There’s nothing quite like the smell of a wintery pine forest on a crisp winter morning. But for those of us that aren’t native to this land, or who are sometimes less than enthralled by the sight of Christmas decorations, the smells and sounds can sometimes be off-putting. Luckily, there’s no need to let your diet suffer when it comes to the holidays.
These vegan Christmas recipes will make your plants and meat-eating friends happy without sacrificing any of the joyousness. From savoury appetizers and main dishes to drinks and desserts, these vegan Christmas recipes will have everyone at the table feel included in both the holiday celebrations and their dietary choices.
Oven-Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cranberry-Walnut Vinaigrette
Brussels sprouts are not just a seasonal vegetable – they are a brassica vegetable! These hearty little sprouts grow best in the spring and summer months, meaning they are more than happy to be eaten all year round. They are super healthy and high in vitamins C, K and B12. They are also an excellent source of fibre, folate and potassium.
Roasting Brussels sprouts helps bring out the sweetness and caramelizes the edges of the sprouts, making them crispy and delicious. This recipe pairs roasted Brussels sprouts with a cranberry walnut vinaigrette to make a seasonal salad that is perfect for holiday gatherings. You can store leftovers in an air-tight container for up to 3 days.
Sticky Seitan Ribs with Charred Sweet Onion Sauce
Sticky, chewy tofu is often used for making seitan, which is a non-animal protein often used as a meat replacement in vegetarian and vegan dishes. It is made by curdling soy milk to separate the liquid curd from the protein. This sticky, chewy tofu is then pressed into blocks, which are cut into strips to make seitan.
Seitan is a great vegan protein option because it’s gluten-free, high in protein and has a very high protein-to-calories ratio. It is often used as a meat substitute in vegan dishes such as these sticky tofu ribs. These tofu ribs are topped with a charred sweet onion sauce to create a comforting, flavour-filled dish perfect for holiday gatherings.
Holiday Ham and Veggie Baked Egg Cups
If you’re trying to be the vegan host this year, these holiday ham and veggie-baked egg cups are sure to be a hit at your holiday get-together. These egg cups are packed with veggies and vegan holiday ham, making them the perfect filling and portable meal for any occasion.
Whether you’re hosting a Christmas potluck or bringing these to a neighbourhood gathering, everyone will enjoy these healthy egg cups. These egg cups are made with a rich cashew cream that adds extra protein and comfort to the dish. This recipe makes 12 servings, which is great for sharing with a large group but also perfect for a holiday meal with friends and family.
Gluten-Free Vegan Christmas Cookies
Some people may argue that Christmas isn’t the season for cookies but you can never be too sure about the people you associate with on Christmas. For the vegans in your life, countless gluten-free Christmas treats are sure to make them happy. These gluten-free vegan Christmas cookies are perfect for any holiday celebration.
They are gluten-free, vegan, made with just 4 ingredients and absolutely delicious. Gluten-free cookies are a treat many vegans miss out on because they aren’t always aware of the alternative ingredients they can use. These cookies are perfect for any gluten-free vegan because they are vegan, wheat-free, grain-free and paleo-friendly. These cookies are also nut-free and can be made nut-free by using gluten-free oat flour.
Vegan Stollen Bread Cake with Lemon Drizzle
Stollen is a Bavarian Christmas speciality that is similar to a bread pudding. The difference is that stollen bread is usually made with a yeast-leavened dough that is baked, and white bread is made with baking soda and/or baking powder. Stollen bread is basically like a sweet cinnamon bread that is often filled with dates and almonds.
This gluten-free vegan stollen bread cake is topped with a drizzled lemon icing that adds a sour note to the sweet bread. This stollen bread cake is perfect for holiday celebrations and gatherings with friends and family. It can be made a day in advance and can be served warm or at room temperature. This stollen bread cake is a great alternative to traditional holiday bread.
Classic Vegan Carrot Cake with Fresh Orange Essence
This classic vegan carrot cake recipe is a holiday must-make. It features a moist vegan carrot cake made with fresh orange essence and topped with citrus curd. This vegan carrot cake is gluten-free, vegan, oil-free and refined sugar-free, making it the perfect dessert for any festive occasion.
This carrot cake recipe can be made in one bowl, making it a great lazy weekend recipe. It is also perfect for potlucks and family gatherings where you want something that can be taken away without needing too much preparation.
Chai Tea Vegan Donut Hole Bars
These chai tea vegan doughnut hole bars are the perfect way to enjoy a sweet treat on the go. The chai tea doughnut holes are baked in a doughnut-shaped tin and topped with vegan chai spiced icing. These doughnut bars are made with a delicate gluten-free spelt pastry that is perfect for substitutions such as soy, almond or coconut milk.
The doughnut holes are topped with vegan icing that is sweetened with date syrup, giving it a delicious and spiced chai flavour. These chai tea vegan doughnut hole bars are perfect for sharing with friends and family during the holiday season. The bars are also perfect for snacking on during the day or as a light dessert before bed.
Matcha Topping: Red velvet, cream cheese, or custard?
If you’re looking for vegan holiday recipes, you’re in luck because matcha is one of the most popular teas for the holiday season. In addition to its caffeine content, matcha is full of antioxidants, which can help with digestion, metabolism and even mental health.
These vegan matcha cupcakes are topped with a matcha frosting that can be made in red velvet, cream cheese or vanilla flavours. What makes these vegan holiday desserts so delicious is that matcha can be added to just about any recipe to create a new flavour.
Summary
Vegan cooking doesn’t have to be boring, bland and tasteless. With these vegan Christmas recipes, you can enjoy the delicious flavours of the season without harming the animals or your health.
