Transform Traditional Desserts—Without Dairy or Egg

Master the art of crafting sumptuous, plant-based sweets with Rouxbe’s Essential Vegan Desserts, a chef-led, online pastry course inspired by Fran Costigan’s acclaimed Vegan Baking Boot Camp.
Four photos of various seafood cooked and plated. Includes scallops, deep fried shrimp, lobster tails and grilled trout.

Rouxbe Essential Vegan Desserts

Self-paced, online culinary course | Community feedback
Master the art of plant-based pastries with Rouxbe’s Essential Vegan Desserts, a comprehensive online course designed to elevate your skills and creativity in the world of vegan baking. Developed and guided by acclaimed pastry chef Fran Costigan, you’ll learn how to transform classic desserts into indulgent, dairy- and egg-free masterpieces, from cakes and cookies to mousses, tarts, and delicate sauces. 

Whether you’re a home cook looking to expand your repertoire or a culinary professional seeking to offer plant-based options, this course provides the techniques, flavor knowledge, and plating skills to impress every palate. Upon completion, you’ll earn a certificate of achievement and 50 CEHs from the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation, demonstrating your expertise in vegan pastry creation and preparing you for success in kitchens, cafes, bakeries, and beyond.
Course Overview
  • 80 units | 90 recipes | Over 200 tasks
  • More than 50 instructional technique videos
  • Personalized instructor support and grading from industry-leading chef educator, Fran Costigan
  • Certificate of completion upon graduating (must be completed within 9 months)
  • Lifetime access (excluding monthly subscription students)
Recognized By
Rouxbe is recognized as an approved program by the following:
Credits Available From
  • This course is approved across the industry for 50 CE hours with ACFEF.
Syllabus
Click on image to access full syllabus. Content subject to change.
Screenshot of syllabus PDF for Essential Vegan Desserts cooking course

Choose the purchase option that works best for your needs

Enroll $499
Lifetime access with enrollment. Financing available at checkout.
Buy As A Gift
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Meet Fran Costigan, Director of Vegan Pastry at Rouxbe

Fran Costigan is a trailblazer in the world of vegan desserts, renowned for her ability to transform traditional confections into indulgent, plant-based delights. With over 25 years of experience, Fran has honed her craft in both traditional and vegan pastry kitchens before transitioning into teaching. She is the creator and lead instructor of Rouxbe's 90-day Essential Vegan Desserts course, where she mentors students of all skill levels, from beginners to professionals.

Fran is also the author of two acclaimed cookbooks: Vegan Chocolate: Unapologetically Luscious and Decadent Dairy-Free Desserts and More Great Good Dairy-Free Desserts Naturally. Her work has garnered praise from culinary luminaries, including Rose Levy Beranbaum, who lauded Fran's "Chocolate Cake to Live For" as a standout in vegan baking.

Beyond her culinary expertise, Fran is a sought-after speaker and educator, sharing her passion for vegan desserts at conferences, festivals, and institutions across North America and Europe. Her commitment to innovation and quality in vegan pastry continues to inspire both home bakers and professional chefs alike. For more information on Fran's work and to explore her recipes, visit her official website: francostigan.com

Sample Course Content

What our community says Essential Vegan Desserts Culinary Course

Rouxbe culinary course graduate and instructor in a professional kitchen presenting a finished dish.

Student spotlight: Lorem ipsum

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Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur adipiscing elit. Quisque faucibus ex sapien vitae pellentesque sem placerat. In id cursus mi pretium tellus duis convallis. Tempus leo eu aenean sed diam urna tempor. Pulvinar vivamus fringilla lacus nec metus bibendum egestas. Iaculis massa nisl malesuada lacinia integer nunc posuere. Ut hendrerit semper vel class aptent taciti sociosqu. Ad litora torquent per conubia nostra inceptos himenaeos. 

What to expect from your Rouxbe online cooking course:

All courses are 100% online and available 24/7
Learn at your own pace, on your schedule with any internet-connected device with a camera for assessments. 
Your chef instructors have 125+ years of culinary experience
Your chef instructors are here to support, answer your questions, and provide feedback on assessments.
Plan to spend
about 12-15 hours per week
To complete the course on time, expect to spend up to 12-15 hours per week.  The good news? Most of the time is spent cooking!
Set yourself up for success
Make sure you have (most of) the suggested tools and equipment on hand so you are ready to dive into the assignments. 
How to graduate
Complete your course in 9 months with a grade of 75% or higher and you will earn your Certificate of Completion.
Our active online community is here for you
With over 1,000,000 students worldwide, our exclusive online community is ready to support your journey during and after class

Frequently asked questions

1. What is the Seafood Literacy course? The Seafood Literacy course from Rouxbe is an online, self-paced program designed to help cooks, chefs, and seafood enthusiasts build confidence in selecting, handling, preparing, and cooking a wide range of seafood. Developed with sustainable seafood expert Barton Seaver, it combines video instruction, practice exercises, and chef feedback.

2. Who is this course for? This course is ideal for culinary students, professional chefs, home cooks, and anyone who wants to expand their skills and knowledge about seafood—from purchasing and storing to cooking and serving.

3. How is this course different from other seafood or cooking classes? Unlike short cooking demos or recipe-based classes, Seafood Literacy offers a structured, comprehensive curriculum covering sourcing, sustainability, culinary techniques, and seafood safety, with hands-on practice and instructor feedback.

4. I’m new to cooking seafood. Will this course still be a fit? Yes. The course is designed for all skill levels, starting with the basics of seafood selection, handling, and storage before moving to advanced cooking techniques. Beginners will find step-by-step video guidance and practical assignments to build confidence, while experienced cooks can deepen their expertise.

5. Do I need to be a professional chef to take this course? No. While culinary professionals will find it valuable for career growth, home cooks will also benefit from the structured lessons, video instruction, and chef feedback.

6. Is this course recognized by culinary associations or industry bodies? Yes. Rouxbe courses are recognized by leading culinary associations, and this seafood program offers professional development hours for culinary professionals.

7. How long does it take to complete the Seafood Literacy course? Most students complete the course in 8–12 weeks, depending on their pace. The course is self-paced and provides lifetime access to all materials.

8. Is the course hands-on if it’s online? Yes. Students practice skills in their own kitchen, submit assignments, and receive personalized feedback from chef instructors—mirroring the experience of an in-person course.

9. What seafood types are covered? The curriculum covers fin fish, shellfish, mollusks, and crustaceans, including guidance on preparation and cooking techniques for each type.

10. Does the course teach sustainable seafood practices? Yes. Sustainability is a core component, teaching students how to choose responsibly sourced seafood and support healthy oceans.

11. Will I learn how to prepare raw seafood dishes like sushi or ceviche? The course covers safe handling and preparation techniques for raw and cured seafood, with a focus on safety and flavor. Professional-level sushi training is not included.

12. What equipment do I need? Basic kitchen tools such as knives, cutting boards, pans, and thermometers are required. Optional tools for filleting or shucking may be suggested but are not mandatory.

13. Do I need to buy specific seafood for the course? You can source seafood locally based on availability and budget. The course provides guidance on substitutions and sustainable options.

14. How is the course assessed? Assignments, quizzes, and practical exercises are used to measure progress. Chef instructors provide feedback to ensure professional standards are met.

15. Will I receive a certificate upon completion? Yes. Graduates receive a certificate of completion from Rouxbe, which can be shared with employers, added to résumés, or displayed in professional profiles.

16. Can this course help advance my culinary career? Absolutely. Seafood literacy is a valuable skill in hospitality, restaurants, catering, and food education, enhancing professional credibility and employability.

17. Do you offer refunds? Yes. Rouxbe offers a 14-day satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not satisfied with the course within 14 days of purchase, you can request a full refund.

18. Is the course available worldwide? Yes. The course is fully online and accessible anywhere with an internet connection.

19. Can I purchase this course as a gift? Yes. Rouxbe offers gift enrollment options, ideal for aspiring chefs or seafood enthusiasts.