Vegan Brandy Cake

Written by McDonald, T.  |  Date 18th of December 2023

I discovered this by accident and I am so glad that I did! Although it is not a traditional seasonal cake, it can and does make a great addition to any festive season. For a vegan cake, it is surprisingly firm.  Although firm, this cake has a light texture and is moist with a good flavour that more than hints at the brandy.  

Notes

• I used a kebab skewer or even a metal thermometer as a cake tester.   Works just as well. 
• I used almond milk because it goes well with the brandy.
• I'm using metric cups.  
• The vinegar is to react with the bicarbonate of soda.  It helps the cake to rise as does the baking powder, which also help to keep it soft and light. 
• Wait t'ill you see how to make the brandy frosting! 

 

Makes a cake with dimensions of 22 cm x 11

Time, about an hour.

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Ingredients

•  Some vegan butter to grease the tin
  

Wet ingredients

• 2/3 cup plain vegan yogurt
• 1/2 cup of vegan milk
  
• 1/3 cup rapeseed oil (any vegetable oil will do)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract 
• 1 tbsp of white vinegar
  
• 4 tbsp of brandy
  

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 and 1/2 cups of self rasing flour
• 3/4 cup sugar 
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1 and 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Apparatus

• Mixing bowl
• Small loaf tin about 22 cm x 11 cm x 6 cm
  
• Balloon whisk
• Spatula
   

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Method

1. Preheat oven to 175 °C and grease a non-stick loaf tin. 

2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients for the cake batter.

3. Sieve the flour and add sugar to the wet ingredients.  Add the orange and lemon zest.  Add the baking powder, baking soda and salt.  

4. Whisk everything together until fully combined.  Don't over mix. 

5. Pour the cake batter into your prepared loaf tin.

6. Bake for 40 – 45 minutes, or until a cake tester comes out clean when inserted in the middle of the cake. 

How to make the frosting

Ingredients 

• Belmont Smooth Biscuit Spread x 3 heaped tsp
  
• Icing sugar time 2 tbsp
• Brandy x 3 tbsp

Method

1. Put the Belmont Smooth Biscuit Spread and brandy in a small bowl and mix vigorously with a metal spoon. 
2. Add the icing sugar and mix until smooth and consistent. 
3. With a butter knife, apply to the top of the cake.

Add some cherries and regular icing if you wish.

Results 

First, let's have a look at it as it comes out of the oven. As you can see, it has risen a good amount, but still has some crakes.  

 

Looking good on the inside. Although the cake is firm, it is still light on the inside. 

 

 

How to make Vegan Brandy Sauce.

 

I hope that you liked this blog and if you do try this recipe, please let me know how you got on and what it turned out like. You can leave a comment in the comments below.