High Calorie Vegan Recipes - Meals For Weight Gain

If you're on a vegan diet and looking to gain weight or build muscle, you might find it challenging to consume enough calories and protein. But fear not-it's entirely possible to bulk up on a plant-based diet without resorting to animal products. In this post, we've rounded up some of the best high-calorie vegan recipes from top food bloggers that are both delicious and nutritious.

Want to Save This Recipe?

Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Email *

Save This!

By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from We Made This Vegan.

Photo by Pablo Merchán Montes on Unsplash

This post contains affiliate links and I may receive a small commission if you visit a link and buy something. Purchasing via an affiliate link doesn't cost you any extra, and I only recommend products and services I trust. I may have been sent products featured here as a gift or paid to include them in coverage. Thank you for supporting this blog.

Why High-Calorie Vegan Meals Matter

Whether you're trying to gain muscle, recover from an illness, or just want to maintain a healthy body weight, getting enough calories is essential. High-calorie vegan foods are a great way to ensure you're meeting your energy needs while sticking to a plant-based diet. These meals are packed with healthy fats, whole grains, plant-based proteins, and nutrient-dense ingredients like nuts, seeds, and avocados.

Understanding High-Calorie Vegan Foods

When we talk about high-calorie vegan foods, we're referring to ingredients that pack a lot of energy in a small amount. Think nut butters, avocado, olive oil, and coconut milk. These are staples in any vegan kitchen and provide essential fats that help increase your calorie intake. Let's dive into some incredible recipes that make the most of these high-calorie vegan ingredients.

Chocolate Avocado Smoothie

Smoothies are an easy way to pack in the calories, and this Chocolate Avocado Smoothie is no exception. Avocado provides a creamy texture and healthy fats, while the cocoa adds a rich flavor without the need for dairy. This smoothie is also loaded with vitamins, making it a great source of nutrition as well as a high-calorie treat.Smoothies are an easy way to pack in the calories, and this Chocolate Avocado Smoothie is no exception. Avocado provides a creamy texture and healthy fats, while the cocoa adds a rich flavor without the need for dairy. This smoothie is also loaded with vitamins, making it a great source of nutrition as well as a high-calorie treat.

See the recipe

Keto Peanut Butter Fat Bombs

These Keto Peanut Butter Fat Bombs are a great option if you're looking to add extra calories in a delicious and easy way. Packed with healthy fats from peanut butter and coconut oil, they're an excellent snack to keep your energy levels up. Each fat bomb is small but mighty, offering a quick boost of calories without a lot of volume, making them perfect for those who struggle to eat large meals.

See the recipe

The Best Minestrone Soup

Minestrone soup might not scream high-calorie, but don't be fooled. This version is packed with hearty beans, pasta, and vegetables, making it a great option for a healthy vegan dinner that's also calorie-dense. Pair it with some crusty bread and a drizzle of olive oil to boost the calorie count even more.

See the recipe

Vegan Biscoff Cinnamon Rolls

These Vegan Biscoff Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect indulgence. Biscoff cookie butter adds a rich, caramel flavor and plenty of calories, while the dough is soft, sweet, and sticky. This is a great treat to enjoy when you need an extra calorie boost-ideal for breakfast or dessert.

See the recipe

Easy Lemon Lentil Soup

Lentils are a powerhouse when it comes to vegan nutrition, offering plenty of protein, fiber, and calories. This Easy Lemon Lentil Soup is not only nutritious but also incredibly comforting. The combination of lentils, olive oil, and fresh lemon juice creates a bright, zesty flavor that's perfect for any time of the year. It's a great way to increase your calorie intake while enjoying a warm, satisfying meal.

See the recipe

Best Mild Thai Tofu Green Curry

Thai Green Curry is a flavorful dish that can be easily adapted to a high-calorie vegan diet. With tofu as a great source of protein and coconut milk providing healthy fats, this dish is both satisfying and calorie-rich. Serve it over a bed of white rice for an extra boost of energy.

See the recipe

Vegan Turmeric Quinoa Power Bowls

Quinoa is a complete protein, making it one of the best vegan protein sources out there. In these power bowls, quinoa is paired with turmeric roasted potatoes, chickpeas, and a lemon tahini dressing. It's a flavorful and colorful dish that's also rich in calories, thanks to the healthy fats in the dressing and the high protein content of the quinoa.

See the recipe

Ultimate Vegan Fry Up (Full English Breakfast)

A vegan twist on the classic Full English Breakfast, this fry-up is packed with high-calorie foods like plant-based sausages, tofu scramble, and avocado toast. It's a substantial meal that's sure to keep you full and energized throughout the day. This is a great source of protein and healthy fats, making it ideal for those trying to gain weight.

See the recipe

One-Bowl Vegan Chocolate Layer Cake

This One-Bowl Vegan Chocolate Layer Cake is the perfect dessert for any occasion, delivering a rich, decadent chocolate flavor without the fuss. The simplicity of the one-bowl method makes it an easy go-to recipe, even for novice bakers, while still yielding a moist, tender crumb that rivals any traditional chocolate cake.

See the recipe

Vegan Detroit-Style Pizza

Who doesn't love pizza? This Vegan Detroit-Style Pizza is a calorie-dense delight with a fluffy, chewy crust and crispy edges. The rich tomato sauce and plant-based cheese make this pizza a comforting, high-calorie meal that's perfect for lunch or dinner. It's also a great way to get in some extra calories without sacrificing flavor.

See the recipe

Seitan Fried Chicken

This Seitan Fried Chicken is a fantastic way to satisfy those cravings for something crispy and savory. Seitan is a high-protein, high-calorie ingredient that mimics the texture of chicken, making it a great option for vegans looking to increase their protein intake. The fried coating adds extra calories, making this dish a filling and delicious treat.

See the recipe

Vegan Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies

These Vegan Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies are a delightful treat for anyone who loves the classic combination of peanut butter and cookies. With a rich and creamy peanut butter filling sandwiched between two soft, chewy cookies, this recipe is both indulgent and satisfying.

See the recipe

Sardinian Fregola with Chickpeas

Sardinian Fregola with Chickpeas is a hearty and flavorful dish that brings a taste of traditional Sardinian cuisine to your table. This recipe features fregola, a unique type of toasted pasta that resembles large couscous, combined with tender chickpeas in a savory, herb-infused broth.

See the recipe

Vegan White Chocolate Cheesecake

This vegan white chocolate cheesecake is sweet and creamy, paired with a gingernut biscuit base. It's a no-bake recipe with just a handful of ingredients. Perfect for sharing at parties.

See the recipe

The Creamiest Vegan Fettuccine Alfredo

Simple and light 30-minutes Vegan Fettuccine Alfredo recipe is perfectly creamy, cheesy and rich. The cauliflower cashew Alfredo sauce will blow your mind!

See the recipe

Vegetarian Cottage Pie with Mixed Beans

A Vegetarian Cottage or Shepherd's Pie with mixed beans is delicious comfort food and a tasty alternative to a meat version. The vegetables and beans are cooked in a rich tomato sauce and topped with creamy mashed potato, which is filling and satisfying. It's gluten-free and suitable for vegans. 

See the recipe

Chipotle Sweet Potato Chili with Walnuts

This Chipotle Sweet Potato Chili with Walnuts is a smoky, spicy, and hearty vegan dish that's perfect for cool weather. The combination of tender sweet potatoes and crunchy walnuts creates a satisfying texture, while the chipotle peppers add a deep, rich flavor with a hint of heat. Packed with plant-based protein and fiber, this chili is not only delicious but also nourishing, making it an ideal meal for anyone looking to enjoy a wholesome, comforting dinner.

See the recipe

Pan Fried Tofu with Thai Peanut Sauce

This Pan-Fried Tofu with Thai Peanut Sauce is a flavorful and satisfying vegan dish that perfectly balances savory, sweet, and spicy notes. The tofu is pan-fried to a golden crisp, giving it a deliciously crunchy texture, while the rich Thai peanut sauce brings a creamy, nutty depth that's simply irresistible. Easy to make and packed with plant-based protein, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a tasty lunch.

See the recipe

Fried Tofu Bowls

This easy Fried Tofu Bowl recipe takes just 30 minutes to prepare and is perfect for a comforting vegetarian and vegan meal!

See the recipe

Easy Vegan Burrito Bowl

This Vegan Burrito Bowl is a vibrant and nourishing meal that's packed with flavor and nutrients. Featuring a base of hearty grains like brown rice or quinoa, this bowl is loaded with black beans, fresh vegetables, and a zesty homemade salsa, making it a balanced and satisfying option for lunch or dinner. The addition of creamy avocado and a tangy lime dressing ties everything together, creating a dish that's as delicious as it is wholesome. Perfect for meal prepping or a quick, healthy meal, this burrito bowl offers a great source of plant-based protein and fiber, ensuring you stay full and energized throughout the day.

See the recipe

The Best Vegan Apple Cider Donuts

These Vegan Apple Cider Donuts are a delightful twist on a classic autumn treat, offering all the cozy flavors you love without any animal products. Made with apple cider that infuses the batter with a sweet, tangy richness, these donuts are perfectly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg for a warm, comforting flavor.

See the recipe

Bomboloni (Vegan Cream Filled Italian Donuts)

These Vegan Bomboloni are an indulgent Italian treat that brings the joy of freshly made donuts right to your kitchen. Bomboloni are fluffy, golden-brown doughnuts filled with a luscious vanilla bean pastry cream that bursts with flavor in every bite. This vegan version perfectly captures the light, airy texture and rich, creamy filling that makes bomboloni so irresistible.

See the recipe

Vegan Baked Ziti

This Vegan Baked Ziti is a comforting, hearty dish that's perfect for family dinners or gatherings. It features layers of tender ziti pasta, rich marinara sauce, and three types of gooey vegan cheese, all baked together until bubbly and golden. Plant-based sausage adds a savory, meaty texture that complements the cheesy, saucy goodness, making this dish incredibly satisfying and flavorful.

See the recipe

Homemade Chocolate Hazelnut Coconut Bars

These Homemade Chocolate Hazelnut Coconut Bars are a decadent, yet wholesome treat that's perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while staying aligned with a healthy lifestyle. Made with rich, dark chocolate, crunchy hazelnuts, and fragrant coconut flakes, these bars offer a delightful mix of textures and flavors. They are not only vegan but also keto, low-carb, and paleo-friendly, making them a versatile option for various dietary needs.

See the recipe

High Calorie Smoothie

This High-Calorie Smoothie is a powerhouse of nutrition, perfect for anyone looking to increase their calorie intake in a healthy and delicious way. Packed with wholesome ingredients like bananas, oats, and nut butter, this smoothie is rich in healthy fats, protein, and fiber, making it an excellent choice for a post-workout recovery drink or a quick meal replacement.

See the recipe

Vegan Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

This Vegan Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese is a comforting, creamy dish that puts a wholesome twist on the classic comfort food. The rich and velvety sauce is made from roasted butternut squash, which gives it a naturally sweet and nutty flavor, perfectly complemented by nutritional yeast and spices for a cheesy taste without any dairy. The sauce coats the pasta beautifully, creating a luscious and satisfying meal that's both hearty and healthy.

See the recipe

Final Thoughts on High-Calorie Vegan Recipes

Incorporating these high-calorie vegan meals into your diet is a great way to ensure you're getting enough calories and nutrients, especially if you're aiming to gain weight or build muscle. These recipes are not only packed with energy but are also incredibly tasty, proving that a plant-based diet can be both satisfying and nourishing.

Remember, the key to gaining weight on a vegan diet is to focus on calorie-dense foods and ensure you're eating enough throughout the day. Adding ingredients like avocado, coconut oil, nut butters, and whole grains to your meals is a simple recipe for success. So, go ahead and try out these recipes-your taste buds and your body will thank you!