Indulging in classic desserts while maintaining a vegetarian lifestyle is possible with a few simple ingredient substitutions. In this article, we will explore three popular desserts and learn how to make vegetarian versions of each. Let’s dive into creating delicious, cruelty-free treats!
Vegetarian Chocolate Cake
A classic chocolate cake can easily be transformed into a vegetarian delight. Here’s how:
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 3/4 tsp baking powder
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs (use an egg substitute like flaxseed or chia seed eggs)
- 3/4 cup whole milk (use a plant-based milk alternative)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup boiling water
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the egg substitute, plant-based milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth.
- Carefully stir in the boiling water until fully incorporated. The batter will be thin.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove them from the pans and cool completely on a wire rack.
Vegetarian Cheesecake
Create a mouthwatering vegetarian cheesecake by swapping out a few key ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened (use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs (use an egg substitute like silken tofu or egg replacer)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (use a dairy-free sour cream alternative)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
- Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 2 tbsp sugar. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- In a large bowl, beat the dairy-free cream cheese, 1 cup sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add the egg substitute, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the dairy-free sour cream until well combined.
- Pour the batter over the crust in the pan.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is set.
- Remove from the oven and cool completely on a wire rack before refrigerating for at least 4 hours.
Vegetarian Apple Pie
Enjoy a vegetarian apple pie by making a few simple tweaks to the traditional recipe.
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed (use a plant-based butter alternative)
- 1/4-1/2 cup ice water
- 6 cups thinly sliced apples
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp plant-based butter, cubed
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Cut in the plant-based butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough forms a ball. Divide the dough in half and wrap each half in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Roll out one half of the dough on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie plate. Transfer the dough to the pie plate, pressing it gently into the bottom and up the sides.
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and lemon juice. Mix well and pour the apple mixture into the pie crust.
- Dot the apple filling with the cubed plant-based butter.
- Roll out the remaining dough and place it over the apple filling. Trim the excess dough and crimp the edges to seal. Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly. If necessary, cover the edges of the pie with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.
- Remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack before serving.
Conclusion
Creating vegetarian versions of classic desserts doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few simple ingredient swaps, you can enjoy delicious, cruelty-free treats that satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you’re craving chocolate cake, cheesecake, or apple pie, these vegetarian recipes are sure to please!