Dairy-Free Desserts That Everyone Will Love

Delicious desserts don’t need dairy to shine. Whether you’re avoiding dairy due to dietary restrictions, allergies, or personal preference, there are plenty of ways to create sweet treats that everyone will enjoy. Chef Abdul shares some irresistible dairy-free dessert recipes that deliver on taste and texture.

  1. Chocolate Avocado Mousse

Ingredients:

  • 2 ripe avocados
  • 60 g cocoa powder
  • 80 ml maple syrup
  • 10 ml vanilla extract
  • 60 ml almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
  • A pinch of sea salt

Instructions:

  1. Scoop out the avocado flesh and place it in a blender or food processor.
  2. Add cocoa powder, maple syrup, vanilla extract, almond milk, and sea salt. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  3. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
  4. Spoon into serving glasses and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  5. Garnish with fresh berries or shredded coconut before serving.

Chef Abdul’s Tip:
Add a pinch of espresso powder to the mousse for a richer flavour.

  1. Coconut Milk Panna Cotta

Ingredients:

  • 400 ml full-fat coconut milk
  • 50 g sugar (or a natural sweetener)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tsp agar-agar powder
  • Fresh fruit or berry compote for topping

Instructions:

  1. combine coconut milk, sugar, and vanilla extract in a saucepan. Heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
  2. Stir in the agar-agar powder and bring to a gentle boil. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
  3. Pour the mixture into ramekins or serving glasses and let it cool to room temperature.
  4. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.
  5. Serve topped with fresh fruit or berry compote.

Chef Abdul’s Tip:
Add a touch of lemon zest to the mixture for a refreshing twist.

  1. Dairy-Free Banana Ice Cream

Ingredients:

  • 4 ripe bananas, sliced and frozen
  • 15 ml almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
  • 10 g cocoa powder (optional, for chocolate flavour)
  • A handful of nuts or chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Place the frozen banana slices and almond milk in a blender or food processor.
  2. Blend until creamy and smooth, pausing to scrape down the sides as needed.
  3. For chocolate flavour, add cocoa powder and blend again.
  4. Serve immediately as soft-serve or freeze for 1-2 hours for a firmer texture.
  5. Top with nuts or chocolate chips if desired.

Chef Abdul’s Tip:
Experiment with flavours by adding a spoonful of peanut butter or a dash of cinnamon.

  1. Vegan Apple Crisp

Ingredients:

  • 5 medium apples, peeled and sliced
  • 50 g coconut sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 100 g rolled oats
  • 50 g almond flour
  • 60 ml melted coconut oil
  • 30 g chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. toss the apple slices with coconut sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice in a bowl. Spread evenly in a baking dish.
  3. mix oats, almond flour, melted coconut oil, and nuts in another bowl. Sprinkle the mixture over the apples.
  4. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
  5. Serve warm, optionally, with dairy-free vanilla ice cream.

Chef Abdul’s Tip:
Add a pinch of nutmeg to the apples for an extra layer of warmth.

  1. Chia Seed Pudding

Ingredients:

  • 60 g chia seeds
  • 400 ml almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
  • 30 ml maple syrup
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Fresh fruit and nuts for topping

Instructions:

  1. whisk chia seeds, almond milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract in a bowl.
  2. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight, stirring once halfway through.
  3. Topped with fresh fruit and nuts, Serve in individual bowls or jars.

Chef Abdul’s Tip:
Layer the pudding with fruit puree for a parfait-style dessert.

  1. Flourless Almond Butter Cookies

Ingredients:

  • 200 g almond butter
  • 100 g coconut sugar
  • 1 egg (or flax egg for vegan)
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • A pinch of sea salt

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
  3. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions onto the baking sheet, flattening slightly with a fork.
  4. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
  5. Let cool completely before serving.

Chef Abdul’s Tip:
Add dark chocolate chips or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavour.

Final Thoughts

Dairy-free desserts can be just as indulgent and satisfying as their dairy-based counterparts. With these recipes, you can create treats that everyone will love, regardless of dietary preferences. Chef Abdul always says, “Desserts are about joy, and there’s no limit to creativity in making them inclusive and delicious.” Try these recipes and let your sweet tooth rejoice!

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