Craving your favorite non-vegan dishes but want to make them plant-based? Whether you're new to vegan cooking or a seasoned pro, learning how to veganize any recipe is a game-changer. With the right substitutions, you can enjoy fluffy cakes, cheesy casseroles, and creamy sauces—all 100% plant-based!
In this guide, I’ll share my foolproof vegan swaps, plus link to already veganized recipes from one of my favorite blogs, What’s Baking. Let’s dive in!
Why Veganize Recipes?
✅ Healthier – Often lower in saturated fats and cholesterol
✅ Eco-friendly – Reduces your carbon footprint
✅ Budget-friendly – Many swaps use pantry staples
✅ Allergy-friendly – Great for dairy-free and egg-free diets
The Ultimate Vegan Substitution Guide
1. Eggs → Flaxseed, Applesauce, or Aquafaba
Eggs bind, leaven, and add moisture. Here’s how to replace them:
- 1 egg = 1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water (let sit 5 mins) – Best for brownies, pancakes, and muffins
- 1 egg = ¼ cup applesauce – Great for cakes and quick breads
- 1 egg = 3 tbsp aquafaba (chickpea brine) – Perfect for meringues and macarons
Try it in: Vegan Flaxseed Banana Bread
2. Dairy Milk → Plant-Based Milk
Any nut, oat, soy, or coconut milk works 1:1 in recipes.
- Oat milk – Creamy, great for baking and coffee
- Almond milk – Light, ideal for smoothies and cereals
- Coconut milk – Rich, perfect for curries and desserts
Try it in: Vegan Chocolate Cake
3. Butter → Coconut Oil or Vegan Butter
- 1:1 swap with vegan butter (e.g., Earth Balance) – Best for cookies and pie crusts
- Coconut oil – Adds richness, great for brownies and muffins
Try it in: Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
4. Cheese → Nut-Based or Store-Bought Vegan Cheese
- Cashew cheese – Blend soaked cashews + nutritional yeast + lemon juice
- Store-bought brands – Violife, Miyoko’s, and Daiya melt well
Try it in: Vegan Mac & Cheese
5. Meat → Lentils, Tofu, or Jackfruit
- Ground beef → Cooked lentils or crumbled tofu
- Pulled pork → Shredded jackfruit (great for tacos!)
- Chicken → Marinated tofu or seitan
Try it in: Vegan Meatballs
Bonus: Already Vegan Recipes to Try
If you don’t want to experiment, here are ready-made vegan versions of classics:
🍰 Vegan Vanilla Cupcakes
🍕 Vegan Garlic Bread
🍫 Vegan Brownies
Pro Tips for Perfect Vegan Conversions
🔹 Adjust baking time – Some vegan batters cook faster
🔹 Add extra flavor – Nutritional yeast, smoked paprika, or miso boost umami
🔹 Don’t overmix – Vegan batters can get gummy if overworked
Final Thoughts
With these easy vegan swaps, you can transform ANY recipe into a plant-based delight. Start with one substitution, master it, and soon you’ll be veganizing everything from grandma’s cookies to restaurant-style pasta!
Which recipe will you veganize first? Let me know in the comments! For more easy vegan recipes, visit What’s Baking.
Save this guide for later and tag me in your creations! 🌱