Vegan Baking 101: How to Make Decadent Vegan Chocolate Treats with Butter Alternatives

If you think vegan baking means sacrificing rich, chocolatey goodness, think again! With the right vegan chocolate and vegan substitute for butter, you can create desserts that are just as indulgent—and often healthier—than traditional recipes.

In this guide, we’ll cover:
✅ Best vegan chocolate brands (and how to use them)
✅ Top butter substitutes for baking, frying, and spreading
✅ Pro tips for perfect texture and flavor
✅ Easy vegan chocolate recipes you’ll love

🍫 The Best Vegan Chocolate for Baking & Snacking

Not all chocolate is vegan—many contain milk solids or dairy derivatives. Here’s what to look for:

1. Dark Chocolate (70% or Higher)

• Why? Most high-cacao dark chocolate is naturally dairy-free.
• Top Brands:
  • Lindt 70%+ (check label—some contain milk)
  • Enjoy Life (allergen-free)
  • Hu Kitchen (organic, no refined sugar)

2. Vegan Milk Chocolate

• Made with: Oat, almond, or rice milk instead of dairy.
• Top Picks:
  • Nomo (UK brand, creamy texture)
  • Raaka (bean-to-bar, no additives)

3. Baking Chocolate (Chips & Bars)

• Best for Cookies & Melting:
  • Guittard Extra Dark Chocolate Chips
  • Pascha 100% Cacao Chips

Pro Tip: If a recipe calls for melted chocolate, add 1 tsp coconut oil for smoother texture.

🧈 The Best Vegan Butter Substitutes (Tested by Chefs)

Whether you’re baking, sautéing, or spreading, these swaps work perfectly:

1. For Baking (Cookies, Cakes, Pastry)

2. For Sautéing & Frying

• Best: Vegan Butter (Earth Balance) or Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
• High-Heat Option: Avocado Oil (smoke point 500°F)

3. For Spreading (Toast, Pancakes)

• Top Pick: Violife Plant Butter (melts like dairy butter)
• Healthier Option: Almond Butter + Sea Salt

Warning: Avoid margarine with hydrogenated oils—they contain unhealthy trans fats.

🍪 3 Easy Vegan Chocolate Recipes (Using Butter Alternatives)

1. Ultimate Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies

Butter Substitute: Miyoko’s or coconut oil
Secret Trick: Chill dough 24 hours for chewy centers.

2. Flourless Chocolate Cake (Gluten-Free!)

Butter Substitute: Coconut oil + almond butter
Pro Move: Dust with cocoa powder + sea salt.

3. 3-Ingredient Chocolate Mousse

Vegan Chocolate: 70% dark, melted
Creaminess Hack: Whip aquafaba (chickpea brine) into stiff peaks.

💡 FAQs: Vegan Chocolate & Butter Swaps

Q: Can I use cocoa powder instead of vegan chocolate bars?

A: Yes! Mix 3 tbsp cocoa powder + 1 tbsp oil = 1 oz melted chocolate.

Q: What’s the best butter substitute for flaky pastry?

A: Miyoko’s or homemade vegan butter (blend coconut oil + cashews).

Q: Is Nutella vegan?

A: No—but Justin’s Chocolate Hazelnut Butter is a great alternative!

📌 Final Tips for Perfect Vegan Baking

• Tempering Chocolate? Use a double boiler and stir constantly.
• Butter Too Hard? Grate frozen vegan butter for easier mixing.
• Want Shiny Chocolate? Add 1 tsp coconut oil when melting.

👉 Download Our Free Cheat Sheet: Vegan Baking Swaps HERE

Tag @goveganrecipe if you try these! 🍫✨

(Sources: Miyoko’s Kitchen, Consumer Reports 2023 Chocolate Guide, and The Vegan Baking Bible by Isa Chandra.)