Earth Balance® – makers of a variety of plant-based, vegan products such as buttery spreads, nut butters and snacks – are thrilled to announce their 5th Annual Holiday Bake-Off. The national, virtual vegan baking competition launches Nov. 1 and runs through Nov. 30, 2015.

This year, Earth Balance has enlisted the help of three judges who represent the best of vegan and plant-based cooking: blogger and cookbook author Dreena Burton of Plant-Powered Kitchen, cookbook author and restaurateur Chloe Coscarelli, and blogger and cookbook author Emily von Euw of This Rawsome Vegan Life.

“Some people may be intimidated by vegan baking,” said Coscarelli, “but they don’t have to be! I use Earth Balance in many of my own recipes, and it really makes dairy-free baking easy and delicious. This Bake-Off offers the opportunity for fellow vegans to show their own passion through baking, and I’m truly looking forward to reviewing the submissions.”

All recipe submissions must be 100 percent plant-based, original and contain least one Earth Balance product. The 2015 Bake-Off categories include:

· Cookies and bars

· Savory baked goods – new in 2015

· Cakes and cupcakes

· Pies

“Every year the team at Earth Balance looks forward to the Holiday Bake-Off,” said Adriane Pilcher, director of marketing for Earth Balance. “We are humbled and truly grateful for the participation of our world-renowned judges, and the addition of the unique savory category this year provides yet another opportunity for contestants to showcase their talents and prove that a plant-based diet doesn’t have to mean living ‘without.’”

Previous winning recipes have included Blackberry Green Tea Layer Cake, Chai Pumpkin Pie With Cranberry Orange Gremolata, and Banana Chocolate Caramel Pecan Cake.

Contestants can submit recipes for consideration at mjr.earthbalancenatural.com between Nov. 1 and 30, 2015. Winners will be selected in each of the four categories, and from those, one grand-prize winner will be selected to win a prize package including a trip to New York City. Throughout the contest, Earth Balance will also be awarding prizes via its social media platforms. Full contest details are available at mjr.earthbalancenatural.com/hbo2015.