Vegan Welsh Cakes Recipe
Embarking on a backpacking adventure across the UK and Europe when I was younger was a journey filled with discovery, and one of the culinary highlights was the iconic Welsh Cake. These delectable treats were everywhere in Wales, with their perfect blend of scone, cookie, and pancake, all infused with dried fruit. Inspired by those backpacking days, I decided to create my own vegan Welsh cakes, bringing a plant-based twist to this beloved Welsh classic.
These sweet, spiced cakes have a rich history and are a staple of traditional Welsh food. They were originally made with lard, but in this vegan version, I swap it out for a high-quality vegan butter block, keeping all the buttery richness intact while making them completely plant-based.
So, whether you’re craving a taste of traditional Welsh food or just looking for a new vegan baking recipe, these vegan Welsh cakes are guaranteed to impress!
Ingredients of Vegan Welsh Cakes:
If you’re looking to make your own vegan Welsh cakes, then get ready to prepare some simple pantry essentials:
Plain Flour
Baking Powder
Cinnamon Powder
Vegan butter block
Caster Sugar
Sultanas
Non-dairy milk (I prefer using soy)
Are Welsh Cakes the Same as Scones?
Often mistaken for scones due to their appearance, Welsh Cakes possess a distinctive flavour profile and texture that sets them apart from their counterparts. While both may share a buttery richness, vegan Welsh Cakes offer a unique experience with the addition of dried fruit, creating a taste that resonates with anyone fortunate enough to indulge.
Do You Eat Welsh Cakes Hot or Cold?
One of the best things about Welsh cakes is their versatility! You can enjoy them hot or cold, each offering a slightly different experience:
Hot Welsh Cakes – Freshly cooked and warm, with a soft texture and a crispy sugar coating.
Cold Welsh Cakes – The flavours deepen as they cool, making them even richer and more satisfying.
Whether you prefer them fresh off the pan or as a snack throughout the day, vegan Welsh cakes are always a treat!
Tips for the Best Vegan Welsh Cakes
Use cold butter – This helps create the right crumbly texture in the dough.
Don’t overwork the dough – Mix just until everything comes together to keep the cakes light and tender.
Keep the heat low – Cooking too fast will burn the outside while leaving the inside undercooked.
Experiment with flavours – Try adding orange zest, chocolate chips, or even a touch of vanilla for a unique twist!
FAQ – Vegan Welsh Cakes
1. Can I make Welsh cakes without a griddle?
Yes! A non-stick frying pan works just as well. Just make sure to cook them over low-medium heat to prevent burning.
2. Can I freeze vegan Welsh cakes?
Absolutely! Once cooled, store them in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply toast or warm them in a pan.
3. What’s the best milk to use for vegan Welsh cakes?
I recommend soy milk, as it has the best consistency and richness. However, almond or oat milk also work well.
4. Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the plain flour for a good-quality gluten-free blend. You may need to add a little extra milk to get the dough to the right consistency.
5. How long do Welsh cakes last?
They stay fresh for about 3-4 days in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate or freeze them.
Reflecting on my backpacking days, the allure of Welsh Cakes became an inspiration to recreate this culinary delight in a vegan form. The journey across Wales, often overlooked in the grandeur of European destinations, highlighted the significance of regional specialties and the cultural identity they hold.
Veganising traditional recipes is not just about substituting ingredients; it's about preserving the essence of the dish. In this easy vegan Welsh Cake recipe, the transition from traditional lard to a high-quality vegan butter block ensures that the flavour remains authentic while embracing a cruelty-free approach.
So, get ready to enjoy these irresistible vegan Welsh Cakes, a delightful marriage of tradition and compassionate living. As you savour each golden-brown bite, let the flavours transport you to the charming landscapes of Wales, celebrating the culture and sweetness that make Welsh Cakes a true gem in the world of vegan treats.
INGREDIENTS
Vegan Welsh Cakes - Vegan Recipes
2 cups plain flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon powder
1 tsp nutmeg
3/4 cup vegan butter block
1/3 cup caster sugar (+more for coating)
1/3 cup sultanas
6 - 8 tbsp of non-dairy milk
METHOD
Place flour, baking powder, cinnamon and nutmeg in a large mixing bowl. Mix to combine
Add cold vegan butter and rub together with flour mixture until it resembles a fine bread crumb texture
Add caster sugar and sultanas and mix to combine
Add about half of milk to the mixture and combine together with your hands, gradually adding the rest of the milk. You eventually want to make a soft ball that isn't sticky
Place dough ball onto a lightly floured surface and roll out dough until it's about 2cm thick.
Cut into equal sized circles using a circle cutter (or glass if you don't have one), and re-roll off cuts to make more. The mixture should make about a dozen+ vegan Welsh cakes
Heat some butter in a frypan on medium heat. Place Welsh cakes onto hot pan and cook for 2-3 minutes each side or until lightly browned
With some caster sugar on a plate, place cooked vegan Welsh cakes and cover on both sides
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