There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about the vibrant flavors of Jaffa cakes—the delightful combination of fluffy sponge, tangy orange jelly, and smooth chocolate always brings a smile. When I decided to embark on a vegan twist of this British classic, I never expected the results to be so satisfying! Imagine biting into a light, cloud-like sponge topped with a luscious layer of zesty jelly, all wrapped in a rich chocolate coating that melts in your mouth. These Vegan Jaffa Cakes are not just easy to make; they’re also a blissful treat that everyone can enjoy, whether you’re vegan or just looking to switch it up from the usual sweet indulgences. Perfect for any occasion or simply as a sweet snack, these cakes promise to brighten up your day. Let’s dive in and recreate this magical dessert together!
Why are Vegan Jaffa Cakes a must-try?
Indulging in these Vegan Jaffa Cakes is a wholesome experience, striking the perfect balance of flavors. Easy to make, the recipe requires no hard-to-find ingredients, making it accessible for everyone. Deliciously satisfying, you’ll enjoy the fluffy sponge paired with zesty jelly and a rich chocolate coating. Eye-catching presentation makes them a hit for gatherings, and they are dietary-friendly, ensuring no one has to miss out on dessert. Elevate your baking with these delightful treats!
Vegan Jaffa Cakes Ingredients
• Get ready to create tasty vegan treats!
For the Jelly
- Orange Juice – The base for jelly; freshly squeezed or carton juice works well.
- Agar Agar Powder – A plant-based gel for setting the jelly; be sure to use powder, not flakes.
- Lemon Juice – Enhances the orange flavor and adds a zesty kick.
- Caster Sugar – Sweetens the jelly and sponge; granulated sugar is a suitable substitution.
For the Sponge
- Plain (All-Purpose) Flour – Provides structure; mix with cornflour for a lighter texture.
- Cornflour (Cornstarch) – Lightens the sponge’s texture, giving it that perfect fluffiness.
- Baking Powder – Helps the sponge rise and keeps it light and airy.
- Non-Dairy Milk (e.g., soy) – Adds moisture to the sponge; any unsweetened variety can be used.
- Neutral Oil (e.g., sunflower) – Contributes moisture and fat, ensuring a tender sponge.
- Orange Extract – Intensifies the orange flavor; vanilla extract works as a good substitute.
For the Coating
- Dark Chocolate – Creates a rich outer layer for your jaffa cakes; mix dark and milk chocolate for balance in sweetness.
These Vegan Jaffa Cakes are a delightful twist on a classic treat that everyone can enjoy!
How to Make Vegan Jaffa Cakes
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Make Jelly: In a saucepan, whisk together the agar agar powder and orange juice until dissolved, then add lemon juice and caster sugar. Bring to a boil and stir for 1 minute. Pour into a lined tin and refrigerate until set, which takes about 1 hour.
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Prep Oven and Batter: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a muffin tin generously. Sift together the plain flour, cornflour, and baking powder. Whisk in the sugar, non-dairy milk, oil, and orange extract until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
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Bake Cakes: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of batter into each muffin tin hole. Bake for 12 minutes, or until a skewer comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the tin for 5-10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Assemble Cakes: Once the jelly has set, cut out circles to fit on top of your cakes. Level the tops of the cooled cakes, place a jelly circle on each, and pour melted chocolate over the jelly, ensuring it’s fully covered. You can optionally make a decorative indentation with a fork for presentation.
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Set and Serve: Allow the chocolate to set completely before serving these delightful treats.
Optional: Drizzle some melted chocolate on top for an elegant touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Vegan Jaffa Cakes?
Indulging in these delightful bites is even better with the perfect accompaniments to elevate your experience!
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Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries and raspberries add a refreshing contrast to the sweet flavors of the jaffa cakes. Their natural tartness perfectly balances the richness.
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Coconut Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, this dairy-free alternative complements the dense sponge and chocolate coating beautifully, creating a luscious experience in every bite.
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Herbal Tea: A soothing cup of chamomile or peppermint tea adds a calm, aromatic touch and enhances the overall enjoyment of this sweet treat.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy, dairy-free vanilla ice cream rounds out the dessert nicely, offering a cool, smooth contrast to the warm cakes, making every mouthful a pleasure.
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Chocolate Sauce Drizzle: For chocolate lovers, a drizzle of rich, warm chocolate sauce can take these cakes over the top, amplifying the indulgence factor and creating a fudgy finish.
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Zesty Citrus Salad: A vibrant salad of citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits brings freshness that cuts through the sweetness, enhancing each bite with a burst of flavor.
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Sparkling Water: Lightly flavored sparkling water provides a refreshing and bubbly palate cleanser, making your dessert experience feel extra special and sophisticated.
Vegan Jaffa Cakes Variations
Customize your Vegan Jaffa Cakes for a delicious surprise every time you bake!
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Marmalade Substitution: Swap the jelly with a sweet marmalade for a bolder, citrusy punch.
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Coconut Cream: For a tropical twist, replace the non-dairy milk with coconut milk, adding a subtle coconut flavor.
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Dark Chocolate Drizzle: Elevate your presentation by drizzling melted dark chocolate atop the set cakes, creating a gourmet touch.
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Berry Addition: Incorporate blended berries into the jelly for a fruity fusion, vibrant in both color and flavor.
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Nutty Crunch: Fold in some chopped nuts like almonds or hazelnuts into the batter for a delightful crunch in every bite.
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Zesty Infusion: Add orange or lemon zest directly to the batter to brighten the flavor profile even more! Each bite will burst with freshness.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or ginger powder to the sponge for an unexpected heat that beautifully contrasts the sweetness.
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Gluten-Free Alternative: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour, ensuring everyone can enjoy these treats!
Make Ahead Options
These Vegan Jaffa Cakes are a fantastic choice for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during busy weeks! You can prepare the jelly up to 24 hours in advance by following the initial steps and storing it in the refrigerator. Additionally, the sponge cakes can be baked and cooled up to 3 days ahead; just make sure to store them in an airtight container to retain their freshness. When you’re ready to serve, simply assemble your cakes by cutting the jelly into circles and placing them atop the cooled sponge before pouring over your melted chocolate. This method ensures that your Vegan Jaffa Cakes will be just as delightful, allowing for easy and scrumptious dessert planning!
How to Store and Freeze Vegan Jaffa Cakes
Room Temperature: Keep your vegan jaffa cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their freshness and texture.
Fridge: If you’re in a warm climate, refrigerate the cakes in an airtight container for up to a week to prevent them from becoming overly soft.
Freezer: These delightful treats can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap each cake individually in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight freezer bag.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Expert Tips for Vegan Jaffa Cakes
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Precision Matters: Use a digital scale for accurate measurements to achieve consistent results in your vegan jaffa cakes.
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Agar Agar Usage: If you only have agar agar flakes, remember to use 3-5 times the amount of powder for the same setting effect.
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Smooth Coating: Consider tempering the chocolate before pouring it over the cakes; this will create a smoother, shinier finish on your jaffa cakes.
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Avoid Soggy Cakes: Store your vegan jaffa cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them fresh without becoming soggy.
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Freezing Tips: You can freeze the jaffa cakes for up to 3 months; just ensure they are well-wrapped and airtight to preserve their flavor and texture.
Vegan Jaffa Cakes Recipe FAQs
What kind of orange juice should I use for the jelly?
Absolutely, you can use either freshly squeezed orange juice or store-bought carton juice. Fresh juice will give a more vibrant flavor, while the carton juice offers convenience and longer shelf life.
How should I store Vegan Jaffa Cakes, and how long do they last?
Very good question! Keep your vegan jaffa cakes in an airtight container at room temperature, where they will stay fresh for about 3 days. If the weather is warm, it’s best to refrigerate them, where they can last up to 7 days without becoming overly soft.
Can I freeze Vegan Jaffa Cakes? How do I do it?
Yes, you can wonderfully freeze your jaffa cakes! Wrap each cake individually in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight and let them sit at room temperature for the best texture before serving.
What should I do if my jelly doesn’t set properly?
Don’t worry, this can happen sometimes! If your jelly isn’t setting, it could be that the agar agar was not completely dissolved when boiled. To troubleshoot, reheat the mixture gently while whisking it to re-dissolve any lumps, then let it boil for another minute before pouring it into the tin again. Make sure to allow adequate time for it to set in the refrigerator, typically about 1 hour.
Are there any common allergens in Vegan Jaffa Cakes?
Great to keep in mind! This recipe is designed to be free from eggs and dairy, making it suitable for many dietary considerations. However, be cautious with the dark chocolate, as some brands may contain traces of nuts or other allergens. Always check labels if you’re making them for someone with specific allergies.
Can I modify the sugar content in the recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a lighter treat, you can use low-sugar versions of jelly or granulated sugar alternatives like coconut sugar or agave syrup. Just keep in mind that using alternative sweeteners may alter the texture slightly, so use them sparingly until you hit the right balance that works for your taste!
Vegan Jaffa Cakes: Delightfully Chocolatey and Guilt-Free Treats
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a saucepan, whisk together the agar agar powder and orange juice until dissolved, then add lemon juice and caster sugar. Bring to a boil and stir for 1 minute.
- Pour into a lined tin and refrigerate until set, which takes about 1 hour.
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a muffin tin generously.
- Sift together the plain flour, cornflour, and baking powder.
- Whisk in the sugar, non-dairy milk, oil, and orange extract until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
- Spoon about 1 tablespoon of batter into each muffin tin hole. Bake for 12 minutes, or until a skewer comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the tin for 5-10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once the jelly has set, cut out circles to fit on top of your cakes.
- Level the tops of the cooled cakes, place a jelly circle on each, and pour melted chocolate over the jelly, ensuring it's fully covered.
- Optionally, make a decorative indentation with a fork for presentation.
- Allow the chocolate to set completely before serving these delightful treats.