If you’ve ever craved a nostalgic treat that’s both indulgent and entirely plant-based, you’re in for a real joy with this Vegan Wagon Wheels (Moon Pies) Recipe. These delightful sandwiches combine soft, chewy oat cookies with a luscious coconut cream filling and a tart raspberry chia jam center, all wrapped in a smooth layer of rich vegan chocolate. It’s a wonderfully satisfying twist on a classic favorite, perfect for sharing with friends or keeping as a special personal treat. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become your new go-to snack for any occasion!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Vegan Wagon Wheels (Moon Pies) Recipe lies in its simplicity and wholesome ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role, from the natural sweetness of medjool dates to the creamy texture provided by full-fat coconut milk, creating layers of flavor and delightful textures.
- Frozen raspberries: Use defrosted or fresh raspberries for a bright and tangy jam that balances the sweetness.
- Pure maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness to both the jam and the coconut cream filling—essential for that perfect taste.
- Chia seeds: These give the raspberry jam a luscious gel-like texture while adding a boost of nutrition.
- Rolled oats: Ground into oat flour to create tender, chewy cookie bases with a hearty bite.
- Himalayan pink salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors and keep things balanced.
- Medjool dates: Sweet, sticky, and perfect for binding the oat cookies into a lovely dough.
- Almond butter: Boosts richness and adds a subtle nutty undertone to the cookie dough.
- Chilled canned full-fat coconut milk: Creamy and indulgent, forming the luscious coconut filling.
- Vanilla bean paste or extract: Brings fragrant notes that complement the coconut cream perfectly.
- Vegan chocolate: For that irresistible coating that turns these moon pies into decadent treats.
- Coconut oil: Helps create a smooth, glossy chocolate coating that sets beautifully.
How to Make Vegan Wagon Wheels (Moon Pies) Recipe
Step 1: Make the Raspberry Chia Jam
Start by blitzing your raspberries with maple syrup until smooth, or simply mash them with a fork if you prefer a bit of texture in your jam. Stir in chia seeds and transfer the mixture to a jar. Pop it in the fridge to thicken for about an hour; this jam will be the zingy heart of your wagon wheels.
Step 2: Prepare the Coconut Filling
In a large bowl, whisk together the chilled coconut milk with maple syrup and vanilla bean paste. Placing this in the fridge for at least 30 minutes helps it firm up, making it easier to dollop or pipe onto your cookies later. This filling is gloriously creamy and contrasts perfectly with the fruity jam.
Step 3: Make the Cookies
Pulse the rolled oats with pink salt in a food processor to create a fine oat flour. Add the pitted dates and almond butter, blending until the mixture forms a cohesive dough. Roll out the dough between parchment sheets to about 1 cm thick and cut into 2-inch circles. You should have around 20 cookies — these will serve as the sturdy yet tender base and top for your wagon wheels.
Step 4: Assemble the Wagon Wheels
On half of the oat cookies, add a generous spoonful or pipe some of the coconut cream. Then top it off with a teaspoon of the raspberry chia jam. Carefully sandwich with the remaining cookies, pressing gently so the filling stays inside and doesn’t ooze out. Place the sandwiches in the freezer for 30 minutes to an hour to set firmly.
Step 5: Coat with Chocolate
Gently melt the vegan chocolate and coconut oil together over a bain-marie, stirring until silky smooth. Dip each wagon wheel into the chocolate, using a spoon to coat thoroughly. Let the excess chocolate drip off before transferring to a lined tray. These chocolate-coated beauties will need to set fully before enjoying.
How to Serve Vegan Wagon Wheels (Moon Pies) Recipe
Garnishes
For an inviting presentation, consider sprinkling a little shredded coconut or crushed freeze-dried raspberries over the wet chocolate before it sets. It adds a pop of color and texture that makes these treats look as good as they taste.
Side Dishes
These wagon wheels pair wonderfully with a cup of herbal tea or dairy-free coffee for a cozy snack time. They also shine as part of a vegan dessert platter featuring fresh fruits and nuts.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking a few wagon wheels on a pretty plate tied with a rustic ribbon for gifting. You can also create a “wagon wheel” tower centerpiece for parties by threading them gently on skewers or stacking with tiny spacers to prevent sticking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your finished Vegan Wagon Wheels (Moon Pies) in an airtight container in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to five days—a perfect make-ahead treat for busy weeks.
Freezing
These moon pies freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer in an airtight container or freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper. When you want a sweet snack, just thaw them at room temperature for a couple of hours.
Reheating
Since these treats taste best chilled, reheating is usually unnecessary, but if desired, you can briefly warm them for a few seconds in the microwave to soften the chocolate slightly before serving.
FAQs
Can I use other berries instead of raspberries for the jam?
Absolutely! Blueberries, blackberries, or strawberries work well too. Just adjust cooking time to achieve the right jam consistency since some berries have more water content.
What if I don’t have almond butter? Can I use another nut or seed butter?
Yes, peanut butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter can be great substitutes, each adding a unique flavor twist to your cookie dough.
Is it necessary to chill the coconut milk before making the filling?
Chilling is important to ensure the coconut cream firms up properly, allowing it to hold shape when assembling and creating that creamy texture we all love.
Can these Vegan Wagon Wheels (Moon Pies) Recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes, just be sure to use gluten-free oats to keep the recipe safe for gluten-sensitive eaters without sacrificing flavor or texture.
How long do these moon pies keep once coated in chocolate?
Once the chocolate has set, they stay delicious for up to five days in the fridge. Their taste and texture actually deepen and improve after a day or two!
Final Thoughts
Making this Vegan Wagon Wheels (Moon Pies) Recipe is like crafting little pockets of pure plant-based joy. From the tart raspberry jam to the silky coconut filling and the rich chocolate coating, every bite feels like a celebration. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with friends, these moon pies are guaranteed to delight and satisfy your sweet tooth with wholesome ingredients and minimal fuss. Give them a try, and I’m sure they’ll become a beloved staple in your vegan dessert repertoire!
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Vegan Wagon Wheels (Moon Pies) Recipe
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes (includes chilling/freezing time)
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings (20 wagon wheels)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Vegan
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These Vegan Wagon Wheels, also known as Moon Pies, are a delightful plant-based treat featuring layers of homemade raspberry chia jam, creamy coconut filling, and oat cookies, all coated in rich vegan chocolate. Perfect as a healthy dessert or snack, these freezer-friendly treats combine wholesome ingredients with indulgent flavors for a vegan-friendly delight that’s sure to please.
Ingredients
Raspberry Chia Jam
- 120 g frozen raspberries (defrosted, or use fresh)
- 30 g pure maple syrup
- 30 g chia seeds
Coconut Filling
- 200 g chilled canned full-fat coconut milk
- 30 ml pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract)
Oat Cookies
- 180 g rolled oats
- ½ teaspoon Himalayan pink salt
- 15 medjool dates (pitted, approx. 360 g total)
- 45 g almond butter
Chocolate Coating
- 200 g vegan chocolate
- 15 g coconut oil
Instructions
- Make Raspberry Chia Jam: Blitz the raspberries and maple syrup in a blender until smooth, or mash them with a fork. Transfer the mixture to a jar and stir in the chia seeds. Refrigerate for about an hour to allow it to thicken.
- Prepare Coconut Filling: In a large bowl, whisk together the chilled coconut milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Place the mixture in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to firm up so it can hold its shape properly.
- Prepare Oat Cookie Dough: Blitz the rolled oats and Himalayan pink salt in a food processor until they reach a flour-like consistency. Add the pitted dates and almond butter, blending until the dough forms and holds together.
- Roll Out and Cut Cookies: Using a rolling pin, roll the dough between two sheets of parchment paper to about 1 cm thickness. Cut out 20 circles with a 2-inch cookie cutter and place them on parchment paper. Re-roll any leftover dough and repeat until all dough is used.
- Assemble Wagon Wheels: Spread or pipe a generous spoonful of the coconut cream onto half of the oat cookies. Top each with a teaspoon of raspberry chia jam and sandwich with another oat cookie. Handle gently to keep the filling inside.
- Freeze to Set: Place the assembled sandwiches in the freezer for 30 minutes to an hour to firm up before coating them.
- Melt Chocolate Coating: Set the vegan chocolate and coconut oil in a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water (bain-marie). Stir gently until melted and smooth.
- Coat Wagon Wheels: Dip each sandwich into the melted chocolate, using a spoon to ensure full coverage. Let excess chocolate drip off, then transfer to a lined tray to set.
- Storage: Store the chocolate-coated wagon wheels in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer storage. Bring frozen treats to room temperature for a couple of hours before serving.
Notes
- Using rolled oats adds a hearty texture and can be blitzed to a fine consistency to form the cookie dough.
- Full-fat canned coconut milk is essential for creating a rich, creamy filling that firms on chilling.
- Medjool dates provide natural sweetness and binding to the cookie dough without added sugars.
- Ensure the coconut cream is well chilled to hold its structure when assembling and after freezing.
- The chocolate coating can be customized with your favorite vegan chocolate brand.
