Vegan Christmas Desserts

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

For a perfect end to Christmas dinner, dessert is a must. For vegans, finding dairy- and egg-free sweet treats can occasionally be a challenge, so this round-up of nearly a dozen vegan holiday desserts is the perfect solution. With everything from poached and preserved fruit to seasonal crisps, everyone is sure to find at least one plant-based recipe that will complete their dinner plate.

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Grapefruit Granita with Pear-and-Pom Relish

Photo: Randy Mayor

View Recipe: Grapefruit Granita with Pear-and-Pom Relish

Christmas is a big time for baked goods and sweet treats. Let everyone, even vegans, enjoy holiday desserts with this collection of recipes.

No need to relegate icy treats to the summertime. This granita will make a fantastic addition to your holiday get-togethers.

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Graham Cracker-Apple Crisp

Photo Courtesy of Oxmoor House

View Recipe: Graham Cracker-Apple Crisp

This crisp is just as delicious for breakfast as it is when served for dessert. The combination of gluten-free oats and graham crackers gives the topping a unique texture that complements the soft apple filling. Substitute whipped coconut cream for the whipped topping, and you've got a dairy-free dessert.

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Brandied Preserved Figs

Photo: Brian Woodcock

View Recipe: Brandied Preserved Figs

This recipe will work with any fresh figs you have, such as Brown Turkey, Calimyrna, or Black Mission. Enjoy them as a simple dessert on their own, served with ice cream or yogurt, or as a salad topper. Store in a cool, dry place for up to 1 year.

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Cranberry-Almond Bark

Photo Courtesy of Oxmoor House

View Recipe: Cranberry-Almond Bark

This addictive chocolate confection is a spectacular way to blend cranberries and almonds. You can also vary the recipe with other dried fruits, such as raisins, apricots, figs, or cherries. Wrap in clear plastic and tie with a dark green ribbon for a lovely holiday gift.

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Intense Fruit Gelées

Photo: Johnny Autry

View Recipe: Intense Fruit Gelées

Use your favorite flavor of fruit concentrate or puree from perfectpuree.com. We tried and liked pomegranate, tangerine, cranberry, blood orange, and Meyer lemon.

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French Apple Tart

Photo: Charles Masters

View Recipe: French Apple Tart

This free-form apple tart is easy, spectacular, and evocative of the season.

• • Make it Vegan: Use a vegan pastry dough—one made with vegetable shortening—and leave off the crème fraîche.

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Cranberry-Whiskey Sour Slush

Photo: Levi Brown

View Recipe: Cranberry-Whiskey Sour Slush

Is it a drink or dessert? Who cares? It satisfies both cravings.

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Chocolate-Sea Salt Breadsticks

Photo: Brian Woodcock

View Recipe: Chocolate-Sea Salt Breadsticks

If you have leftover pizza or bread dough, put it to delicious use.

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Wine-Poached Pears with Raspberries

Photo: Romulo Yanes

View Recipe: Wine-Poached Pears with Raspberries

Simmered in sweet white wine, raspberries deliver fancy flavor. This fruity dessert is fast to make but has a subtle touch of sophistication.

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Double-Ginger Cookies

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

View Recipe: Double-Ginger Cookies

These simple cookies give just the right amount of sweet to satisfy your craving. Make a few batches, and freeze some to enjoy throughout the season.

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Apple-Cranberry Crisp

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

View Recipe: Apple-Cranberry Crisp

This delicious dessert not only tastes great, but is chock full of nutrient-rich fruit and whole grains as well. It's equally good warm or cold, and whipped coconut cream makes a nice topping.

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Vegan Christmas Desserts

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Grapefruit Granita with Pear-and-Pom Relish