Vegan Scone Recipe – Irresistibly Fluffy And Delicious

Finding the perfect vegan scone recipe often feels like searching for a needle in a haystack. As someone who’s navigated the ups and downs of vegan baking, I understand the struggle.

You’re looking for that tender, flaky texture without compromising taste or ethics. It’s a culinary challenge that many need to work on tackling.

With this in mind, I embarked on a journey to craft a recipe that would bring the joy of scones back into the lives of vegans and the dairy-averse alike.

The result? A recipe that delivers on the promise of delicious, homemade scones and ensures you get the most out of simple, plant-based ingredients. This isn’t just about substituting dairy; it’s about reinventing the scone to be even more delightful.

What Is Vegan Scone?

A vegan scone is a delightful twist on the traditional British baked good, tailored for those who follow a plant-based diet.

Unlike its classic counterpart, which often relies on butter, eggs, and milk, a vegan scone substitutes these ingredients with vegan-friendly alternatives like coconut oil, almond milk, and flaxseeds.

This ensures the scone remains dairy-free and egg-free without sacrificing texture or flavor. Often enjoyed as a breakfast item or afternoon snack, vegan scones can be sweet or savory, featuring ingredients such as fruit, nuts, or even vegan cheese, making them a versatile and inclusive option for all.

Quick Fact: Vegan scones offer a delicious, cruelty-free alternative to traditional baking, using plant-based ingredients to create a tender, moist treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

Recipe Directions

• Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (fan setting). Prepare a baking tray by lining it with greaseproof paper.
• Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sieve the self-raising flour, baking powder, fine sea salt, and caster sugar. This will ensure that your scones are light and aerated.
• Incorporate Vegan Butter: Add the chilled, cubed vegan butter to the bowl. Use your fingers to rub the butter into the flour mixture until it takes on a sandy, crumb-like texture.
• Combine Wet Ingredients: Whisk the soy milk with vanilla extract and lemon juice in a measuring jug. This mixture will help activate the baking powder, contributing to the rise of your scones.
• Form the Dough: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir everything together until just combined to avoid overworking the dough. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface.
• Shape and Cut: Sprinkle a bit more flour over the dough, then pat it into a rough circle about 4 cm deep. Using a 5 cm circular cutter, cut out as many scones as possible. Re-form the leftover dough and continue cutting until no dough remains. Expect to get about 9 scones from this process.
• Prepare for Baking: Place the cut-out scones onto your prepared baking tray, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
• Apply “Egg” Wash: Mix the soy milk and maple syrup in a small bowl for the “egg” wash. Brush the tops of the scones with this mixture to achieve a golden finish upon baking.
• Bake: Bake the scones in the oven for 10 minutes or until they have risen and turned lightly golden.
• Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the scones from the oven and let them cool on the tray for 5 minutes. Serve warm with your favorite jam and a dollop of vegan whipped cream for the perfect treat.

Variations, Add-Ons, And Toppings

Variations

• Flavor Infusions: Incorporate lemon zest, orange zest, or spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom into the dough for a flavorful twist.
• Herbal Scones: Add fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or lavender for a savory option.

Add-Ons

• Fruits: Mix fresh, dried, or frozen fruits such as blueberries, raspberries, cherries, or diced apples. Do not thaw frozen fruits to prevent excess moisture.
• Nuts and Seeds: For added texture and nutrition, stir in chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, almonds, or seeds such as pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds.
• Chocolate: Fold in dark chocolate chips or chunks for a decadent treat. Ensure the chocolate is vegan.
• Cheese Flavor: Add nutritional yeast or vegan cheese shreds into the dough for a cheesy scone.

Toppings

• Glazes and Icings: Top scones with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and plant-based milk or lemon juice. Vanilla or almond extract can add extra flavor.
• Vegan Creams: Serve scones with vegan clotted or whipped coconut cream for a traditional touch.
• Jams and Compotes: Offer a variety of fruit jams, preserves, or compotes to spread on the scones. Homemade versions can be tailored to be less sweet and more natural.
• Nut Butter: A dollop of almond, cashew, or peanut butter can add a rich, creamy texture and a protein boost.

Vegetable Substitutions

• Pumpkin: Pumpkin puree can add moisture and a subtle sweetness to scones, along with a dose of vitamin A. It pairs well with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
• Sweet Potato: Like pumpkin, sweet potato puree offers moisture, sweetness, and a vibrant color. It’s rich in vitamins and can make your scones soft and tender.
• Zucchini: Grated zucchini can be added to scone dough for extra moisture and to sneak in vegetables. It’s neutral in flavor so that it won’t overpower your scones.
• Carrots: Finely grated carrots add sweetness, moisture, and a nutritional boost to scones. They work well with spices and can contribute to a slightly denser texture.
• Spinach: Finely chopped spinach can be incorporated for a savory twist, adding iron and vitamins. It pairs nicely with vegan cheese and garlic for savory scones.
• Beetroot: Grated or pureed beetroot adds earthiness, moisture, and a stunning natural color to scones. It’s best used in small quantities to avoid overpowering the flavor.

Quick Tip: Avoid overworking the dough for lighter, fluffier vegan scones. Mix until combined, and handle the dough as little as possible before baking.

Best Side Dishes

• Fresh Fruit Salad A colorful assortment of seasonal fruits complements the richness of scones.
• Vegan Clotted Cream A must-have for a classic scone experience, made from coconut cream or cashews.
• Assorted Jams and Preserves Choose from raspberry, strawberry, or apricot for a sweet spread.
• Vegan Butter A simple spread that melts beautifully on warm scones.
• Agave Or Maple Syrup This is for those who prefer a sweeter topping without processed sugars.
• Nut Butter Almond, peanut, or cashew butter for a creamy, protein-rich addition.
• Vegan Lemon Curd A tangy and sweet spread that adds a bright flavor contrast.
• Avocado Spread A savory option, especially good on plain or herb-infused scones.
• Vegan Cheese Soft vegan cheeses or cheese spreads can offer a savory twist.
• Herbal Tea Not a side dish, but the perfect beverage to accompany vegan scones, enhancing the overall experience.

How To Serve?

• Traditional Afternoon Tea: Serve vegan scones with jam and vegan cream for a classic afternoon tea experience.
• Breakfast or Brunch: Enjoy vegan scones alongside a spread of vegan butter, fruit preserves, and a selection of fresh fruits for a satisfying breakfast or brunch option.
• Picnic Fare: Pack vegan scones for a picnic and serve them with various spreads, fruits, and beverages for a portable and delicious outdoor meal.
• Dessert Delight: Serve warm vegan scones with a scoop of dairy-free ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a delightful dessert option.
• Gift Giving: Wrap individual vegan scones in parchment paper and ribbon to give as homemade gifts for special occasions or as a thoughtful gesture.

Quick Tip: Ensure your baking powder is fresh for the best rise in your scones. It’s the secret to achieving that perfect, airy texture every time.

Storage & Make Ahead

• Storage: Once cooled, store scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, freeze individually wrapped scones for up to 3 months.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the scone dough, shape it into rounds, and freeze on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, simply place frozen scones on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. This allows for quick, freshly baked scones anytime!

Quick Tip: The first recorded scone recipe appeared in 1513 in Scotland, originally made with oats and baked on a griddle, showcasing its centuries-old roots in Scottish culinary tradition.

Nutrition Table

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use A Different Plant Milk Instead Of Soy Milk In The Vegan Scone Recipe?

Yes, you can use different types of plant milk in a vegan scone recipe, such as almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk. Each type of milk may slightly alter the flavor and texture of the scones.

For instance, coconut milk can add a subtle coconut flavor and extra richness, while oat milk may provide a mild, sweet taste. It’s important to use unsweetened and unflavored varieties to control your scones’ sweetness and flavor profile.

How Do I Ensure My Vegan Scones Are Fluffy And Not Dense?

To ensure fluffy vegan scones, avoid overworking the dough. Mix the wet and dry ingredients until combined, and handle the dough as little as possible when shaping.

Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to dense scones. Additionally, ensure your baking powder is fresh, as it’s crucial for the rise. Cutting cold vegan butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs also helps create a tender texture.

Can I Make These Scones Gluten-Free?

Yes, you can make vegan scones gluten-free by substituting the self-raising flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

Look for a blend that includes xanthan gum, which helps replicate the gluten’s binding properties. You may also need to add a bit more baking powder to ensure they rise properly, as gluten-free flour can sometimes make baked goods denser than their gluten-containing counterparts.

How Long Do Vegan Scones Last, And How Should I Store Them?

Vegan scones are best enjoyed fresh, ideally within 1-2 days of baking. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.

If you need to keep them longer, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze them for up to three months. Warm refrigerated or frozen scones in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes to revive refrigerated or frozen scones.

Can I Add Fresh Fruit To The Scone Dough?

Yes, you can add fresh fruit to vegan scone dough, but there are a few considerations to remember. Choose firmer fruits like juicy blueberries, diced apples, or raspberries, as they hold up better during baking. Gently fold the fruit into the dough to avoid crushing it.

Be mindful that adding too much fruit can make the dough wet, requiring extra flour to achieve the right consistency. Also, adjust the amount of sugar in the recipe based on the fruit’s sweetness.