I’ve been doing a deep dive into kosher cooking lately, and today, let me tell you, I tackled the world of parve desserts. For those not in the know, “parve” means it’s made without meat or dairy, which can be a bit of a head-scratcher when you’re used to baking with butter and milk.
First, I gathered all the recipes I could find online. There are tons! I bookmarked a bunch that sounded good – carrot cake, apple cake, some cookies, and even a chocolate torte. It was a little overwhelming, but hey, more choices, right?

- Carrot Cake
- Apple Cake
- Cookies
- Chocolate Torte
I decided to start simple, so I picked out an easy-looking apple cake recipe. I prepped all my ingredients, which was a bit different. Instead of butter, I used oil, and instead of milk, I grabbed some almond milk. I also made sure all my equipment was properly kosher. It’s not just about the ingredients but how everything is prepared, too.
Mixing everything was pretty standard. I followed the recipe step-by-step, just like any other cake. The batter looked a little different, but it smelled amazing, so that was a good sign.
Then came baking time. I popped it in the oven and waited. Honestly, I was a bit nervous. Would it rise? Would it taste weird without dairy?
When the timer went off, I pulled it out, and it actually looked like a proper cake! I let it cool, sliced it up, and took a bite. Guys, it was good! Maybe even better than some regular apple cakes I’ve had.
The Result
I was so pumped! It’s totally possible to make delicious desserts without dairy. I ended up making a few more things throughout the week – some cookies and those chocolate lava cakes. They were all hits! My family, who aren’t even kosher, loved them.
So, yeah, if you’re looking for some new dessert ideas, or you’re keeping kosher, don’t be afraid to try parve baking. It’s a fun challenge, and the results can be super rewarding. I’m definitely going to keep exploring this. Next up, I’m thinking of trying that carrot cake… or maybe those strawberry orange mint pops for something lighter. So many choices!