Decoding Vegan Desserts: What to Look For
When navigating the world of baked goods as a vegan, the primary challenge is identifying products free from animal-derived ingredients such as eggs and dairy. Fortunately, many manufacturers are now clearly labelling products as 'vegan', or have dedicated free-from lines, simplifying the process. For other products, a quick scan of the ingredients list is necessary to check for common non-vegan items like milk powder, whey, casein, butterfat, eggs, or honey. You should also check for ingredients like L-cysteine, which can be derived from animal hair or feathers and used in some baked goods.
The Basics of Vegan Baking
For home bakers, substituting non-vegan ingredients is simpler than it seems. The texture and flavour of cakes and biscuits can be achieved with a variety of plant-based alternatives.
- For eggs: Options include a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water), mashed banana, applesauce, or a commercial egg replacer. The right choice depends on the desired outcome; a flax egg is excellent for binding, while banana adds moisture and a hint of sweetness.
- For dairy milk: A wide range of plant-based milks works well, including soy, almond, and oat milk. Soy milk is often favored for its curdling properties when making vegan 'buttermilk'.
- For butter: Vegan butter substitutes, often labelled as 'vegan buttery spreads' or 'vegan butter', are widely available in stick or tub form. Earth Balance is a popular brand. Many margarines also work, but require a label check for hidden dairy ingredients like whey or lactose. Refined coconut oil can also serve as a versatile butter replacement.
Popular Vegan Cakes and Where to Find Them
It is often said that cake recipes, especially classic ones, are hard to 'veganize', but this is a common misconception. Many traditional cakes are easily adapted for vegan diets, and some are even accidentally vegan. Examples of delicious and moist vegan cakes include:
- Wacky Cake: This Depression-era recipe is famously made without milk, eggs, or butter, using a simple vinegar and baking soda reaction for leavening.
- Carrot Cake: The moisture from the shredded carrots naturally lends itself to a vegan adaptation, often with a coconut cream or cashew cream cheese frosting.
- Vegan Chocolate Cake: A timeless classic easily made with cocoa powder, plant milk, and oil, topped with rich, fudgy plant-based frosting.
- Lemon Drizzle Cake: A zingy and light sponge can be made with plant-based ingredients and a simple sugar and lemon juice drizzle.
- Biscoff Cake: The spiced, caramelised biscuits can be used in both the sponge and frosting for a decadent and popular vegan option.
Unexpectedly Vegan Biscuits You Can Find in Stores
The term 'accidentally vegan' refers to products that are not intentionally marketed as vegan but happen to contain no animal products. The following list of UK-based biscuits has been identified by vegan communities as accidentally vegan:
- Lotus Original Caramelised Biscuits: A favorite with coffee, these spicy biscuits are naturally dairy and egg-free.
- Bourbon Biscuits: A classic chocolate sandwich biscuit, but always check the specific brand, as some may contain milk.
- Oreo Cookies (Original): The classic version is considered accidentally vegan in many places, but certain varieties and flavors may contain dairy.
- Jammie Dodgers: These are famous for being accidentally vegan, though always double-check the label as formulations can change.
- Fox's Ginger Crinkle Crunch Biscuits: Another spicy favourite, these biscuits are surprisingly free from animal products.
- McVitie's Hobnobs (The Oaty One): The plain version of these oaty biscuits is vegan, but the milk chocolate varieties are not.
Key Ingredients: Traditional vs. Vegan Comparison
| Ingredient Category | Traditional Version | Vegan Alternative(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Leavening | Eggs, Baking Soda | Flax Egg, Chia Egg, Banana, Applesauce, Vinegar & Baking Soda |
| Liquid | Dairy Milk | Soy Milk, Almond Milk, Oat Milk, Coconut Milk |
| Fat | Dairy Butter, Lard | Vegan Butter Spreads, Refined Coconut Oil, Margarine (if dairy-free) |
| Sweetener | Honey, White Sugar (can be filtered with bone char) | Maple Syrup, Agave, Organic Sugar, Beet Sugar |
| Binder/Thickener | Egg Whites, Gelatine | Aquafaba, Cornstarch, Silken Tofu, Pectin |
How to Avoid Hidden Animal Ingredients
Checking labels is crucial, especially for additives and flavorings that are not immediately obvious. Here are some key non-vegan ingredients to be aware of:
- Whey and Casein: Milk proteins often used as additives, even in products that seem dairy-free. Look for caseinates as well.
- Lactose: Milk sugar present in many baked goods.
- Gelatine (E441): Sourced from animal bones and skin, used as a gelling agent.
- Shellac (E904): A resin produced by insects, used as a glaze on some sweets.
- Natural Flavors: This term can sometimes refer to animal-derived ingredients, so if a product isn't explicitly vegan, be cautious.
- L-Cysteine (E920): An amino acid derived from human hair or animal feathers, used as a dough conditioner.
To be absolutely certain about products, look for a certified vegan logo from a reputable organization like The Vegan Society or Vegan Action. For more detailed information on ingredients, you can reference the Veganuary label reading guide.
Conclusion
Navigating the world of vegan cakes and biscuits is far less restrictive than it once was. With a wealth of knowledge on ingredient swaps for homemade bakes and a growing list of accidentally vegan treats available in stores, finding a plant-based dessert is a delightful and simple process. By knowing what to look for on labels and embracing the creative alternatives of vegan baking, you can enjoy a wide variety of sweet treats without compromising your values.
