Part of the fun about vegetarian, gluten-free, or vegan diets is the time and effort spent creating meals that are spectacular, new takes on conventional classics. Believe it or not, there are decadent options for plant based desserts—an indulgence that is better for both you and the planet.
As a chef, I’m passionate about experimenting in the kitchen and being creative with different flavors and alternative ingredients. New and exciting vegan ingredients have become more prevalent in grocery stores, and now in my kitchens, as well. It’s easier than ever to make the change to a plant-based diet.
I am excited to share with you these vegan desserts offered at both of our locations. These dessert options are healthier choices and accommodate a variety of food restrictive diets, but are still extraordinarily decadent.
1. Vegan Pot De Creme
It is an ideal dessert in a glass for those who crave complex dark chocolate as their sweet of choice.
2. Decadent Yogi
Something about a decadent cake that folds rich chocolate ganache into moist cake layers reminds me of my childhood when I would bake with my grandmother in her kitchen. This particular cake offers the same simplicity and joy, but for a vegan palate.
3. Vegan Scone
These vegan scones show off the best of what a fruited scone should be: delicious raspberries bursting with sweet flavor, folded into buttery dough, and topped with a sweet glaze made with almond milk. When these are fresh, they fly off the shelves.
4. Vegan Double Chocolate-Chocolate Chip Cookie
This cookie is out of control, over the top, and just the perfect amount of opulence.
5. Vegan Cookie Doughs (Double Chocolate-Chocolate Chip and Aloha Peanut Butter Coconut)
Nothing says comfort like a cookie, but a cookie straight out of the oven is blissful in so many ways. For vegans, we offer two flavors: Valhrona Double Chocolate-Chocolate Chip and Aloha Peanut Butter, which marries peanut butter and coconut and is gluten-free.
6. Vegan Sundae
Sundae’s are fun for a number of reasons as they offer different textures and temperatures, and by nature they are show stoppers.
7. Vegan Chocolate Ganache Recipe
Ganache is a way to turn an average dessert into an extraordinary and elegant one, whether used as a dip for strawberries, drizzled on top of ice cream, or rolled as truffles.
18 ounces (3cups) of bittersweet 63%-65% chocolate chips
1 1/2 cups organic unsweetened coconut milk
2 tablespoons agave
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1) Place chocolate in a medium heat proof bowl.
2) Bring all ingredients, except chocolate, to a boil.
3) Pour the hot milk mixture over the chopped chocolate, stirring slowly in a circular motion, until mixture is thick and shiny.
4) Pour the mixture in a clean bowl to cool and firm to the consistency of pudding.
5) Use as an ice cream topping, dipping fruits, or glazing a cake.
6) Store extra ganache in the refrigerator- or you can also freeze.
Being vegan doesn’t have to be boring or restrictive. Even the strictest diets can find room for a sweet indulgence that can be downright luxurious, delicious, and extraordinary.
Stay Sweet,
Karen.
