Vegan Thanksgiving Desserts

October 26, 2016
Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner
For a perfect end to Thanksgiving, dessert is a must. For vegans, finding dairy and egg-free sweet dishes at the dinner table can occasionally be a challenge. This round-up of nearly a dozen vegan Thanksgiving desserts is the perfect solution though. With everything from seasonal crisps to poached and preserved fruit, everyone is sure to find at least one plant-based recipe that will complete their Thanksgiving menu. 
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Graham Cracker-Apple Crisp

Photo Courtesy of Oxmoor House
View Recipe: Graham Cracker-Apple Crisp

Fruit, the ultimate dessert component, is the base for the majority of these vegan recipes. Seasonal favorites like apples, cranberries, and pears make for sweet treats that are sure to please. 

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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Grapefruit Granita with Pear-and-Pom Relish

Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Grapefruit Granita with Pear-and-Pom Relish

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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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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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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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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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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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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