‘Treat yo self’ vegan cupcakes

Easter is the best excuse to take a little break from  the clean eating routine and indulge in yummy treats. It’s all about balance y’all and as the famous Parks and Rec quote goes, ‘Treat yo self’. These vegan vanilla cupcakes are sweet, indulgent and very addictive. Treat yo self Easter 2017.

This recipe will make around 20 medium sized cupcakes so if you want to make a smaller batch then halve the measurement of ingredients.

Dry Ingredients

-3 cups of flour (I used plain whole meal flour)

-2 cups of stevia (you can use regular granulated sugar or another alternative)

-2 tsp baking soda

– 1 tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

-1 ¾ cups of almond milk (or other plant based milk)

-1 cup of canola oil

-1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar

-1 tbsp vanilla extract

 

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees (fan setting)

 

2. Combine and whisk the dry ingredients in a bowl

 

3. Combine and whisk the wet ingredients in a separate bowl

 

4. Slowly whisk wet mixture into the dry mixture bowl. The consistency should be smooth with no lumps. Be careful not to over mix though!

 

5. Pour the cake mixture into cupcake patties ¾ of the way up.

 

6. Place into the oven and check after 20 minutes. Use a skewer or sharp knife to pierce a cupcake to ensure that it is fully baked. If it comes out wet then leave the cupcakes in for a few more minutes.

 

7. Once cooked, remove and place on a cooling rack.

 

8. You can leave the cupcakes ‘naked’ or if you’re feeling really indulgent then decorate with icing and other bits. Woolworths sell a vegan pre-mad icing mix which is what I’ve used or you can make your own version. I also grated dark chocolate on top, which I bought in Aldi. Dairy free and delicious!

 

Mandurah (Western Australia)

Flics

Upon return to beautiful WA I have been staying in the quiet coastal town (well technically city) of Mandurah, an hours drive south of Perth. A few years ago vegan options here were as rare as a unicorn but alas with the vegan trend sweeping through Perth it has also trickled down to Mandurah.

Flics is a busy, trendy cafe on the foreshore, overlooking the estuary. The menu caters for all with a detailed drinks list and variety of breakfast lunch and dinner meals.

I went with my omni parents who are, like most of their Irish bred generation, used to their comfort foods and afraid to try the unfamiliar. They settled with a safe yet well cooked eggs benedict.

Being the ‘vegan’, Mum was concerned there wouldn’t be anything for me but alas she had nothing to worry about! The vegan brekkie option was tempting although I opted for the less filling coconut yogurt pot.

At the base was home made coconut yogurt, followed by crunchy granola, fresh pineapple, scatterings of blueberries and on top was a scoop of mouth watering mango sorbet. Each flavour in the pot worked together. Savouring each bite I enjoyed the crunch of the granola and the smooth sweetness of the yogurt.

Visually pleasing and filling (4/5)

London Feasts – Black Cat ; Hackney

London is quickly becoming a vegan paradise in this part of the world. Independent eateries are popping up everywhere with hordes of excited vegans and others wanting to try new creations. The very first vegan fried chicken shop has even opened up and the line of eager customers winding around the corner strongly indicates their rapid success.

The demand is high and many cafes and restaurants are catering to all. One cafe in particular has been high on my list since I moved to London. Black Cat in Hackney is one of the most well known and popular vegan eateries in East London. Not only do they offer a range of delicious drinks, salads, comforting warm dishes and tasty desserts, they also have vegan products that can be purchased here as well.

My friend and I arrived on a hazy, dull typical Saturday afternoon to discover the cafe buzzing with energy. Once we were lucky enough to grab a table we soon decided what to order. The menu offered a simple range of choices, each one suiting a variety of taste buds.

I immediately eyed off the falafel salad bowl, which at only £7 was a bargain. What arrived was a bowl filled to the brim with a variety of fresh salads (green salad, quinoa, coleslaw and red cabbage), a generous dollop of humus, 3 large, crispy falafel balls AND 2 huge pieces of flat bread.

Even MORE salad underneath the flat bread.

My friend (a meat eater but lover of all types of food) ordered the Mexican bowl. This arrived with generous servings of different salads (similar to my dish), two large pieces of toasted sourdough and toppings of Mexican beans and zesty guacamole. Every mouth full was savoured as the flavours all complimented each other.

Mexican Bowl – generous and hearty serving. Almost could be shared between two (if you want to share that is!).

Although my stomach was bursting with joy and I was ready for a little food nap, my friend and I let our eyes take control of ourselves yet again.. and we somehow wandered towards the cake display. The plethora of vegan sweets amazed me; croissants, cookies, chocolates and a range of cakes. We settled on the bounty cake and blueberry chocolate cake, which we savoured with a pot of peppermint tea.

The bounty cake and blueberry chocolate cake. 

For only £12 for a main meal, tea AND dessert I left with a happy wallet, full belly and content spirit. Well worth the visit!