Ube Rice Krispie Treats (Vegan)

These are by far the best Ube Rice Krispie Treats on the internet. Thanks to vegan butter and vegan marshmallows, they’re entirely vegan and perfect with sharing with vegetarian and vegan friends. All you need is 5 ingredients!

The post Ube Rice Krispie Treats (Vegan) appeared first on Sweet Simple Vegan.

These are by far the best Ube Rice Krispie Treats on the internet. Thanks to vegan butter and marshmallows, this Filipino-inspired snack is entirely vegan and perfect for sharing with vegetarian and vegan friends. All you need is five ingredients!

ube rice krispie treats cut into squares onto a white platter

Ube recipes are popular on social media right now for their striking, vibrant purple color. As a proud Filipino who has been eating ube in Filipino recipes my entire life, I’m happy to see ube getting the press it deserves!

However, most ube rice krispie treat recipes online just add ube extract to classic rice krispie treats, similar to adding food coloring to desserts. 

We’re going to teach you a better way to make ube rice krispie treats that infuse them with both purple color and actual ube flavor! The secret? Adding authentic ube halaya

ube rice krispie treat squares on a white platter

Ube Halaya is essentially a filipino jam made from mashed ube. It’s one of our favorite ways to instantly add real ube flavor to desserts. We’ve used it in the past to make several ube-infused twists on recipes like HorchataMochiCreme BrûléeUbe Ice Cream, and more traditional recipes like our Ube Ensaymada

It’s a homemade staple you’re always going to want to have on hand for making the best ube desserts. Now, without further ado, let’s make the best ube rice krispie treats!

vegan marshmallows, puffed rice cereal, ube halaya, ube extract, salt, vegan butter

Ingredients You’ll Need 

  • Vegan butter: Any vegan butter sticks of choice will work well. We like Country Crock or Earth Balance. 
  • Ube halaya: Traditional ube halaya is not vegan, so follow our Homemade Filipino Purple Yam Jam recipe to make this recipe 100% vegan! It’s easy to prepare in advance. 
  • Ube extract: Intensifies the purple color and adds an additional essence of ube. We buy our ube extract on Amazon.
  • Vegan mini marshmallows: Regular marshmallows contain gelatin, which is neither vegan nor vegetarian! Instead, use any plain, store-bought vegan mini marshmallows of choice. 
  • Puffed rice cereal: Kellogg’s Rice Krispies are technically not vegan because their D3 is derived from animals, but generic versions of “puffed cereal” are typically vegan! Nature’s Path is a good brand.

Equipment Needed

How to Make Ube Rice Krispie Treats

  1. Prepare your baking dish and cereal. Line a square 8×8” baking dish with parchment paper. A 8.5×4.5″ loaf pan would also work! Place the puffed cereal in a large mixing bowl and set aside. 
  2. Melt the vegan butter. Add the vegan butter to a large pot over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally until the butter is completely melted. 
  3. Add mini vegan marshmallows. Add in the vegan mini marshmallows and stir frequently using a wooden spoon until nice and gooey, about 10 minutes.  
  4. Add the ube and salt. Add in the ube halaya, ube extract and pinch of salt. Whisk until combined. It may not get completely uniform but that is ok. 
  5. Combine with the cereal. Pour the ube marshmallow mixture into the cereal and mix everything until it is well combined. Make sure to work fast! The melted marshmallows will start to firm up quickly once removed from the heat and will become hard to stir with the cereal if you don’t work quickly. We have found it helpful to use 2 spoons and mix it as you would toss a salad. 
  6. Transfer to the baking dish. Quickly transfer the rice krispie treats mixture to a prepared loaf pan. Press firmly into the baking dish using your the back of a spoon. If it is too sticky, you can cover the surface with an additional layer of parchment paper, and then press the krispies down through that. 
  7. Cool completely. Allow the rice Krispie treats cool completely in the refrigerator for at least an hour. Once set, slice and enjoy! 
three ube rice krispie treats stacked on top of each other

Frequently Asked Questions

What sized baking dish should I use?

We used an 8×8″ baking dish, but a loaf pan that is 8.5×4.5″ would also work!

Do I have to use the ube halaya?

Yes, the ratios in these rice krispie treats are precisely balanced, including the ube jam. You need it for the proper cereal-to-binding ratio. Without it, the rice krispie treats would be dry and not hold together well. 

Can I use full-sized marshmallows?

Full-sized marshmallows might work, but they’re much more difficult to melt into a uniform, gooey consistency. Vegan mini marshmallows are really the best, if you can find them!

Are these treats gluten-free?

The ingredients are naturally gluten-free (ube is gluten-free!), but if you have a severe gluten intolerance, check that the vegan butter and marshmallows you use are also certified gluten-free. 

ube rice krispie treats cut into squares onto a white platter

Storage Instructions

Leftover rice krispie treats will keep for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. If they become too dense, we like to pop them into the microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften up.

close up of ube rice krispie treats

More Ube Dessert Recipes You May Enjoy:

Make sure you tag us on Instagram @sweetsimplevegan and @consciouschris and hashtag #sweetsimplevegan if you make this recipe. We love to see your photos! 

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ube rice krispie treats cut into squares onto a white platter

Vegan Ube Rice Krispie Treats Recipe


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No reviews

  • Author: Sweet Simple Vegan
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 9 Servings
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

These are by far the best Ube Rice Krispie Treats on the internet. Thanks to vegan butter and vegan marshmallows, they’re entirely vegan and perfect with sharing with vegetarian and vegan friends. All you need is 5 ingredients!


Ingredients

Equipment Needed:


Instructions

  1. Prepare your baking dish and cereal. Line a square 8×8” baking dish with parchment paper. A 8.5×4.5″ loaf pan would also work! Place the puffed cereal in a large mixing bowl and set aside.
  2. Melt the vegan butter. Add the vegan butter to a large pot over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally until the butter is completely melted. 
  3. Add mini vegan marshmallows. Add the vegan mini marshmallows and stir frequently using a wooden spoon until nice and gooey, about 10 minutes.  
  4. Add the ube and salt. Add the ube halaya, ube extract and pinch of salt. Whisk until combined. It may not get completely uniform, but that is ok. 
  5. Combine with the cereal. Pour the ube marshmallow mixture into the cereal and mix everything until it is well combined. Make sure to work fast! Once removed from the heat, the melted marshmallows will start to firm up quickly and will become hard to stir with the cereal if you don’t work quickly. We have found it helpful to use 2 spoons and mix them as you would toss a salad.
  6. Transfer to the baking dish. Quickly transfer the rice krispie treats mixture to a prepared loaf pan. Press firmly into the baking dish using your the back of a spoon. If it is too sticky, you can cover the surface with an additional layer of parchment paper, and then press the krispies down through that.
  7. Cool completely. Allow the rice Krispie treats cool completely in the refrigerator for at least an hour. Once set, slice and enjoy! 

Notes

  • Storage: Leftover rice krispie treats will keep for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. If they become too dense, we like to pop them into the microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften up.
  • Marshmallows: Plain marshmallows work fine, too! Full-sized marshmallows are a lot more difficult to melt into a uniform, gooey consistency, so vegan mini marshmallows are recommended!
  • Adapted from Mississippi Vegan’s Amazing Rice Krispies Recipe
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Filipino

The post Ube Rice Krispie Treats (Vegan) appeared first on Sweet Simple Vegan.

Vegan Enchiladas

If you’re looking for the Best Vegan Enchiladas, look no further. Warm tortillas filled with vegan ground “beef,” hearty black beans, and vegan cheddar cheese, then smothered with a homemade sauce that will have you coming back for seconds!

The post Vegan Enchiladas appeared first on Sweet Simple Vegan.

If you’re looking for the Best Vegan Enchiladas, look no further. Warm tortillas filled with vegan ground “beef,” hearty black beans, and vegan cheddar cheese, then smothered with a homemade sauce that will have you coming back for seconds!

side view of enchiladas on a plate

Unless you live in a really vegan-friendly city, it’s unlikely you’ll come across vegan enchiladas on the menu at your local Mexican restaurants. Thankfully we’ve figured out how to satisfy the craving in your home kitchen! 

These enchiladas we’re inspired by our very popular Vegan Enchilada Casserole made with our favorite Vegan Chipotle Cheddar Cheese Sauce

This version is equally delicious and satisfying, but made even easier with a couple of convenient store-bought swaps. Basically the perfect vegan dinner recipe for busy weeknights! 

salt, garlic, flour tortillas, vegan beef, dairy-free sour cream, black beans, green chilies, cilantro, cumin, onion, enchilada sauce, vegan cheese

Ingredients You’ll Need 

  • Red enchilada sauce: We prefer to use our Homemade Vegan Enchilada Sauce, but feel free to use any vegan-friendly store-bought version.
  • Onion: We prefer the stronger flavor of white onions here, but feel free to use yellow onion if needed. 
  • Vegan ground beef: Any vegan ground beef of choice will work well. We typically buy the Impossible ground beef. We find it to be more neutral in flavor than other brands.
  • Garlic: Freshly minced cloves of garlic will add the best flavor, but if needed, substitute with 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. 
  • Black beans: The combination of vegan beef and black beans makes the best, hearty enchilada filling. We used a can of black beans to make it quick and easy, but feel free to cook your own beans from scratch if you’d like.
  • Green chiles: Adds a mild heat and subtle tangy flavor, enhancing the tanginess in the vegan enchilada sauce.
  • Cumin: Deepens the flavor in the filling with its warm, earthy undertones. 
  • Vegan cheese: Mexican cheese shreds are our personal favorite, but if you prefer to go the homemade route, our Vegan Mozzarella cheese will work well here. Just slice it thinly! 
  • Tortillas: We like to make our homemade enchiladas with eight 8″ flour tortillas because they are larger than corn tortillas and fill a 9×13 baking dish nicely. Corn tortillas will work, but you may need more to use all of the filling (10-12). 
vegan enchiladas topped with sour cream and cilantro on a plate

Equipment Needed

How to Make Vegan Enchiladas

Make the Filling

  1. Sauté the onions. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and salt, and sauté for 4-5 minutes, or until the onions soften. 
  2. Brown the “beef.” Add the vegan ground beef and garlic, Mix together, breaking up the beef with your spatula. Cook until the beef browns, 5-7 minutes, then lower the heat to low. 
  3. Add the remaining filling ingredients. Add the black beans, green chiles, cumin, and 1/2 cup of the vegan enchilada sauce. Mix until well combined, then add the vegan cheese shreds. Stir again to combine. Once the cheese has melted, remove the skillet from the heat. 

Assemble the Enchiladas

  1. Prepare the dish. Spread 1 cup of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a 9×13″ baking dish. 
  2. Fill the tortillas. Place a flour tortilla on a flat work surface and add about 1/2 cup of the enchilada filling down the middle of the tortilla. Roll the tortilla, leaving the ends open, and place in the baking dish, seam side down. Repeat the process until all tortillas are filling and seam side down in the baking dish. 
  3. Top with sauce and cheese. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the enchiladas and spread evenly. Sprinkle with additional shredded vegan cheese on top. 
  4. Bake. Transfer the baking dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for 30 minutes or until the edges of the enchiladas are crispy. 
  5. Serve! Let cool for a few minutes in the baking tray, then serve while warm with your favorite toppings. Enjoy! 

Our Favorite Toppings

We typically serve our enchiladas with a dollop of vegan sour cream and fresh cilantro, but there are several toppings that pair well. 

two enchiladas on a plate

Side Dishes that Pair Well

There’s no shame in enjoying these enchiladas as a standalone main loaded with your favorite toppings, but the right sides can take this meal to the next level. Here are a few of our favorites:

It also never hurts to enjoy these enchiladas with a Mexican Horchata or Classic Margarita in hand! 

enchiladas on a plate with the baking dish in the background

Recipe FAQs

Do I need to warm the tortillas before rolling?

This really depends on the type of tortillas you’re using. We used really pliable, room-temperature flour tortillas that didn’t rip when rolled straight out of the bag. 

If you’re using corn tortillas or refrigerated tortillas, they’ll likely roll best if they’re slightly warmed beforehand. Give it some trial and error – if they rip when you bend them, Warm Up Your Tortillas before assembling!

Can I make these enchiladas without the “beef”?

If mock meats aren’t your thing, no problem. Replace the 12 ounces of vegan beef with an additional can of drained and rinsed black beans. 

How long will leftovers keep?

Once baked, these enchiladas will keep for up to 5 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Alternatively, you can refrigerate them directly in your baking dish. Just be sure to tightly cover the dish with plastic wrap or tinfoil before refrigerating! 

More Vegan Mexican-Inspired Recipes You May Enjoy:

Make sure you tag us on Instagram @sweetsimplevegan and @consciouschris and hashtag #sweetsimplevegan if you make this recipe. We love to see your photos! 

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vegan enchiladas topped with sour cream and cilantro on a plate

Vegan Enchiladas Recipe


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No reviews

  • Author: Sweet Simple Vegan
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6-8 servings
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

If you’re looking for the Best Vegan Enchiladas, look no further. Warm tortillas filled with vegan ground “beef,” hearty black beans, and vegan cheddar cheese, then smothered with a homemade sauce that will have you coming back for seconds!


Ingredients

Filling

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 white onion, diced
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 12 ounces vegan ground beef
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (4 ounces) green chiles
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 cup enchilada sauce 
  • 1 cup vegan Mexican-style shreds (or cheddar shreds)

Assembly

  • 6 flour tortillas
  • ¾ cup vegan Mexican-style shreds
  • 3 1/2 cups enchilada sauce
  • Vegan sour cream, for serving
  • Chopped cilantro, for serving

Equipment


Instructions

Prepare the filling

  1. Sauté the onions. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and salt, and sauté for 4-5 minutes, or until the onions soften. 
  2. Brown the “beef.” Add the vegan ground beef and garlic. Mix together, breaking up the “beef” with your spatula. Cook until the vegan beef browns, 5-7 minutes, then lower the heat to low. 
  3. Add the remaining filling ingredients. Add the black beans, green chiles, cumin, and 1/2 cup of the vegan enchilada sauce. Mix until well combined, then add the vegan cheese shreds. Stir again to combine. Once the cheese has melted, remove the skillet from the heat. 

Assemble

  1. Prepare the dish. Preheat the oven to 350 F. Spread 1 cup of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a 9×13″ baking dish. 
  2. Fill the tortillas. Place a flour tortilla on a flat work surface and add about 1/2 cup of the enchilada filling down the middle of the tortilla. Roll the tortilla, leaving the ends open, and place it in the baking dish, seam side down. Repeat the process until all tortillas are filling and seam side down in the baking dish. 
  3. Top with sauce and cheese. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the enchiladas and spread evenly. Sprinkle with additional shredded vegan cheese on top. 
  4. Bake. Transfer the baking dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for 30 minutes or until the edges of the enchiladas are crispy. 
  5. Serve! Let cool for a few minutes in the baking tray, then serve while warm with your favorite toppings. Enjoy! 


Notes

  • Enchilada Sauce: You can use 32 ounces of storebought enchilada sauce if you don’t want to make your own! 
  • Storage: Once baked, these enchiladas will keep for up to 5 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Alternatively, you can refrigerate them directly in your baking dish. Just be sure to tightly cover the dish with plastic wrap or tinfoil before refrigerating! 
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Entree
  • Method: Oven
  • Cuisine: Mexican

The post Vegan Enchiladas appeared first on Sweet Simple Vegan.

Homemade Vegan Enchilada Sauce

Once you try this rich, smoky Vegan Enchilada Sauce, you’ll never want to buy the canned stuff again! It’s perfectly thick, smooth and has just the right heat. All you need is 9 simple ingredients!

The post Homemade Vegan Enchilada Sauce appeared first on Sweet Simple Vegan.

Once you try this rich, smoky Vegan Enchilada Sauce, you’ll never want to buy the canned stuff again! It’s perfectly thick, smooth and has just the right heat. All you need is 9 simple ingredients!

spoon of enchilada sauce

Not all homemade vegan sauces are worth the time and effort during busy weeks, but we can confidently say this easy homemade enchilada sauce is!

It’s made using basic pantry staples you likely already have on hand, comes together in less than 20 minutes, and can be used to add flavor to more than just Vegan Enchiladas and Mexican Casseroles. Make it up to a week in advance for easy meal planning! 

vegetable broth, all-purpose flour, vegetable oil, chili powder, tomato paste, oregano, salt, garlic powder, cumin

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • Oil: The best neutral oil to use is vegetable oil. It rehydrates the flour and spices without overpowering the flavor of the overall sauce. Olive oil or avocado oil work well, too!
  • Flour: Helps to thicken the enchilada sauce. We developed this recipe using classic all-purpose flour, but if you are gluten-free, a good gluten-free flour blend should work well in its place.
  • Chili powder: Chili powder is the base spice that gives this vegan enchilada sauce its signature flavor. It’s not overly spicy but gives it a strong, slightly smoky flavor. 
  • Other spices: To create a well-balanced sauce, you’ll also need garlic powder, cumin, oregano, and salt. 
  • Tomato paste: Essential for giving homemade enchilada sauce its deep red color, concentrated tomato flavor, and rich body.
  • Vegetable broth: Adds savoriness and additional depth of flavor. Feel free to use any vegetable broth of choice or even vegan chicken broth

Equipment

How to Make Vegan Enchilada Sauce

Making red enchilada sauce from scratch requires just 6 simple steps:

  1. Combine the flour and spices. 
  2. Heat the vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat until warm. 
  3. Add the flour mix and whisk until a paste forms, similar to making a roux. 
  4. Whisk in the tomato paste, stirring constantly for 1 minute. 
  5. Continue to whisk while slowly adding the vegetable broth until well combined. 
  6. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat to low. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, whisking occasionally, until thickened. 

Enjoy!

enchilada sauce in a glass jar

Ways to Use This Sauce

Aside from using it to make our Homemade Vegan Enchiladas and Vegan Enchilada Casserole, this flavorful sauce can also be used to make:

  • Stuffed peppers: Give our Quinoa Stuffed Peppers a Mexican twist by swapping the marinara sauce for enchilada sauce. 
  • Mexican stuffed sweet potatoes: A drizzle of this enchilada sauce would be incredible over Black Beans Stuffed Sweet Potatoes!
  • Vegan Chilaquiles: Swap out our traditional Homemade Chilaquiles sauce for this enchilada sauce in our Vegan Chilaquiles Rojos.
  • Vegan taco pasta: Replace the salsa of choice in our Vegan Taco Pasta recipe with 1 cup of vegan enchilada sauce.
  • Mexican pizza: Instead of pizza sauce, spread enchilada sauce over our Homemade Pizza Dough or corn tortillas and top it with your favorite toppings.
side view of enchiladas on a plate

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this enchilada sauce oil-free?

Yes! If you follow an oil-free vegan diet, or simply want to make this sauce without, replace the oil with water. This will rehydrate the flour and spices in a similar way and create a very similar texture!

I am gluten-free. Can I make this with oat flour?

We have not tested it, but it may work. Oat flour is much more absorbent than wheat flour, so we would reduce the flour to 2-4 tablespoons and increase if necessary. 

Additionally, if you are using your own oat flour, make sure it is completely smooth with no grittiness or else you won’t get a silky smooth sauce! 

Is this enchilada sauce spicy?

This enchilada sauce has a moderate heat level—not overtly spicy, but not completely mild either. Feel free to adjust the chili powder to suit your personal spice preference. If you find store-bought enchilada sauce spicy, we’d recommend starting with just 1 tablespoon of chili powder and increasing to taste. 

Can I freeze this enchilada sauce?

Yes, you can! This enchilada sauce freezes beautifully, so feel free to make a double batch. We recommend freezing it in wide-mouth mason jars (be sure to keep it below the freeze line!) for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator until smooth again.

How long will it keep in the fridge?

Leftover enchilada sauce will keep for up to 1 week in the fridge. If we know we are going to be making our Vegan Enchiladas or Enchilada Casserole for dinner that week, we will often prepare it on Sunday and store it until we’re ready to use! 

vegan enchiladas topped with sour cream and cilantro on a plate

More Homemade Recipes YOu May Enjoy:

Make sure you tag us on Instagram @sweetsimplevegan and @consciouschris and hashtag #sweetsimplevegan if you make this recipe. We love to see your photos! 

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spoonful of enchilada sauce

Homemade Vegan Enchilada Sauce Recipe


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No reviews

  • Author: Sweet Simple Vegan
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: about 4 cups
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

Once you try this rich, smoky Vegan Enchilada Sauce, you’ll never want to buy the canned stuff again! It’s perfectly thick, smooth and has just the right heat. All you need is 9 simple ingredients!


Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon oregano
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 4 cups vegetable broth or vegan chicken broth

Equipment


Instructions

  1. Mix the dry ingredients. Add the flour, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and oregano to a medium bowl and mix together. Set aside.
  2. Heat the oil. Add the vegetable oil to a medium saucepan and heat over medium heat for a few minutes. Add the flour and spices, and whisk together until thickened. 
  3. Add the tomato paste. Cook for 1 minute, whisking constantly.
  4. Stir in the broth. Continue whisking and stir in the broth until well combined. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat to low. 
  5. Simmer. Whisk occasionally, for about 10-15 minutes, until thickened. Remove from the heat. Use as desired and enjoy!

Notes

  • Freezing: This enchilada sauce freezes beautifully, so feel free to make a double batch. Freeze for up to three months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator until smooth again.
  • Storage: Leftover enchilada sauce will keep for up to 1 week in the fridge. If we know we are going to be making our Vegan Enchiladas or Enchilada Casserole for dinner that week, we will often prepare it on Sunday and store it until we’re ready to use!
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Sauce
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mexican

The post Homemade Vegan Enchilada Sauce appeared first on Sweet Simple Vegan.

Buko Pandan

This Buko Pandan is a must-try filipino dessert! It’s made with a pandan-infused jelly cubes, chewy tapioca pearls, shredded young coconut, nata de coco, and kaong combined in a sweet and creamy sauce. Top with toasted pinipig for the perfect nutty crunch!

The post Buko Pandan appeared first on Sweet Simple Vegan.

This Buko Pandan is a must-try Filipino dessert! It’s made with pandan-infused jelly cubes, chewy tapioca pearls, shredded young coconut, nata de coco, and kaong in a sweet and creamy sauce. Top with toasted pinipig for the perfect nutty crunch! 

If you love Filipino desserts like Taho with ArnibalGinataang Bilo-Bilo with Langka, or Avocado with Condensed Milk, you’ll love this cold Filipino dessert! Buko, not to be confused with Biko, is the Tagalog word for young coconut. Pandan refers to the pandan plant, used in Filipino dishes for its sweet, floral, grassy flavor. 

Together, the two make a deliciously sweet, chewy dessert soaked in a rich, smooth cream. And like all of our Filipino recipes, this buko pandan is completely vegan, including vegan jello simmered with either pandan extract or fresh pandan leaves. 

labeled ingredients for buko pandan salad: Small tapioca pearls, Vegan heavy cream, Vegan sweetened condensed milk, Vegan evaporated milk, Pandan extract, Shredded young coconut in syrup, Nata de coco (coconut gel), Toasted pinipig, Coconut water, Sugar, Agar agar powder and Pandan leaf

Ingredients You’ll Need 

Tip! You should be able to find most of these ingredients at your local Asian market or Asian grocery stores, but otherwise, they are available for purchase online from places like Amazon.

  • Small tapioca pearlsAlso known as sago pearls, these small, chewy pearls add to the fun, chewy textures of the recipe. 
  • Vegan heavy cream: Adds a rich, creamy texture to the dessert, giving it a rich and luxurious mouthfeel. If you live near large, mainstream grocery stores, you should be able to find vegan heavy cream options in stores. Silk and Country Crock Plant Cream are popular choices! 
  • Vegan sweetened condensed milk: Sweetens the buko pandan to perfection, plus helps thicken the mixture. We used our Homemade Vegan Sweetened Condensed Milk, but any store-bought brand would work well, too.
  • Vegan evaporated milk: Adds additional sweet creaminess and enhances the smooth, silky texture of the buko pandan. Again, we used our Homemade Vegan Evaporated Milk, but a store-bought option works well, too.
  • Pandan extractA sweet, grassy, fragrant flavor that gives this dessert it’s main flavoring. 
  • Shredded young coconut in syrupAlso known as buko, shredded young coconut adds a similar chewiness and additional texture like the sago. 
  • Nata de coco (coconut gel)A chewy, gel-like food made from fermented coconut water that adds additional texture and subtle sweetness.
  • KaongAlso known as sugar palm fruit, kaong is chewy, crunchy, and slightly sweet! 
  • Toasted pinipigThese toasted glutinous rice flakes add a nutty, crispy topping to the dessert that complements the variety of chewy ingredients! If you can’t find toasted pinipig, crushed vegan graham crackers are a good alternative.

For the jello

  • Coconut water: Gives the jello a subtle coconut flavor that complements the shredded young coconut and nata de coco.
  • Sugar: We recommend using regular granulated sugar to keep the color of the jello light. To ensure your buko pandan is vegan, use organic sugar.
  • Agar agar powderJust like our regular Vegan Jello recipe, agar agar powder is the essential ingredient that thickens and sets the mixture into a jello-like consistency. 
  • Pandan leaf or extractInfuses the jello with the aromatic flavor of pandan.

Equipment Needed

How to Make Buko Pandan

Prepare the Jello (Gulaman) 

  1. Activate the agar agar powder. Add the coconut water, granulated sugar, agar agar powder, and knotted pandan leaf to a small saucepan. Whisk together until the agar powder and sugar are completely dissolved. Bring to a boil, whisking frequently. Once boiling, continue to simmer for 2 minutes, whisking constantly, then remove the pot from the heat. 
  2. Whisk in the water and food coloring. After 2 minutes, remove and discard the pandan leaf, then whisk in the water and food coloring. 
  3. Pour into jello molds. Transfer the mixture into molds or an airtight container and allow it to cool for 10-15 minutes. Prep a glass dish. We used an 8×8-inch glass pan. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set. 
  4. Slice into ½” cubes. After the jello has fully set, slice the jello into ½” cubes and set aside. 

Prepare the Tapioca Pearls (Sago)

  1. Bring the water to a boil. Add 2.5 cups of water to a medium pot over medium-high heat. Cover and bring to a boil. 
  2. Partially cook the tapioca pearls. ​Add tapioca pearls and stir right away to prevent sticking. Reduce to medium flame and cook for 5 minutes, stirring regularly to prevent the pearls from sticking to the bottom of the pot. 
  3. Cool the tapioca pearls. ​Turn off the heat, cover, and soak for 10 minutes. Drain and rinse the tapioca pearls with running water until cooled. 
  4. Finish cooking the tapioca pearls. Add another 2.5 cups of water to the pot again. Bring the water to a boil, then add the partially cooked tapioca. Allow it to boil once more, stirring frequently, then turn off the heat and cover. Soak for 10 minutes. When the tapioca pearls are fully cooked, they should be fully translucent. Drain and rinse with cold running water until completely cooled, then set aside. Repeat this process as necessary.

​Assemble

  1. Combine the liquid ingredients. ​In a large container or bowl, combine the vegan heavy cream, vegan condensed milk, vegan evaporated milk, salt, and pandan extract. Whisk to combine until smooth. 
  2. Add remaining ingredients. ​Mix in the cooked tapioca pearls, jello, young coconut meat, nata de coco, and kaong. 
  3. Refrigerate. ​Cover the buko pandan and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. 
  4. Enjoy! Serve cold topped with toasted pinipig and dig in! 
horizontal photo of Filipino Buko Pandan Salad in light blue bowl

Serving Suggestions 

Serve this sweet treat as-is in individual bowls or family-style for guests to scoop their own portions. We typically garnish with toasted pinipig, but you may also enjoy a sprinkle of toasted coconut milk curds, chopped nuts, shredded buko, ube halaya, or fresh mint leaves. You can even serve with coconut ice cream for an ultra sweet and indulgent dessert!

It’s perfect for sharing at potlucks, family gatherings, or special occasions such as birthdays, Christmas, and New Year’s!

Storage Instructions

Leftover buko pandan will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in an airtight container or bowl tightly covered with plastic wrap for optimal freshness.

small bowl filled with Filipino Buko Pandan Salad

More Vegan Filipino Recipes YOu May Enjoy:

Make sure you tag us on Instagram @sweetsimplevegan and @consciouschris and hashtag #sweetsimplevegan if you make this recipe. We love to see your photos! 

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small bowl filled with Filipino Buko Pandan Salad

Buko Pandan Recipe


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  • Author: Sweet Simple Vegan
  • Total Time: 3 hours
  • Yield: About 10-12 servings
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

This Buko Pandan is a must-try Filipino dessert! It’s made with a pandan-infused jelly cubes, chewy tapioca pearls, shredded young coconut, nata de coco, and kaong combined in a sweet and creamy sauce. Top with toasted pinipig for the perfect nutty crunch!


Ingredients

Jello/Gulaman

Tapioca Pearls (Sago)

Remaining ingredients

Equipment


Instructions

Prepare the Jello (Gulaman)

  1. Activate the agar agar powder. Add the coconut water, granulated sugar, agar agar powder, and knotted pandan leaf to a small saucepan. Whisk together until the agar powder and sugar are completely dissolved. Bring to a boil, whisking frequently. Once boiling, continue to simmer for 2 minutes, whisking constantly, then remove the pot from the heat.
  2. Whisk in the water and food coloring. After 2 minutes, remove and discard the pandan leaf, then whisk in the water and pandan extract.
  3. Pour into jello molds. Transfer the mixture into molds or an airtight container and allow it to cool for 10-15 minutes. We used a 7x5x1.5-inch dish. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set.
  4. Slice into ½” cubes. After the jello has fully set, slice the jello into ½” cubes or the size of choice and set aside.

Prepare the Tapioca Pearls (Sago)

  1. Bring the water to a boil. Add 2.5 cups of water to a medium pot over medium-high heat. Cover and bring to a boil.
  2. Partially cook the tapioca pearls. ​Add tapioca pearls and stir right away to prevent sticking. Reduce to medium flame and cook for 5 minutes, stirring regularly to prevent the pearls from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
  3. Cool the tapioca pearls. ​Turn off the heat, cover, and soak for 10 minutes. Drain and rinse the tapioca pearls with running water until cooled.
  4. Finish cooking the tapioca pearls. Add another 2.5 cups of water to the pot again. Bring the water to a boil, then add the partially cooked tapioca. Allow it to boil once more, stirring frequently, then turn off the heat and cover. Soak for 10 minutes. When the tapioca pearls are fully cooked, they should be fully translucent. Drain and rinse with cold running water until completely cooled, then set aside. Repeat this process as necessary.

Assembly

  1. Combine the liquid ingredients. ​In a large container or bowl, combine the vegan heavy cream, vegan condensed milk, vegan evaporated milk, salt, and pandan extract. Whisk to combine until smooth.
  2. Add remaining ingredients. ​Mix in the cooked tapioca pearls, jello, young coconut meat, nata de coco, and kaong.
  3. Refrigerate. ​Cover the buko pandan and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
  4. Enjoy! Serve cold topped with toasted pinipig and dig in!

Notes

  • Storage: Leftover buko pandan will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in an airtight container or bowl tightly covered with plastic wrap for optimal freshness. 
  • Fresh Pandan: If you would like to make the jello/gulaman with fresh pandan vs. extract, allow 1 frozen pandan leaf to sit at room temperature until thawed, then tie it into a knot. Add that to the mixture in step 1 when activating the agar agar. Remove before cooling. 
  • Ingredients Tip: You should be able to find most of these ingredients at your local Asian market or Asian grocery stores, but otherwise, they are available for purchase online from places like Amazon.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Cuisine: Filipino

The post Buko Pandan appeared first on Sweet Simple Vegan.

Vegan Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

These Vegan Pumpkin Muffins are as luxurious as it gets. Spiced muffin batter filled with a rich cream cheese filling, then baked until golden with a delightful streusel topping. Enjoy as an indulgent breakfast, sweet snack, or dessert!

The post Vegan Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins appeared first on Sweet Simple Vegan.

These Vegan Pumpkin Muffins are as luxurious as it gets. Spiced muffin batter filled with a rich cream cheese filling, then baked until golden with a delightful streusel topping. Enjoy as an indulgent breakfast, sweet snack, or dessert!

Our Vegan Zucchini Muffins are some of our favorite muffins to bake during the summer when the garden is exploding with fresh squash. But during the fall season, it’s time to swap the summer squash for our favorite fall squash—pumpkin! 

overhead horizontal photo of freshly baked pumpkin cream cheese muffins on white board

To put it mildly, these Vegan Pumpkin Muffins are not your average muffin. They’re filled with a sweet and creamy cream cheese filling, then topped with a buttery soft streusel topping. If you love our Vegan Pumpkin BreadPumpkin Cheesecake Cookies, or Pumpkin Snickerdoodles these pumpkin spice muffins are a must-bake this pumpkin season.

And while you’re at it, check out a few of our other most popular vegan pumpkin recipes: Classic Vegan Pumpkin PiePumpkin Cinnamon Rolls, and Vegan Pumpkin Sugar Cookies!

labeled ingredients for pumpkin cream cheese muffins: dairy-free butter, granulated sugar, non-dairy milk, dairy-free cream cheese, flour, brown sugar, oil, pumpkin puree, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, ginger, baking powder, baking soda, salt, vanilla and vinegar

Ingredients You’ll Need 

  • Vegan cream cheese: Since the cream cheese is baked in these muffins, we recommend using a store-bought, oil-free cream cheese so it’s texture doesn’t change. We use Kite Hill’s plain cream cheese.
  • Pumpkin purée: These muffins are made with pure canned pumpkin purée. Be careful not to purchase pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin purée only contains fresh pumpkin, whereas pumpkin pie filling contains additives and sugar.   
  • Sugar: You’ll need brown sugar for the muffin batter and regular granulated sugar to sweeten the cream cheese filling. 
  • Non-dairy milk: Use any plain, non-dairy milk of choice. Our Homemade Almond Milk is perfect! 
  • Vegetable oil: Adds moisture and fat and helps to give these muffins a soft and tender crumb. We used vegetable oil, but melted refined coconut oil, canola oil, and a light olive oil or avocado oil will work well, too. 
  • Apple cider vinegar: The acidic nature of apple cider vinegar reacts with the baking soda and baking powder to help these muffins rise and become nicely domed.
  • Vanilla: Both vanilla extract and vanilla paste will work well. Use what you have! 
  • Flour: We developed these muffins with all-purpose flour to make them as soft and fluffy as possible. 
  • Leavening agents: You’ll need both baking soda and baking powder to help these muffins rise and become golden brown on top. 
  • Spices: Cinnamon, ground ginger, allspice, and ground cloves spice these muffins to perfection. If needed, you can replace these individual spices with 1 tablespoon of a pre-made pumpkin pie spice mix instead. 

For the Streusel Topping

  • Vegan butter: Provides the fat that helps to bind the dry ingredients together. Once baked, the butter melts and yields a crumbly, crispy sweet topping. 
  • Flour: All-purpose flour binds the streusel topping together.  
  • Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and contributes to the crunchy texture.
  • Cinnamon: Adds warmth and complements the spices in the muffin batter.
overhead photo of freshly baked pumpkin cream cheese muffins on white board

Equipment Needed

How to Make Vegan Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

  1. Preheat and prep. Preheat the oven to 425F and prepare a muffin tin with liners. You can either bake in every other muffin mold or all 12. If you do every other, leaving half empty allows the muffins to rise higher. You can bake all 12 muffins simultaneously, but they won’t rise as much as the former option. But they will still be delicious!
  2. Prepare the streusel topping. Add the melted vegan butter, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon to a medium bowl. Mix with a fork until crumbs form. Set aside. 
  3. Prepare the cream cheese filling. In a small bowl, add the softened vegan cream cheese and sugar. Mix until completely smooth. Set aside. 
  4. Combine the wet muffin ingredients. Add the pumpkin purée, brown sugar, non-dairy milk, vegetable oil, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla to a medium-sized mixing bowl. Whisk together until combined and set aside. 
  5. Combine the dry muffin ingredients. Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, and cloves to a large bowl. Whisk together until well combined.
  6. Whisk wet and dry ingredients together. Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Whisk until just combined – be careful not to overmix. 
  7. Fill the muffin tin. Add 2 tablespoons of batter to each muffin liner. Top with 1 heaping tablespoon of the cream cheese filling, then top with more batter to fill each liner to the top. 
  8. Sprinkle with streusel topping. Top each muffin with the streusel topping and lightly press it into the batter to help it stick. 
  9. Bake until golden brown. Transfer the muffins to the oven and bake for 7 minutes at 425F. Lower the temperature to 350F without opening the oven and continue baking for another 13-16 minutes. 
  10. Repeat with the remaining batter. If you baked your muffins in every other tin, remove the baked muffins from the oven and let them cool for 10 minutes before removing them from the tin. Bake the remaining muffins using the same method until all batter is used. Enjoy! 

Recipe FAQs

can I bake all 12 muffins at once?

You definitely can, but baking these pumpkin muffins in every other mold and leaving half empty allows the muffins to rise higher into a nice bakery-style dome. You can bake all 12 muffins simultaneously – they will still taste delicious but won’t rise as much.

Can I make these muffins gluten-free?

We have not personally tested a gluten-free version of these pumpkin muffins, but if you would like to experiment, we’d recommend using a cup for cup gluten-free flour blend in place of the regular all-purpose flour.

Can I make these muffins oil-free?

​We have not tested it and cannot say for certain. If you are looking for oil-free pumpkin recipes, you may enjoy our Pumpkin Rice Pudding​ or this Vegan Pumpkin Pie Pudding.

Will this recipe work with homemade pumpkin purée? 

​If you prefer to make your own pumpkin purée or don’t have access to store-bought canned pumpkin puree, these muffins should work with a homemade version. Homemade pumpkin puree can be on the more runny side compared to canned versions, so if yours appears too wet or thin, blot it with a paper towel to absorb the excess moisture before adding it to the muffin batter.

Storage Instructions

These pumpkin muffins are best enjoyed while fresh, but leftovers will keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 24-48 hours. If you need to store them for longer than this, transfer to the refrigerator to store for up to 5 days.

​Note that once refrigerated, these muffins will become significantly more dense and moist. We prefer them at room temperature. 

More Vegan Pumpkin Recipes You May Enjoy:

Make sure you tag us on Instagram @sweetsimplevegan and @consciouschris and hashtag #sweetsimplevegan if you make this recipe. We love to see your photos! 

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overhead photo of freshly baked pumpkin cream cheese muffins on white board

Vegan Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe


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  • Author: Sweet Simple Vegan

Description

These Vegan Pumpkin Muffins are as luxurious as it gets. Spiced muffin batter filled with a rich cream cheese filling, then baked until golden with a delightful streusel topping. No one will believe they’re completely vegan!


Ingredients

Streusel Topping:

  • ¼ cup vegan butter, melted
  • ¾ cup (90g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (105g) brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon

Cream Cheese Filling:

  • 8 oz vegan cream cheese, softened
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar

Pumpkin Muffin Batter:

  • 1 cup pumpkin purée
  • 1¼ cups (260g) brown sugar
  • ⅔ cup non-dairy milk
  • ⅓ cup vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or paste
  • 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ginger
  • ½ teaspoon allspice
  • ½ teaspoon ground cloves

Equipment


Instructions

  1. Preheat and prep. Preheat the oven to 425F and prepare a muffin tin with liners. You can either bake in every other muffin mold or all 12. If you do every other, leaving half empty allows the muffins to rise higher. You can bake all 12 muffins simultaneously, but they won’t rise as much as the former option. But they will still be delicious!
  2. Prepare the streusel topping. Add the melted vegan butter, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon to a medium bowl. Mix with a fork until crumbs form. Set aside.
  3. Prepare the cream cheese filling. In a small bowl, add the softened vegan cream cheese and sugar. Mix until completely smooth. Set aside.
  4. Combine the wet muffin ingredients. Add the pumpkin purée, brown sugar, non-dairy milk, vegetable oil, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla to a medium-sized mixing bowl. Whisk together until combined and set aside.
  5. Combine the dry muffin ingredients. Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, and cloves to a large bowl. Whisk together until well combined.
  6. Whisk wet and dry ingredients together. Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Whisk until just combined – be careful not to overmix.
  7. Fill the muffin tin. Add 2 tablespoons of batter to each muffin liner. Top with 1 heaping tablespoon of the cream cheese filling, then top with more batter to fill each liner to the top.
  8. Sprinkle with streusel topping. Top each muffin with the streusel topping and lightly press it into the batter to help it stick.
  9. Bake until golden brown. Transfer the muffins to the oven and bake for 7 minutes at 425F. Lower the temperature to 350F without opening the oven and continue baking for another 13-16 minutes.
  10. Repeat with the remaining batter. If you baked your muffins in every other tin, remove the baked muffins from the oven and let them cool for 10 minutes before removing them from the tin. Bake the remaining muffins using the same method until all batter is used. Enjoy!

The post Vegan Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins appeared first on Sweet Simple Vegan.

Biko Kalabasa (Pumpkin Biko)

If you love filipino Biko, you’re going to love Biko Kalabasa – a pumpkin-infused variation. Serve on banana leaves and top with latik and a drizzle of sweet maple syrup for the ultimate fall dessert!

The post Biko Kalabasa (Pumpkin Biko) appeared first on Sweet Simple Vegan.

If you love Filipino Biko, you’re going to love Biko Kalabasa, a pumpkin-infused variation. Serve on banana leaves and top with latik and a drizzle of sweet maple syrup for the ultimate fall dessert!

horizontal photo of Biko Kalabasa (Pumpkin Biko) on a blue plate with a banana leaf

What is biko kalabasa?

Like our ube biko, Biko Kalabasa is a variation of traditional Filipino biko, a chewy, glutinous rice cake dessert. In addition to the classic sweet rice, coconut milk, and sweet brown sugar, biko kalabasa includes the addition of fresh pumpkin (or squash) and cinnamon. It’s the perfect variation for the fall season when canned pumpkin puree is abundant, and you’re craving cozy vegan Filipino desserts!

labeled ingredients for Biko Kalabasa (Pumpkin Biko): sweet rice, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, water, cinnamon
coconut milk and salt

Ingredients You’ll Need 

  • Sweet rice: This sticky, glutinous rice is a popular ingredient in many of our Filipino dessert recipes for it’s unique chewy consistency. You may be able to find it at your local asian market or buy sweet rice on Amazon
  • Full-fat coconut milk: A can of full-fat coconut milk adds a richness and subtle coconut flavor that complements the flavor in the coconut curds.
  • Pumpkin puree: Any plain pumpkin puree or squash puree will work well in this biko kalabasa recipe. Just make sure the only ingredient is pumpkin or squash. If it has any added sugars, it will be too sweet. 
  • Brown sugar: Dark brown sugar adds a rich, caramel-like undertone to the dessert. Light brown sugar or coconut sugar will work as a substitute, but the biko kalabasa will be slightly less moist, and the flavor will be less deep.
  • Cinnamon or Pumpkin Spice: Adds warmth and sweetness that compliments the overall dessert. 
overhead photo of Biko Kalabasa (Pumpkin Biko) in a square baking dish with latik and banana leaves

Optional Ingredients

  • Banana leaves: Besides giving this dessert a traditional look, layering the baking dish with banana leaves helps prevent sticking and lightly infuses the pumpkin biko with its aromatic flavor. 
  • Latik: Toasted coconut milk curds or coconut caramel sauce is the perfect sweet and nutty topping for any biko dessert. 
  • Maple syrup: If you don’t have the ingredients or time to make latik, a drizzle of sweet and nutty maple syrup is the perfect substitute.

Equipment Needed

How to Make Biko Kalabasa

  1. Cook the sweet rice. Add the glutinous rice into the bottom of a medium pot and wash the rice until the water runs clear. Drain and set on the stove, along with 2 cups of water, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat to a simmer and cover. Simmer the glutinous rice for about 20 minutes, then remove from the heat and set aside (keep the lid on!).
  2. Simmer the liquid mixture. Add coconut milk, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt, in a wide saucepan over medium heat. Whisk to combine and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and add in the cooked rice.
  3. Cook until thickened. Stir the cooked rice in until well combined, then cook, stirring often, until the pumpkin biko thickens and easily pulls away from the sides, about 15-20 minutes. You’ll know the biko is ready when it is difficult to stir.
  4. Prepare your baking dish. Grease an 8×8 baking dish. If you’d like, you can also line it with banana leaves (more info in notes at the bottom of this post if you need directions). Set aside.
  5. Transfer to the prepared baking dish. Pour the sticky rice mixture into the prepared baking dish. Using a spatula, spread it into an even layer.
  6. Cool, slice then serve. Allow the sticky rice cake to cool completely. Slice into square or diamond shapes and enjoy! 

Serving Suggestions 

Much like our Traditional Biko and Ube Biko, pumpkin biko is traditionally served at room temperature with coconut milk curds and a drizzle of maple syrup or latik sauce. It’s the perfect sweet dessert to enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea and fresh fruit or a scoop of your favorite coconut milk ice cream during squash season!

close up of a square piece of pumpkin biko with latik on a blue plate with a banana leaf and

Recipe FAQs

Is this dessert vegan?

Yes! This biko kalabasa recipe is naturally vegan, thanks to the full-fat coconut milk. 

Can I make biko kalabasa in advance?

Biko’s texture is best enjoyed fresh, so if you’re planning to make this biko kalabasa for your next family gathering or dinner party, we recommend making it as close to serving as possible. You can, however, make our Latik for serving in advance, if desired! 

How long will biko kalabasa keep?

When stored in an airtight container or directly in the baking dish covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator, leftovers will keep for up to 4 days. 

Can I make this dessert with fresh pumpkins?

If you only have fresh pumpkin, you can make homemade pumpkin puree before making this Filipino snack. 

square piece of pumpkin biko with latik on a blue plate with a banana leaf and

More Filipino Dessert Recipes YOu May Enjoy:

Make sure you tag us on Instagram @sweetsimplevegan and @consciouschris and hashtag #sweetsimplevegan if you make this recipe. We love to see your photos! 

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overhead photo of Biko Kalabasa (Pumpkin Biko) on a blue plate with a banana leaf

Biko Kalabasa Recipe (Pumpkin Biko)


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No reviews

  • Author: Sweet Simple Vegan
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 9 servings
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

If you love Filipino Biko, you’re going to love Biko Kalabasa – a pumpkin-infused variation. Serve on banana leaves and top with latik and a drizzle of sweet maple syrup for the ultimate fall dessert!


Ingredients

  • 2 cups sweet rice (also known as glutinous rice), washed
  • 2 cups water
  • 3 cups (about 2 cans) full-fat coconut milk
  • 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
  • 1 cup brown sugar (dark brown preferred)
  • 1/2 tablespoon cinnamon or pumpkin spice
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • Oil, for greasing the pan
  • Optional: Banana leaves
  • Optional: Latik, for topping
  • Optional: Maple syrup, for serving

Equipment


Instructions

  1. Cook the sweet rice. Add the glutinous rice into the bottom of a medium pot and wash the rice until the water runs clear. Drain and set on the stove, along with 2 cups of water, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat to a simmer and cover. Simmer the glutinous rice for about 20 minutes, then remove from the heat and set aside (keep the lid on!).
  2. Simmer the liquid mixture. Add coconut milk, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, cinnamon and salt, in a wide saucepan over medium heat. Whisk to combine and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and add in the cooked rice.
  3. Cook until thickened. Stir the cooked rice in until well combined, then cook, stirring often, until the biko thickens and easily pulls away from the sides, about 15-20 minutes. You’ll know the biko is ready when it is difficult to stir.
  4. Prepare your baking dish. Grease an 8×8 baking dish. If you’d like, you can also line it with banana leaves (more info in notes if you need directions). Set aside.
  5. Transfer to the prepared baking dish. Pour the sticky rice mixture into the prepared baking dish. Using a spatula, spread it into an even layer.
  6. Cool, slice then serve. Allow the sticky rice cake to cool completely. Slice into square or diamond shapes and serve biko topped with latik, a drizzle of maple syrup, or as desired. Enjoy.

Notes

  • Sweetness: If you would like for this recipe to be sweeter, you can increase the sugar OR try topping it with our other latik (coconut caramel) from our suman recipe.
  • Banana Leaves: If your banana leaves are frozen, run them under warm water to thaw. thoroughly rinse and then wipe gently with a towel to clean. Cut a banana as needed to line your pan. Heat both sides of the banana leaves over low heat on the stovetop and then set aside. Once cooled, line the baking dish with the banana leaf. 
  • Storage: When stored in an airtight container or directly in the baking dish covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator, leftovers will keep for up to 4 days. 
  • Pumpkin Puree: If you only have fresh pumpkin on hand, you can make your own homemade pumpkin puree before making this Filipino snack. 
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Filpino

The post Biko Kalabasa (Pumpkin Biko) appeared first on Sweet Simple Vegan.

Baked Vegan Apple Cider Donuts

These Baked Vegan Apple Cider Donuts are lighter than your typical fried donuts and infused with tons of fresh apple cider and applesauce perfect for fall. They’re soft, fluffy, and complete with an irresistible cinnamon sugar coating. All you need is a few simple baking ingredients!

The post Baked Vegan Apple Cider Donuts appeared first on Sweet Simple Vegan.

These Baked Vegan Apple Cider Donuts are lighter than your typical fried donuts and infused with fresh apple cider and applesauce, which is perfect for fall. They’re soft and fluffy and complete with an irresistible cinnamon sugar coating. All you need is a few simple baking ingredients!

If you love our Vegan Apple Cider Coffee Cake, you’re in for a treat! These baked vegan apple cider donuts are similarly cakey, tender, and infused with fresh apple flavor.

Deep-frying Homemade Vegan Biscuit Donuts might not be your thing, but these baked donuts can be easily made by even the most novice bakers in just a few easy steps. They’re the perfect breakfast, afternoon treat, or dessert to celebrate the fall season and the onset of lots of vegan baking.

And if you’re on a baking kick, check out a few of our favorite vegan apple recipesVegan Apple PieInstant Pot Apple ButterCinnamon Apple Oatmeal CookiesApple Cobbler, and Apple Crisp

labeled ingredients for apple cider donuts: apple cider, granulated sugar, brown sugar, non-dairy milk, melted vegan butter, unsweetened applesauce, vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, baking soda and salt

Ingredients You’ll Need 

  • Apple cider: Infuses the donuts with sweet apple flavor in every bite! We recommend using an unfiltered apple cider where the only ingredient is fresh apples.
  • Sugar: You’ll need both brown sugar and granulated sugar to sweeten and yield the softest, most tender crumb. Coconut sugar may work well as a substitute for brown sugar, but the donuts will be slightly less moist.
  • Non-dairy milk: Any plain non-dairy milk of choice will work. Try oat milk, soy milk, almond milk, cashew milk, or coconut milk! 
  • Vegan butter: Adds richness, flavor, and contributes to the soft, fluffy texture. Feel free to use your favorite vegan buttery sticks – we typically use Country Crock.
  • Unsweetened applesauce: Used as the egg replacer in these donuts, unsweetened applesauce adds moisture, helps bind the batter together, and most importantly, a boost of additional fresh apple flavor. 
  • Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and enhances the overall flavor of these donuts.
  • Flour: We have only tested this recipe using regular all-purpose flour and are unsure if alternate flours will work.
  • Leavening agents: Baking powder and baking soda work together to raise the donuts and brown them until perfectly golden brown on the edges.
  • Spices: We used a blend of cinnamon, ground ginger, and nutmeg, but you can replace this with 1 3/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, if desired.

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

  • Melted vegan butter: ​Helps the cinnamon sugar coating stick! 
  • Granulated sugar: ​Adds a neutral sweetness and delicious crunch.
  • Cinnamon: Adds warmth and enhances the apple flavor.
close up photo of the inside of baked apple cider donuts

Equipment Needed

How to Make Vegan Apple Cider Donuts

  1. Reduce the apple cider. Add the apple cider to a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, then lower to a simmer. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until reduced by half, about 10-15 minutes.
  2. Measure out 1/2 cup of reduced cider. ​If you happen to have less than 1/2 cup, make up the difference with fresh cider. Set aside.
  3.  Preheat and prep. Preheat the oven to 350 F. Spray a donut pan with non-stick spray or grease with vegetable oil.
  4. Combine the wet ingredients. To a large bowl, add the reduced apple cider, sugars, non-dairy milk, melted butter, applesauce, and vanilla extract. Whisk together until well combined.
  5. Combine the dry ingredients. In a separate large bowl, add the flour, leavening agents, and spices. Whisk to combine.
  6. Make the donut batter. ​Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and whisk until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
  7. Pipe the batter into the donut pan. ​Transfer the batter to a piping bag and pipe it into each donut mold, filling each about 3/4 full. This recipe will make 10-12 donuts. 
  8. Bake and cool. Place the donut pan in the oven and bake for 13-16 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the donuts comes out mostly clean with just a few crumbs. Let the baked donuts cool in the donut pan for 10 minutes before carefully removing them and placing them on a wire rack to cool for another 10 minutes. 
  9. Make the cinnamon sugar coating. ​While the donuts cool, melt the remaining vegan butter and combine the sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl. 
  10. Coat the donuts. ​Brush each donut with the melted vegan butter on both sides, then coat in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Repeat for all the donuts. 
  11. Enjoy! Allow the donuts to sit for at least 10 more minutes to help the cinnamon sugar coating stick, then enjoy! 

Recipe FAQs

Can I make these vegan donuts gluten-free?

While we haven’t tested it, you may be able to make these vegan donuts with a good gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. We have used Bob’s Red Mill’s gluten-free flour blend in many of our gluten-free baked goods with great success! If you decide to experiment, leave us a comment down below to share your results with other readers who may be curious!

Can I make these donuts oil-free?

We have not tested it, but if you’d like to experiment, we recommend replacing the vegan butter in the batter with additional unsweetened applesauce. The final baked donuts will be more dense, but the flavor should be similar. Additionally, brush the donuts with plant-based milk before coating them with cinnamon sugar to help it stick. 

If you try this, please let us know in the comments section at the bottom of the page.

​Is sugar vegan?

Opt for organic sugar to ensure it is vegan-friendly. Organic sugars are not bleached using bone char and are vegan.

What can I use if I don’t have a piping bag?

If you do not own a pastry bag or piping bag, you can transfer the batter to a large ziplock bag. Then snip off one of the corners and carefully pipe it into the donut molds.

Storage Instructions

​These baked donuts are best enjoyed while fresh, but leftovers will keep for up to 3 days in an airtight container at room temperature. Refrigeration will make these donuts very, very dense. 

Helpful Tips

  • When filling the donut pans, tap the donut pan on the counter a few times to even everything out and avoid air bubbles.
  • Use our weighted measurements for the sugars and flour. This will help yield the best, most consistent results. 
  • If you don’t have access to a baking scale, use the spoon and flour method to measure your all-purpose flour.
  • Darker-colored donut pans will cook the donuts faster than lighter-colored donut pans. Use our bake time as an estimate and adjust as needed. When ready, a toothpick inserted in the donuts should come out mostly clean with no wet batter.

More Vegan Apple Recipes YOu May Enjoy:

Make sure you tag us on Instagram @sweetsimplevegan and @consciouschris and hashtag #sweetsimplevegan if you make this recipe. We love to see your photos! 

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stack of baked apple cider donuts on a white board

Baked Vegan Apple Cider Donuts Recipe


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No reviews

  • Author: Sweet Simple Vegan
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 10-12
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

These Baked Vegan Apple Cider Donuts are lighter than your typical fried donuts and infused with tons of fresh apple cider and applesauce perfect for fall. They’re soft, fluffy, and complete with an irresistible cinnamon sugar coating. All you need is a few simple baking ingredients!


Ingredients

Batter

  • 1 cup apple cider, reduced to ½ cup
  • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (105g) brown sugar
  • ¼ cup non-dairy milk
  • ¼ cup melted vegan butter
  • ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
  • 1½ teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Coating

  • ¼ cup melted vegan butter
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon

Equipment


Instructions

  1. Reduce the apple cider. Add the apple cider to a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, then lower to a simmer. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until reduced by half, about 10-15 minutes.
  2. Measure out 1/2 cup of reduced cider. ​If you happen to have less than 1/2 cup, make up the difference with fresh cider. Set aside.
  3. Preheat and prep. Preheat the oven to 350 F. Spray a donut pan with non-stick spray or grease with vegetable oil.
  4. Combine the wet ingredients. To a large bowl, add the reduced apple cider, sugars, non-dairy milk, melted butter, applesauce, and vanilla extract. Whisk together until well combined.
  5. Combine the dry ingredients. In a separate large bowl, add the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. Whisk to combine.
  6. Make the donut batter. ​Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and whisk until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
  7. Pipe the batter into the donut pan. ​Transfer the batter to a piping bag and pipe it into each donut mold, filling each about 3/4 full. This recipe will make 10-12 donuts. Tap the donut pan on the counter to even everything out.
  8. Bake and cool. Place the donut pan in the oven and bake for 13-16 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the donuts comes out mostly clean with just a few crumbs. Let the baked donuts cool in the donut pan for 10 minutes before carefully removing them and placing them on a wire rack to cool for another 10 minutes.
  9. Make the cinnamon sugar coating. ​While the donuts cool, melt the remaining vegan butter and combine the sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl.
  10. Coat the donuts. ​Brush each donut with the melted vegan butter on both sides, then coat in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Repeat for all the donuts.
  11. Enjoy! Allow the donuts to sit for at least 10 more minutes to help the cinnamon sugar coating stick, then enjoy!

Notes

  • Storage: ​These are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers will keep for up to 3 days in an airtight container at room temperature. Refrigeration will make these donuts very, very dense. 
  • Piping bag: If you do not own a pastry bag or piping bag, you can transfer the batter to a large ziplock bag. Then snip off one of the corners and carefully pipe it into the donut molds.
  • Spices: We used a blend of cinnamon, ground ginger, and nutmeg, but you can replace this with 1 3/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, if desired.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Oven

The post Baked Vegan Apple Cider Donuts appeared first on Sweet Simple Vegan.

Vegan Banana Pudding

This Southern-inspired Vegan Banana Pudding is guaranteed to be a hit at your next get together. Vegan vanilla wafers and fresh banana slices layered between a creamy vegan custard, then topped with whipped cream and additional crushed wafers. All you need is 10 simple ingredients!

The post Vegan Banana Pudding appeared first on Sweet Simple Vegan.

This Southern-inspired Vegan Banana Pudding is guaranteed to be a hit at your next get together. Vegan vanilla wafers and fresh banana slices layered between a creamy vegan custard, then topped with whipped cream and additional crushed wafers. All you need is 10 simple ingredients!

close up of vegan banana pudding with whipped cream in clear trifle dish
close up of a serving of vegan banana pudding with whipped cream on blue plate

The Origin of Banana Pudding

As you may know, the traditional creamy banana pudding was first published in Good Housekeeping in 1888 and is now a beloved, classic Southern dessert! The first variations of the dessert combined custard with sponge cake, but over time, the original sponge cake was swapped for vanilla wafer cookies and morphed into the no-bake layered dessert we know today. 

We decided it was finally time to put our own vegan spin on the classic recipe, replacing the eggs and dairy with simple vegan-friendly ingredients that are easy to find in mainstream grocery stores today. Plus, we developed our own Homemade Vegan Vanilla Wafers, so everyone can make this recipe!

Bring this delicious vegan dessert to your next family gathering, Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, or even summer BBQs. Everyone loves banana pudding any time of year!

ingredients for vegan banana pudding: sugar, cornstarch, non-dairy milk, vegan butter, vanilla extract, vegan condensed milk, vegan heavy cream, and vegan vanilla wafers

Ingredients You’ll Need 

For the Vegan Vanilla Pudding

  • Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the pudding while keeping the color light. To make sure your pudding is vegan-friendly, opt for organic sugar. 
  • Cornstarch: Many traditional banana pudding recipes thicken the custard using eggs. In this egg-free, vegan dessert, cornstarch acts as the thickening agent and helps thicken the pudding while keeping it soft and velvety in texture.
  • Non-dairy milk: Any unsweetened non-dairy milk of choice will work, with the exception of homemade oat milk. Homemade oat milk is likely to gelatinize and become unpleasant and slimy. Instead, try our Homemade Almond Milk, or coconut milk, soy milk, or cashew milk! 
  • Vegan butter: Adds richness and an extra smooth mouthfeel to the pudding. 
  • Vanilla extract: Essential for the vanilla flavor! 
  • Turmeric: Optional, but is used to add a bit of color to the pudding, mimicking the color of traditional egg-based custards.  
  • Vegan condensed milk: Adds sweetness and enhances the rich, creamy texture of the pudding. We used our Homemade Vegan Sweetened Condensed Milk, but feel free to use a store-bought vegan condensed milk if you have access to it!  
  • Vegan heavy cream: Used to lighten up the texture of the custard and to top the final dessert with homemade whipped cream! We used a store-bought vegan heavy cream. Look for one near you from brands like Silk, Country Crock, Violife, Let’s Do Organic, or Califia Farms!

For the Assembly:

  • Vegan vanilla wafers: We used our Homemade Vegan Vanilla Wafers, but if you’re lucky enough to have access to vegan-friendly store-bought cookies, feel free to use them!
  • Ripe bananas: The best bananas for banana pudding are fresh and ripe but not overly browned and spotty. They should be firm enough to hold their shape once sliced and keep well layered in the dessert.

Equipment Needed

How to Make Vegan Banana Pudding

Prepare the Vanilla Pudding

  1. Combine the cornstarch, sugar, and non-dairy milk. Add the sugar and cornstarch to a medium saucepan and combine. Add 1 cup of non-dairy milk and whisk together until smooth. Whisk in the remaining non-dairy milk.  
  2. Simmer the milk mixture until thickened. Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, mixing constantly, until the mixture thickens, about 5-6 minutes. 
  3. Add vegan butter, vanilla, turmeric, and salt. Remove the pudding mixture from the heat and add the vegan butter, vanilla extract, turmeric and salt. Mix together until the vegan butter is melted and the mixture is smooth. 
  4. Set aside to cool. Pour the mixture into a large, heatproof bowl and press a piece pf plastic wrap directly on the surface so a skin doesn’t form. Set aside to cool to room temperature. If making it in advance, place it in the fridge until it is ready to assemble.
  5. Add vegan condensed milk. Once the pudding is cooled to room temperature, add the vegan condensed milk. Mix together and set aside. 
  6. Whip the heavy cream. Add the vegan heavy cream to a large bowl. Use an electric hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment and beat the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. 
  7. Fold the whipped cream into the pudding. Add the whipped cream to the bowl with the pudding and fold together gently until combined. 

Assemble the Banana Pudding

  1. Begin layering the pudding. To a trifle dish or large baking dish, add a quarter of the pudding mixture to the bottom and spread evenly. Add a layer of vegan vanilla wafers, followed by banana slices. 
  2. Layer two more times. Continue layering pudding, followed by wafers and banana slices two more times. Top with the remaining pudding mixture. 
  3. Refrigerate. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least two hours or up to overnight. 

Right Before Serving

  1. Make the whipped cream for topping. Right before serving, add the remaining vegan heavy cream and sugar to a large bowl and whip to soft peaks. 
  2. Garnish and serve. Top the banana pudding with the whipped cream and crush any remaining vanilla wafers on top. Enjoy! 
vegan banana pudding with whipped cream in clear trifle dish

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this vegan banana pudding gluten-free?

We used our Homemade Vegan Vanilla Wafers and have not tested our homemade recipe with gluten-free flour yet. However, if you have access to vegan and gluten-free vanilla wafer cookies, this recipe can be easily made gluten-free! 

How long does the assembled vegan banana pudding last?

Once assembled, this pudding is best enjoyed within 24 hours. The longer it sits, the softer the cookies will become. 

Can I serve right away without chilling?

We recommend chilling for at least a few hours. Chilling the layered dessert helps the pudding firm up and creates a dessert that’s much easier to slice and serve. If you like your cookies to remain on the crunchier side, refrigerate for just 2-3 hours!

a serving of vegan banana pudding with whipped cream on blue plate

How to Prepare Vegan Banana Pudding in Advance

If you’re preparing your banana pudding ahead of a dinner your hosting or the holidays, there are a few components you can prep in advance to make the serving day stress-free. 

First, prepare the homemade vanilla wafers, if they are being used, and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Second, prepare the homemade pudding and refrigerate until ready to use. 

Then, layer the dessert and refrigerate at least 2 hours ahead of serving or overnight! 

vegan banana pudding with whipped cream in clear trifle dish

More Vegan Pudding Recipes YOu May Enjoy:

Make sure you tag us on Instagram @sweetsimplevegan and @consciouschris and hashtag #sweetsimplevegan if you make this recipe. We love to see your photos! 

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a serving of vegan banana pudding with whipped cream on blue plate

Vegan Banana Pudding Recipe


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No reviews

  • Author: Sweet Simple Vegan
  • Total Time: 2 hours 22 minutes
  • Yield: 6-8 servings
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

This Southern-inspired Vegan Banana Pudding is guaranteed to be a hit at your next get together. Vegan vanilla wafers and fresh banana slices layered between a creamy vegan custard, then topped with whipped cream and additional crushed wafers. All you need is 10 simple ingredients!


Ingredients

Pudding mixture

  • ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 3 cups non-dairy milk
  • 2 tablespoons vegan butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon turmeric (optional)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 can of vegan condensed milk
  • 2 cups vegan heavy cream, cold

Whipped cream (optional)

  • 1 cup vegan heavy cream, cold
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

Assembly

Equipment


Instructions

Prepare the Vanilla Pudding

  1. Combine the cornstarch, sugar, and non-dairy milk. Add the sugar and cornstarch to a medium saucepan and combine. Add 1 cup of non-dairy milk and whisk together until smooth. Whisk in the remaining non-dairy milk.  
  2. Simmer the milk mixture until thickened. Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, mixing constantly, until the mixture thickens, about 5-6 minutes. 
  3. Add vegan butter, vanilla, turmeric, and salt. Remove the pudding mixture from the heat and add the vegan butter, vanilla extract, turmeric and salt. Mix together until the vegan butter is melted and the mixture is smooth. 
  4. Set aside to cool. Pour the mixture into a large, heatproof bowl and press a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface so a skin doesn’t form. Set aside to cool to room temperature. If making it in advance, place it in the fridge until it is ready to assemble.
  5. Add vegan condensed milk. Once the pudding is cooled to room temperature, add the vegan condensed milk. Mix and set aside. 
  6. Whip the heavy cream. Add the vegan heavy cream to a separate large bowl. Using an electric hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. 
  7. Fold the whipped cream into the pudding. Add the whipped cream to the bowl with the pudding and fold together gently until combined. 

Assembly

  1. Begin layering the pudding. To a trifle dish or large baking dish, add a quarter of the pudding mixture to the bottom and spread evenly. Add a layer of vegan vanilla wafers, followed by banana slices. 
  2. Layer two more times. Continue layering pudding, followed by wafers and banana slices two more times. Top with the remaining pudding mixture. 
  3. Refrigerate. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least two hours or up to overnight. 

Right Before Serving

  1. Make the whipped cream for topping. Right before serving, add the remaining vegan heavy cream and sugar to a large bowl and whip to soft peaks. 
  2. Garnish and serve. Top the banana pudding with the whipped cream and crush any remaining vanilla wafers on top. Enjoy! 

Notes

  • As the assembled pudding chills in the fridge, the cookies will soften to a cake-like texture and the pudding will firm up. If you prefer the cookies to retain more crunch, only chill for a few hours before serving!
  • This pudding is best enjoyed within 24 hours. The longer it sits, the softer the cookies will become.
  • Prep Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 7 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Stove Top
  • Cuisine: Southern

The post Vegan Banana Pudding appeared first on Sweet Simple Vegan.

Homemade Vegan Vanilla Wafers

Homemade Vegan Vanilla Wafers are the perfect vegan swap for Nilla wafers! Enjoy these crisp and buttery cookies on their own, or layer them in our Homemade Vegan Banana Pudding for a classic vegan dessert the whole family will love.

The post Homemade Vegan Vanilla Wafers appeared first on Sweet Simple Vegan.

Homemade Vegan Vanilla Wafers are the perfect vegan swap for Nilla wafers! Enjoy these crisp and buttery cookies on their own, or layer them in our Homemade Vegan Banana Pudding for a classic vegan dessert the whole family will love.

vegan vanilla wafers piled on white plate
vegan vanilla wafers piled on a white plate

When it comes to our vegan dessert recipes, we work hard to make our recipes as accessible to as many people as possible. So when we decided to develop our own Classic Vegan Banana Pudding recipe, we knew we needed to make a Vegan Vanilla Wafer recipe to go along with it! After all, the widely available Nilla Wafers are sadly made with eggs and dairy and are not vegan-friendly. 

These homemade cookies are not only free of all animal products, but they’re also made with just 6 simple ingredients and can be stashed in the freezer whenever a banana pudding or cookie craving hits! Even the most beginner of home chefs can make these homemade wafers.

If you’re looking for more homemade vegan basics to try, our Vegan LadyfingersVegan Sweetened Condensed Milk, and Vegan Vanilla Buttercream Frosting are must-make recipes.

all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, non-dairy milk, vanilla extract, vegan butter, baking powder, salt

Ingredients You’ll Need 

  • Vegan butter: Adds richness and moisture that keeps these cookies soft and buttery. Our favorite vegan butter is Country Crock, but many also like Earth Balance Buttery Sticks. For best results, we recommend using buttery sticks over buttery spreads – they are more stable. 
  • Sugar: These cookies are sweetened with granulated sugar. If you swap this sugar with coconut sugar or brown sugar, the cookies will be much darker in color. To ensure they are vegan, opt for organic sugar. 
  • Vanilla extract: Adds the essential vanilla flavor! We recommend pure vanilla extract over imitation vanilla extract for the best flavor. 
  • Flour: Simple all-purpose flour keeps these cookies light and fluffy on the inside, crisp on the edges. We have not tested alternate flours and can’t confirm they’ll work.
  • Baking powder: This ingredient acts as the leavening agent in this baking recipe and helps the cookies rise just slightly.
  • Salt: Balances the sweeter flavors and enhances the vanilla flavor.
  • Non-dairy milk: You’ll need a couple tablespoons of any non-dairy milk of choice to help make the cookie dough smooth and moist. We recommend a plain milk. 

The complete ingredient measurements are in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Equipment Needed

How to Make Vegan Vanilla Wafers

  1. Cream the butter and sugar. Add the softened vegan butter and sugar to a large bowl. Beat together with an electric hand mixer until light and creamy, about 2 minutes. 
  2. Add vanilla. Add vanilla extract to the bowl with the vegan butter and sugar. Beat again until smooth and well incorporated. 
  3. Add dry ingredients. Add the flour, baking powder, and salt. Beat together on low until roughly combined. The mixture should be crumbly. 
  4. Add non-dairy milk. Lastly, add 2 tablespoons of non-dairy milk and beat on low until a smooth dough forms. 
  5. Scoop into 2-teaspoon-sized balls. Using a cookie scoop, scoop the dough into uniform cookie dough balls about 2 teaspoons in size. As you work, place the cookie dough balls 2 inches apart on a baking sheet. 
  6. Lightly flatten. Using damp hands, lightly flatten each cookie dough ball into a thick disc.
  7. Bake. Place the cookie sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown around the edges. You’ll likely need to bake in multiple batches. 
  8. Cool on a wire rack. Allow the cookies to cool for 5 minutes on the cookie sheet, then transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. 
  9. Enjoy! Serve the cookies as desired, or use to make our vegan pudding. Note: If using for vegan banana pudding, store in an airtight container and use the next day.
white plate piled with vegan vanilla wafers

Recipe FAQs

Can I make these vanilla wafer cookies gluten-free?

We have only tested this recipe using all-purpose flour and are unsure if they will work well with gluten-free flour. If you’d like to experiment on your own, we’d recommend starting with a quality 1:1 Gluten-Free Flour Blend. You are more likely to have success working with a gluten-free flour blend than swapping in a single gluten-free flour, such as almond flour or coconut flour. 

How many batches do I need to make the vegan banana pudding?

Our Homemade Vegan Banana Pudding requires two batches of our homemade vanilla wafers. Simply double this recipe and make a double batch of the dough at once, then scoop and bake the cookies in batches. 

Can I replace the vegan butter with coconut oil?

We have not tested this, but based on our experience, we would not recommend swapping the vegan butter with softened coconut oil. Vegan butter is formulated to mimic dairy butter, whereas coconut oil is not as stable or spreadable. Coconut oil is likely to make much more crispy vanilla wafers.

stacked vegan vanilla wafers

Storage and Freezing Instructions

These wafer-style cookies will keep well in an airtight container for up to 5 days at room temperature or up to 3 months in the freezer. Before storing, let the cookies cool completely. 

If frozen, allow the cookies to thaw at room temperature until soft again. 

If you make this recipe, make sure you tag us on Instagram @sweetsimplevegan and @consciouschris and hashtag #sweetsimplevegan. We love to see your photos! 

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vegan vanilla wafers piled on a white plate

Homemade Vegan Vanilla Wafers Recipe


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No reviews

  • Author: Sweet Simple Vegan
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: ~40 cookies
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

Homemade Vegan Vanilla Wafers are the perfect vegan swap for Nilla wafers! Enjoy these crisp and buttery cookies on their own, or layer them in our Homemade Vegan Banana Pudding for a classic vegan dessert the whole family will love.


Ingredients

  • ½ cup (1 stick) vegan butter, softened
  • ⅔ cup (133g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour
  • ¾ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons non-dairy milk

Equipment


Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line 2 baking sheets.
  2. Cream the butter and sugar. Add the softened vegan butter and sugar to a large bowl. Beat together with an electric hand mixer until light and creamy, about 2 minutes. 
  3. Add vanilla. Add vanilla extract to the bowl with the vegan butter and sugar. Beat again until smooth and well incorporated. 
  4. Add dry ingredients. Add the flour, baking powder, and salt. Beat together on low until roughly combined. The mixture should be crumbly. 
  5. Add non-dairy milk. Lastly, add 2 tablespoons of non-dairy milk and beat on low until a smooth dough forms. 
  6. Scoop into 2-teaspoon-sized balls. Using a cookie scoop, scoop the dough into uniform cookie dough balls about 2 teaspoons in size. As you work, place the cookie dough balls 2 inches apart on a baking sheet. 
  7. Lightly flatten. Using damp hands, lightly flatten each cookie dough ball into a thick disc.
  8. Bake. Place the cookie sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown around the edges. You’ll likely need to bake in multiple batches. 
  9. Cool on a wire rack. Allow the cookies to cool for 5 minutes on the cookie sheet, then transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. 
  10. Enjoy! Serve the cookies as desired, or use to make our vegan pudding. Note: If using for vegan banana pudding, store in an airtight container and use the next day.

Notes

  • Storage: Keep well in an airtight container for up to 5 days at room temperature. Before storing, let the cookies cool completely. 
  • Freezing: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 months in the freezer. Before storing, let the cookies cool completely. If frozen, allow the cookies to thaw at room temperature until soft again.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Oven

The post Homemade Vegan Vanilla Wafers appeared first on Sweet Simple Vegan.

Vegan Biscoff Cheesecake

Treat your loved ones to the best Vegan Biscoff Cheescake! It’s made with a cookie crust, smooth and tangy Biscoff filling, and a final layer of Biscoff Spread to make the ultimate Biscoff cookie dessert. All you need is 7 simple ingredients! 

The post Vegan Biscoff Cheesecake appeared first on Sweet Simple Vegan.

Treat your loved ones to the best Vegan Biscoff Cheesecake! It’s made with a cookie crust, smooth and tangy Biscoff filling, and a final layer of Biscoff Spread to make the ultimate Biscoff cookie dessert. All you need is 7 simple ingredients! 

showing the front of a slice of biscoff cheesecake on a blue plate with the full cake and cookie crumbs in the background
overhead of vegan biscoff cheesecake surrounded by cookies and cookie crumbs and a spatula

If you’ve only ever tried a baked New York Style Vegan Cheesecake, you’re in for a treat! This Vegan Biscoff Cheesecake is set completely overnight in the refrigerator. It’s the best cheesecake recipe for beginners, as it removes all of the tricky steps you’ll find in a regular baked cheesecake recipe. No water bath, no risk of cracking, and no chance of over-baking! 

The filling is also much more light and airy. We like to compare it to the consistency of our Vegan Strawberry Mousse or Vegan Chocolate Mousse. Unbelievably rich, yet not as heavy as a traditional cheesecake. All in all, this Creamy Biscoff Cheesecake is a must-make dessert recipe for the holiday season! No one will know it’s free of animal products. 

biscoff cookies, cookie butter, powdered sugar, vegan heavy whipping cream alternative, dairy-free cream cheese, salt, dairy-free butter, vinegar

Ingredients You’ll Need 

For the Crust

  • Biscoff cookies: The base of the crust is made entirely from crushed Biscoff cookies. We recommend using the Lotus Biscoff Cookies for best results (they’re accidentally vegan!).
  • Vegan butter: A few tablespoons of melted butter helps the cookie crumbs stick together and form a uniform, wet, sand-like consistency. 
  • Salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness in the cookies and enhances the overall flavor of the crust. 

For the Biscoff Cheesecake Filling

  • Non-dairy heavy whipping cream: The secret to making a thick, rich cheesecake filling that requires no baking. We opted for a store-bought vegan heavy cream to make this recipe quick and easy. Look out for brands Country CrockSilk, and Nature’s Charm in stores near you. All 3 make their own vegan heavy whipping cream products. 
  • Vegan cream cheese: An essential ingredient in any cheesecake, baked or not! We’ve only tried this cheesecake recipe with a store-bought vegan cream cheese, but it may work with our Homemade Vegan Cream Cheese. If you try it, leave us a comment down below to let us know how it goes! 
  • Powdered sugar: Adds the perfect amount of sweetness while keeping the cheesecake filling as soft and luscious as possible. If your powdered sugar is hard or lumpy, sift thoroughly before using.
  • Lotus Biscoff spread: In addition to Biscoff cookies, you’ll need a jar of Biscoff spread or Cookie Butter to add the flavor of the cookies to the filling. Again, we recommend using the original Lotus Biscoff Brand (Also accidentally vegan!)! 
  • Lemon juice: Adds a bit of brightness that balances the richer flavors and enhances the tangy flavors in the vegan cream cheese.
lifting a slice of vegan biscoff cheesecake out of the entire cheesecake

Equipment Needed

How to Make Vegan Biscoff Cheesecake

  1. Make the Biscoff crust. In a food processor, process the Biscoff cookies until they are broken down into crumbs. Then add the melted vegan butter and salt and pulse until combined. When ready, the mixture should resemble wet sand. 
  2. Press into springform pan. Using your hands or a flat-bottomed measuring cup, press the Biscoff crust mixture to the bottom and up the sides of the pan. 
  3. Bake the crust. Transfer to the oven and bake for 8 minutes at 350F. Set aside to cool while you prepare the filling. 
  4. Whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks. Add the cold heavy whipping cream to a large bowl. Use an electric hand mixer to whip the cream to stiff peaks for about 3-4 minutes. Place the whipped cream in the fridge while you prepare the rest of the filling.
  5. Prepare the rest of the filling. In a separate bowl, add the vegan cream cheese and powdered sugar. Use your hand mixer to beat together until light and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the Biscoff spread, lemon juice, and salt. Mix again until well combined.
  6. Fold in the whipped cream. Use a spatula to carefully add the whipped cream and carefully fold together, trying not to deflate the mixture. 
  7. Pour the filling over the crust. Using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon, spread evenly, filling the entire crust. 
  8. Chill overnight. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and place in the fridge to chill for at least 8 hours, or overnight. 
  9. Top with Biscoff spread. Once chilled, pour the remaining Biscoff spread on top of the cheesecake and use an offset spatula to spread it out evenly. Be careful not to scrap the cheesecake filling! Sprinkle the remaining Biscoff cookies on top, as desired.  
  10. Chill for a final 30 minutes. Cover and chill again to let the Biscoff spread set, at least 30 minutes. Once chilled, slice and enjoy! 

Serving Suggestions 

If you’re not a cake person, cheesecakes are the next best dessert to celebrate birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion that deserves a sweet treat! We love to make this vegan Biscoff cheesecake to celebrate ThanksgivingChristmas, or Spring Holidays like Easter.

Storage Instructions

To keep leftover cheesecake as fresh as possible, store in an airtight container or tightly cover with a layer of plastic wrap. When stored well, leftover cheesecake will keep for up to 1 week in the refrigerator. 

closer image of vegan biscoff cheesecake

Quick Tips

  • Chill sufficiently. ​To set the cheesecake properly, it must be chilled for at least 8 hours, ideally overnight. This not only allows the flavors to meld together but also helps the cheesecake firm up and maintain a sliceable consistency. 
  • Bake the cheesecake crust, when possible. We’ve included a method for making this cheesecake entirely no-bake, but if you have the option, we find blind baking the crust will help it hold together as best as possible. The no-bake crust works, but it is a bit more crumbly.
  • Use the Biscoff brand. There are generic and off-brands inspired by the original Biscoff cookies on the market, but for the best results and consistency, we recommend using the Lotus Biscoff Cookies. This will ensure your cheesecake crust and base has the right consistency. 
overhead image of vegan biscoff cheesecake on a blue plate with cookies and crumbs surrounding it

More Vegan Cheesecake Recipes You May Enjoy:

Make sure you tag us on Instagram @sweetsimplevegan and @consciouschris and hashtag #sweetsimplevegan if you make this recipe. We love to see your photos! 

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overhead image of vegan biscoff cheesecake on a blue plate with cookies and crumbs surrounding it

Vegan Biscoff Cheesecake Recipe


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  • Author: Sweet Simple Vegan
  • Total Time: 9 hours 8 minutes
  • Yield: 6-8 servings
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

Treat your loved ones to the best Vegan Biscoff Cheesecake! It’s made with a cookie crust, smooth and tangy Biscoff filling, and a final layer of Biscoff Spread to make the ultimate Biscoff cookie dessert. All you need is 7 simple ingredients!


Ingredients

Crust

  • 28 biscoff cookies (218g)
  • 5 tablespoons vegan butter, melted
  • Pinch of salt

Filling

  • 1¼ cup non-dairy heavy whipping cream, cold
  • 16 oz vegan cream cheese, room temperature
  • ¼ cup (30g) powdered sugar
  • 1 cup (240g) biscoff spread
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Topping

Equipment


Instructions

  1. Make the biscoff crust. Preheat oven to 350°F. In a food processor, process the biscoff cookies until they are broken down into crumbs. Then add the melted vegan butter and salt and pulse until combined. The mixture should resemble wet sand.
  2. Pour the crust mixture into a 9” springform pan. Use your hands or a flat-bottomed measuring cup to press the mixture to the bottom and up the sides of the pan. Bake at 350°F for 8 minutes. Set aside to cool before filling.
    1. No-bake: Set the crust in the fridge for at least 15 minutes as you prepare the filling.
  3. Make the filling. Add the cold heavy whipping cream to a large bowl. Use an electric hand mixer to whip the cream to stiff peaks, about 3-4 minutes. Place the bowl in the fridge while you prepare the rest of the filling.
  4. In a separate bowl, add the vegan cream cheese and powdered sugar. Use your hand mixer to beat until light and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
  5. Add the biscoff spread, lemon juice (or vinegar), and salt and mix again until well combined.
  6. Add the whipped cream and use a spatula to carefully fold together, trying not to deflate the mixture.
  7. Pour the filling over the biscoff crust and spread evenly. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and place in the fridge to chill for at least 8 hours or overnight.
  8. Assemble and serve. Once chilled, pour the remaining biscoff spread on top of the cheesecake and use an offset spatula to spread it out evenly. Be careful not to scrape the cheesecake filling!
  9. Sprinkle the remaining biscoff cookies on top as desired. Cover and chill again to let the biscoff spread set, at least 30 minutes. Once chilled, slice and enjoy!

Notes

  • A standard sleeve of biscoff cookies has 32 cookies.
  • The crust holds together better and has better flavor if baked first, but just chilling the crust for a true no-bake cheesecake is still delicious!
  • Storage: To keep leftover cheesecake as fresh as possible, store in an airtight container or tightly cover with a layer of plastic wrap. When stored well, leftover cheesecake will keep for up to 1 week in the refrigerator. 
  • Prep Time: 9 hours
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Bake / Oven

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