We’ve got something new coming in January 2027: the Veganuary Coffee Morning, our first UK-wide, community-led celebration of plant-based food. It’s all about coffee, cake and celebrating a good cause. Save the date for 21–23 January 2027 and find more details here!
And what’s a coffee morning without cake? We all love a sweet treat, especially a cruelty-free one. These vegan bakes are exactly what you want with a dairy-free cuppa, but based on whole food ingredients like chickpeas, oats, nuts and fruit.
If you’re after something a little healthier or looking for a creative way to bake without eggs and dairy, there’s something here for you. Perfect for hosting a coffee morning in aid of Veganuary!
1. Gooey Chocolate Brownies
Did you know that you can create fudgy brownies without eggs? The secret ingredient in this recipe by Pippa Kendrick is blended adzuki beans, a traditional ingredient in Japanese sweet cooking. Don’t worry – you can’t taste the beans. Rich, dark and chocolatey, they’re best served with a nice cuppa.
2. Oaty Cranberry and Coconut Crumbles
Not an expert baker? No problem. Anyone can create these simple, oat-based cookies by Flora Freedom, complete with dried cranberries and desiccated coconut. They’re quick to put together, making them ideal for a last-minute option on a coffee morning spread.
3. Apricot Almond Bites
If you’re looking for a healthy, no-bake recipe that will still fit into a coffee morning spread, these apricot almond bites by Meat Free Monday will do the trick. Blend dates, dried apricots and raisins into a soft, chewy base, then add toasted almonds.
These keep well and make a great grab-and-go option for a bake sale table.
4. Fudgy Chickpea Blondies
Chickpeas aren’t just for hummus, as this recipe by Natalie Tamara proves.
In these plant-based blondies, puréed chickpeas are the key ingredient, keeping the texture deliciously fudgy. They’re loaded with chopped dark chocolate and finished with a melted chocolate drizzle on top.
5. Banana, Raisin and Walnut Loaf
A banana bread or loaf bake is a classic for a coffee morning and this plant-based version by Karen Thompson uses ripe mashed bananas, walnuts and raisins, along with warming spices like cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg. It’s good on its own or with a cup of tea.
6. Green Tea Almond Cake with Coconut Glaze
Alessandra Seiter’s vegan cake recipe is based on matcha green tea, lemon, cinnamon and nutmeg, with toasted almonds folded into the batter. The coconut milk glaze on top adds richness and moisture.
This flavourful treat gives your spread something a bit different and is sure to stand out at your bake sale.
7. Raw Carrot Cakes
Believe it or not, there’s no oven involved for these raw carrot cakes by Emma Fry. You can make the mixture by simply pulsing walnuts, dates, grated carrot and warming spices.
The frosting feels indulgent but is also made with whole foods – cashews and dates, as well as a dash of orange zest to decorate. If you’re not a whizz in the kitchen or want a lighter option, this is a great one to try.
8. Chilli Chocolate Orange Brownies
Beans can make a surprising egg substitute in vegan baking. Don’t believe us? Try these chilli chocolate brownies by Laura Hemmington.
This time it’s black beans forming the base, blended with dates, cocoa and orange zest. Cayenne pepper adds a zingy flavour for those who like their bakes to have a spicy kick.
9. 5 Ingredient Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies
Sugar-free and oil-free, these cookies by Bunny Kitchen get their sweetness from dried apricots rather than refined sugar, with toasted pecans and dark chocolate chips folded in.
It’s an easy recipe with only five ingredients, so if you’re new to vegan baking, give these a go.
10. Spiced Apple Blondies
Chickpeas and dates make another appearance in these spiced apple blondies by Laura Hemmington.
In this recipe, apple purée is flavoured with cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg, along with sultanas, desiccated coconut and a touch of fresh thyme. The result is plant-based blondies which are also free from gluten and refined sugar without compromising on indulgence.
We hope these whole food vegan baking ideas will give you some inspiration for your Veganuary Coffee Morning this January. Don’t worry if you’re not a pro baker. What matters more is who you’re sharing it with and the fact that every cup poured and slice sold helps get more people trying plant-based food.
So put the kettle on, dust off your apron and save the date for your event. We can’t wait to see what you bake!
