If you're starting your dairy-free lifestyle, then you may not be sure what is safe and what's notespecially during the holiday season. With tables full of holiday desserts, knowing which ones to choose can be a tricky task. There are many reasons people decide to go dairy-free. Some individuals must remove dairy from their diet due to an allergy, where others prefer to follow a vegan lifestyle and diet. Your reasoning for going dairy free will likely determine how strict your diet is.For example, if you've recently been diagnosed as lactose intolerant, then there may be a few low-lactose and lactose-free foods you can consume. However, if you have a full blown dairy allergy or are sticking to a vegan diet, you'll want to refrain from dairy altogether. If a dairy-free diet is new to you, then you're likely finding out about all the things you can no longer eat. While this may seem a bit overwhelming at first, don't stress. Several dairy-free swaps and alternatives will allow you to continue eating all of your favorite foods, free of dairy!To help you maintain a dairy-free diet, especially during the holidays, our Bob's Red Mill team has put together a list of dairy-free holiday desserts that you can enjoy worry-free. Keep scrolling to learn more about these treats and how easy they are to make at home.
Cookies
Cookies are a dessert that's been around for ages. While you've probably been enjoying cookies since you were a child, knowing if they were made with dairy-free ingredients likely wasn't on your mind. Because cookies come in various flavors and textures, nearly everyone loves them, and it would be a shame to give them up altogether. The good news is that switching to a dairy-free lifestyle doesn't mean that you have to ditch homemade sweets in the process. Several cookie recipes are already entirely free of dairy, and others can easily be made dairy-free with a few simple swaps. This year, celebrate the season with a few of your favorite cookie recipes. Just skip the dairy this time!
Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Cookies
The ideal non dairy holiday dessert recipe, you'll love how easy these Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Cookies are to make. Loaded with protein and fiber from oats, these cookies are the perfect texture. They're chewy on the inside and crunchy on the outside. Make these cookies to bring to your next holiday gathering, or keep them on hand at home when you're craving something sweet. For the ultimate treat, sandwich two of these cookies together and smear a layer of peanut butter between them. Yum!
Paleo Gingerbread Cookies
What would the holiday season be without a freshly baked batch of gingerbread cookies? The perfect recipe when baking for small groups, these Paleo Gingerbread Cookies are gluten free, grain free, paleo and a snap to make! The ideal addition to this year's small family gathering, set these cookies out on a dessert table and enjoy! Or, if you're staying in this holiday season, package a few of these cookies up in to-go bags and surprise your loved ones by dropping them off on their porch.
Cake
Cake is a dessert that is eaten on several different occasions. Whether it's your birthday or a memorable holiday, there is often a cake on the dessert table to celebrate. When making dairy free cakes, the options are endless. In recent years, dairy-free, gluten free and grain free cake mixes have grown in popularity, making it easy to bake a cake safe for those with food allergies. If you're hoping to celebrate the holiday season with a delicious cake recipe, then you've come to the right place. At Bob's Red Mill, we have a wide variety of cake recipes and mixes that can help you make the dairy free cake of your dreams. Check out a few of our favorites below.
Grain Free Peppermint Cake
Deck the halls with this delicious Grain Free Peppermint Cake recipe! This dark, rich chocolate cake is the perfect dairy-free twist to your seasonal dessert table. Made with our Grain Free Chocolate Cake Mix, it's a light, fluffy and flavorful cake that's sure to leave a lasting impression. For even more holiday cheer, top it with whipped coconut cream and crushed peppermint candies. This is one dessert recipe that won't disappoint.
Gluten Free Apple Cider Maple Coffee Cake
The tangy, delicious flavor of this Gluten Free Apple Cider Maple Coffee Cake is one that friends and family will remember for years to come. Enhanced with yeast and fresh cider, it's a light, airy cake that will satisfy any sweet tooth. Made with wholesome ingredients, this cake is gluten, soy and dairy-free, making it the perfect dessert to bake for those with food allergies. Apple studded and overflowing with flavor, enjoy a slice of this dessert with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold hard cider if you're of age!
Smoothies
Smoothies are a versatile treat that can be classified as a dessert, breakfast or pre-workout snack. When it comes to making smoothies, the possibilities are limitless. What we love about these drinks is that smoothies can all be whipped up with just a few wholesome ingredients. The best part? It's easy to make a smoothie dairy-free. When making popular smoothie recipes, most recipes focus on fruit juices and water to help create a smoothie-like texture. Thicker smoothies that often use milk can quickly be turned into a dairy-free beverage by using a milk alternative. Celebrate this holiday season by making dairy-free smoothies loaded with healthy winter ingredients. We're confident you won't be disappointed.
Vanilla Coffee Smoothie
Turn that morning cup of joe into a tasty, dairy-free smoothie by making this Vanilla Coffee Smoothie recipe. A smoothie fit to power your entire day; it's made with good-for-you ingredients like our Vanilla Protein Powder Nutritional Booster and raw cashews. Entirely dairy free, instead of milk, coconut water is used to add even more flavor to this dessert. Make this recipe the next time you need a quick holiday pick-me-up. It's sure to do the trick!
Pie
Pie is a classic winter treat that can be found at nearly every holiday dessert table. If you're one of the many that prefer pies over cakes, then we have good newsthere are plenty of dairy-free pie recipes for you to test out this season. Take your baking skills up a notch by bringing a homemade pie to your next gathering. The best part of making it at home? You can ensure that it's entirely dairy-free. Top it with fresh fruit, nuts or coconut whipped cream for a special touch. Your guests will love the effort you put into this dessert, and you'll love being able to enjoy it with them!
Amazing Apple Pie
No holiday season would be complete without a bite of delicious apple pie. If you've been dying to try the apple pie at the dessert table, but aren't sure if it's dairy-free, then it's time to make your own. This Amazing Apple Pie is one that everyone can enjoy. A mixture of Granny Smith Apples, nutmeg and cinnamon, it's overflowing with seasonal flavor. In this recipe, our Gluten Free Pie Crust Mix is used to make it a low-allergy dessert that looks and tastes absolutely delicious.
Dessert Bars
With the holiday dynamic being a bit different this year, many individuals are searching for single-serve desserts that require less handling than most. Baking bite-sized dessert bars to set out at the dessert table is a great way to ensure that the only one touching your guest's food is them! The perfect handheld dessert, bars are a great way to showcase your baking skills and win over your guests' taste buds. When choosing dairy free bar recipes, you'll want to ensure that both the crust and filling are free from any dairy products. Make a dessert that will impress anyone who tries it, and check out our favorite dairy-free bar recipe below.
Cheesecake Fudge Bar
These vegan and paleo-friendly Cheesecake Fudge Bars are loaded with protein and healthy fats. A good for you dessert, it has a pleasantly creamy texture that's made without dairy or soy. Make a batch of these fudge bars to serve at your next small gathering or to treat yourself!While dairy-free desserts may not be readily available at every dessert table, they're not hard to make. Make sure there's an option for everyone this holiday season and whip up one of the delicious recipes on this list, it's sure to be a hit! From everyone at Bob's Red Mill, have a safe and happy holiday.Have a dairy-free dessert recipe that you enjoy making? We'd love to know what it is. Let us know in the comment below!