Who wants a treat?

We all want treats! And just because you've decided to try a plant-based diet, doesn't mean that you have to give up all the delicious and decadent snacks and indulgences you've always enjoyed. In fact, it's quite the opposite. Because plant-based treats are "sometimes" lower in fat and calories, and higher in nutrients than their traditional counterparts, you can enjoy them more often and with less guilt. Of course, the key word here is: sometimes.

It's a well-accepted fact in the vegan community that plant-based does not necessarily equal healthy. Endulging in a diet filled with cookies, ice cream, chips, burgers and nuggets, plant-based or otherwise, is simply not going to be good for you. But when you do want a treat, here are some of the most delicious, and most decadent splurges I've found that are near perfect replicas of their non-plant-based cousins.

Millionaire Squares

You'll feel like you've won the decadent snack lottery with this one! It's got everything an indulgent treat should have - a rich, buttery shortbread cookie crust, an ooey gooey caramel centre and a rich and smooth chocolate layer on top. And the best part (beside being 100% plant-based) is that once you cut it into squares, you can wrap them individually and they'll keep in your freezer for months. They are perfect to bring out when company drops by...that is unless you want to keep them all to yourself, which, in this case, would be perfectly understandable.

Decadent Chocolate Layer Cake

I think people might be getting tired of hearing me talk about Sam Turnbull's recipes, but I know for a fact that they are NOT tired of eating all the yummy things I find in her cookbooks and online. This chocolate layer cake is without a doubt the most sinfully rich, moist and chocolately chocolate cake I've ever had. It is the always-requested birthday cake for my kids and family and none of them are even vegan! It is really that good.

Peanut Butter Pie

Do not look at the calories or fat content of this one. Just eat it and enjoy every single bite! Some things are just worth it. And the bonus (or maybe the worst thing about this pie) is that it is so easy to make and has just six ingredients! I curse you Nora! Also, I love you! This is one that you'll want to make for company because it you don't, you might just be forced to finish it all yourself!

Silky Smooth Coconut Ice Cream

You don't have to wait for summer to enjoy this luscious treat. No ice cream making machine required to get the creamiest, silkiest and most tropical-tasting ice cream ever! Just the smell of the coconut alone is going to put you on a Caribbean beach...sun shining down, sand between your toes...spoon in hand! And once you see how easy it is to make plant-based ice cream, and how incredibly delicious it is, you'll want to try making all different flavours and before you know it, ice cream parfaits will be on the dessert menu for a regular Tuesday night!

I hope this blog has helped you find your way to plant-based eating. Remember…the goal is not to be perfect. Do the best you can and enjoy the journey! Sign up for vegcurious to be delivered right to your inbox at vegcurious.ca.

Note: It is strongly recommended that you consult with your primary care physician before making any changes to your diet. This blog is for educational purposes only and is not intended to recommend or endorse any particular product, diet or eating plan.