A Vegan Gingerbread House Recipe is a marvel of culinary creativity. Its walls are intricately crafted from ginger-spiced dough, holding firm without animal products. Sugar-glazed windows shimmer invitingly, while a rooftop adorned with colorful, plant-based candies glistens under imaginary winter skies. This confectionary abode, nestled among a dusting of coconut snow, offers a sweet, compassionate embrace to the festive season.
WHY IT’S A HIT?
- Utilizes purely plant-based ingredients, ensuring it’s suitable for vegan diets.
- Incorporates molasses and ginger for that classic, deep flavor without compromise.
- The structure is reinforced with vegan royal icing, providing a stronghold and elegant detail.
- It’s vibrant and cruelty-free and decorated with natural, vegan candies and frostings.
- Perfect for crafting with family, promoting creativity and inclusivity during the holidays.
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Crafting a gingerbread house that aligns with a vegan lifestyle can often feel like navigating a holiday maze filled with butter, eggs, and royal icing. I remember the year I embraced a plant-based holiday tradition; the challenge seemed daunting.
Yet, the desire to create a festive masterpiece without compromising my values led me on a quest. The key? A Vegan Gingerbread House Recipe that promises the joy and nostalgia of holiday baking, tailored to fit a cruelty-free diet.
This recipe solves the puzzle of vegan baking. It does so with flair, offering a delicious, sturdy structure that becomes the centerpiece of any holiday table, satisfying both the heart and the palate.
What Is A Vegan Gingerbread House?
A Vegan Gingerbread House is a festive, edible construction made entirely from plant-based ingredients, adhering to vegan dietary preferences. Traditional gingerbread recipes rely on ingredients like eggs, butter, and honey, which vegan cooking avoids.
Instead, vegan versions use substitutes such as flaxseed (for eggs), vegan butter or margarine, and molasses or maple syrup. The result is a compassionate creation that keeps taste and structural integrity intact.
Vegan Gingerbread Houses often feature colorful decorations made from natural, vegan-friendly candies and icings, making them a perfect holiday centerpiece that everyone can enjoy.
Quick Fact- Vegan gingerbread houses substitute traditional animal-based ingredients with plant-based alternatives, ensuring a festive treat that aligns with vegan ethical and dietary standards during the holiday season.
Recipe Directions
Gingerbread Cookies
- Prepare the flax egg by mixing the flaxseeds with water. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Sieve flour into a large bowl. Add butter and rub into the flour until crumbly. Mix in the spices and salt.
- Combine the flax egg, sugar, molasses, milk, and orange zest in a separate bowl into a paste.
- Mix the paste with the dry ingredients until dough forms. Roll it into a ball, cover it, and chill for 20 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F).
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to ½ inch thickness. Use cookie cutters or a template to cut the house parts.
- Place on a baking tray and bake for 12 minutes. Cool on a rack for 30 minutes.
Royal Icing
- Whip aquafaba for 5 minutes. Gradually add icing sugar, then juice, and whisk until thick.
- Transfer to a piping bag and seal the tip when not in use.
Assembly
- Use cardboard as a base. Pipe icing on the edges of the house parts and assemble. Use cans for support. Dry for 1 hour.
- Add the roof, propping with cans or glasses. Let it dry for 2-3 hours or overnight.
- Once dry, decorate with royal icing, adding details like rosemary trees and a lollystick fence. Dust with icing sugar for snow.
Variations, Add-Ons, And Toppings
Variations
- Gluten-Free Dough: Substitute the regular flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
- Spice Variations: Adjust the level of ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg based on personal preference, or add clove and allspice for a deeper spice profile.
- Chocolate Gingerbread: Incorporate cocoa powder into the dough for a chocolatey twist.
Add-Ons
- Vegan Candies: Use a variety of vegan candies for decoration. Think sour strips for roof tiles, gummy bears for playful figurines, and hard candy for windows.
- Dried Fruit: Decorate with dried cranberries, raisins, and apricots for a natural sweet touch.
- Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds can be decorative elements, mimicking wood logs, stones, or pathway pebbles.
Toppings
- Royal Icing is a staple for assembling and decorating gingerbread houses. Ensure it’s made with plant-based ingredients like aquafaba.
- Shredded Coconut: Perfect for simulating snow, giving your gingerbread house a cozy winter wonderland vibe.
- Powdered Sugar Dusting: A light dusting of powdered sugar can mimic the look of freshly fallen snow on the rooftop and landscape.
- Natural Food Coloring: Use natural food dyes from plants to color your icing for vibrant details without synthetic additives.
Vegetable Substitutions
- Vegan Butter or Margarine: Replaces traditional butter, ensuring the dough maintains its rich flavor and texture.
- Aquafaba (Chickpea Water): Acts as an excellent binder and is used in royal icing instead of egg whites, providing structure and gloss.
- Molasses: Offers deep, rich sweetness and color, perfect as a honey substitute.
- Coconut Oil: Can be used in place of butter for its solid state at room temperature, aiding in dough consistency.
- Plant-Based Milk: Almond, soy, or oat milk replaces dairy milk, ensuring the dough achieves the right moisture level.
- Flaxseeds or Chia Seeds (Mixed with Water): These can be used as an egg substitute, helping to bind the dough together.
- Maple Syrup: An alternative sweetener to molasses or honey, adding a unique flavor profile.
- Agave Syrup: Another vegan sweetener option that provides moisture and binds the ingredients without using animal products.
Quick Tip- Let the royal icing “cement” dry thoroughly between assembly steps for a sturdy vegan gingerbread house. Patience here ensures your creation stands tall and proud throughout the festive season.
Best Side Dishes
- Warm Spiced Cider This cozy beverage reflects the spices used in your gingerbread house, adding warmth and cheer.
- Cranberry Sauce Its tart sweetness contrasts nicely with the gingerbread’s spiciness.
- Roasted Chestnuts A classic holiday treat that pairs well with the nutty notes of gingerbread.
- Vegan Eggnog A creamy, spiced drink that complements the rich flavors of the gingerbread.
- Dark Chocolate Fondue Offers a rich, indulgent dipping option for gingerbread pieces.
- Candied Orange Slices Their bright citrus flavor and chewy texture contrast beautifully with the gingerbread’s deep spices.
- Vegan Vanilla Ice Cream A cool, creamy counterpoint to the warm spices of the gingerbread house.
- Mulled Wine The spices in mulled wine echo those in gingerbread, making for a harmonious pairing.
How To Serve?
- Centerpiece Display: Initially, use your gingerbread house as a festive table centerpiece. It can spark conversation and admiration from your guests.
- Breaking Ceremony: Create a fun tradition where family or guests gather to “break” the house together. This can be a ceremonial start to enjoying the treat.
- Individual Pieces: Carefully disassemble the house and serve individual pieces on a platter. This way, everyone can choose a part of the house they’d like to try.
- With Dessert Wine or Warm Beverages: Serve alongside dessert wine, warm spiced cider, or vegan hot chocolate to complement the spices in the gingerbread.
- Decorate Dessert Plates: Use gingerbread house pieces to decorate dessert plates, adding a festive touch to other holiday treats.
- Dipping Options: Offer vegan chocolate sauce, caramel, or a spiced fruit compote for dipping gingerbread pieces.
- As a Gift: Wrap up parts of the gingerbread house in clear cellophane as a parting gift for guests, spreading the holiday cheer.
- With Vegan Ice Cream: Serve gingerbread house pieces with a scoop of vegan ice cream for a delightful contrast of flavors and temperatures.
Quick Tip- To enhance flavor and prevent dryness, lightly brush your gingerbread house pieces with simple syrup before assembling. This keeps them moist and adds a subtle sweetness.
Storage & Make Ahead
- Airtight Containers: Store unassembled gingerbread pieces in airtight containers at room temperature to maintain freshness. They can last up to two weeks.
- Cool, Dry Place: Keep your fully assembled gingerbread house in a cool, dry place to prevent humidity from softening it.
- Make Ahead: Bake gingerbread pieces up to a week in advance. This saves time and allows the flavors to meld and deepen, enhancing the overall taste.
- Royal Icing: Prepare royal icing a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature and stir well before use.
- Avoid Refrigeration: Refrigerating assembled houses can cause condensation, softening the structure. Best to keep it at room temperature.
- Pre-Decorating: If using candies or edible decorations, add these closer to serving time to prevent color bleed and ensure they stay crisp.
Fact- The tradition of making gingerbread houses originated in Germany during the 16th century, inspired by the Brothers Grimm fairy tale, “Hansel and Gretel.”
Time-Saving Tips
- Pre-Measure Ingredients: Before you start, measure out all your ingredients. This streamlines the process and saves time.
- Roll Dough Between Parchment Paper: Rolling your dough between sheets of parchment paper prevents sticking without extra flour, and you can directly transfer it to the baking sheet.
- Use Pre-Made Patterns: In advance, choose patterns for your gingerbread house pieces. This makes cutting shapes quick and uniform.
- Batch Prepare: If you’re making multiple houses, prepare your dough and icing in batches. It’s more efficient than doing each batch separately.
- Pre-Decorate Panels: Decorate the panels with icing and candies before assembling the house. It’s easier to decorate flat surfaces and lets the icing dry.
- Use a Stand Mixer for Icing: If you have a stand mixer, prepare your royal icing. It saves time and ensures consistency.
- Make Ahead: Bake your gingerbread pieces in advance. Once cooled, they can be stored until you’re ready to assemble, allowing you to break up the process.
Vegan Gingerbread House Recipe – A Step-By-Step Guide!
A vegan gingerbread house offers a delightful twist on a classic holiday tradition. Crafted from plant-based ingredients, it boasts the same festive charm and spicy sweetness but with a compassionate touch. Decorated with vibrant vegan candies and icing, it becomes a captivating centerpiece, embodying the spirit of inclusive, cruelty-free celebrations during the holiday season.
1
gingerbread house30
minutes12
minutes400
kcal3
hours(overnight)Keep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
- Vegan Gingerbread
1 Tbsp 1 Ground flaxseeds
350 g 350 Plain flour (GF all-purpose if needed)
150 g 150 Vegan butter, room temperature
1 Tbsp 1 Ground ginger
2 Tsp 2 Ground cinnamon
1 Tsp 1 Ground nutmeg
Pinch Pinch Salt
150 g 150 Soft brown sugar or coconut sugar
30 g 30 Molasses
2 Tbsp 2 Plant-based milk
1 Tbsp 1 Orange zest (optional)
- Eggless Royal Icing
80 g 80 Aquafaba, unsalted
500 g 500 Icing sugar (organic if in the US)
1 Tbsp 1 Lemon juice or orange juice
Directions
- Gingerbread Cookies
- Prepare the Flax Egg: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseeds with 2 ½ tablespoons of water. Let it sit for at least 5 minutes.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Sieve 350g of plain flour into a large bowl. Add 150g of vegan butter in small chunks. Rub the butter into the flour until it resembles a crumble consistency. Add 1 tablespoon of ground ginger, 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Stir to combine.
- Create the Dough: In a separate bowl, mix the flax egg with 150g of soft brown sugar (or coconut sugar), 30g of molasses, 30ml of plant-based milk, and 1 tablespoon of orange zest (optional) to form a paste. Add this paste to the dry ingredients and knead until a dough forms. Roll into a ball and chill in the fridge for 20 minutes, covered.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 175°C (350°F).
- Roll and Cut Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the dough to ½ inches thick. Use cookie cutters or a template to cut out the house parts: 2 sidewalls, 2 end walls (with windows and a door), and 2 roof panels (at ¼ inches thick). Place on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Bake: Bake for 12 minutes until they start to brown. Cool on a rack for at least 30 minutes. Once cooled, trim any uneven edges.
- Royal Icing
- Whip Aquafaba: Whip 80g of aquafaba in a large bowl for 5 minutes. Gradually add 500g of icing sugar while continuing to whisk. Finally, add 1 tablespoon of lemon or orange juice and whisk until thick.
- Prepare Piping Bag: Transfer the icing to a piping bag. Cut the tip when ready to use. Seal with a clothes peg to prevent drying.
- Assembly
- Prepare Base: Use a flat piece of cardboard as the base. Pipe icing on the bottom edges of one side and one front panel, then press together. Support with cans if needed. Let dry for at least an hour.
- Attach Roof: Pipe icing on the top edges of the house and carefully place one roof panel. Use cans or glasses for support. Once set, add the second roof panel.
- Let It Set: Allow the structure to dry for 2-3 hours or overnight.
- Decorate: Once dry, decorate with the remaining royal icing, adding details like a snow effect, evergreen trees from rosemary sprigs, and a wooden lolly stick fence. Dust the roof with icing sugar for a snowy look.
- Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Silicone spatula
- Rolling pin
- Gingerbread house cookie cutters or a sharp knife
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheets
- Cooling rack
- Handheld or stand mixer
- Piping bags and tips
- Cling film or airtight container
- Clothes pegs (for sealing piping bags)
- Cardboard (for the base)
- Food cans or small glasses (for support during assembly)
Notes
- Flaxseed Alternative: Chia seeds can also be used as a binder instead of flaxseeds.
- Butter Temperature: Vegan butter should be cold for the dough, but room temperature butter is easier to work with to create a crumble texture.
- Icing Thickness: If the royal icing is too thick, add a few drops of plant-based milk to reach the desired consistency.
- Storage: Unassembled gingerbread pieces can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
- Decorating Tip: Use natural food coloring for a vibrant, chemical-free decoration.
- Support While Drying: Utilizing cans or glasses to support the structure while drying prevents collapsing.
- Template Use: A gingerbread house template can offer more design variety and precision if cookie cutters are unavailable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make The Gingerbread House Dough Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the gingerbread dough ahead of time. Once the dough is made, wrap it tightly in cling film or place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
When you’re ready to use it, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes until it’s pliable enough to roll out. This can help manage your time, especially during the busy holiday season.
Is Royal Icing Strong Enough To Hold The Vegan Gingerbread House Together?
Absolutely. When made correctly, royal icing is a strong “cement” for assembling the gingerbread house. The key is to whip the aquafaba until it’s very stiff before adding the icing sugar and then allowing the assembled house enough time to dry and harden. Let the icing dry overnight before adding heavy decorations or roof pieces to ensure the structure is solid for best results.
How Can I Ensure My Gingerbread House Pieces Don’t Warp Or Bubble While Baking?
Roll the dough to an even thickness and avoid opening the oven door frequently during baking to prevent warping or bubbling.
Also, letting the dough chill in the refrigerator before rolling and cutting can help maintain its shape during baking. If any pieces warp slightly, you can trim them immediately after baking while they’re still soft.
What Are Some Creative Vegan Decorations For A Gingerbread House?
Beyond the traditional candy decorations, consider using nuts and seeds for texture and a natural look. Coconut flakes make excellent “snow,” while dried fruit can add color and sweetness. Pretzel sticks are great for fences or log piles, and fresh herbs like rosemary can mimic pine trees. Use natural food dyes to color and decorate your icing for a vibrant touch.
How Do I Store My Completed Vegan Gingerbread House?
Once your gingerbread house is assembled and the icing has dried, it can be stored on display in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid humid areas, as moisture can soften the gingerbread and icing.
If you plan to keep the house long, consider covering it lightly with cling film to protect it from dust. However, be mindful that certain decorations might be affected by prolonged storage. It’s usually best enjoyed within a few days to a week.
