The holidays mean a lot of things – family, friends, get-togethers, good will, presents and most definitely, food. This is the time of year for setting feasts upon our holiday tables. A big part of those feasts is dessert. There are cakes, pies, truffles, candies, and puddings. If you have a sweet tooth, this time of year is like a dream come true.

If you need help deciding which desserts to serve at your holiday gatherings or need something to bring with you to someone else’s party as a sweet offering, we have tons of ideas to help. Check out these 35 Perfectly Sweet Vegan Christmas and Holiday Pies, Truffles and Chocolates, Oh My! – 15 Recipes for a Vegan Christmas, and The Greatest Guide to Vegan Christmas Desserts. Then stroll through these 50 festive Christmas desserts that will have sugarplums dancing in your head.

1. Apple Raspberry Ginger Pie

Apple Raspberry Ginger Pie

This Apple Raspberry Ginger Pie by Joyce Gan is a special dessert perfect for your holiday table. The natural flavors and fragrances from fruits and spices make every bite of this pie an amazing experience.

2. Egg-less Nog Rice Pudding

Egg-less Nog Rice Pudding

Christmas calls for eggnog, but this Egg-less Nog Rice Pudding by Alex and Linda Meyer adds another twist to the classic holiday treat. This is a sweet and creamy dessert made with vegan nog, rice, and savory spices. Perfect for the holiday season!

3. Chocolate Coconut Rum Cake

Chocolate Coconut Rum Cake

This Chocolate Coconut Rum Cake by Quelcy Kogel is rich, chocolatey, and made extra special with the addition of coconut and spiced rum. Whether or not you like coconut, you must try this cake. This one is just for the adults, though.

4. Almond Butter Holiday Cookies

Almond Butter Cookies

No Christmas party or holiday meal is complete without these gluten free Almond Butter Cookies by Julie Van den Kerchove. They make a great substitute for traditional Christmas cookies, which are often loaded with refined sugars, gluten, and unhealthy fats. The buttery taste will be the best Christmas gift you get this year.

5. Pretzel Stick Snowmen

Pretzel Stick Snowmen

It’s easier than you think to make your own pretzels. These Pretzel Stick Snowmen by Cara_Reed are made with grain-free, yeast-free pretzels. These are so adorable; you may have to put a few aside for the kids before the adults take them all.

6. Perfect Mini Pecan Pies

Mini Pecan Pies

Are you the kind of person who has to try every single type of pie at the holiday table? Consider adding these Mini Pecan Pies by Amy Lyons to your selection: they’re perfect for tasting because, well, they’re mini! Instead of the traditional corn syrup and brown sugar that goes into the sugary-sweet filling, a mixture of coconut oil and pecan butter is used instead, for a healthier alternative that tastes every bit as decadent as the original.

7. Pumpkin Pomegranate Cheesecake

Pumpkin Pomegranate Cheesecake 

This Pumpkin Pomegranate Cheesecake by Amanda Smith will delight your holiday guests. It’s rich, sweet, and the pop of pomegranate arils against the creamy pumpkin spice filling is so delightful! This cheesecake will be the star of any Christmas dessert spread.

8. Christmas Peppermint Patties

Christmas Peppermint Patties

Peppermint patties make you think of the icy cold, but these Christmas Peppermint Patties by Lee Khatchadourian-Reese are all dressed up for the holidays. Vegan food coloring helps make the red, white, and green filling that’s perfect for the holidays.

9. Butternut Squash Apple Pie

Butternut Squash Apple Pie

Move over, pumpkin! There’s a new gourd in town, and its name is butternut squash. Sure, you’ve probably had butternut squash roasted or pureed into soup, but it really shines in this creamy and sweet Butternut Squash Apple Pie by Amy Lyons. Adding tart, juicy apples really seal the deal on its deliciousness!

10. Homemade Peppermint Patties

Homemade Peppermint Patties!

Let’s paint the town peppermint with these amazing Homemade Peppermint Patties by Noming Thru Life! They’re made with only seven ingredients and couldn’t be easier to put together. You’ll be living in cool minty and chocolatey bliss in no time!

11. Santa Claus Strawberries

Santa Claus Strawberries

How adorable are these??! Give strawberries and whipped cream a Christmas twist and make these Santa Claus Strawberries by Carlota Cassou. It’s a healthy dessert, but no one will think about that because these are just too cute to care whether they’re good for you or not.

12. Chocolate Spice Cake (‘Cake aux Épices’)

Chocolate Spice Cake

This Chocolate Spice Cake by Clémence Moulaert is moist, delicately spiced, and not too chocolatey but definitely decadent. It’s filled with all the warm spices of ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cut it up into small squares and serve it up on a nice platter at a party. We promise they’ll be gobbled up in the blink of an eye. Maybe you should make a double batch.

13. Spiced Pumpkin Eggnog

Spiced Pumpkin Eggnog

This is one thick and creamy, non-dairy Spiced Pumpkin Eggnog by Kathleen Henry. It has lots of warm spices, coconut milk, and cashews. It’s sweetened only with dates so Santa won’t have a sugar crash later in the night when he’s got lots of gifts to deliver.

14. Pumpkin Cupcakes

Pumpkin Cupcakes 

These Pumpkin Cupcakes by Olivia Lin are the perfect thing to bake if you want your place to smell like pumpkin and warm spices. These little guys can hold their own at the dessert table with all the big cakes and pies. Plus, it’s always fun to have a dessert all to yourself.

15. Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls

Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls

If you took a gingerbread man and crossed him with a cinnamon roll, you would get these Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls by Aileen Metcalf. It’s that blend of ginger and cloves that really seals the deal! Also, this recipe utilizes a bread machine – it’s simple, fast, and no-fuss.

16. Vanilla Masala Chai Tea Cake

Vanilla Masala Chai Tea Cake

Delicious, decadent, and fragrant, this stunning Vanilla Masala Chai Tea Cake by Cara Carin is infused with the fragrant flavors of masala chai. It’s a perfect dessert for a special occasion, or any day you just feel like treating yourself to a richly-spiced treat!

17. Vegan Spiced Shortcrust/Speculaas Cookies

Shortcrust/Speculaas Cookies

The story goes that Sinterklaas, or St. Nicholas, the patron saint of children, traveled to Spain and returned to the Low Countries on a steamship laden with mandarins, which he offered to all the children. His ship was also laden with spices — ginger, cardamom, nutmeg, cloves, and the key ingredient in these Shortcrust/Speculaas Cookies by Clémence Moulaert, cinnamon — and that that is how these cookies were born.

18. Eggnog Milkshake

Eggnog Milkshake

Nothing says the holidays are here than getting to sip a yummy eggnog concoction minus the egg. This Eggnog Milkshake by Sonya O’Donnell: Blogger, Love and Greens has some surprising ingredients like zucchini, and it’s thick and delicious. Just because Santa is being healthy, that doesn’t mean he has to miss out on some holiday traditions!

19. Pumpkin Pie with Coconut Rum Whipped Cream

Pumpkin Pie with Coconut Rum Whipped Cream

This Pumpkin Pie with Coconut Rum Whipped Cream by Pamela Elizabeth is so delicious; you’ll make it to share with your family, but you might be tempted to keep it all for yourself. You should share it though because this creamy pie with coconut rum whipped cream will be the hit of your party!

20. Black Forest Mini Cake (‘Gâteau Forêt Noire’)

Black Forest Mini Cake

This Black Forest Mini Cake by Clémence Moulaert is one of the best desserts you’ll ever eat. It’s dark chocolate with a filling made of coconut cream, cherries, and cherry liqueur. It’s probably best that this is a mini-cake because you may just want to eat the whole thing.

21. Mini Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake

Mini Pumpkin Pie Cheesecakes

These Mini Pumpkin Pie Cheesecakes by Shannon Leparski are the perfect little treat for fall parties or just to have something sweet on hand. Simple, rich, pumpkin-spiced, creamy, and not too sweet, they hit the spot and give you the comforting feeling of all things holiday.

22. Tahini Dark Chocolate Chunk Blondies With Caramelized Ginger and Figs

Tahini Dark Chocolate Chunk Blondies with Caramelized Ginger and Figs 

Have you been naughty or nice? These Tahini Dark Chocolate Chunk Blondies with Caramelized Ginger and Figs by Courtney West taste so naughty, but they are so nice. With nutty tahini, dark chocolate chunks, caramelized ginger, and figs – does it really get any better than that? This could possibly be the ultimate autumn dessert.

23. Peppermint Chocolate Chip Holiday Shake

Peppermint Chocolate Chip Holiday Shake

You’re probably thinking “who wants ice cream in the winter?” That’s okay because this Peppermint Chocolate Chip Holiday Shake by Kathy Hester is made with no ice cream (vegan or not)! All you need is ice, nondairy milk, mini chocolate chips, peppermint extract, and a few candy canes for garnish. Leave this for Santa and you’ll definitely land on the “nice” list.

24. Butternut Squash Spice Cakes

Butternut Squash Spice Cakes

These richly-spiced Butternut Squash Spice Cakes by Kathryn Geyer are so incredibly lovely! The buttercup squash mixture really shines as the filling because you can taste the allspice and ginger in the cake separately from the creamy squash. A delicious and unique addition to your holiday dessert repertoire!

25. Raw Vegan Eggnog

Raw Vegan Eggnog

Who says you can’t enjoy egg nog during the holidays? Katie Norris‘ Raw Vegan Eggnog with nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves is a cruelty-free and gluten-free combo that will sure to impress you and your guests during this holiday season.

26. Raw Vegan Hot Cross Buns

Raw Vegan Hot Cross Buns

Just in time for the holidays, here’s some wholesome Raw Vegan Hot Cross Buns by Emily von Euw. This delicious, easy, healthy treat is made from mostly nuts and fruit. These used to be traditional Easter desserts but now they are commonly eaten at Christmas too. Twice a year still seems too little for us. Try making these buns for the Christmas season.

27. Holiday Candied Pecans

Holiday Candied Pecans

Not all desserts have to be super-sweet and chocolatey. These Holiday Candied Pecans by Wendy Irene are sweet, nutty, crunchy, and delicious. The candied pecans make the sweetest gift scooped into small jars with a bow. You could also make the candied pecans ahead of time, and put them out on your holiday table. Eat them as is or add a sweet crunch to your favorite desserts by sprinkling a few candied pecans across the top.

28. Snowball Cookies

Snowball Cookies

If you make these treats, you might end up in a snowball fight – fighting over these Snowball Cookies by Jennifer Strohmeyer, that is. This vegan version is super easy to make and delicious. These cookies have a perfect, soft, crunchy texture with just the right amount of pecans and orange flavor. These can easily be made gluten-free by substituting the flour for your gluten-free flour of choice too.

29. Peppermint Brownies

Peppermint Brownies

Nothing says winter and Christmas like the taste of peppermint and nothing says delicious like these Peppermint Brownies by Marquis Matson @realrawkitchen. The brownies are just walnuts, dates, and cacao powder, so they’re really healthy. The peppermint frosting makes them extra-special for the holidays.

30. No-Bake Sweet Potato Cake

No-Bake Sweet Potato Cake

This super fudgy, rich, and dense vegan No-Bake Sweet Potato Cake by Evi Oravecz is such a treat! It’s perfectly sweet, super chocolatey, and extremely satisfying. This recipe is really quick and easy to make, using only four simple ingredients you likely have on hand right now: sweet potatoes, cacao or cocoa powder, shredded coconut, and sugar.

31. Raw Peppermint Truffle Bark

Raw Peppermint Truffle Bark 

This Raw Peppermint Truffle Bark by Michaell Johnson is not only the perfect snack, but it’s a delicious and thoughtful gift for the holidays. The bark has both a dark chocolate layer and a white chocolate layer, and you can decorate them with goji berries and nuts. Wrapped in a box, it’s a beautiful and thoughtful homemade gift.

32. Gingerbread Latte Cupcakes

Gingerbread Latte Cupcakes

If you’re addicted to gingerbread lattes from a certain international coffee chain, you’ll love these Gingerbread Latte Cupcakes by Charlie Rioux. They really taste like gingerbread-flavored coffee – but they probably cost less, and no one spells your name wrong!

33. Spiced Whipped Coconut Cream

Spiced Whipped Coconut Cream

There are about a million reasons to love whipped cream. It’s divine on pies, puddings, cakes, and your favorite Christmas desserts and hot drinks. Forget about sugar plums. You’ll be dreaming about sitting by the fire sipping decadent hot cocoa with a big fluffy dollop of Spiced Whipped Coconut Cream by Wendy Irene on top.

34. Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

These Chocolate Crinkle Cookies by Maria Loghin prove that you can have a delicious, warm plate of fresh cookies in less than 30 minutes. Yep, it’s true. Plus, they’re chocolate crinkle cookies, which are full of cocoa goodness and dusted in a light sprinkling of powdered sugar. They look like chocolate snowballs!

35. No-Bake Sweet Potato Bars with Raw Gingerbread Crust

Sweet Potato Bars with Raw Gingerbread Crust

Skip the gingerbread cookies and use the dough to make these Sweet Potato Bars with Raw Gingerbread Crust by Jenné Claiborne. The combination of sweet potatoes with gingerbread is spectacular. This will turn your traditional sweet potato pie into a Christmas specialty. Best part – it’s no-bake!

36. Cinnamon Roll Pecan Pie

Cinnamon Roll Pecan Pie

If you can’t decide between an ooey-gooey cinnamon roll and sticky pecan pie, don’t. Have both with this Cinnamon Roll Pecan Pie by Lee Khatchadourian-Reese. The combination of both desserts in this pie topped with a vegan cream cheese glaze will satisfy your sweet tooth in remarkable ways.

37. Pomegranate and Pistachio Chocolate Fudge

Pomegranate and Pistachio Chocolate Fudge 

This Pomegranate and Pistachio Chocolate Fudge by Jennifer Strohmeyer would make a great gift for someone special. Pomegranate arils, pistachios, chocolate, peanut butter, and a hint of orange make for an unbelievable flavor combination. When you bite into this fudge, the juice from pomegranate arils burst open with their natural sweetness, enhancing the flavors of the other ingredients.

38. Black Forest Cake

Black Forest Cake

This Black Forest Cake by Lucie Javorska is rich and decadent, but it’s also good for you. Made with whole grains, avocado, and chia seed, this cake is totally guilt-free. You can even eat a slice for breakfast on Christmas morning and feel good about it.

39. Overnight Cinnamon Rolls with Vanilla Cashew Frosting

Cinnamon Rolls

The best part of these Cinnamon Rolls by Sarah Pether is not the light, fluffy dough. Nor is it the warm taste of cinnamon or even the creamy vanilla cashew frosting. No, the best part is that these are overnight cinnamon rolls, meaning you mix up the dough the night before and leave it to rise in the fridge overnight. In the morning, you can have fresh cinnamon rolls for breakfast.

40. Salted Chocolate Bark with Balsamic Ginger Figs

Salted Chocolate Bark with Balsamic Ginger Figs 

The holidays call for a little chocolate. This Salted Chocolate Bark with Balsamic Ginger Figs by Laura Peill tastes awesome and have such amazing flavor and texture. Sparkle at the holidays with this fancy chocolate like no other.

41. Raw Gingerbread and Chocolate Tarts

Gingerbread and Chocolate Tarts 

The combination of gingerbread and chocolate is perfect for any holiday party. It’s even better because these Gingerbread and Chocolate Tarts by Annie Oliverio are completely raw. The pecan, dates, and ginger crust is filled with a chocolate layer and banana-cashew filling. Garnish them with crystallized ginger and pecans for the perfect holiday dessert.

42. Vegan White Chocolate Candy Cane Cups

Vegan White Chocolate Candy Cane Cups

Candy canes are bent sugar sticks that represent a shepherd’s stick. They’re a traditional treat at Christmas time. Try these Vegan White Chocolate Candy Cane Cups by Ashley Flitter and start a whole new tradition with just five yummy ingredients.

43. Peppermint Mocha Cookies

Peppermint Mocha Cookies

Love peppermint? Love mocha? Then you’ll doubly love these Peppermint Mocha Cookies by Ashley Flitter. They blend these two flavors into one delicious, irresistible bite-size snack and dessert. With some colorful decorations, these are perfect holiday cookies.

44. Struffoli (Fried ‘Honey’ Balls)

Struffoli

If you live anywhere near an Italian bakery, you’ve seen the towers of these goodies at Christmastime. Struffoli by Rhea Parsons are little fried dough balls that are topped with vegan honey, arranged into the shape of a Christmas tree, and decorated with colorful, festive sprinkles.

45. Raw Vegan Mince Pies

Raw Mince Pie

You’ll love the soft, crumbly texture of Rachael Campbell‘s Raw Mince Pie crusts, based on a combination of coconut flour and cashews. The filling has sultanas, figs, and currants with orange juice and warm spices. The lemon cashew icing on top is truly the icing on the pie.

46. Raw Gingerbread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Raw Gingerbread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Get out the walnuts, the almonds, and the rest of these ingredients now because you have got to make this festive dessert as soon as possible. This Raw Gingerbread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting by Koko Brill has the perfect gingerbread spice, combined with a rich, tangy cream cheese frosting. This recipe is a breeze to make, so even if you get surprise guests this holiday season, there is no need to worry.

47. Vegan Ginger Cookies

Ginger Cookies

Make your own Ginger Cookies by Heather Neal to surprise family, friends, and neighbors. These are spiced ginger cookies with a hint of cinnamon in every bite. Of course, leave a plate for Santa as well.

48. Bailey’s White Chocolate Truffles

Bailey’s White Chocolate Truffles

They’ll be lots of desserts for the kids so make some boozy truffles for the adults. These Bailey’s White Chocolate Truffles by Clémence Moulaert are made with a vegan version of everyone’s favorite drink, Bailey’s Irish Cream. Bailey’s and chocolate – that’s our kind of Christmas dessert.

49. Castle Black Forest Cupcakes

Castle Black Forest Cupcakes

The traditional cake gets made over into cupcakes in Aileen Metcalf‘s Castle Black Forest Cupcakes, inspired by Castle Black on Game of Thrones. If you don’t have any special beers on hand for this recipe, a hearty vegan stout or porter will work well. If you’re truly out of booze, a cup of coffee will do just fine too. Traditional Black Forest Cake has multiple layers of chocolate cake, and then dollops of whipped cream, and cherries. This cupcake recipe simplifies and veganizes this process!

50. Spiced Sugar Cookies with Maple Icing

Spiced Sugar Cookies with Maple Icing

Sugar cookies are a classic dessert, but Casey Muir Taylor‘s Spiced Sugar Cookies with Maple Icing turn a classic into something new and delicious. They have warm spices and decadent maple icing. These may be your new favorite sugar cookies.

Each of these desserts is like opening a present on Christmas morning. We wish you all a happy and delicious holiday!

Learn How to Cook Plant-Based Meals at Home

Reducing your meat intake and eating more plant-based foods is known to help with chronic inflammation, heart health, mental wellbeing, fitness goals, nutritional needs, allergies, gut health, and more! Unfortunately, dairy consumption also has been linked to many health problems, including acne, hormonal imbalance, cancer, prostate cancer, and has many side effects. 

For those interested in eating more plant-based, we highly recommend purchasing one of our many plant-based cookbooks or downloading the Food Monster App which has thousands of delicious recipes making it the largest vegan recipe resource to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals and get healthy! And, while you are at it, we encourage you to also learn about the environmental and health benefits of a plant-based diet.

Here are some resources to get you started:

• Weekly Vegan Meal Plans
• Plant-Based Health Resources
• Plant-Based Food & Recipes
• The Ultimate Guide to Plant-Based Nutrition
• Plant-Based Nutrition Resources
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• High Protein Plant-Based Recipes
• Plant-Based Meal Prep

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