Dairy-Free Desserts: 11 Easy Recipes Everyone Loves
From rich chocolate cake to no-bake cheesecake and creamy ice cream, these dairy-free desserts prove you never have to miss out. Full-fat coconut milk, cashew cream and dairy-free chocolate do the heavy lifting, so every recipe stays just as indulgent.
11 Dairy-Free Recipes to Try
- Chocolate Cake — ultra-moist, fudgy and made with everyday pantry staples.
- Vanilla Cupcakes — light, fluffy and topped with dairy-free buttercream.
- Fudgy Brownies — one-bowl, deeply chocolatey with a shiny crackly top.
- Baked Donuts — soft, cinnamon-sugar donuts baked in under 20 minutes.
- Bakery Muffins — moist, tall and tender with a bakery-style dome.
- No-Bake Cheesecake — creamy and tangy with a simple blender filling.
- Cream Pie — one easy base with ten dreamy dairy-free fillings.
- Chocolate Mousse — silky, decadent and set with whipped coconut cream.
- Custard — silky 5-ingredient custard with no eggs or dairy.
- 3-Ingredient Fudge — soft, rich squares that set in the fridge.
- Coconut Ice Cream — scoopable, creamy and made from coconut milk.
The best dairy swaps for desserts
Full-fat coconut milk replaces cream in mousse, custard and ice cream. Cashew cream blends silky-smooth for cheesecake and frosting. For whipped topping, chill a can of coconut cream overnight and whip the solid layer. Dairy-free chocolate and vegan butter cover cakes and fudge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best dairy-free substitute for heavy cream in desserts?
Full-fat canned coconut milk or coconut cream is the most versatile; it bakes, whips and sets like dairy cream. Cashew cream is a neutral-tasting alternative for cheesecakes and fillings.
Can I make dairy-free whipped cream?
Yes. Chill a can of full-fat coconut cream overnight, scoop out the firm layer, and whip it with a little sugar and vanilla until fluffy.
Are these desserts also vegan?
Most are or can be. Swap any eggs for flax eggs or applesauce and use dairy-free chocolate, and the recipes become fully plant-based.
Looking for more? Browse the full collection of dairy-free recipes for cookies, desserts, dinners and substitutes.