goods to fit your taste. Some recipes might need more changes than others. But, you can swap out ingredients like eggs, butter, and milk with vegan ones. Try different flavors, textures, and add-ins to make your own tasty vegan treats. With time and knowledge of baking, you’ll be able to make any recipe vegan.

Replacing eggs in vegan baking can be tricky because they help cakes stay moist and fluffy. But, there are great vegan egg substitutes like applesauce, mashed bananas, or flaxseed gel. You might need to adjust the taste and texture a bit, so keep trying different options.

For butter, you can use plant-based options like coconut oil or vegan margarine. These give your baked goods moisture and flavor. Also, try different milks such as almond, soy, or oat milk instead of dairy. They’re creamy and can make your treats taste great.

To make your recipes your own, play with sweeteners and ingredients. Use agave nectar, maple syrup, or coconut sugar instead of regular sugar. Try different flours like almond or oat flour for special diets or tastes.

Be creative with flavors and add-ins too. Add lemon zest for a citrusy taste, or spices like cinnamon for warmth. Throw in chocolate chips or nuts for extra flavor and texture.

Knowing the science behind cake baking is key for vegan success. Understand how ingredients like structure builders and tenderizers work. This knowledge helps you pick the right ingredients when you’re customizing recipes.

Francesca Torello, the founder of The Female Glaze, started her vegan baking business during the pandemic. She faced challenges but adapted and kept trying new recipes. Her recipes use whole foods and are often gluten-free or can be made so. She even has oil-free recipes on her website and offers them in her newsletter.

Francesca’s story shows how vegan baking and customization can lead to amazing treats. Whether you’re vegan or just want to try plant-based options, don’t hesitate to experiment. By customizing recipes, you can enjoy your favorite flavors and support your values and diet.

Conclusion

Vegan baking is a healthier choice and a fun way to cook. You can make tasty plant-based desserts with dairy-free alternatives. These options let you enjoy treats without the guilt, while also being good for your health.

Eating vegan can lower your risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. Vegans also tend to have a healthier weight. This makes vegan baking a great choice for those looking to lose or maintain weight.

To make yummy vegan desserts, try different milks like soy, almond, rice, and coconut milk. Each milk adds a special taste and texture. Use flaxseeds, chia seeds, or agar powder mixed with water instead of eggs for structure and moisture.

Don’t forget to check out vegan butter alternatives. You can use coconut oil, olive oil, vegetable shortening, and more. With these tips and the freedom to adjust recipes, you can start a fun vegan baking journey. Let your creativity run wild and explore the many vegan dessert options that are both healthy and delicious.