An eco-friendly piece of Cake

 What's better than take away cake? Only take away cake in biodegradable container. This delicious cake from V-Revolution in Manchester came in a container than can be added to your food waste bin as it is biodegradable. I am a big fan of using less plastic packaging and being eco-friendly although it is not always easy as most places use lots of plastic and packaging which ends up in the land fill. Of course this vegan business is leading the way in disposable packaging. It means you can save the planet whilst eating cake! 

Adding flavour to a cake

One way to add flavour to a cake without having to use flavourings is to add a none dairy milk which already has flavour in it. This rice milk from Rice Dream is vanilla flavour meaning it can be used to add moisture and blend a cake mixture while also adding flavour. 

What's great about this brand is the milk is also organic so it makes the cake healthy right? I like using non-dairy milks in cakes as I find them a great alternative to eggs for blending a cake mixture. I do this by adding small amounts of the milk to the batter of dairy-free butter, sugar and flour until it has reached a nice consistency and then cooking it. This method makes a really moist cake. Trying different milks is a great way to experiment with your baking. I liked using this brand, it didn't give the cake a strong flavour but it added a subtle sweetness which was delicious and not over powering. 

There are so many ways to make baked goods vegan, it is all about attempting new options and realising that you really don't need dairy or eggs to make a delicious cake. 

Vegan Cake at Manchester Craft Centre

As always it's nice to see Vegan options everywhere I go. This delicious Vegan Chocolate and hazelnut brownie is from Manchester's Craft Centre. They always have vegan options and lots of loose leaf teas to choose from. Hopefully more places will follow suit making it easier to eat out. They also have a vegan option on the menu- a toasted sandwich and sell Fentimans soft drinks where many flavours are vegan friendly. 

This is definitely one to visit if you are in Manchester: http://www.craftanddesign.com/

Maple Syrup Sponge Cake

I love making up recipes and trying new flavours. When I ran out of vanilla essence I decided to use maple syrup in my cake recipe instead and the result was amazing! Don't be afraid to try new flavours and experiment, you never know what you can create. Vegan baking doesn't have to be difficult, use an egg replacer or non dairy milk to bind the cake and you can easily adapt any recipe or create your own.

Here is my recipe for the Maple Syrup cake, I cooked it in a loaf tin and served with Alpro single cream although it would be nice with Alpro custard or some vegan ice cream. 

Maple Syrup Sponge Cake:

* 4oz vegan butter (e.g Vitalite) 

* 3oz Billington's light muscovado sugar 

* 1tbsp Maple syrup (Pure grade) 

* 100ml unsweetened soy milk 

* 6oz self raising flour 


Pre heat the oven to Gas Mark 5 

Cream the butter and sugar together in a mixing bowl 

Add the maple syrup and mix 

Add the soy milk and mix 

Add the flour mixing until smooth and fully blended

Line a loaf tin with baking paper and add the mixture 

Bake in the oven on the middle shelf for 40 minutes 

Serve with soya cream, custard or vegan ice cream 

 Cooking cakes in a loaf tin is my favourite style as it allows you to cut slices and means you don't need loads of ingredients to create a dessert for everyone. 

 The cake rises really well- amazing since no eggs were used! Clearly they are not necessary. 

 Cut into slices and serve. This is a perfect cake for afternoon tea or great as a dessert. 

I served with Alpro single cream. Although it is great alone, with soya custard or vegan ice cream, the possibilities are endless. 

I hope you enjoy this recipe. Vegan baking can be simple and effortless and not as hard as it may seem at first. Once you get used to what ingredients to use there is no end of possibilities.