Crazy about Coconut: Our Pick for the Top Vegan Dessert Recipes
Many people are falling in love with the delicious taste and health benefits of coconut. This sweet fruit is found in many tropical and subtropical regions, including India, Australia, and along the coasts of Africa. Coconuts also contain plenty of vitamins and nutrients, including being high in fiber, potassium, iron, magnesium, and vitamin C. They are also versatile, used in many food dishes and drinks all around the world. Most dishes contain either coconut water or coconut milk, ingredients which are used to add and enhance the richness of the dessert itself. Not only is it refreshing to eat on a hot summer’s day, but it is also great for making vegan dishes. Here are the top 5 best dessert recipes that use coconut water or coconut milk.
- Simple Coconut Milk Ice Cream
Ice cream is the perfect dessert to have for cooling off in the sun. However, most ice cream recipes contain cow’s milk, which is unfortunate for many vegans and people with lactose intolerance. Luckily, you can bypass the problem by substituting coconut milk to make an amazing vegan coconut milk ice cream. Using only five ingredients, this recipe is so simple to prepare that you won’t have to worry about the dish containing dairy at all. Even if you’re not vegan or lactose intolerant, it has more nutrients than milk-based ice cream. Not only that, but it is just as delicious as regular ice cream.
Go to: http://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-vegan-ice-cream-cooking-lessons-from-the-kitchn-204755 for the recipe.
Moist, fluffy, and richly layered, it is no wonder that coconut cake is popular among many dessert lovers. Unfortunately, in many cases, it involves the use of butter and many non-vegan ingredients. However, you can replace those items by using non-dairy milk products such as coconut milk. Feel free to add in other products such as coconut oil, coconut sugar, and coconut flour to enhance the coconut flavor. Top off the cake with some toasted coconut flakes, and dig in.
Go to http://www.veganbaking.net/recipes/cakes/sponge-cakes/vegan-toasted-coconut-cake for the recipe.
- Coconut Water Smoothie
Add that extra zing to your morning smoothie by blending in some coconut water. The coconut water will still make that creamy texture of a regular smoothie, but you will rest assured knowing that it is completely dairy free. Coconut water is also full of potassium, so you can drink happily, knowing that you’re also getting some great health benefits from your drink. The recipe is also extremely versatile, so feel free to incorporate some healthy fruit (e.g. dates), cocoa powder, or vanilla to spice it up.
Go to http://healthyblenderrecipes.com/recipes/raw_vegan_coconut_date_shake for the recipe.
- Vegan Coconut Cream Pie
Who doesn’t like a rich and decadent coconut cream pie? Many vegans might be put off by this dessert, since it traditionally consists of dairy products (e.g. butter, milk, eggs). It is no problem, however, to substitute those ingredients with coconut oil and coconut milk: not only are they friendly to vegans, but they also add a new level of richness to the pie’s flavor. Enjoy!
Go to http://www.theppk.com/2013/10/coconut-cream-pie/ for the recipe.
- Coconut Gin and Tonics
This alcoholic drink might not be considered a dessert recipe, but it’s perfect for pairing alongside a tasty coconut dessert. Consisting only of four ingredients, including coconut water, this mixed drink will leave you in good spirits after some rich indulgence.
Go to https://minimalistbaker.com/coconut-gin-and-tonics/ for the recipe.