Dairy Free Desserts - A Guide to the Best Treats in the UK

Table of Contents

Dairy Free Chocolate Brownies
Dairy-Free Ice Cream
Â Dairy Free Cookies
Dairy Free Cupcakes
Dairy Free Cakes

In the UK, more and more people are hopping on the dairy-free train, whether it’s due to food intolerances, ethical reasons, or just a desire to mix things up! In fact 23% of the UK population opt for plant-based dairy substitutes.

For those dealing with lactose intolerance or milk allergies, ditching dairy means no more post-dessert discomfort. You can still enjoy rich, fudgy brownies, scrumptious cookies and sweet cupcakes!Â Â

Many dairy-free desserts are inherently vegan, making them a guilt-free indulgence for those on a plant based diet. Some dairy-free treats are also packed with wholesome ingredients like nuts, fruits, and whole grains, giving you a healthier way to satisfy your post dinner cravings!

So what dairy-free dessert options are there?

Dairy Free Chocolate Brownies

Brownies are a classic dessert!Â But, for those on the dairy-free train, finding a brownie that hits the spot can feel like a real uphill battle. Traditional brownie recipes tend to lean heavily on dairy ingredients like butter and milk to achieve that gooey, melt-in your mouth consistency we all know and love.

However, thanks to some clever substitutions, you can bake your own delicious dairy-free brownies thatâ€™ll make you question if theyâ€™re really dairy free. We’re talking high-quality dark chocolate (which is naturally dairy-free) and swapping out regular milk for plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk, and using vegan-friendly options like coconut oil or dairy-free margarine in place of butter.Â

Here are a few of our favourite Dairy Free Chocolate Brownie Recipes:

Dairy-Free Ice Cream

These days, you can find all sorts of dairy-free ice cream flavours: everything from classic chocolate and vanilla to coconut or cookie dough. Major brands like Swedish Glace and Oatly are producing deliciously creamy oat-based ice creams that even dairy fans would have a hard time distinguishing from traditional ice cream!

Here are our favourite dairy-free ice creams:

Â Dairy Free Cookies

Cookies are a timeless treat that everyone loves, and luckily there are plenty of dairy-free options available! Whether you’re avoiding dairy for health reasons or personal preference, you can still enjoy delicious cookies without sacrificing flavour or texture. From classic chocolate chip to rich double chocolate and sweet sugar cookies, dairy-free versions use ingredients like almond milk, coconut oil, and dairy-free chocolate. You can indulge in your favourite cookies regardless of your dietary needs!

Here are a few of our favourite dairy free cookies recipes:

Dairy Free Cupcakes

Cupcakes are the perfect dessert and treat for any occasion. The choice of flavours, fillings and toppings are endless! However, just because youâ€™re not consuming dairy, that doesnâ€™t mean you canâ€™t enjoy these scrumptious desserts. Dairy free cupcakes are just as moist, flavourful, and delightful as traditional ones, made with ingredients like almond milk, coconut milk, and vegan butter. This means everyone, regardless of dietary needs, can enjoy a delicious cupcake.

Here are a few of our favourite dairy-free cupcake recipes:

Dairy Free Cakes

Who doesnâ€™t love a delicious slice of cake after dinner? Traditional cakes often rely on ingredients like butter, milk, and cream to achieve that moist texture and rich creamy flavour. However, dairy-free cakes offer equally delicious alternatives using ingredients like coconut cream, almond milk, and vegan butter. For instance, dairy-free cheesecakes use cashew or coconut bases to create that classic smoothness, while dairy-free carrot cakes remain moist and spiced, due to plant-based ingredients.

Here are a few of our favourite dairy free cake recipes:

Beyond cookies, cupcakes, and cakes, there are so many other delicious dairy-free dessert options available in the UK. You can find a variety of pies, such as apple and berry, made with dairy-free crusts and fillings. Tarts, including lemon and chocolate varieties made with plant-based ingredients that don’t compromise on flavour or texture, are available as well. Puddings like rice pudding and chocolate mousse can also be enjoyed without dairy, using alternatives like coconut milk or almond milk to get that creamy texture.