45 Vegan Dessert Recipes | Oil-Free

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You don’t have to be plant-based to enjoy these oil-free Vegan Dessert Recipes. Anyone, and I do mean anyone–vegan, vegetarian, omnivore–will love these family favorites!

vegan dessert recipes photo collage

When I need to take a dessert to a family function or social gathering, I love to make something not only sweet and delicious but also beautiful to catch everyone’s attention and make them want to try it. Deserts like my no-bake tofu chocolate pie and vegan chocolate balls are always a hit.

Most people can hardly believe that these desserts are actually much lower in fat than their traditional counterparts. They are made with less refined sugars and are completely free from oil, dairy, and eggs.

Reasons you will love these recipes

  • Healthier Ingredients: Packed with whole-food, plant-based ingredients like fruits, nuts, and oats, these desserts are both nourishing and delicious.
  • Guilt-Free Indulgence: These oil-free, lower-fat vegan dessert recipes let you satisfy your sweet tooth without the extra calories or unhealthy fats.
  • Deliciously Satisfying: You won’t miss the oil or added fats—these desserts are just as rich and flavorful as traditional treats.

Which sweetener is healthiest?

To get away from white sugar which has basically zero nutritional benefits, I try to stick with the healthier sweetener options that still retain at least some nutrients that have not been stripped away.

The healthiest natural sweeteners include options like maple syrup, raw honey, coconut sugar, and dates, which offer more nutrients and a lower glycemic index than refined sugars. These sweeteners provide a rich, flavorful sweetness with added benefits like antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. I also use pure cane sugar, maple sugar, and date sugar in some recipes.

I want to be clear here and say that all sweeteners–even healthier ones–are going to raise sugar levels in the body. So, be aware that these recipes should only be occasional treats and are not for binging.

Lower-fat vegan desserts

This post is a round-up of some of my family’s favorite healthy vegan desserts. We have everything from chocolate cake and no-bake chocolate pie, to applesauce cinnamon muffins and glazed carrot cake. Believe it or not, they are even lower in fat than most dessert recipes.

Top picks

It’s really hard to choose, but I think my personal favorite is the Crockpot Chocolate Lava Cake or possibly vegan carrot cake. My husband’s top pick is the No-Bake Chocolate Pie. I would love to hear which one is your favorite, so leave a comment below and let me know.

Easy vegan desserts (15 minutes or less)

Granted, some of the recipes in this list are more labor-intensive than others. Let’s face it, not everyone is good at baking, and you don’t have to be to make some of these desserts.

Here’s a short list of a few lazy vegan dessert recipes that can be whipped up in about 15 minutes or less.

There are even more easy recipes included in the list below, but these should give you the idea that making a delicious vegan dessert doesn’t have to be difficult. Sometimes it takes only a few minutes.

When the holidays roll around, this list of 33 Vegan Holiday Desserts can help too!

*Originally published April 2019.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use natural sweeteners in oil-free vegan desserts?

Absolutely! Natural sweeteners like maple syrup, coconut sugar, and dates are great alternatives to refined sugars and add extra nutrients to your desserts.

How can I make oil-free vegan desserts creamy?

You can achieve creaminess in oil-free vegan desserts by using ingredients like avocado, coconut milk, cashews, or silken tofu to create smooth, rich textures.

Can oil-free vegan desserts still be flavorful?

Definitely! Oil-free vegan desserts can be incredibly flavorful, thanks to the use of spices like cinnamon, vanilla, and cocoa, as well as natural sweeteners and fresh fruit.

45 Vegan Dessert Recipes

You don’t have to be plant-based to enjoy these oil-free vegan dessert recipes. Anyone--and I do mean anybody–vegan, vegetarian, omnivore–will love these family favorites!


I hope you enjoyed exploring this collection of healthy vegan dessert recipes and found plenty of inspiration for creating your own special treats. These delicious, guilt-free desserts are perfect for any occasion!

About Terri Edwards

Hi guys! I am the content creator behind EatPlant-Based and a licensed Food for Life instructor with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. I am passionate about sharing healthy recipes and tips to empower others to get healthy.  I’m so glad you’re here! Read More…

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