Author: Alisa Fleming

Everyone needs a good, basic, dried fruit and nut bread for sharing at the holidays, or using up leftover pantry ingredients. And this simple dairy-free recipe is a keeper. It uses basic supplies, and tastes delicious with whatever dried fruits and nuts you have on hand. You can even make it nut-free by substituting seeds or more fruit, if needed. Fruit & Nut Bread with Options for Every Taste and Season The beauty of this easy quick bread recipe is how versatile it is. You can mix up the dried fruit and nut add ins based on whatever you have…

Just over a year ago, I made the announcement that all Upfield brands of margarine and butter alternatives would be vegan by 2025. Today, I’m happy to say that they are already making strides! Thanks to Big Box Vegan, we learned that the new formula of I Can’t Believe it’s not Butter Spray is dairy free. I Can’t Believe it’s not Butter Baking Sticks have also joined their dairy-free ranks, which include the brand’s Light and Vegan Buttery Spreads. I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter Spray is Going Dairy Free For many years, this beloved spray contained sweet cream buttermilk,…

This incredibly delicious dairy-free coffee cake is layered with a wonderful streusel. In the middle, those brown sugar crumbles melt in to create a rich, moist layer of goodness. On top, they get a little crispy and crunchy for a perfectly sweet finish. The Ultimate Dairy-Free Coffee Cake for Streusel Lovers There’s so much streusel on this dairy-free coffee cake that it it looks like a lava field once baked! But don’t let the rustic looks deter you. It’s an irresistible dessert that everyone will clamor for. For a coffeehouse look, just drizzle the optional icing over top. Can I…

For some people, there is nothing like a classic double-crusted apple pie. But I prefer less fussy apple desserts. Crisps are usually my go to, but I also like a good dairy-free apple cobbler. It’s as easy as apple crumble, but the topping is blended into a thick batter, and baked to make a very moist, tender, slightly cakey topping. This recipe is also topped with a layer of cinnamon and sugar for a sweet “crust” on top. This Dairy-Free Apple Cobbler is a Fuss-Free Dessert for All I adapted this recipe from King Arthur’s Sugar-Crusted Apple Cobbler. In addition…

A couple of years ago, I heard about this wonderful dairy-free chocolatier called Fames. But it wasn’t until this holiday season that I finally tried an assortment of their treats. They offer chocolates by the pound, pretty gift boxes, and party-worthy assortments. We enjoyed one of their large assortments, and I’m happy to report that every last bite was delicious! Fames Chocolate Delivers with Dairy-Free Caramels, Creams, Clusters, and More Unlike most chocolate makers, Fames is kosher parve and strictly dairy free. But that is their only limitation. They make nougats, chews, nutty patties, chocolate-covered treats, truffles, and more with…

If you’re in need of a simple, inexpensive, and impressive side or appetizer, then look no further than these vegan sherry mushrooms. They’re a take on champinones al ajillo, or Spanish-style garlic mushrooms. Everyday button or cremini mushrooms are cooked in olive oil, and then sautéed with sherry, lemon juice, garlic, and paprika, for a complex yet comforting taste. Make Tapas Night Easy with these Vegan Sherry Mushrooms This recipe for vegan sherry mushrooms was originally shared with us by Robin Robertson, from her cookbook Party Vegan: Fabulous, Fun Food for Every Occasion. When it was released, I received a…

This dairy-free vegetable casserole is like a green bean casserole on steroids. It contains a delicious medley of healthy produce, baked in a creamy dairy-free sauce, and topped with those wonderful French fried onions. It’s a comforting side that suits both holidays and winter weekend meals. Dairy-Free Vegetable Casserole with Creamy, Crunchy, and Healthy all in One This nutritious dish was created by the chefs at Dole for their ‘Healthier by Dole’ recipe campaign. It’s led by Melanie Marcus, RD, MA and focuses on alternative and plant-based options that everyone can enjoy! In addition to the recipe, we have some…

I’m usually all about short ingredient lists. But I have to admit, the nutrition panels on LyfeFeul Essentials Bars read like a who’s who of functional and super foods. Each bar contains 21 essential vitamins and minerals from real, whole foods. These dairy-free bars also have a balance of high fiber, high protein, high “healthy fats,” and low sugar (0 to 1 gram of added sugar), which I’m sure will please many people. Dairy-Free Nutrition Just Got Easier with LyfeFuel Essential Bars As for the texture, these bars are on the chewy side, with a nice dry finish. They are…

Ages ago, a blogger and cookbook author named Amy Green shared this wonderful recipe for dairy-free and gluten-free coconut lemon bars with us. It’s remarkably low in sugar, and made without nuts or soy, too. Amy no longer maintains a blog, but we’re happy to still have some of her healthy dessert recipes online. We’re Sweet on these Healthier Coconut Lemon Bars We originally posted this recipe back in 2011, but I’ve updated it and moved it to our recipe section. I also have answers to some FAQs that have popped up. Is There a Substitute for the Sorghum Flour?…

Updated in 2023! Chocolate coins are the sweetest currency available and they’re accepted around the world. In Europe, they’ve been a Christmas tradition for centuries, and are said to be inspired by the good deeds of St. Nicholas. Australians and Americans have adopted this golden gift for stocking stuffers. For Hanukkah (or Chanukah) the coins are known as gelt, and are typically given to children and teachers. Chocolate gold coins are also shared for the New Year, Chinese New Year, and for St. Patrick’s Day. These treats often contain milk, but we have a great guide to dairy-free chocolate coins…

In honor of holiday parties, football games, and a general love for Mexican food, we decided to host a taste test for the best dairy-free queso! Okay, we also just thought it would be fun. And like our dairy-free mozzarella and dairy-free cream cheese taste tests, this one was full of surprises. You can use these links to jump ahead in our review: How Our Test Was Done Summary of Our Findings Ratings & Notes (The Best First!) The Ultimate Taste Test for the Best Dairy-Free Queso I visited every grocer in town and bought every dairy-free queso brand I…

Buttermilk is a fermented dairy drink that used to be made from the liquid left after churning butter from cultured cream. These days, most butter is made with uncultured cream, so “buttermilk” is cultured as a separate product. It’s really fermented milk, not true buttermilk. So you don’t need to feel guilty when you substitute buttermilk in your recipes! We have several simple options outlined in this post for quick reference. 7 Easy Ways to Substitute Buttermilk for Dairy-Free Recipes There are three primary types of recipes that use buttermilk. I’ll quickly explain why buttermilk benefits these types of recipes.…

This delicious and easy dairy-free chocolate coffee cake recipe isn’t from my mom, but it is from a loving mom who adapted a family recipe for her chocolate-loving little one. Kerri, a Go Dairy Free viewer, says this recipe is “the BEST!!” Our youngest (now 3) is allergic to dairy, but I am a massive chocoholic! I’m always looking for good chocolate-anything recipes. I took my grandma’s really awesome chocolate coffee cake recipe and modified it. It only took one trial and it was perfect. Even better than the original!  The original recipe called for 1 cup of buttermilk and…

This recipe was submitted to us many years ago – it was originally known as maple pralines. But these dairy-free maple pecans are in a class all their own. According to The Noshery, praline pecans have a caramel-like coating of brown sugar, butter, and cream. Candied pecans on the other hand are made with sugar and egg white, while glazed pecans are made with brown sugar, corn syrup, and butter. These vegan maple pecans are a bit like glazed pecans, but without the butter or refined sugars. And they set, kind of like candied pecans, only without the sugary crisp…

Field Roast, the company behind Chao Creamery, has kept this product under the radar since its release. But we still managed to find Chao Plant-Based Queso at our local natural food store. It’s a cheesy sauce, meant to be heated and used for dipping, or drizzled on nachos, tacos, burritos, you name it! Get Your Dairy-Free Nachos Ready for Chao Plant-Based Queso This dip is sold refrigerated, but it does need to be warmed for dipping and drizzling. Unfortunately, it “sets up” a bit too much when cold. Once heated, it boasts a melty consistency, bright orange hue, relatively mild…

At Expo West a few years ago, we spotted Toom Garlic Dips upstairs in the section for innovative newer food companies. With “dairy-free” proudly displayed on their sign and product, we simply had to stop in for a quick sample. And I was immediately smitten. Back then, their distribution was very limited, so I couldn’t get anymore. But today, I’m happy to announce that these rich, creamy, and incredibly smooth dips are now available in over 2000 stores! Toom Garlic Dips come in Four Naturally Rich & Creamy Flavors Their original formula used a touch of egg white powder, but…

It is cookie season, but that doesn’t mean you need to blow your healthy diet altogether. These grain-free, dairy-free coconut macaroon cookies are nutritious little treats that satisfy without refined sugars. They remind me of a cross between macaroons and classic soft and chewy chocolate chip cookies. Coconut Macaroon Cookies Free of Dairy, Eggs, Gluten, Grains & Refined Sugar Years ago, my friend Ricki Heller released an ebook called Desserts without Compromise. It’s no longer available, but I still have this recipe for dairy-free, gluten-free, and downright healthy coconut macaroon cookies. My version is adapted from Ricki’s original formula a…

This dairy-free potato soup has been one of my favorite soup recipes for decades. It’s light, yet creamy, and has an amazing rich flavor. The recipe is from my flagship book, Go Dairy Free: The Guide and Cookbook, but I’ve decided to share it online, too. It’s perfectly nourishing to help you weather the cold seasons ahead. The Best Dairy-Free Potato Soup with Two Secret Ingredients I credit two secret ingredients for making this the best dairy-free potato soup. The first is miso, which adds umami to the flavor and complements yellow potatoes so well. It makes this more of…

What would the holidays be without snickerdoodle cookies? These classic dairy-free snickerdoodles use a simple, time-tested recipe with everyday baking ingredients. It’s a no-frills formula that’s adorned cookie platters for many years and has been approved by hundreds of cinnamon fans. Classic Dairy-Free Snickerdoodles that Keep with Tradition Before you try making any substitutions, I recommend reading these quick ingredient notes. Cream of Tartar This and cinnamon are the two primary ingredients that set snickerdoodles apart from sugar cookies. Cream of tartar helps prevent sugar from crystalizing and leavens just a bit, lending that telltale soft and puffy snickerdoodle texture.…

Updated for 2023! Each year I share The 25 Best Dairy-Free Chocolate Gifts and Dozens of Dairy-Free Cookie Gifts you can order 0nline. But there’s more to the holidays than chocolate and cookies. Really, there is! I’ve gathered 40 MORE incredible dairy-free food gifts, many of which you haven’t seen on any other lists. Forget those basic dried fruit and nut trays. These dairy-free food gifts are on trend and have a more personal touch. 40 Delicious Dairy-Free Food Gifts for Everyone on Your List These dairy-free food gifts are a special way to show someone that you care about…