Fluffy Vegan Toasted Teacakes (Printer-Friendly Version)

Soft, golden vegan teacakes with dried fruit and orange zest, ideal for a comforting breakfast or snack.

# What You'll Need:

→ Liquids

01 - 1 cup (8 fl oz) warm almond or soy milk, 105-115°F
02 - 2 tablespoons almond or soy milk (for glazing, optional)

→ Leavening and Sweeteners

03 - 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 sachet)
04 - ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar, plus 1 teaspoon for yeast activation
05 - 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for glazing, optional)

→ Dry Ingredients

06 - 3 cups (12.7 oz) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
07 - ½ teaspoon salt

→ Fats

08 - ¼ cup (4 tablespoons, 2 oz) melted vegan butter

→ Add-ins

09 - ½ cup (3 oz) mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants, or sultanas)
10 - Zest of 1 orange (optional)

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Combine warm plant-based milk, 1 teaspoon sugar, and active dry yeast in a large bowl. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy, confirming yeast is active.
02 - In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, remaining ¼ cup sugar, and salt. Add the frothy yeast mixture, melted vegan butter, and orange zest if using. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky. Knead in dried fruit until evenly incorporated.
03 - Lightly grease a clean bowl, place dough inside, and turn to coat. Cover with a clean towel and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, until doubled in size.
04 - Punch down dough to release air. Divide into 8 to 10 equal portions and roll each into a smooth ball. Arrange balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced apart.
05 - Cover the baking sheet loosely with a towel and let teacakes rise again for 30 to 45 minutes until noticeably puffy to ensure a light texture.
06 - Preheat oven to 375°F during the last 15 minutes of the second rise. If glazing, whisk 2 tablespoons plant-based milk with 1 tablespoon sugar and gently brush over teacakes. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and hollow sounding when tapped underneath. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.

# Additional Tips:

01 - Ensure yeast is fresh and warm plant milk is between 105-115°F for optimal rise. Patience during rising phases is crucial for fluffy texture.
02 - Store cooled teacakes at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.