There are numerous different types of dairy-free treats available for those who cannot or choose not to eat dairy products. While there are plenty of desserts that are dairy-free on their own, other types that typically contain eggs, milk or other dairy products can be made by making minor substitutions. A few examples of dairy-free treats include fried dough, fruit pies, cookies, and non-dairy ice cream.
Fried dough treats go by many different names, depending on the other ingredients, including fritters and churros. This dairy-free treat typically contains flour, sugar, and vegetable oil as a base. Other ingredients, such as sugar or cinnamon, can be added for flavor. Sliced apples or peaches also go well with fried dough. This type of treat is typically high in fat and calories, so it should be eaten in moderation.
A variety of fruit can be made into dairy-free treats, including apples, peaches, cherries, and blueberries. Most pie-crusts do not require milk or other dairy products, and those recipes that do call for dairy can be made using almond or soy-milk, or even just water. Fruit sprinkled with granola or another crunchy topping is a good alternative for those who do not want to make an entire pie. Fruit smoothies made using a non-dairy yogurt or soy-milk and ice are also good options.
Many different types of cookies and bars can be dairy-free treats, either on their own or through substitutions. Brownies, for example, can be made used mashed avocados or bananas in place of the eggs. Unsweetened apple sauce is also a good substitute for dairy products. Hard cookies, like biscotti, typically do not call for dairy products, so they don’t require any substitutions.
For those who prefer the texture and flavor of ice cream, but cannot eat the dairy version, many stores now sell alternatives made from soy-milk or tofu. These dairy-free treats often taste slightly different from traditional ice cream, and it can take some time to get used to them. Pureed frozen fruits mixed with sugar and other flavor-enhancing ingredients are also good alternatives to dairy ice cream.
There are numerous other types of dairy-free treats, including hard candies, sweetened peanut butter covered in melted carob chips, and caramel popcorn. Gelatin is also dairy-free, but, those who avoid dairy for moral reasons will want to avoid it because it is made from animal by-products. With a little creativity and a few changes, just about any dessert can be turned into a dairy-free treat.
