Vegan Baking 101: Tips for Perfect Plant-Based Treats

One major challenge for people transitioning from an omnivorous lifestyle to a vegan one is figuring out how to enjoy baked goods sans animal products. 

So many baked goods have eggs and/or dairy in them, as well as other non-vegan ingredients such as chocolate and honey. How does one create a fluffy cake without eggs or a creamy frosting without dairy?

Trust us. It can be done.

If you have the proper tools, you can veganize almost any traditional recipe to produce results that are just as (sometimes more!) delicious as the original. 

Vegan baking is an art that combines creativity with science. It’s about understanding how plant-based ingredients interact to create textures and flavors that rival traditional baked goods, and this guide is here to help. 

So, without further ado, let’s dive into some practical tips and tricks that will help you make those fluffy cakes, chewy cookies, savory breads, and sweet pies you’ve been craving. Without the animal products/by-products and with ALL of the goodness. 

The Vegan Baker’s Pantry: Must-Have Ingredients

A well-stocked plant-based pantry is the first step towards successful vegan baking. Having the right ingredients on hand allows you to experiment with different recipes and flavors. It also ensures that you can whip up a batch of vegan treats whenever the craving strikes.

A lot of ingredients used in baking are vegan by default. Let’s go over those first:

• Flour is the backbone of vegan baking. Whole wheat, all-purpose, and spelt are common choices but don’t overlook alternative flours like almond, coconut, and oat. Each type of flour will lend a unique flavor and texture to your baked goods. 
• The most common leavening agents used in baking are baking soda and baking powder. They are both vegan. 
• Natural flavorings such as vanilla extract, cocoa powder, and spices are generally vegan. If you’re unsure, fret not. Just check the label. 

Now that you’ve got your pantry stocked with basic vegan-by-default ingredients, it’s time to tackle the fact that there are some common ingredients used in baking that are NOT vegan, namely the following :

• Eggs
• Butter
• Milk/Cream
• Sweeteners
• Chocolate

“Wow!” you might say, “Those all look like pretty crucial items for a baker to have on hand!” Don’t worry too much, though. Thanks to the thorough experimenting of a generation (or three) before us, we vegans have some options. Let’s have a look:

Egg Alternatives

Eggs play a crucial role in traditional baking. They act as a binding agent while also providing structure, moisture, and leavening. But in vegan baking, we need to find plant-based alternatives.

Luckily, there are several options available that can mimic the properties of eggs. Namely flax (or chia) seeds mixed with water, aquafaba, and applesauce. Let’s talk about each:

Flaxseeds & Chia Seeds

When mixed with water, flax seeds (and/or chia seeds) create a gel-like substance that can act as a binder in baked goods. This is often referred to as a “flax egg” or “chia egg.” They work well in recipes that require a small number of eggs, like cookies and muffins.

Here’s how to make a flax or chia egg:

• To replace 1 chicken egg, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseeds or chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water.
• Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes gel-like.
• Use the flax egg just as you would an actual egg in your recipe.

Aquafaba

Another popular egg alternative is aquafaba, the liquid from a can of chickpeas. It can be whipped into stiff peaks like egg whites, making it perfect for meringues and mousses.

Applesauce

That’s right, your favorite spoonable treat from childhood is sometimes used to replace eggs in vegan baking. It adds moisture and its own flavor to baked goods and works as a binder. 

Remember, each egg substitute works differently, so it may take some trial and error to find the right one for your recipe. With a bit of patience and creativity, however, you can create delicious vegan treats totally egg-free!

Fats

Fats play a huge role in the texture and flavor of any baked treat. Traditional baking often relies on butter or lard, but in vegan baking, we turn to plant-based alternatives. Here are a couple of our favorites: 

• Coconut oil is a popular choice due to its rich, creamy texture. It can be used in a 1:1 ratio as a substitute for butter in most recipes. Keep in mind that unrefined coconut oil has a subtly sweet coconut flavor, which will come out in your baked goods. For this reason, it works better in sweet treats. Refined coconut oil, on the other hand, does not have as strong a flavor. So pay attention to the packaging!
• Vegan butter is made from a blend of oils and often includes additions like soy protein, salt, and natural flavors to mimic the taste of dairy butter. It works very well as a 1:1 substitute for butter in most baking recipes. Keep in mind that vegan butter IS a processed ingredient, not a whole food. Both have their place, but we prefer whole foods where possible. Have a read through our post on Whole Foods vs. Vegan Substitutes to learn more.

Other popular plant-based fats that you can use in baking include avocado oil, canola oil, peanut oil, and vegan shortening.

Plant-Based Milks

Plant-based milks are a staple in vegan baking. There are so many different kinds, each with its own unique flavor and texture. Let’s have a look at some of the more popular options: 

• Almond milk is a versatile milk alternative. It has a mild flavor and thus works well in most recipes. 
• Soy milk has a creamier texture and a slightly nutty taste, making it a good option for richer desserts. Soy has been shown to have some negative impacts on health, however, so do your research. 
• Coconut milk is rich and creamy, perfect for decadent treats. It does lend a coconut flavor, however. So keep that in mind. 
• Oat milk has a neutral flavor and creamy texture that works well in a variety of baked goods. Many oat milks are loaded with fillers, though. So take a look at the ingredient label and choose products with as few ingredients as possible. 

Choosing the right plant-based milk for your recipe can make a big difference in the final product. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types to find your favorite. Got an extra minute? Check out our post, Savor the Switch: A Guide to the Best Plant-Based Milk Alternatives.

Sweeteners

When it comes to sweetening your vegan treats, there are plenty of options to choose from:

• Natural sweeteners like maple syrup, agave nectar, and coconut sugar are popular choices. They not only add sweetness but also contribute to the overall flavor of your baked goods.
• Refined sugars, such as granulated sugar or brown sugar, can also be used in vegan baking. However, it’s important to ensure they are not processed with bone char, a non-vegan ingredient often used in sugar refining. Look for brands that specify that their sugar is vegan or bone-char-free. 

Each sweetener has its own unique flavor and sweetness level. Experiment with different types to find the one that best suits your taste and the specific recipe you’re working on.

* A note about honey – One common error that new vegans make is including honey in their diet. Honey is a super delicious common sweetener, but it is NOT vegan.

Chocolate

Another common sweet ingredient used in baking is chocolate. Lots of chocolate products (luckily) are vegan by default. Pure cocoa powder, for example, is vegan. So is most quality dark chocolate.

Note, however, that plenty of dark chocolate is made in the same facility as milk and white chocolate and may come into contact with (or even contain) trace amounts of milk and/or other animal products. Make sure to read the ingredient labels on the products you buy. Look for hidden animal-derived ingredients such as milk, cream, milk solids, and milk fats.

And, of course, steer clear of milk chocolate and white chocolate. However, we will say that there is an increasing number of pretty tasty vegan “milk” and white chocolate products. We love Lindt’s oat milk chocolate products, but VegNews has an awesome post on vegan milk, white, and dark chocolates that you NEED to check out if chocolate is your thing.

Tips & Tricks

Vegan baking can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it does require some knowledge and skill. Here are some tips to help you achieve success in your endeavors.

• Accurate measuring is crucial. Baking is a science, and each ingredient plays a specific role. Use measuring cups and spoons for dry ingredients and a liquid measuring cup for wet ingredients. A kitchen scale can also be a valuable tool for precise measurements.
• Study up and understand the role of each ingredient. For example, baking soda and baking powder are leavening agents that help your baked goods rise. Knowing how they work can help you troubleshoot if things don’t go as planned.
• Experiment. Vegan baking is all about creativity and innovation. Try veganizing your favorite traditional recipes, or invent your own unique creations. Just remember to taste as you go and adjust the recipe as needed.
• Practice patience. Vegan baking can be a bit of a learning curve, but with time and practice, you’ll be whipping up delicious vegan treats in no time.

Troubleshooting Common Vegan Baking Challenges

Even the most seasoned bakers encounter challenges in the kitchen. Vegan bakers might encounter even more. Understanding common issues can help you navigate these hurdles with ease. So let’s look at a few: 

• Density: It’s far too common for vegan (or traditional) baking recipes to turn out overly dense or heavy baked goods. This is often a result of overmixing your batter/dough, which can overdevelope the gluten in flour. To avoid this, mix just until your ingredients are combined. No more. 
• Dry, crumbly texture: This can be due to a lack of moisture or fat in your recipe. Try adding a bit more plant-based milk or oil. Alternatively, fruit purees like applesauce or mashed banana can add moisture and act as binders. 

To Wrap Things Up

Vegan baking is all about exploring new flavors, techniques, and ingredients, all while creating delicious, plant-based treats. It’s not without its challenges try to remember that every challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow as a baker. With patience, practice, and experimentation, you CAN make some truly incredible, totally vegan treats. 

So roll up your sleeves, tie on your apron, and embrace the adventure. 

Related Reads

• Savor the Switch: A Guide to the Best Plant-Based Milk Alternatives
• Separating Fact from Fiction: Debunking Common Misconceptions About Veganism
• How to Stock a Vegan Pantry
• Whole Foods vs. Vegan Substitutes in a Plant-Based Diet