Author: Alisa Fleming

Alisa is the founder of GoDairyFree.org, Food Editor for Allergic Living magazine, and author of the best-selling dairy-free book, Go Dairy Free: The Guide and Cookbook for Milk Allergies, Lactose Intolerance, and Casein-Free Living, and the new cookbook, Eat Dairy Free: Your Essential Cookbook for Everyday Meals, Snacks, and Sweets. Alisa is also a professional recipe creator and product ambassador for the natural food industry.

Many years ago, I posted our super simple dairy-free buttermilk substitute recipe online. I later added it to my book, Go Dairy Free, along with several tips. Today, I’m updating our recipe online to include those tips, along with options and answers to frequently asked questions. You can jump to the recipe, but I do recommend reading the FAQs below at least once! The Easiest Dairy-Free Buttermilk Substitute Recipe with Options I think I’ve covered the bases on almost all the FAQs we’ve received over the years. But if you have any other dairy-free buttermilk inquiries, don’t hesitate to ask!…

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This dairy-free chocolate chip pecan pie recipe is a delicious twist on a classic holiday recipe. It’s insanely easy to throw together – just stir the filling, dump it into the crust, and bake! And as an added bonus, it offers fudgy chocolate in every bite. Dairy-Free Chocolate Chip Pecan Pie Doubles Down on Dessert This dairy-free chocolate chip pecan pie recipe was shared with us sixteen years ago by a reader who chose to remain anonymous. We’ve since updated the recipe and have answers to your FAQs. Can I Use All White or All Brown Sugar in the Filling?…

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Gravy is a sneaky food. Some are made with butter, others use milk or cream, and some appear dairy-free, but actually contain milk in the seemingly clear broth. And vegan gravies are even harder to come by, since they are often chicken or beef flavored. But vegan gravy is quite easy to make at home! All you need is a combination of basic pantry ingredients and seasonings to make this flavorful recipe. Classic Vegan Gravy for Mashed Potatoes and Meatless Meals This vegan gravy recipe was originally published with the Quad City Times. about sixteen years ago. They no longer…

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Though oat milk ice cream was a short-lived treat in Carvel shops, the nearly century old frozen dessert company has launched their first dairy-free products in retail. Carvel Oat Milk Ice Cream Cakes have landed at select U.S. grocery stores in two flavors: Double Chocolate and Strawberry Raspberry. Carvel Oat Milk Ice Cream Cakes are a First for Dairy-Free Frozen Desserts We’ve seen a few brand of dairy-free cheesecakes, and some ice cream shops will custom make ice cream cakes. But these are the first vegan ice cream cakes to hit mainstream retail. Thank you to Big Box Vegan for…

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Sometimes it contains butter or a cheesy filling, but apple strudel is often a naturally dairy-free treat. And it’s remarkably easy to make. This dairy-free apple strudel recipe uses puff pastry, which you can buy at most grocery stores. Unlike croissant dough, puff pastry is typically made with oil instead of butter. It bakes up flaky and light with a deliciously gooey texture near the filling. Dairy-Free Apple Strudel is Viennese Pastry that’s Easy at Home Most puff pastry brands are naturally dairy-free and vegan-friendly. That includes Pepperidge Farm and most generics. It’s usually sold in the freezer section at your…

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Back in the very early days of dairy-free, tofu pumpkin pie recipes popped up to save dessert lovers over the holidays. And despite all of the options that have emerged, it’s persisted over the years as a favorite for so many people. I’m not surprised, really. The consistency and taste of this pie is pretty spot on and delicious. The Dairy-Free Tofu Pumpkin Pie Recipe with Options for Everyone This is one of the very few dairy-free tofu pumpkin pie recipes out there. Most are vegan. Don’t worry, we do have an egg-free option, if you need it. But using…

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Are you seeking an afternoon snack cake or a wintry coffee cake for a sweet treat? Try this dairy-free date cake for something a little different. Date cake isn’t a new concept, but this recipe has a few unique traits. First, the dates almost melt into the cake, becoming a part of the overall taste rather than just an add-in. Second, you don’t need butter or milk of any kind to make it. The recipe uses everyday ingredients. And finally, it contains just a little cocoa powder as a complementary ingredient that simply enhances the overall flavor without taking over.…

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Updated for 2022! I’m sure some of you make brilliant gingerbread houses from scratch, but the majority of us end up with a demolition site rather than a cute holiday scene. So I’ve put together this list of dairy-free gingerbread houses and cookie kits you can buy this holiday season. Most are still ones that you build and decorate yourself, but they provide all of the components and a great template to help ensure construction success. All the Dairy-Free Gingerbread Houses & Cookie Kits for the Holidays Some of these sweet holiday kits are purposely dairy-free, and even vegan or…

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I know, homemade is best. But sometimes, you just don’t have the time or energy to make everything from scratch. And you don’t need to when there are great shortcuts like these dairy-free frozen pies. Yes, believe it or not, you can walk into almost any sizable grocery store and find a non-dairy frozen pie. To make it even easier, we’ve put together this quick guide of dairy-free pumpkin pies, pecan pies, fruit pies, and even creamy pies. It includes many vegan and gluten-free options, too. Over 30 Dairy-Free Frozen Pies You Can Buy at the Store You can use…

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Most cheesy dips are loaded with fat and light on nutrition, but this dairy-free parmesan artichoke dip is plant-based and downright healthy. It’s relatively high in protein, with a modest amount of “good” fats, but still rich in flavor and consistency. You can enjoy it with bread, crackers, or crudite. Serve it at gatherings or for any day. Dairy-Free Parmesan Artichoke Dip served Hot from the Oven This recipe was originally shared with us from The Uncheese Cookbook by Jo Stepaniak back in 2006. But we recently updated the recipe for clarity and with more options. We also have quick…

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We have oatmilk ice creams, yogurts, and creamers, so why not pudding? This homemade baked oat pudding is not too sweet, but creamy and quite rich in taste. It works well as a perfectly sweet breakfast, as a rustic dessert, or even as a fulfilling snack. The wholesome ingredients make for a satisfying dish that will easily tide you over until lunch or dinner. Baked Oat Pudding that’s Perfect for a Plant-Based Breakfast This baked oat pudding was originally shared with us by my friend Ricki Heller. Her recipes were always vegan, gluten-free, and low glycemic, and this one is…

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2022 Update! Thanksgiving can be a tricky time of year for dairy-free living. Menus typically include potatoes mashed with milk, creamy beans, buttermilk biscuits, and of course, butter added to just about everything on the table. Fortunately, there are many wonderful dairy-free Thanksgiving recipes, and I’ve gathered a huge selection for you right here. These recipes are from here on Go Dairy Free and from other talented recipe creators, and they are all dairy-free. That means lactose-free, casein-free, milk-free, whey-free, goat’s milk-free, etc. No modifications needed. Every year I check the links on this post (let me know if you…

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This dairy-free maple custard recipe was shared with us way back in 2006 by a reader. But today, we’re giving it a big update! This dessert is more of a cross between a simple baked custard and a flan, since the maple syrup is drizzled on the bottom, and the custard is inverted onto a dessert plate to serve. Nevertheless, we have options listed below for alternate serving methods and ingredients. Dairy-Free Maple Custard that Turns Dessert Upside Down Looking for simpler presentation? Craving more maple flavor? Looking for the best ingredient substitutes? We have quick answers! Maple Infusion: You…

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Whether your planning a big brunch or a Thanksgiving feast, or simply need a quick and delicious sauce for tonight’s dinner, these dairy-free gravy recipes have you covered. They include a flavorful mix of creamy, brown, beef, chicken, turkey, and mushroom gravies. And of course, we have vegan and gluten-free options or almost every recipe. 10 Dairy-Free Gravy Recipes for Brunch, Dinner, or a Feast All of the following dairy-free gravy recipes are quite versatile. They pair well with a range of dishes, and can be adapted to suit almost any dietary need. All of the following are egg-free and…

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Updated for 2022! If you’re wondering what dairy-free dessert to serve for the holidays, you’ve come to the right place. Every year, I update this listing of dairy-free pies with even more incredible recipes for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and beyond. It includes delicious holiday pie recipes with options for vegan, gluten-free, soy-free, refined sugar-free, paleo, and more. Plus, I’ve rounded out the post with additional dairy-free crust recipes and tips for toppings. And to make navigating even easier, I’ve added these jump links. Just click on the section you want to jump straight to it: Pumpkin Pies Pecan Pies Apple Pies…

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This creamy, dairy-free almond gravy is thickened with both nuts and starch for a rich, but seamless finish. It pairs well with mashed potatoes, vegetables, meats, meatless meats, and more. The recipe originated with the Weimar Institute of Health & Education, but we have updated it! Almond Gravy that’s Rich, Creamy, and Made Purely from the Pantry Here are some quick FAQs for this almond gravy recipe to help ensure the best results every time you make it. What are Blanched Almonds? These are almonds with the skins removed. It produces a more seamless almond gravy in taste and color.…

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When you can’t make it to your favorite coffee shop, it’s good to have some craft drinks at home. That’s why we appreciate La Colombe Oatmilk Draft Lattes. A couple years ago, they launched in a few flavors. This year, they changed up their core line, and have added two seasonal varieties: Pumpkin Spice and Peppermint Mocha. All four flavors are sold at their cafes, in stores, and can be ordered online, for delivery right to your door. La Colombe Oatmilk Draft Lattes Deliver in 4 Dairy-Free Flavors La Colombe uses nitrous oxide to create a consistently silky, thick texture…

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After years of success with their half and half alternatives, Califia Farms has decided to enrich their dairy-free portfolio with a heavy cream substitute. Califia Farms Heavy Whip is unsweetened, unflavored, vegan, and allergy-friendly. According to the company, it can be evenly swapped for heavy dairy cream in any sweet or savory recipe. And yes, as the name implies, it whips! Califia Farms Heavy Whip is a Simple Dairy-Free Substitute for Cream Much like our soy whipped cream recipe, Califia Farms Heavy Whip is an emulsion, but it does contain coconut (oil). It’s a refrigerated product that can be whipped for…

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More than a decade ago, River at Wing it Vegan shared her recipe for vegan Spanish tortilla with us. It was buried in our news section, so today we’re updating this fabulous dish and moving it to our recipe section. Spanish tortillas are a bit like potato-filled frittatas. They’re typically made with eggs, and sometimes with dairy, but River makes her version free of eggs and other top allergens. This Vegan Spanish Tortilla is an Easy Pan to Plate Dish Spanish tortillas are served any time of day, for breakfast, brunch, or dinner. They’re also a popular tapa at Spanish…

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Last Update in March 2023! Who doesn’t love cookies? Especially when they land on your doorstep in a sweet box! And you can now order dairy-free cookie gifts online from three dozen different bakeries that ship nationwide. Our list below is perfect if you’re baking challenged, short on hand-crafting time, want to avoid the packing and shipping hassle, don’t have the necessary supplies, or simply want to support small businesses. You can order a box for a loved one you miss, to cheer up a friend, for a virtual cookie swap, or to treat yourself! All of the cookies listed below…

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