Gluten-Free Vegan Desserts: Easy Slow Cooker Recipes
If you follow a gluten-free vegan lifestyle, finding easy, healthy desserts can be tough. Luckily, your slow cooker is perfect for making delicious treats like chocolate lava cake and coconut rice pudding with minimal effort. This guide will show you the best recipes, tips, and tricks for success!
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| Gluten-Free Vegan Desserts |
Why Slow Cooker Desserts Are Perfect for a Gluten-Free Vegan Lifestyle
There’s something magical about slow cooking that makes it ideal for crafting plant-based, gluten-free treats. A few of the causes behind this are as follows:- Less Work, More Flavor: Once you set your slow cooker, it takes care of the rest, allowing natural flavors to deepen without constant supervision.
- Foolproof Results: Gluten-free batters are prone to drying out or overbaking in traditional ovens. Slow cooking keeps them moist and perfectly textured.
- Allergen-Friendly Options: You control every ingredient, ensuring your dessert is free from gluten, dairy, eggs, and refined sugar.
- Batch Cooking for Convenience: Many recipes are easy to scale, making them perfect for meal prep or gatherings.
Essential Ingredients for Gluten-Free Vegan Slow Cooker Desserts
Before diving into the recipes, let’s talk about some essential pantry staples. These ingredients will ensure your desserts are not only gluten-free and vegan but also rich in flavor and texture.Gluten-Free Flour Alternatives
Not all flours are created equal, and in gluten-free baking, choosing the right blend is key. Here are a few go-to options:- Almond flour: Provides a moist texture and a rich, nutty flavor.
- Coconut Flour: Light and absorbent—perfect for cakes but needs additional liquid.
- Oat Flour: Mild in flavor and great for crumbles and cookies.
- All-Purpose Gluten-Free Flour Mix: Convenient, as it often includes xanthan gum for binding.
Plant-Based Sweeteners and Binders
- Sweeteners: Use maple syrup, agave, or dates for natural sweetness.
- Binders: Flaxseeds, chia seeds, and applesauce can replace eggs.
Dairy-Free Milks and Fats
- Almond Milk or Oat Milk: Great for puddings and batters.
- Coconut Milk: Adds creaminess to desserts like rice pudding.
- Coconut Oil or Vegan Butter: Provides richness and moisture.
Top 5 Gluten-Free Vegan Slow Cooker Desserts to Try Today
Here’s a collection of delicious, easy-to-make desserts that will turn your slow cooker into a dessert-making machine.
1. Slow Cooker Chocolate Lava Cake
If there’s one dessert that makes everyone at the table swoon, it’s a chocolate lava cake. This gluten-free vegan version is pure decadence, with a rich, gooey center that spills out like a chocolate dream. I remember the first time I made this for a potluck—folks couldn’t believe it was made in a slow cooker, let alone vegan and gluten-free!
Ingredients (Serves 6):- 1 cup almond flour
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- ¾ cup coconut sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 cup almond milk
- ¼ cup melted coconut oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¾ cup vegan dark chocolate chunks (divided)
- 1 cup hot water
- Grease the slow cooker insert with coconut oil.
- In a bowl, whisk together almond flour, cocoa powder, coconut sugar, and baking soda. Stir in almond milk, coconut oil, and vanilla until smooth.
- Fold in ½ cup of chocolate chunks, then pour the batter into the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chunks over the top. Pour the hot water gently over everything—don’t stir!
- Cook on low for 2–3 hours until the edges are set but the center is still gooey. Serve warm with whipped coconut cream or dairy-free vanilla ice cream.
Pro Tip: Check at the 2-hour mark; every slow cooker is different, and you want that molten center just right. This gluten-free vegan slow cooker dessert is a crowd-pleaser that’s as easy to make as it is to eat!
2. Apple Cinnamon Crumble
Nothing says fall like the warm, spiced aroma of apples and cinnamon wafting through the house. This crumble is my go-to when I want a dessert that feels like a hug. It’s gluten-free, vegan, and perfect for using up those apples from the farmers’ market.
Ingredients (Serves 4–6):- 6 medium apples, peeled and sliced
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- 1 cup gluten-free oats
- ½ cup almond flour
- ¼ cup coconut sugar
- ¼ cup vegan butter, melted
- Optional: ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- Toss the apples with maple syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg in the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, mix oats, almond flour, coconut sugar, and melted vegan butter until crumbly. Add nuts if using.
- Sprinkle the crumble topping over the apples. Cook on low for 4 hours until the apples are tender and the topping is golden.
- Serve warm, maybe with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream.
Pro Tip: For extra crunch, toast the nuts lightly before adding them to the crumble. This gluten-free vegan slow cooker dessert is perfect for cozy nights or even a decadent breakfast!
3. Coconut Rice Pudding
This creamy, tropical rice pudding is like a vacation in a bowl. The coconut milk gives it a luscious texture, and the slow cooker makes it foolproof. I love making this when I’m craving something comforting but not too heavy.
Ingredients (Serves 6):- 1 cup Arborio rice (or short-grain brown rice for extra chew)
- 2 cans (14 oz each) coconut milk
- ½ cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup raisins or dried cranberries
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- Optional: Toasted coconut flakes for topping
- Combine rice, coconut milk, maple syrup, vanilla, raisins, and cinnamon in the slow cooker.
- Stir well, then cook on low for 4 hours, stirring once or twice to prevent sticking.
- If it thickens too much, stir in a splash of almond milk before serving. Top with toasted coconut flakes for a bit of flair.
Pro Tip: Stirring halfway through helps the rice cook evenly and keeps the texture creamy. This gluten-free vegan slow cooker dessert is perfect for making ahead and reheating.
4. Banana Bread Pudding
Got some stale gluten-free bread? Don’t toss it! This banana bread pudding transforms it into a warm, custardy dessert that’s vegan and oh-so-comforting. It’s like banana bread and pudding had a delicious baby.
Ingredients (Serves 6):- 4 cups cubed gluten-free bread
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- ½ cup chopped dates
- 2 flax eggs (2 tbsp ground flaxseed + 6 tbsp water, mixed and set for 5 minutes)
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: Vegan caramel sauce for drizzling
- In a large bowl, mix mashed bananas, coconut milk, flax eggs, cinnamon, vanilla, and dates.
- Add the bread cubes and let them soak for 10 minutes.
- Pour the mixture into the slow cooker and cook on low for 3 hours until set but still soft. Drizzle with vegan caramel sauce before serving.
Pro Tip: Use a mix of bread types (like sandwich bread and bagels) for varied texture. This gluten-free vegan slow cooker dessert is a fantastic way to reduce food waste!
5. Pear and Ginger Compote
For a lighter dessert that’s still packed with flavor, this pear and ginger compote is a winner. It’s subtly sweet, with a warm ginger kick, and it’s versatile enough to serve over vegan yogurt or as a pancake topping.
Ingredients (Serves 4):- 4 ripe pears, peeled and chopped
- 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and stir gently.
- Cook on low for 3 hours until the pears are soft and the flavors meld.
- Serve warm or chilled, on its own or as a topping for vegan ice cream or oatmeal.
Pro Tip: For a fancier presentation, garnish with a sprinkle of chopped candied ginger. This gluten-free vegan slow cooker dessert is light but feels like a treat.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Slow Cooker Desserts
Making desserts in a slow cooker is easy, but these tips will help you get the best results every time:- Use the Right Size Slow Cooker: Smaller desserts work better in smaller cookers. Using a large one for a small dessert might cause it to dry out.
- Line the Cooker: Use parchment paper or a slow cooker liner to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
- Resist the Urge to Lift the Lid: Each time you open the lid, heat escapes and extends cooking time.
- Prep Ahead: If mornings are busy, prepare everything the night before and refrigerate it. Just pop it in the cooker when you’re ready to start.
- Adjust Cooking Time if Needed: Every slow cooker is different. Keep an eye on the dessert toward the end of the cooking time to prevent overcooking.
Can I Use Any Gluten-Free Flour for Slow Cooker Desserts?
Not all gluten-free flours perform the same way. Almond and oat flours tend to work well, but using an all-purpose gluten-free mix can make things easier. Just make sure the mix contains a binding agent like xanthan gum.
How Long Do Vegan Slow Cooker Desserts Take to Cook?Most recipes take 2-4 hours on low heat. Avoid cooking on high, as it can dry out the dessert.
Can I Freeze These Desserts?Yes! Many of these desserts—like rice pudding and crumble—freeze well. Store them in an airtight container, and they’ll last up to three months in the freezer.
Do I Need a Special Slow Cooker for Desserts?You don’t need a special slow cooker, but using a smaller one or a multi-cooker with a dessert setting can help achieve better results for small-batch recipes.
Conclusion
Just because you follow a gluten-free vegan lifestyle doesn’t mean you have to miss out on indulgent desserts. With your slow cooker, you can easily whip up delicious, wholesome treats with minimal effort. Grab your ingredients, set the timer, and enjoy every guilt-free bite!
