5 Simple Swaps to Make Baking Recipes Vegan-Friendly

Baking is a science, but that doesn't mean it's inflexible—especially when it comes to making recipes vegan-friendly! Whether you're transitioning to a plant-based lifestyle or baking for a vegan friend, learning how to substitute traditional baking ingredients with plant-based alternatives can open up a whole new world of delicious possibilities.

In this guide, we’ll explore five simple swaps you can make to create delectable vegan baked goods without sacrificing taste, texture, or quality. Let’s dive in!

1. Replacing Eggs

Eggs are commonly used in baking for binding, leavening, and adding moisture. Thankfully, there are several effective vegan alternatives depending on the function eggs serve in your recipe.

Best Vegan Egg Substitutes:

• Flaxseed Egg – Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for 5 minutes. This is perfect for cookies, muffins, and pancakes.

• Chia Seed Egg – Just like flax eggs, mix 1 tablespoon of chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water. This works well in cakes and brownies.

• Mashed Banana – Use ½ a mashed banana per egg for moisture and slight sweetness in cakes and quick breads.

• Applesauce – Swap ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce per egg to add moisture without overpowering the flavor.

• Baking Powder & Vinegar – For fluffier cakes and cupcakes, combine 1 teaspoon of baking powder with 1 tablespoon of vinegar.

2. Dairy-Free Milk Alternatives

Traditional milk provides moisture and richness to baked goods, but plant-based alternatives work just as well.

Best Dairy-Free Milk Alternatives:

• Almond Milk – Light and slightly nutty, great for cakes and muffins.

• Oat Milk – Naturally sweet and creamy, making it perfect for cookies and scones.

• Coconut Milk – Full-fat coconut milk adds richness, ideal for cream-based desserts.

• Soy Milk – A great all-purpose substitute with a neutral flavor.

• Cashew Milk – Creamy and smooth, excellent for frostings and custards.

Most plant-based milks can be swapped at a 1:1 ratio for dairy milk in recipes.

3. Butter Alternatives

Butter adds flavor, moisture, and richness to baked goods. Luckily, there are plenty of vegan-friendly substitutes that work just as well.

Best Vegan Butter Replacements:

• Coconut Oil – Use in a 1:1 ratio for a slightly coconutty flavor. Works well in cookies, cakes, and bars.

• Vegan Margarine or Butter – Brands like Earth Balance and Miyoko’s offer excellent plant-based butter alternatives.

• Avocado – Mashed avocado adds creaminess to brownies and cookies while cutting down on saturated fat.

• Nut Butters – Almond or cashew butter can replace butter for a richer, nuttier taste in some recipes.

• Applesauce or Pumpkin Puree – Swap in a 1:1 ratio to reduce fat while keeping baked goods moist.

4. Sweeteners Without Animal Products

Many commercial sugars are processed using bone char, making them non-vegan. Instead, opt for plant-based alternatives that still deliver the same level of sweetness.

Best Vegan Sugar Substitutes:

• Organic Cane Sugar – Unlike refined white sugar, organic cane sugar is unprocessed and vegan-friendly.

• Maple Syrup – Adds a rich flavor and can replace sugar in liquid-based recipes.

• Agave Nectar – A great 1:1 substitute for honey in vegan baking.

• Coconut Sugar – Low glycemic and provides a caramel-like flavor.

• Date Syrup or Pureed Dates – Natural and nutrient-dense sweeteners that blend well in brownies and muffins.

5. Dairy-Free Cream and Cheese Substitutes

Cream, cream cheese, and other dairy-based ingredients are often used for richness and structure in baked goods. Luckily, there are amazing plant-based alternatives available.

Best Vegan Cream and Cheese Alternatives:

• Cashew Cream – Blend cashews with water and lemon juice to make a rich dairy-free cream for cheesecakes and frostings.

• Coconut Cream – Full-fat coconut milk chilled and whipped makes an excellent alternative to dairy cream.

• Vegan Cream Cheese – Store-bought options like Kite Hill or homemade cashew-based cream cheese work well.

• Silken Tofu – Perfect for making creamy fillings for pies and cheesecakes.

The Key to Successful Vegan Baking

With these simple swaps, vegan baking becomes just as easy and enjoyable as traditional baking. The key is to understand the role of each ingredient and choose the right plant-based substitute for the best results.

Final Thoughts

Making the switch to vegan baking doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With these five simple swaps, you can easily create plant-based treats that taste just as good—if not better—than their traditional counterparts. Whether you're baking for yourself, your family, or friends, these ingredient substitutions will help you craft delicious and cruelty-free desserts.

Happy baking! 🌱✨