20 Vegan & Dairy-Free Christmas Dessert Recipes That Taste Amazing

Celebrate the holidays with 20 vegan, dairy-free Christmas dessert recipes, featuring rich, festive flavors like gingerbread, chocolate, and citrus. Using simple plant-based ingredients like coconut milk and almond flour, these beginner-friendly treats are ready in under an hour and perfect for a joyful, cruelty-free feast.

Hello, dessert enthusiasts! Christmas is the perfect time to gather loved ones and indulge in sweets that align with your vegan values. As a passionate foodie who loves plant-based delights, I’ve curated 20 easy, dairy-free recipes that burst with holiday spirit. These beginner-friendly treats use affordable ingredients like coconut oil, maple syrup, and fruits, delivering creamy textures and bold flavors without dairy or eggs. From no-bake bites to festive cakes, they’re perfect for all, whether you’re vegan or just cutting back on dairy. Let’s make your holiday table merry and delicious!

Why Vegan & Dairy-Free Desserts Shine for Christmas

These desserts skip dairy and eggs, using plant-based staples like coconut milk and flaxseed for richness and binding. They’re naturally cholesterol-free, often lower in saturated fat, and packed with festive flavors from spices and fruits. 1 Perfect for vegan diets or lactose-intolerant guests, they’re forgiving for new bakers and adaptable for gluten-free needs. Most cost $3-5 per batch and store well, making holiday prep a breeze. For safe handling, follow FDA guidelines.

Ingredient	Why It Works	Est. Cost (2025)
Coconut Milk	Creamy texture	$1/can
Maple Syrup	Natural sweetness	$0.50/oz
Almond Flour	Low-carb base	$0.50/oz

Recipe 1: Gingerbread Cookies

Spiced, chewy cookies for festive decorating.

Ingredients (Serves 24)

• 2 cups flour ($0.20)
• 1/2 cup molasses ($0.50)
• 1/4 cup coconut oil ($0.30)
• 1 flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) ($0.10)
• 1 tsp ginger, cinnamon ($0.10)

Steps

1. Mix flax egg; combine with flour, molasses, oil, and spices.
2. Chill dough 30 minutes; roll, cut shapes.
3. Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes.

Time: 30 minutes. Cost: ~$1.20. Warm and spicy – vegan holiday classic!

Recipe 2: Chocolate Peppermint Bark

Layered dark chocolate with minty crunch.

Ingredients (Serves 12)

• 8 oz vegan dark chocolate ($1.50)
• 1/2 cup crushed candy canes ($0.50)
• 1 tsp peppermint extract ($0.10)

Steps

1. Melt chocolate with extract; spread on parchment.
2. Sprinkle with candy; chill 20 minutes.
3. Break into pieces.

Time: 25 minutes. Cost: ~$2.10. Cool and festive!

Recipe 3: Coconut Snowballs

No-bake coconut bites with almond crunch.

Ingredients (Serves 15)

• 2 cups shredded coconut ($0.80)
• 1/2 cup maple syrup ($1.00)
• 1/4 cup chopped almonds ($0.50)

Steps

1. Mix coconut, syrup, and almonds; form balls.
2. Roll in extra coconut; chill 10 minutes.

Time: 15 minutes. Cost: ~$2.30. Sweet and snowy!

Recipe 4: Spiced Apple Crisp

Warm apples with crunchy oat topping.

Ingredients (Serves 6)

• 4 apples ($1.00)
• 1 cup oats ($0.30)
• 1/4 cup coconut oil ($0.30)
• 1 tsp cinnamon ($0.05)

Steps

1. Slice apples; toss with cinnamon.
2. Mix oats and oil; sprinkle over apples.
3. Bake at 375°F for 25 minutes.

Time: 30 minutes. Cost: ~$1.65. Cozy and fruity!

Recipe 5: Chocolate Avocado Mousse

Silky, rich mousse with creamy avocado.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 2 avocados ($1.50)
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder ($0.20)
• 1/4 cup maple syrup ($0.50)
• 1 tsp vanilla ($0.10)

Steps

1. Blend all until smooth.
2. Chill 15 minutes.

Time: 15 minutes. Cost: ~$2.30. Velvety and decadent!

Recipe 6: Cranberry Orange Cookies

Zesty, chewy cookies with tart bursts.

Ingredients (Serves 20)

• 2 cups flour ($0.20)
• 1/2 cup coconut oil ($0.50)
• 1/2 cup maple syrup ($1.00)
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries ($0.50)
• 1 orange (zest) ($0.50)

Steps

1. Mix oil, syrup, zest, and flour; fold in cranberries.
2. Bake at 350°F for 12 minutes.

Time: 20 minutes. Cost: ~$2.70. Bright and festive!

Recipe 7: Pumpkin Spice Nice Cream

Frozen banana-based treat with fall spices.

Ingredients (Serves 2)

• 2 frozen bananas ($0.50)
• 1/4 cup pumpkin puree ($0.30)
• 1 tsp pumpkin spice ($0.10)

Steps

1. Blend all until creamy.
2. Serve immediately or freeze 30 minutes.

Time: 5 minutes. Cost: ~$0.90. Creamy and spiced!

Recipe 8: Almond Flour Shortbread

Crisp, buttery bars with nutty depth.

Ingredients (Serves 16)

• 2 cups almond flour ($1.00)
• 1/4 cup coconut oil ($0.30)
• 1/4 cup maple syrup ($0.50)

Steps

1. Mix all; press into pan.
2. Bake at 325°F for 20 minutes; cut into bars.

Time: 25 minutes. Cost: ~$1.80. Simple and rich!

Recipe 9: Peppermint Mocha Truffles

No-bake chocolate-coffee bites.

Ingredients (Serves 15)

• 1 cup vegan chocolate ($1.50)
• 1/2 cup coconut cream ($0.50)
• 1 tsp coffee extract ($0.10)
• 1 tsp peppermint extract ($0.10)

Steps

1. Melt chocolate with cream and extracts; chill 1 hour.
2. Roll into balls; dust with cocoa.

Time: 20 minutes. Cost: ~$2.20. Bold and minty!

Recipe 10: Chai-Spiced Rice Pudding

Creamy coconut milk pudding with warm spices.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 1 cup arborio rice ($0.50)
• 2 cups coconut milk ($1.00)
• 1/4 cup maple syrup ($0.50)
• 1 tsp chai spice ($0.10)

Steps

1. Cook rice in milk with syrup and spice for 20 minutes.
2. Chill or serve warm.

Time: 25 minutes. Cost: ~$2.10. Comforting and aromatic!

Recipe 11: Lemon Coconut Bars

Tangy, chewy bars with a tropical twist.

Ingredients (Serves 12)

• 1 cup almond flour ($0.50)
• 1/2 cup shredded coconut ($0.40)
• 1/4 cup coconut oil ($0.30)
• Juice of 1 lemon ($0.50)

Steps

1. Mix all; press into pan.
2. Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes; cut.

Time: 20 minutes. Cost: ~$1.70. Zesty and bright!

Recipe 12: Chocolate-Dipped Clementines

Juicy citrus with a chocolate coat.

Ingredients (Serves 8)

• 4 clementines ($1.00)
• 4 oz vegan chocolate ($0.75)
• Pinch sea salt ($0.05)

Steps

1. Peel and segment clementines.
2. Dip in melted chocolate; sprinkle with salt.
3. Chill 10 minutes.

Time: 15 minutes. Cost: ~$1.80. Sweet and tangy!

Recipe 13: Maple Pecan Clusters

No-bake nutty bites with caramel notes.

Ingredients (Serves 12)

• 1 cup pecans ($1.00)
• 1/4 cup maple syrup ($0.50)
• 1/4 cup coconut oil ($0.30)

Steps

1. Mix all; drop spoonfuls on parchment.
2. Chill 15 minutes.

Time: 15 minutes. Cost: ~$1.80. Crunchy and rich!

Recipe 14: Spiced Poached Pears

Elegant fruit dessert with cinnamon.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 4 pears ($1.00)
• 2 cups apple juice ($0.50)
• 1 tsp cinnamon ($0.05)

Steps

1. Peel pears; simmer in juice with cinnamon for 20 minutes.
2. Serve warm or chilled.

Time: 25 minutes. Cost: ~$1.55. Sophisticated and light!

Recipe 15: Almond Butter Cookies

Nutty, chewy cookies with minimal ingredients.

Ingredients (Serves 15)

• 1 cup almond butter ($1.00)
• 1/4 cup maple syrup ($0.50)
• 1/2 cup almond flour ($0.25)

Steps

1. Mix all; form balls.
2. Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes.

Time: 15 minutes. Cost: ~$1.75. Simple and nutty!

Recipe 16: Chocolate Coconut Macaroons

Chewy, chocolate-dipped coconut bites.

Ingredients (Serves 15)

• 2 cups shredded coconut ($0.80)
• 1/4 cup maple syrup ($0.50)
• 4 oz vegan chocolate ($0.75)

Steps

1. Mix coconut and syrup; form balls.
2. Bake at 350°F for 12 minutes; dip in melted chocolate.

Time: 20 minutes. Cost: ~$2.05. Tropical and indulgent!

Recipe 17: Raspberry Chia Pudding

Creamy, make-ahead pudding with berry topping.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 1/4 cup chia seeds ($0.50)
• 1 cup coconut milk ($0.50)
• 1/2 cup raspberries ($0.75)
• 1 tsp maple syrup ($0.10)

Steps

1. Mix chia, milk, and syrup; chill 2 hours.
2. Top with mashed raspberries.

Time: 10 minutes (plus chill). Cost: ~$1.85. Silky and vibrant!

Recipe 18: Orange Almond Cake

Moist, gluten-free cake with citrus glow.

Ingredients (Serves 8)

• 2 cups almond flour ($1.00)
• 2 oranges (zest, juice) ($1.00)
• 1/4 cup maple syrup ($0.50)
• 2 flax eggs ($0.20)

Steps

1. Mix all; pour into greased pan.
2. Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.

Time: 35 minutes. Cost: ~$2.70. Zesty and dense!

Recipe 19:Cinnamon Banana Nice Cream

Frozen banana treat with warm spice.

Ingredients (Serves 2)

• 2 frozen bananas ($0.50)
• 1 tsp cinnamon ($0.05)
• 1 tbsp almond milk ($0.05)

Steps

1. Blend all until creamy.
2. Serve immediately.

Time: 5 minutes. Cost: ~$0.60. Creamy and cozy!

Recipe 20: Date Energy Balls

No-bake bites with natural sweetness.

Ingredients (Serves 12)

• 1 cup dates ($1.00)
• 1/2 cup almonds ($0.50)
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder ($0.20)

Steps

1. Blend dates, almonds, and cocoa; roll into balls.
2. Chill 10 minutes.

Time: 15 minutes. Cost: ~$1.70. Fudgy and energizing!

Recipe Comparison

Recipe	Time (min)	Cost ($)	Flavor Profile
Gingerbread Cookies	30	1.20	Spiced
Chocolate Peppermint Bark	25	2.10	Minty Chocolate
Coconut Snowballs	15	2.30	Tropical
Spiced Apple Crisp	30	1.65	Fruity
Pumpkin Spice Nice Cream	5	0.90	Spiced Creamy

Costs based on 2025 prices; serves 4-24.

Tips for Vegan Holiday Baking

• Stock coconut milk and maple syrup for versatility.
• Use ripe fruit for natural sweetness.
• Freeze nice cream or cookies for make-ahead ease.
• Shop bulk nuts and flour at stores like Costco.
• Follow FDA guidelines for safe storage.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing dough: Keep cookies tender.
• Skipping chill time: Firms no-bake treats.
• Using low-quality chocolate: Pick 70%+ cocoa.
• Ignoring portions: Small servings maximize joy.

FAQ

Are these gluten-free?

Many are (use almond flour); swap flour for gluten-free blends. 1

Best for kids?

Snowballs or nice cream – fun and quick.

Can I make them nut-free?

Yes, use sunflower seed butter or omit nuts.

Make-ahead options?

Cookies, truffles, and pudding store well.

Where to buy ingredients?

Walmart, Trader Joe’s, or Amazon for vegan staples.

Freezer-friendly?

Most yes – wrap tightly for up to a month.

These vegan, dairy-free Christmas desserts bring festive joy to every table, proving plant-based treats can be indulgent and affordable. As a food lover, I’m thrilled to share these recipes that make your holidays sweet and inclusive. Whip up a batch, share the love, and enjoy the season – happy baking!