If you’ve ever craved that delightful nostalgic treat that’s both chewy and chocolaty but wished for a plant-based version, you’re in for a real treat. This Vegan Wagon Wheels (Moon Pies) Recipe reinvents a classic childhood favorite with wholesome, simple ingredients that come together to create irresistibly soft cookie layers sandwiching a luscious, creamy coconut filling and vibrant raspberry jam. Whether for a cozy afternoon snack or a show-stopping homemade dessert, Vegan Wagon Wheels bring pure joy in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet essential to achieving the perfect texture and flavor harmony. Each one plays a unique role—oats provide hearty chewiness, coconut milk adds richness, and medjool dates bring natural caramel-like sweetness that pulls everything together.
- 120 g frozen raspberries (defrosted or fresh): Adds a fresh, tangy burst of fruity flavor and natural color to the jam layer.
- 30 g pure maple syrup: Sweetens the raspberry jam organically without overpowering it.
- 30 g chia seeds: Sets the raspberry mix with a gel-like texture, perfect for holding the jam together.
- 180 g rolled oats: Creates the wholesome, chewy cookie base, lending a rustic, hearty quality.
- ½ teaspoon Himalayan pink salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing sweetness with a subtle savory note.
- 15 medjool dates (pitted, approx. 360 g): Acts as the natural sweetening agent and binder for the cookie dough.
- 45 g almond butter: Adds a creamy nuttiness and helps keep the cookie layers moist and tender.
- 200 g chilled canned full-fat coconut milk: Key for that dreamy, rich coconut filling in the center.
- 30 ml pure maple syrup: Sweetens the coconut cream filling while keeping it vegan and natural.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or extract: Provides a warm, aromatic depth to the creamy filling.
- 200 g vegan chocolate: Coats the Wagon Wheels in a glossy, decadent shell.
- 15 g coconut oil: Helps to melt the chocolate smoothly and gives a shiny finish.
How to Make Vegan Wagon Wheels (Moon Pies) Recipe
Step 1: Create the Raspberry Jam Layer
Start with the raspberries by blending or mashing them until smooth. Stir in the maple syrup and chia seeds, then set this mixture aside for about 10 minutes to thicken naturally. This step is crucial because the chia seeds absorb moisture and turn the jam into a luscious spreadable consistency without any artificial thickeners.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
In a food processor, pulse the rolled oats until they resemble a coarse flour. Add the pitted dates, almond butter, and Himalayan pink salt, then blend until the mixture comes together into a sticky, pliable dough. Don’t worry if it’s a bit crumbly—pressing firmly will help it hold its shape later. This dough is delightfully wholesome and sets the perfect chewy foundation for your wagon wheels.
Step 3: Prepare the Coconut Cream Filling
Carefully scoop out the solid part of the chilled coconut milk into a bowl, leaving the watery liquid behind. Whisk in maple syrup and vanilla paste until the mixture becomes silky and thick. This filling should have a light fluffiness, rich with that unmistakable coconut cream flavor that adds so much indulgence to each sandwich.
Step 4: Assemble the Wagon Wheels
Divide the cookie dough into 20 equal small balls and flatten each into discs. Spread a spoonful of the coconut cream on one disc, followed by a layer of the raspberry jam, and then sandwich it with another disc on top. Gently press the edges so they stick together but avoid overhandling to keep the cookies delicate and chewy.
Step 5: Chill Before Coating
Place your assembled wagon wheels onto a lined baking tray and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step firms up the layers and makes it easier to coat the treats with chocolate without everything falling apart.
Step 6: Coat with Chocolate
Melt the vegan chocolate together with coconut oil in a double boiler or the microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently for a smooth finish. Using a fork, dip each chilled wagon wheel into the chocolate, making sure it’s fully covered. Set them back onto the tray and refrigerate until the chocolate hardens into a shiny, crisp shell that gives that perfect snap when bitten into.
How to Serve Vegan Wagon Wheels (Moon Pies) Recipe
Garnishes
Feel free to sprinkle a pinch of shredded coconut or crushed freeze-dried raspberries on top of the chocolate before it sets to add a pop of texture and vibrant color. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also give them an elegant, vintage look that pairs beautifully with the rich dark chocolate.
Side Dishes
These vegan wagon wheels are such a sweet treat that they adore company like a scoop of coconut or vanilla bean ice cream or a cup of warm chai tea. For brunch or dessert parties, pairing them with fresh berries or a berry compote elevates the fruity component and rounds out the flavors harmoniously.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, stack the wagon wheels on a rustic wooden platter with edible flowers tucked around the edges or arrange them inside a decorative tin for gifting. They also make lovely stacked towers tied with a ribbon, perfect for festive occasions or as a handmade homemade gift that everyone will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once coated in chocolate, store your Vegan Wagon Wheels (Moon Pies) in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps them fresh and maintains the texture for up to 5 days. The cool temperature ensures the creamy filling stays firm and the cookies stay delightfully chewy without drying out.
Freezing
If you want to make these ahead for a special occasion, they freeze beautifully. Place the wagon wheels on a tray to freeze individually for an hour, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can stay frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight when ready to enjoy, preserving their taste and texture perfectly.
Reheating
Since these treats are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, reheating generally isn’t necessary and may soften the chocolate coating too much. However, if you prefer a slightly softer texture, let them sit out for 15 to 20 minutes before eating. Avoid direct heat to keep the layers intact.
FAQs
Can I substitute the almond butter?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any other nut or seed butter like peanut, cashew, or sunflower seed butter. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change slightly, but the texture and moisture will remain just as lovely.
What can I use instead of medjool dates?
If you can’t find medjool dates, dried apricots or raisins soaked in warm water until soft can work as alternatives. Dates are preferred for their sticky texture and natural sweetness, but these substitutes can still deliver tasty results.
Is it necessary to use full-fat coconut milk?
Yes, full-fat coconut milk is important for achieving a rich and creamy filling that holds its shape well. Using lite or diluted coconut milk will yield a runnier filling that won’t set properly.
How can I make these nut-free?
To make this recipe nut-free, simply replace almond butter with an alternative like sunflower seed butter or tahini. These options maintain creaminess while keeping the recipe allergy-friendly.
Can Vegan Wagon Wheels be made gluten-free?
Definitely! Use gluten-free rolled oats certified gluten-free to ensure there’s no cross-contamination. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this a perfect treat for gluten-sensitive friends.
Final Thoughts
This Vegan Wagon Wheels (Moon Pies) Recipe is an absolute joy to make and share, bursting with layers of love and flavor that surprise with every bite. Whether you’re treating yourself after a long day or preparing a delightful vegan dessert for guests, these homemade goodies never fail to impress. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become a new vegan favorite that’s impossible to resist.
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Vegan Wagon Wheels (Moon Pies) Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 80 minutes
- Yield: 10 wagon wheels
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Vegan, Western
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These Vegan Wagon Wheels, inspired by classic moon pies, combine a luscious raspberry chia seed jam with a smooth coconut and almond butter filling, all sandwiched between oat-based cookies and coated in rich vegan chocolate. Perfect as a wholesome, plant-based treat packed with natural sweetness and texture.
Ingredients
Jam
- 120 g frozen raspberries (defrosted, or use fresh)
- 30 g pure maple syrup
- 30 g chia seeds
Cookies
- 180 g rolled oats
- ½ teaspoon Himalayan pink salt
- 15 medjool dates (pitted, about 360 g)
Filling
- 45 g almond butter
- 200 g chilled canned full-fat coconut milk
- 30 ml pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract)
Chocolate Coating
- 200 g vegan chocolate
- 15 g coconut oil
Instructions
- Prepare the raspberry jam: In a small bowl, combine the defrosted raspberries, maple syrup, and chia seeds. Mix well and set aside to thicken for at least 20 minutes while you prepare the other components.
- Make the cookie dough: In a food processor, pulse the rolled oats, Himalayan pink salt, and pitted medjool dates until it forms a sticky, crumbly dough. Be careful not to over-process; you want a texture that will hold together when pressed.
- Form the cookie bases: Using your hands or a spoon, shape the dough into 20 small, even discs approximately 1 cm thick. Place them on a lined baking tray and refrigerate while you prepare the filling.
- Create the creamy filling: In a bowl, whisk together the almond butter, chilled full-fat coconut milk, maple syrup, and vanilla bean paste until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the wagon wheels: Spread a layer of the raspberry jam on 10 cookie discs, then top each with a dollop of the creamy filling. Sandwich with the remaining 10 cookie discs gently pressing together to form wheels. Refrigerate or freeze briefly to firm up.
- Coat with chocolate: Melt the vegan chocolate with coconut oil in a double boiler or microwave in short bursts, stirring until smooth. Dip or spoon the melted chocolate over the assembled wagon wheels to fully coat. Place on parchment and refrigerate until the chocolate hardens before serving.
Notes
- Use gluten-free rolled oats if gluten intolerance is a concern.
- Chilling the coconut milk makes it easier to get a thick creamy filling.
- Adjust sweetness by varying the amount of maple syrup in the jam and filling.
- Store finished wagon wheels in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
- These treats are great for a make-ahead dessert or snack that satisfies sweet cravings with wholesome ingredients.
