There’s something magical about summer nights—the music, the glow of string lights, and the tempting scent of street food wafting through warm air. Whether you’re strolling through a local market, dancing at a neighborhood festival, or simply craving something sweet after dinner, vegan street desserts bring the fun and flavor without the fuss.
This summer, you don’t need to chase down a food truck to get your fix. With just a few pantry staples and seasonal produce, you can whip up easy vegan street treats in your own kitchen. From creamy popsicles to crispy churros, we’ve got your summer sweet tooth covered—no dairy, no eggs, no problem. Pair your vegan desserts with sangria (mock- or cocktails) for the ultimate summer vibe!
1. Vegan Churros with Chocolate Dipping Sauce
Let’s start with the classic. Churros are a street food staple, and yes—you can make a vegan version that’s crispy on the outside, soft inside, and coated in cinnamon sugar. No eggs needed!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 2 tbsp coconut oil or vegan butter
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 cup flour
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup sugar + 1 tbsp cinnamon for coating
Easy Steps:
Boil water, sugar, and oil. Stir in flour and salt until it forms a dough. Pipe into hot oil, fry until golden, and roll in cinnamon sugar. Serve with melted dark chocolate or a quick vegan ganache (just heat coconut milk with chopped chocolate).
Pro tip: No piping bag? Use a sturdy zip-top bag with the corner snipped.
2. Fruit Paletas (Mexican-Style Ice Pops)
These are a summer must. Made with just fruit, a little sweetener, and a squeeze of lime, paletas are endlessly customizable—and freezer-friendly.
Flavor Ideas:
- Mango + chili + lime
- Strawberry + coconut milk
- Watermelon + mint
- Pineapple + basil
How to Make:
Blend fruit with a dash of maple syrup or agave and a squeeze of lime. Pour into popsicle molds and freeze overnight. That’s it!
3. Mini Vegan Funnel Cakes
Bring the fair to your backyard! These crispy little nests of dough are fun to make and even more fun to eat.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup flour
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup plant milk
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Whisk all ingredients. Heat oil in a skillet. Pour batter through a funnel or spouted cup in a spiral pattern. Fry until golden, flip once. Dust with powdered sugar and enjoy hot.
4. Vegan Thai Sticky Rice with Mango (Khao Niew Mamuang)
This beloved Thai street dessert is naturally vegan and so refreshing.
What You Need:
- 1 cup glutinous rice
- 1 can full-fat coconut milk
- 1/4 cup sugar
- Pinch of salt
- Fresh mango slices
- Sesame seeds or mung beans (optional)
Steps:
Steam soaked sticky rice. Warm coconut milk with sugar and salt. Pour most of the sweetened coconut milk over the cooked rice and let it soak. Serve with mango and drizzle the rest of the coconut cream on top.
5. No-Bake Vegan Peanut Butter Rice Bars
Popular at food stalls and pop-ups, these chewy bars are a cross between a dessert and an energy snack.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup crispy brown rice cereal
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- Pinch of sea salt
- Optional: mini vegan chocolate chips
Steps:
Warm PB and maple syrup, stir into dry ingredients. Press into a parchment-lined pan, chill until set, slice into bars. Great for picnics and park snacks.
6. Banana Nice Cream Sundae Bar
This is your make-your-own summer dessert station. Blend frozen bananas into soft-serve, then let everyone top their own bowl.
Topping Ideas:
- Crushed peanuts
- Vegan chocolate sauce
- Fresh berries
- Coconut flakes
- Crumbled cookies
- Drizzles of tahini or almond butter
Set it up like a DIY station and let the creativity flow. Perfect for backyard gatherings or family night.
7. Sweet Vegan Dumplings (Asian-Inspired)
In night markets across Asia, you’ll often find sweet dumplings filled with red bean paste, sesame, or sweet potato. Here’s a simple take you can pan-fry or steam.
Quick Version:
Use store-bought vegan dumpling wrappers, fill with mashed sweetened red bean or mashed banana + cinnamon. Steam or pan-fry and serve with a drizzle of maple syrup or a dusting of coconut sugar.
Summer Dessert Tips & Tricks
- Batch it: Make a few treats on the weekend to enjoy all week—like paletas or sticky rice.
- Keep it cool: Use seasonal fruit and frozen treats to stay refreshed.
- Get the kids involved: Rolling churros or topping nice cream sundaes is fun for all ages.
- Make it a theme night: Pair your vegan desserts with tapas, sangria mocktails, or a summer movie night outside.
Final Scoop
Vegan street desserts are more than just food—they’re an experience. Sweet, festive, and full of global inspiration, they bring the best of summer right to your kitchen. Whether you’re keeping it simple with frozen fruit pops or going bold with homemade churros, every bite is a celebration.
So fire up your playlist, invite some friends, and let dessert be the highlight of your summer night.
