On June 28, 1969, police raided a popular LGBTQ bar, the Stonewall Inn, in New York City. While this practice was somewhat common in gay bars, that night the community took a stand for their rights. This united front launched the national movement to promote, celebrate, and fight for equal rights for anyone who considered themselves gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or anything other that deviated from the heterosexual “norm.” In honor of this historic night, June is now dedicated to Pride month. Parades, marches, rallies, and other community events are held throughout the world to celebrate the LGBTQ culture, all displaying the movement’s iconic rainbow symbol. To celebrate Pride month, we’ve rounded up a list of the most creative, eye-popping, and delicious sweet vegan rainbow recipes to serve after a long day at the parade or at a party. Of course, these recipes aren’t just good for one month. As Pride promotes equality year round, you’ll want to make these desserts over and over again!
7 Sweet Vegan Rainbow Recipes for Pride Month
1. Strawberry Ombre Cake
Okay, so not all the colors of the rainbow are represented in this one, but it was too mouthwatering and pretty to leave out. It’s a simple yet moist white vanilla cake colored with natural pink food coloring, filled with strawberry jam, frosted with a creamy vanilla buttercream, and decorated with shredded coconut. If you really wanted to go with the rainbow theme, you could always use different colored food gels. Impress all your friends with this gorgeous cake!
Get the recipe here.
2. Italian Rainbow Cookies
These traditional tri-colored almond layer cookies originated in the early 1900s. Italian bakeries in America created these treats to resemble the Italian flag, paying homage to their homeland. Today, everyone seems to adore them. Of course, what’s not to love about a cookie bar layered with jam and chocolate?
Get the recipe here.
3. Rainbow Cheesecake Bars
Plain cheesecake can look so boring. Give your creamy indulgence a pop of color with these incredibly luscious cheesecake bars. Despite the intricate coloring, they’re fairly easy to make. The swirls are made by dolloping different colored mixes into the base, then using a toothpick to gently blend the colors together (it’s actually quite fun). The hardest part about this recipe is waiting for the bars to chill overnight.
Get the recipe here.
4. Rainbow Fruit Skewers
So basic, but so good. Stop by your local farmer’s market and pick up all the colorful fruit that catches your eye, then layer them on a kebab skewer and serve. Keepin’ it fresh!
Get the recipe here.
5. Rainbow Pancakes
What’s better than a tall stack of fluffy pancakes? A tall stack of rainbow pancakes. Topped with sprinkles. And whipped cream. With maple syrup cascading down the sides. Brunch has never been better.
Get the recipe here.
6. Rainbow Smoothie Bowl
This sweet yet healthy superfood smoothie bowl will definitely get you energized for all your Pride festivities. The gorgeous green color comes from spirulina, but you could also use blue majik, acai, or pitaya depending on your favorite color (blue, purple, or pink). Top with whatever colorful foods inspire you!
Get the recipe here.
7. Rainbow Ice Cream Cookie Dough Sandwiches
Fact: sprinkles are magic and can turn any food into a rainbow. This cool dessert uses Nadamoo birthday cake ice cream and Eat Pastry chocolate chip cookie dough to make a sweet treat perfect for the summer months. Add rainbow sprinkles into the ice cream itself, then top the sandwiches with even more sprinkles!
Get the recipe here.
