Nostalgic Dessert Recipes Go Vegan!

These vegan versions of nostalgic dessert recipes will transport you back to happy times

By Lora O’Brien

What was your favourite dessert as a child? Was it something as complex as a baked Alaska, or was it more basic, like a warm bread pudding?

For me, personally, it was apple pie. I just love everything about it. The sweet and spicy aroma. The flaky, buttery crust. The borderline mushy apples. And when it’s smeared with some frosty ice cream…pure heaven!

Luckily, retro desserts are having a moment. Any why not? What can be more lovely than revisiting the comfort foods of our childhoods?

Here below, I’ve found 25 nostalgic dessert recipes, all of which have a vegan twist. From fresh fruit trifle to classic chocolate chip cookies, these foods are guaranteed to make you happy, and evoke delightful memories.

25 Retro Vegan Dessert Recipes

1. Pavlova

Back in the day, many dinner parties were finished off with a pavlova. And no wonder. Who can deny it’s a thing of beauty? The eggless vegan meringue, made from aquafaba, has the perfect chewy, soft marshmallow centre. Topped with strawberries and non-dairy cream, this is the perfect show stopping dessert for any gathering.

Get the recipe here.

2. Swiss Roll

I remember this fondly being called jam rolly polly when I was a kid. It was a popular dessert at birthday parties, served alongside some custard. This vegan version can be made in just 20 minutes using one bowl which means less mess. Yay!

Get the recipe here.

3. Berry Trifle

Oh trifle, how I love you. This is a really popular BBQ dessert, and this vegan version has everything the classic recipe calls for. From sponge fingers, raspberry, custard and whipped cream all made without eggs and dairy. One of the best nostalgic dessert recipes for summer picnics, too!

Get the recipe here.

4. Baked Alaska

A cake topped with ice cream and caramelised meringue? Yes, please! This surprisingly simple yet delicious vanilla and raspberry vegan baked Alaska will be a hit with all.

Get the recipe here.

5. Bread and Butter Pudding

Instead of tossing out your old, stale bread, transform it into this traditional British dessert! It’s comprised of bread socked in custard and then studded with raisins. and it’s one of the best nostalgic dessert recipes for saving on wasted food, too.

Get the recipe here.

6. Profiteroles

I think we can all agree that a profiterole is one of the most elegant nostalgic dessert recipes, right? French choux pastry balls are stuffed with sweet vegan whipped cream and then garnished with chocolate sauce. Is anyone else drooling?

Get the recipe here.

7. Sticky Toffee Pudding

This super moist, delicate and sweet sticky toffee pudding is so similar to the classic, you’ll barely be able to detect that it’s dairy-free and eggless. Topped with a homemade toffee sauce and whipped cream, this is another classic pudding that is a crowd pleaser.

Get the recipe here.

8. Treacle Pudding

This vegan steamed sponge pudding is made using maple syrup instead of traditional golden syrup. It’s another of those nostalgic dessert recipes that’s infused with the comforting flavours from childhood.

Get the recipe here.

9. Buttery Vegan Fudge

Does anyone else remember their grandparents cracking out a box of fudge? It’s a delicious treat to eat, and it even makes a great gift for loved ones. This is a simple recipe which you could tweak easily. For example? Add nuts, fruit or cinnamon, if you like!

Get the recipe here.

10. Oatmeal Cookies

An oatmeal cookie is one of the most classic nostalgic dessert recipes. Some think they’re boring, but I personally think that sometimes it’s best to keep it simple. I love how chewy these turn out, while I love to add nuts and raisins for sweetness and a crunch!

Get the recipe here.

11. Pineapple Upside Down Cake

This retro pineapple upside-down cake makes a fun centrepiece for afternoon tea, while bringing back many fond childhood memories. Not only is this recipe dairy and egg-free, but it’s also gluten-free and refined-sugar free, too.

Get the recipe here.

12. Vegan Chocolate Pudding

Chocolate pudding is another of the most classic (and gluten free!) nostalgic dessert recipes. And this recipe can be whipped up in less than 10 minutes with just a few simple pantry items. Much better than anything you’d buy in the supermarket. And did I mention it’s even easy enough for kids to make, too?

Get the recipe here.

13. Apple Pie

Apple pie is my go-to sweet treat. Everything from the buttery homemade pastry to the warm cooked apples contrasted by the cool dairy-free ice cream is a recipe for the best dessert, ever! And of course, it’s cheap and easy to make, too.

Get the recipe here.

14. Vegan Chocolate Cookies

Who can deny the appeal of a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie? This recipe is the best nostalgic dessert recipes you’ll find. I mean, just look at these! They’re thick and chewy, with crisp edges. Perfection!

Get the recipe here.

15. S’mores

Who doesn’t have fond childhood memories of making s’mores around a fire? This vegan recipe is made with fluffy vegan marshmallows and dark chocolate. It’s all sandwiched between two crunchy and crumbly graham crackers. Yum! And of course, it’s also one of the easiest nostalgic dessert recipes to make. Kids love to give it a go!

Get the recipe here.

16. Coconut Cream Pie

You’ll need just a few pantry staples to whip up this light, fluffy and delicious coconut cream pie. It’s a pretty dreamy recipe! The sweet custard filling is made from coconut milk and then topped with whipped cream. Each bite oozes coconut flavours!

Get the recipe here.

17. Peach Cobbler

This will be one of the most favourite nostalgic dessert recipes for our American friends! This vegan peach cobble is juicy and rich, a modern twist on the classic Southern peach cobbler. It’s jammy, sweet and refreshing, especially when topped with some vegan vanilla ice cream.

Get the recipe here.

18. Rice Pudding

This creamy, mushy, perfectly sweet vegan rice pudding is made using just one pot with just 7 ingredients. It’s naturally sweetened and SO comforting and nostalgic!

Get the recipe here.

19. Apple Dumplings

These flaky pie crust apple dumplings are baked until tender and served alongside a sweet apple cider source. It’s a truly retro recipe which is irresistible. And of course, if you love apple pie, you’ll love this dish, too.

Get the recipe here.

20. Vegan Strawberry Shortcake

Strawberries are delicious in any dessert. But especially in this vegan strawberry shortcake recipe! It combines light, flaky biscuits with delicious vanilla vegan whipped cream and juicy strawberries. One of the best nostalgic dessert recipes to make for a summer fete.

Get the recipe here.

21. Vegan Tiramisu

Tiramisu is a decadent and rich dessert. And this vegan version has all the flavours of the much-loved dessert made with simple ingredients only. You can even make this a few days ahead.

Get the recipe here.

22. Bakewell Tart

This Bakewell tart will yield truly mouthwatering results. From the crisp, melt-in-the-mouth shortcrust pastry to the gooey vegan frangipane filling, each bite is bursting with flavour.

Get the recipe here.

23. Apple + Berry Crumble With Vegan Custard

Who doesn’t adore the warming taste of a berry crumble? From the tart berries to the buttery crumble, the flavours combine into a heavenly combination to make a wholesome dessert you’ll love, no matter the season. And yes, you can make this in winter, too! Just use frozen fruit.

Get the recipe here.

24. Egg Custard Tarts

As the name suggests, custard tarts are an outer party crust filled with an eggy custard. This vegan version is egg-free but just as delicious. They don’t require any obscure ingredients either, just simple vegan ingredients to make this nostalgic treat.

Get the recipe here.

25. Funfetti Cake

Who doesn’t remember a funfetti birthday cake, right? It’s such a retro recipe, and I had to end on my personal favourite treat. Cake topped with buttercream and sprinkles? What’s not to love!

Get the recipe here.

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Lora O'Brien

After graduating in Journalism from the University of Greenwich, Lora worked for Sugar and Healing Lifestyles magazines in London before being hired to write about food for Eluxe. She’s recently become a new mom to baby Lulla, and is writing a blog about the experience. See more about Lora here.