Food
15 Vegan Easter Recipes To Try That Aren't A Nut Roast
Including a vegan version of creme eggs.
Although it might not feel like it, Easter is right around the corner. Which means spring, rebirths, and, of course, an obnoxious amount of chocolate eggs. While Easter doesn't have a clear cut menu like Christmas does, it is the perfect time for a massive Sunday roast and to try out some new recipe ideas. And for all the plant-based eaters out there, there's no need to miss out on the fun as there are plenty of vegan Easter treats you can try your hand at making this year. (Because, let's face it, what else are we doing during this lockdown?)
Easter Sunday signifies the end of lent, where for Christians and secular celebrators alike something (usually chocolate) is given up for the six weeks leading up to the event. So what better way to celebrate than with chocolate, sweet treats, and a massive spread?
According to the vegan society, the number of vegans in Great Britain quadrupled between 2014 and 2019, and vegans and vegetarians could make up a quarter of the British population by 2025. So, without further ado, here are some of the best vegan Easter recipes out there – from steamy hot crossed buns and melt-in-the-mouth creme eggs to Ethiopian Easter bread and a wholesome shepherd’s pie.
Vegan Hot Cross Buns
Dating back to the 14th century in St Albans and traditionally eaten on Good Friday, nothing quite says Easter in the UK like these soft buns bejewelled with sultanas. And BBC Good Food has an incredible vegan recipe that'll taste just like the real thing.
Simnel Cake
This recipe from the Guardian's Susanna Booth is free from dairy, eggs, and gluten, but still has the delightful sticky fruit flavour. With the addition of marzipan, Simnel cake is now traditionally eaten on Easter Sunday.
Chocolate Nests With Sea Salt & Caramel Eggs
A perfect recipe from the Veganuary website to make with any kids in your life but with a fancy, salted caramel twist.
Mushroom Wellington
Ideal for your Easter Sunday spread, Tasty's simple mushroom wellington stuffed with spinach and gravy works alongside any good roast and, of course, can be covered in vegan gravy.
Easy Vegan Chocolate Cake
No frills here, just a straightforward delicious chocolate cake from BBC Good Food, Because if there’s ever a time to overdo it on chocolate, it’s most certainly Easter.
Carrot & Butternut Squash Soup
This Waitrose carrot and butternut squash soup recipes is the perfect starter for your Easter Sunday lunch. Lightly fragrant and full of warm root vegetables.
Rosemary Roasted Jersey Royals
The harvesting of Jersey royal potatoes in the UK is one of the first signs that spring is here. This simple recipe by Jamie Oliver is a perfect side dish for Sunday lunch.
Vegan Lemon Cheesecake
If chocolate isn’t your go-to, then why not give the BBC Good Food zesty lemon cheesecake recipe a whirl? It calls for cashews to make that creamy layer.
Vegan Ethiopian Easter Bread
The Guardian’s Mira Sodha delivers this spiced treat with orange and fennel. Most Ethiopian Orthodox Christians consume a vegan diet during fasting, and this festive defo dabo is popular during the Easter feast.
Tomato Tart Tatin
One to impress your guests, originally made with apples, this savoury version from The Greedy Vegan will take centre stage on any spread. It’s flipped over to reveal a beautiful pattern of juicy tomatoes.
Vegan Jam Tarts
There’s something that feels so quintessentially British about jam tarts on a picnic spread. This recipe from Vegan Food Recipes turns a childhood favourite into an artisanal vegan treat.
Vegan Shepherd’s Pie
While lamb is quite popular at Easter and signifies Spring and new birth, you can acknowledge the fluffy sheep through a vegan shepards pie from Jamie Oliver instead!
Easter Biscuits
These traditional Easter biscuits from Jo's Kitchen Larder, which are stuffed full of currants and have a good dusting of sugar, have been made vegan with the help of oat milk and vegan butter.
Neapolitan No-Bake Chocolate Tart
This show stopper from One Green Planet is decorated with a design of beautiful strawberries, sat in a creamy cashew puree, and the best part is there’s no baking involved!
Vegan Cream Eggs
You’re either obsessed with cream eggs or think they are obscene, but for plant-based eaters in the former category, there’s no need to miss out on the fun! A Virtual Vegan has come up with an identical version of the Easter fave, just minus the egg white and cow’s milk.
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