Indulgent Plant-Based Sweet Treats
Vegan candy recipes offer an exciting way to enjoy indulgent treats while embracing a plant-based lifestyle. These sweet creations cater to a wide range of preferences, from chewy and fruity to rich and chocolatey, making them a delightful addition to any dessert table or special occasion. Crafting vegan candies at home allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring they are free from artificial additives and animal products, while exploring a variety of flavors and textures.
Creating vegan candy at home begins with selecting quality plant-based ingredients. Dark chocolate, coconut milk, almond butter, and fruit juices are popular bases for many recipes. Natural sweeteners like maple syrup, agave, or coconut sugar provide sweetness without relying on refined sugars, making your candies a healthier option. One of the simplest yet most luxurious treats is a vegan chocolate truffle, crafted with melted dark chocolate and coconut cream. For chewy textures, gummies made with fruit juice and agar-agar offer a fun and colorful option that appeals to kids and adults alike.
Elements To Your Vegan Candy
Adding creative elements to your vegan candy recipes enhances their appeal and flavor. Infuse your treats with natural flavors like orange zest, peppermint, or vanilla to create depth and uniqueness. For added texture, consider incorporating chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or seeds. These ingredients not only provide a satisfying crunch but also introduce a nutritional boost to your sweet creations. With a touch of creativity, even simple recipes can become gourmet treats that impress your family and friends.
Vegan candy is perfect for all occasions, whether you’re celebrating holidays, birthdays, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth. From homemade caramels to fruit-filled chocolates, the possibilities are endless. Vegan candies are also a great way to introduce children to the joys of plant-based eating in a fun and approachable way. By involving them in the candy-making process, you can create memories and teach valuable lessons about healthier, sustainable choices.
Choosing vegan candy is about more than just enjoying sweet treats—it’s a commitment to compassionate and ethical living. By using plant-based ingredients, you contribute to a sustainable future while indulging in delicious and creative desserts. Whether you’re crafting treats for a celebration or experimenting with new recipes, vegan candy offers endless possibilities to explore your culinary creativity and share the joy of plant-based sweets with others.
1. Vegan Gummy Bears
These fruity gummy bears taste great and are chewy. They are a great vegan candy recipe because they are made from fruit juice and agar agar.
Ingredients
- 1 cup fruit juice orange apple or berry
- 1 tbsp agar agar powder
- 2 tbsp maple syrup or agave nectar
- 1 tsp citric acid optional
Instructions
- In a saucepan, heat the fruit juice over medium low heat.
- Add the agar agar and keep stirring it until it dissolves.
- You can use agave nectar or maple syrup. Mix everything.
- Fill gummy bear molds made of silicone with the mixture.
- Put it in the fridge for one to two hours until it gets firm.
- Take out the molds and store them in a container that won’t let air in.
2. Chocolate Dipped Banana Bites
These banana bites dipped in chocolate are a simple treat that tastes great. Vegan chocolate goes well with the sweetness of the banana.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas
- 1 cup vegan chocolate chips
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- Sprinkles or crushed nuts optional
Instructions
- Cut bananas into pieces that are easy to eat.
- Use a microwave or two pots to melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil.
- Use the chocolate to cover each banana slice.
- Spread out on parchment paper and top with your favourite things.
- Then freeze for an hour and serve.
- Have fun with your chocolate covered banana bites.
3. Vegan Caramel Candies
These vegan caramel candies taste rich and sweet and are chewy. They are a tasty plant based treat made with dates coconut milk and maple syrup.
Ingredients
- 1 cup pitted dates
- 1/2 cup full fat coconut milk
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a food processor blend dates maple syrup coconut milk and vanilla extract until the mix is smooth.
- Put the mix into a dish lined with parchment paper.
- Put in the fridge for two hours to set.
- Cut it into little squares after it is hard.
- Keep in the fridge in a container that won’t let air in.
4. Vegan Marshmallow Pops
Making these marshmallow pops is a fun and simple animal friendly candy idea. These are fun treats for kids because the marshmallows are dipped in chocolate and have sprinkles on top of them.
Ingredients
- 1 bag of vegan marshmallows
- 1 cup vegan chocolate chips
- Lollipop sticks
- Vegan sprinkles or edible glitter optional
Instructions
- Use a microwave or two pots to melt the chocolate chips.
- Attach marshmallows to lollipop sticks with string.
- Melt the chocolate and dip the marshmallows in it.
- Add sprinkles or glitter to make it look nice.
- Cool on parchment paper for a while until it sets.
5. Vegan Fruit Leather
Fruit leather that you make at home is a simple and healthy snack. It is made by beating up fruit and baking it at low heat.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh fruit berries mango or apple
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- The fruit maple syrup and lemon juice should all be mixed until the mixture is smooth.
- Spread the mix out evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- For 3 to 4 hours, or until dry and bendable, bake at 170°F (75°C).
- Let it cool down and then cut it into strips.
- Put in a container that won’t let air in.
What Candies Are 100% Vegan?
Several kinds of candy like Sour Patch Kids Swedish Fish and some types of Twizzlers are 100% vegan. There are no animal based ingredients in these candies like gelatin or dairy. If you want to make a truly plant based treat make sure that the ingredients in any vegan candy recipes you look at don’t contain any animal products.
Are Skittles Vegan According To PETA?
Yes, PETA says that Skittles are vegan. They no longer have gelatin in them which comes from animals. Skittles are made from plants but some vegans might not eat them because they have artificial colours in them. If you want a more natural treat for your vegan candy recipes, pick brands that don’t use natural dyes.
Read Also: Creamy Vegan Mushroom Recipes You’ll Want to Make Tonight
Can Vegans Eat Dessert?
Vegan people can eat dessert There are plenty of vegan candy recipes that are dairy free egg free and made without animal products. Vegan treats like cakes, cookies and candies are made with plant based ingredients like fruit coconut oil and non dairy milk to make tasty animal free treats that everyone can enjoy.
What Chocolate Bars Are Vegan?
A lot of chocolate bars from brands like Enjoy Life Hu Chocolate and Green & Black are vegan. There is no dairy or other animal based products in these bars. Dark chocolate is often used as a base in vegan candy recipes. This makes it easy to make plant based treats that are both tasty and good for you.
Is 100% Chocolate Vegan?
It is vegan to eat 100% chocolate. There are no dairy or animal products in it; it only has cocoa. A lot of vegan candy recipes start with 100% chocolate to make plant based treats. This chocolate has a lot of flavour and you can use maple syrup or coconut sugar instead of sugar to make it sweeter.
Is Kitkat Vegan?
Traditional KitKat bars are not vegan because they have milk chocolate in them. However some alternatives are vegan friendly and use dark chocolate or milk chocolate made from plants. If you’re making vegan candy recipes at home you can create a similar treat using vegan chocolate and crispy wafers for a tasty cruelty free version.
Can Vegans Eat Cadbury Chocolate?
Because it has milk in it regular Cadbury chocolate is not vegan. There are however vegan Cadbury alternatives that are made with dark chocolate or milk chocolate made from plants. If you like Cadbury treats these dairy free alternatives can be used in vegan candy recipes to make treats that taste just like the real thing.
Candy for All Occasions
Whether it’s Halloween, Valentine’s Day, or a weekend activity with kids, vegan candy recipes fit every occasion. For holiday-specific treats, explore our guide on Vegan Halloween Recipes, filled with spooky and delicious ideas. Pair your candy creations with recipes from Easy Vegan Dessert Recipes to complete your dessert spread.
Why Choose Vegan Candy?
Choosing vegan candy isn’t just about avoiding animal products—it’s a step towards sustainability and healthier living. By using natural, plant-based ingredients, you can enjoy indulgent flavors without compromising on ethical values. If you’re looking for an adventurous twist, don’t miss our article on guide on Healthy Vegan Snack Ideas perfect for family-friendly projects.
FAQs:
What candy is actually vegan?
Many candies are naturally vegan or made with plant-based ingredients. Examples of vegan-friendly candies include dark chocolate (without milk), Swedish Fish, Sour Patch Kids, Twizzlers, Skittles, and certain brands of jelly beans made without gelatin. Always check the ingredient label for animal-derived ingredients like gelatin, honey, or milk derivatives.
What are some vegan sweets?
Vegan sweets can include a wide range of treats such as fruit-based gummies, dark chocolate, licorice, lollipops, vegan caramel, and plant-based marshmallows. Additionally, homemade options like vegan brownies, chocolate truffles, and coconut macaroons are popular choices for those seeking indulgent yet cruelty-free desserts.
Are Twizzlers vegan according to PETA?
Yes, Twizzlers are considered vegan according to PETA. These popular licorice candies do not contain animal-derived ingredients, making them a suitable option for those following a vegan lifestyle. However, it’s always a good idea to double-check the ingredients on the packaging as formulations can vary.
Can vegans eat chocolate candy?
Yes, vegans can eat chocolate candy, provided it does not contain milk or other animal-derived ingredients. Dark chocolate with a high cocoa content is often naturally vegan. Many brands also offer plant-based chocolate candies made with dairy alternatives like almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk. Be sure to check the label for non-vegan additives such as whey, casein, or milk powder.
Conclusion
Vegan candy recipes are a testament to how indulgent and satisfying plant-based treats can be. They offer a creative outlet for crafting delicious sweets while aligning with ethical and sustainable values. By using wholesome, plant-based ingredients, you can enjoy a wide variety of flavors and textures without compromising on quality or compassion.
Whether for a special occasion or a simple sweet craving, vegan candy is a versatile option that appeals to all ages. From chewy gummies to rich truffles, these treats prove that a plant-based lifestyle can be just as delightful and indulgent as traditional alternatives. Embrace the joy of making and sharing vegan candy, and discover how sweet sustainability can truly be. 🌱