5 Irresistible Vegan Desserts Made with Vegan Butter Substitutes

Craving decadent desserts without dairy? These five luscious treats use the best vegan substitute for butter to create rich, buttery flavors—perfect for birthdays, holidays, or everyday indulgence. Whether you’re baking cookies, cakes, or pastries, these vegan substitute for butter-based recipes deliver the same melt-in-your-mouth goodness as traditional desserts.

1. 🍪 Classic Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies

Why it’s a must-try: Chewy, buttery, and loaded with melty chocolate chips—just like the original!

Ingredients:

• ½ cup vegan substitute for butter (like Earth Balance or Miyoko’s)
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 1 flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water)
• 1 ¼ cups flour
• ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 cup vegan chocolate chips

Method:

1. Cream vegan substitute for butter and sugar.
2. Mix in flax egg, then dry ingredients.
3. Fold in chocolate chips and bake at 350°F for 10-12 mins.

Pro Tip: Chill dough for 30 mins for thicker cookies.

Source: Oh She Glows

2. 🍰 Vegan Buttercream Frosting

Why it’s a must-try: Silky, sweet, and perfect for cakes and cupcakes.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup vegan substitute for butter (softened)
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp plant milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Method:

1. Whip vegan substitute for butter until fluffy.
2. Gradually add sugar and milk until smooth.

Pro Tip: Add cocoa powder for chocolate frosting.

Source: Minimalist Baker

3. 🥧 Flaky Vegan Pie Crust

Why it’s a must-try: Perfectly crisp and buttery—ideal for fruit pies and quiches.

Ingredients:

• 1 ¼ cups flour
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup vegan substitute for butter (chilled, cubed)
• 3-4 tbsp ice water

Method:

1. Cut vegan substitute for butter into flour until crumbly.
2. Add water, roll out, and blind bake at 375°F for 15 mins.

Pro Tip: Use vodka instead of water for extra flakiness.

Source: The Vegan Baking Bible

4. 🍫 Vegan Butter Fudge

Why it’s a must-try: Ultra-creamy, rich, and ready in 10 minutes.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup vegan substitute for butter
• ½ cup cocoa powder
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp plant milk

Method:

1. Melt vegan substitute for butter, whisk in cocoa and sugar.
2. Press into a pan and chill.

Pro Tip: Add chopped nuts or sea salt on top.

Source: Chocolate Covered Katie

5. 🧈 Vegan Shortbread Cookies

Why it’s a must-try: Crisp, buttery, and perfect with tea.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup vegan substitute for butter
• ½ cup sugar
• 2 cups flour
• 1 tsp vanilla

Method:

1. Cream vegan substitute for butter and sugar.
2. Mix in flour, roll out, and bake at 325°F for 18 mins.

Pro Tip: Dip in melted vegan chocolate for extra luxury.

Source: BOSH!

📌 Why These Desserts Work with Vegan Butter Substitutes:

✅ Same rich texture as dairy butter
✅ No cholesterol, but all the flavor
✅ Easy to find ingredients (most use pantry staples)

Need More Ideas? Try:

• Vegan Croissants (with laminated vegan substitute for butter)
• Buttery Vegan Coffee Cake

Sources Cited:

1. Oh She Glows
2. Minimalist Baker
3. The Vegan Baking Bible
4. Chocolate Covered Katie
5. BOSH!

Next Up: 5 Vegan Ice Cream Recipes That Don’t Need an Ice Cream Maker! 🍦

• Vegan substitute for butter

These desserts prove you don’t need dairy butter for indulgence. Which vegan substitute for butter-based treat will you bake first? 🧑‍🍳🌱