We've written a no-nonsense guide to vegan baking: everything you need to know and some vegan baking essentials. After all, vegan cooking and baking can be experimental, fun, and so innovative. Companies are trying to get on board with plant-based diets by creating useful products that make plant-based diets easier and more accessible, such as vegan cheese or milk.
This means that you don’t have to miss out on your favourite baked goods and adapt your favourite recipes. Who would want to miss out on a cake? Or a fancy dessert? Anything you can make, you can make vegan.
Vegan baking essentials at a glance
• Best vegan egg replacement: Free and Easy Egg Replacer - View Offer at The Ethical Superstore
• Best chocolate chip alternatives: Moo Free Vegan Chocolate Baking Chips - View Offer on Amazon UK
• Best vegan whipped cream: Food Heaven Heavenly Whipped Vegan Spray Cream - View Offer at Tesco
Perhaps, you're wondering: is vegan baking healthier? Vegan cakes are healthier as they "don't contain cholesterol... since plant-based foods are generally free from it," says All About Greens. Plus, if you're replacing butter, cream and milk with healthier alternatives (such as vegan milk alternatives, dairy-free spread and soft tofu), then "you'll also considerably reduce your intake of saturated fat."
We’ve picked out the essentials that you need to be stocked up if you’re going to tackle a spot of vegan baking - from egg replacements to whipped cream. Check out our top vegan baking essentials below - and take them for a whisk. So, what are some vegan baking essentials? These are the products you're going to need for some vegan treats...
Vegan baking essentials UK
Best flour for vegan cooking
The Biona Organic Coconut Flour is made from the dried flesh of the coconut, which is finely ground to create a home baking ingredient rich in fibre and protein. This flour is a kitchen essential and a great alternative for those following gluten-free diets, too.
Customer review: "This coconut flour was of very good quality and also value for money. Would definitely buy again."
Best sugar for vegan cooking
The Groovy Food Company Organic Coconut Sugar can be used as a sugar substitute in sweet and savoury dishes. Sourced from certified organic plantations in South East Asia, this sugar swap is derived sustainably from luscious coconut palm trees. Sweet!
Customer review: "I've used this in some gluten free blueberry buns (muffins) several times - along with the tigernut flour, it gives a wonderful moorish flavour rather like maple syrup. I always half the sugar in American recipes as they're too sweet for me, but even with half the quantity, the cakes are sweet enough."
Best vegan egg replacement
www.ethicalsuperstore.com
If you're too busy to fiddle with flax seeds or chickpea water, then we recommend this Free and Easy Egg Replacer. It's a fantastic substitute for an egg to use in your favourite baked goods. The reviews are pretty favourable, too.
Customer review: "Works well in box mixes and mug cakes. I am yet to try it in a loaf cake however, it seems to do its job elsewhere so I think it is up to the task!"
Best vegan cream alternative
www.sainsburys.co.uk
Simply stir this Elmlea Double Plant Alternative To Dairy Cream into your cooking as you would normally or whip it into your favourite creamy desserts. Don't forget to be amazed. Elmea's Plant Cream is out of this world. It's also gluten-free, lactose-free and free from artificial colours and flavours. Awesome.
Our review: "This cream alternative tastes just like the real thing."
Best honey or maple syrup alternative
www.hollandandbarrett.com
If you're thinking of saying goodbye to honey, why not look at agave nectar as an alternative? It's sweet and delicious. The Groovy Food Company Premium Agave Nectar is 100% organic and tastes amazing.
Our review: "I love this Agave Syrup. It tastes amazing on pancakes and is a great sugar-free sweetener."
Best chocolate chip alternatives
Missing chocolate chip cookies? These Moo Free Vegan Chocolate Baking Chips could help.
Customer review: "They have worked really well for us in home-baked granola. But oh man they are so expensive."
Best vegan whipped cream
www.tesco.com
Wow! If you're missing whipped cream, Food Heaven has got your back with this awesome dairy-free alternative. This Food Heaven Heavenly Whipped Vegan Spray Cream is a brilliant topping for desserts and hot drinks.
Customer review: "This is a great substitute for whipped cream and tastes really good!"
Baking mixes and kits
These kits from Super Good Bakery and Bakester Box are perfect if you haven't got the time this week.
Best vegan cake kit
You won't be missing out on a birthday cake this year. Or why not treat yourself to the SUPERGOOD BAKERY Vegan Chocolate Cake Kit? It's got rave reviews - and looks delicious, judging by what's on the box.
Customer review: "I have used this mix several times when cooking from my vegan partner and have never been disappointed. I use silky tofu mixed with chocolate as icing it tastes delicious."
Savoury vegan baing kit
www.notonthehighstreet.com
Not everyone has a sweet tooth. Luckily, Bakester Box has a Bakester Za'atar Topped Focaccia Bread Baking Kit for a savoury treat. This kit contains dry and ambient ingredients (including Olive Oil!) You will need to add 380ml water and you are good to go. Plus, the Za'atar topping gives this bread a salty, umami and herby taste.
Our review: "Truly the best focaccia I've ever eaten."
Gooey brownie mix
Whip up some delectable brownies in no time with the Creative Nature Vegan Brownie Mix.
Customer review: "A much-needed product. Delicious and easy."
FAQs
What can I use instead of eggs in vegan baking?
I know what you’re thinking: eggs are the tricky ones to replace.
Yes, eggs are important to a lot of recipes because they bind everything together. So, finding a vegan alternative can be a challenge. Of course, you can try a replacer, but it’s also worth looking into organic or natural egg replacements if that’s your thing. Why not try chia or flaxseeds?
Does vegan butter work in baking?
Butter is really easy to replace. There are so many plant-based spreads out there, which are rich and creamy. You can’t tell the difference. Brands like Flora and Vitalite make the best.
Some Extra Tips:
Figure out egg replacements.
Baking soda/powder is your best friend.
Swap out honey, if you must, but that’s really up to you.
Use soy or oat milk – they’re the better options.
Don’t be afraid to fail, keep trying!
We’ve got your back. You’ll be acing a Bake Off technical in no time.
Piper Huxley is a Homes, Garden and Wellness Product Writer for Yours, an all-rounder who will write on anything from décor to wellness. When not scouring the net for the best home bargains, Piper is listening to a musical soundtrack and tending to her houseplants.