6 Plant-Based Recipes for your Festive Season

I love Christmas! It’s one of my favourite times of the year; it’s a time to be grateful, to look back and reflect on the past year, and also to spend time with our families and loved ones. But even more than that, it’s a time when we get to indulge in satiating and delicious foods – a sure highlight for me!

Following a plant-based based diet does NOT mean you need to miss out on a scrumptious Christmas meal. Instead, I like to think of it as an opportunity to expand my plant-based cooking horizons and impress all my family and friends with my latest vegan delights.

The recipes below are all nostalgic ones for me. They are ones that my family had on the table each year, and also ones that are easy to create a plant-based variation of the traditional classic.

Mince Pies
I get it, Mince Pies are a controversial one. You either dive for them at Christmas parties or fastidiously avoid them. For those of us who form part of the Mince Pie cheer squad, this recipe will become legendary. These homemade Mince Pies seem to hold the very essence of Christmas itself. Nothing can beat one fresh and warm, pulled straight from the oven!

Check out this recipe for Mince Pies from BBC Good Food

Granny’s Favourite Rum Balls
Rum Balls. A classic Australian recipe that is all too easy to ‘veganise’. I love this recipe from The Vegan Larder. It’s quick and easy to make, and they taste just like they should. Rum Balls always seem to be a hit at Christmas time – my hot tip is to bake these in bulk so you never have to show up empty handed throughout the festive season.

Check out this recipe for Rum Balls from The Vegan Larder

Vegan Chocolate Bark
As a child, this was one of my favourite treats that my Mum made at Christmas time. I would sneak my hand into the fridge when she wasn’t looking and pull out the choiciest piece of bark. Two minutes later I’d be back for more. Chocolate Bark is another recipe that is super simple and easy to make. They look great and festive too!

Check out this recipe for Vegan Chocolate Bark from Sweet Simple Vegan

Gingerbread Sandwiches
Ok! My last sweet treat recipe (for now)! This recipe is a fun and mouthwatering twist on the classic gingerbread men. These sandwich cookies are some of my favourites. What sets them apart is the fact that each treat involves not one but TWO gingerbread people, connected by rich and indulgent chocolate. The perfect Christmas treat for some holiday naughtiness.

Check out this recipe for Gingerbread Sandwiches from Gathering Dreams

Plant-Based Gravy
Next up, a Christmas staple. Christmas dinner just wouldn’t be the same without being covered in gravy. This recipe is full of flavour and wholesome ingredients, and tastes even better than the real thing! Just a quick note from this little Aussie – for those of us down under, try subbing marmite for our good old vegemite!

Check out this recipe for Vegan Gravy from Jamie Oliver

Mushroom Wellington
My mouth starts to water just thinking about this recipe. It’s hearty and meaty and downright delicious. The star ingredient? Incredibly juicy mushrooms of course! This is an amazing plant-based roast to treat your friends and family at Christmas dinner.

Check out this recipe for Mushroom Wellington from Delicious Everyday