Page 46 - Phonebox Magazine September 2016

Vegan Cupcakes
As the Big Olney Food Festival approaches and the Great British Bake Off returns to our screens once more to ll our lives with cakes, bunting and Mary Berry, it seems like everyone is getting back into baking. So, for this ‘foodie special’ edition of Phonebox, we thought we’d share some tips on how to make some tasty cupcakes that everyone can enjoy. Many people get outright offended at the suggestion of making a cake without butter, eggs or milk and the mere mention of veganism often produces an immediate reaction of groans and eye-rolls. However, though baking vegan cakes does present some challenges, this is more than made up for by its health and environmental bene ts, as well as deliciousness!
Even as more and more people turn vegetarian, in 2016 there is still an unfortunate stigma surrounding veganism. Many people are put off a vegan diet because of its apparent restrictions (though the main concern of most vocal anti-vegans seems to be “how can you survive without bacon?”).
There is a stereotype that vegans are just picky eaters, but some may not have a choice in the matter – people who suffer from lactose intolerance, though able to eat eggs, are allergic to dairy products. For lactose intolerant vegans, this isn’t just a lifestyle choice; it’s vital for their health. Even for lactose intolerant people who aren’t vegan, when it comes to cake a vegan recipe ts the bill. Baking without using any animal products is a sure way to be con dent that any cakes you make can be enjoyed by everyone. However, there are lots of people turning vegan who don’t have any dietary restrictions – their reasons are because of the cruelty to animals that exists in the meat and dairy industry. I won’t go into detail on this topic, as it’s ercely debated and most people already have their own strong opinions on the matter either way. But suf ce to say, a quick web search is enough to make anyone with a love of animals at least consider going vegan.
If you’re thinking about giving up meat and dairy but are put off because of all the yummy food you won’t be able to eat anymore, fear
not! Not only are there countless vegan alternatives to your favourite recipes, but also they’re often healthier and taste just as good. The recipe below is just one example of how cruelty-free treats can be enjoyed by vegans and non-vegans alike. So without further ado, here’s how to make mouth-watering, crowd- pleasing red velvet cupcakes without using any animal products...
Vegan Red Velvet Cupcakes
Makes 12
Ingredients
For the cakes:
• 2 1/2 tablespoons of red food colouring • 2 1/2 teaspoons of almond extract
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the icing:
• 285g sugar
• 300g our
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon Baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 240ml almond milk • • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar • • 80ml vegetable oil •
Method
For the cakes:
• Preheat oven to 170°C.
• Line a cupcake tin with paper liners.
• Mix together the almond milk and apple
cider vinegar and allow the mixture to curdle. This will take around 10-15 minutes.
• While waiting, combine all the dry ingredients in a large bowl.
• Once the earlier mixture has curdled, add to it the almond and vanilla extracts,
46 Phonebox Magazine | September 2016
(Look in the ‘free-from’ section in your local supermarket)
•
110g softened dairy-free cream cheese 75g softened dairy-free butter
680g icing sugar
110g our
oil and food colouring. Make sure the
ingredients are completely combined.
• Thoroughly mix the wet and dry
ingredients together.
• Fill each cup in the baking tray with batter. • Bake for 15-25 minutes or until an inserted
skewer comes out clean.
• Allow cakes to cool before icing.
For the icing:
• Whisk the butter and cream cheese in a bowl until combined. Gradually add the powdered sugar.
• Add flour to thicken to your desired consistency.
• Place in the fridge to keep fresh and add to your cupcakes when you’re ready.
Just a few adjustments to this basic vegan recipe will allow you to make any avour or style of cupcakes you want. Take a look at websites like Pinterest to get inspiration for baking and decorating your own magni cent creations and get stuck in with this food- lled month in Olney.