Vegan Welsh Cakes Recipe
Introduction
Vegan Welsh cakes are a deliciously soft and lightly spiced treat perfect for any time of day. These traditional griddle cakes are made without dairy, offering a plant-based twist on a classic British favorite.

Ingredients
- 225g self-raising flour, plus extra for dusting
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt
- ½ tsp nutmeg, grated
- 100g dairy-free butter
- 50g caster sugar, plus extra to sprinkle
- 50g currants
- 3-4 tbsp dairy-free milk
Instructions
- Step 1: Tip the flour into a large bowl and stir through the salt and grated nutmeg. Add the dairy-free butter and rub it in with your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
- Step 2: Add the caster sugar and currants, then stir in 3 tablespoons of dairy-free milk until the dough just comes together. If it feels too dry, add an extra tablespoon of milk. Bring the dough together into a ball, being careful not to overwork it to avoid toughness.
- Step 3: Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 5mm thickness. Use a 6 or 7cm round cutter to cut out rounds. Re-roll any scraps and cut out more rounds until all dough is used.
- Step 4: Heat a cast iron or heavy-based frying pan over medium heat until hot. Cook the cakes for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until lightly golden. Lower the heat slightly if they start to catch.
- Step 5: Immediately toss the cooked cakes in sugar, then transfer to a wire rack to cool for about 15 minutes before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or mixed spice along with the nutmeg.
- Substitute currants with raisins or chopped dried apricots for a different fruit twist.
- Use almond or oat milk for a subtle nutty taste in the dough.
- Cook the cakes on a lower heat for longer if you prefer them softer and less browned.
Storage
Store Welsh cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for up to a month; simply thaw at room temperature and warm in a pan or microwave before serving.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the self-raising flour with a gluten-free self-raising blend. Be aware the texture might be slightly different but still delicious.
How do I keep Welsh cakes soft?
To keep them soft, avoid overcooking and store them in an airtight container. You can also reheat gently in a pan with a little dairy-free butter or oil to restore softness.
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Vegan Welsh Cakes Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12–14 Welsh cakes 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These Vegan Welsh Cakes are a delightful dairy-free twist on the classic traditional treat. Made with self-raising flour, dairy-free butter, and currants, these golden, lightly spiced cakes are cooked on a hot cast iron or heavy-based frying pan to achieve a perfectly crisp exterior and soft inside. Ideal for teatime or a sweet snack, they’re sprinkled with caster sugar for a subtle crunch and just the right touch of sweetness.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 225g self-raising flour, plus extra for dusting
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt
- ½ tsp grated nutmeg
- 100g dairy-free butter
- 50g caster sugar, plus extra to sprinkle
- 50g currants
- 3–4 tbsp dairy-free milk
Instructions
- Prepare the dry ingredients: Tip the self-raising flour into a large bowl and stir through the fine sea salt and grated nutmeg until evenly combined.
- Rub in the dairy-free butter: Add the dairy-free butter to the flour mixture and use your fingertips to rub it in until it reaches a fine, breadcrumb-like consistency.
- Add sugar and currants: Stir in the caster sugar and currants, distributing them evenly through the mixture.
- Form the dough: Gradually add 3 tablespoons of dairy-free milk and stir until the mixture just comes together. If the dough feels dry, add an additional tablespoon of milk. Bring the dough together into a ball without overworking it to prevent toughness.
- Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of about 5mm. Use a 6 or 7cm round cutter to cut out rounds. Re-roll the scraps and cut out more rounds until all dough is used.
- Heat the pan: Place a cast iron or heavy-based frying pan over medium heat and allow it to get very hot before cooking the cakes.
- Cook the Welsh cakes: Cook the rounds in the hot pan for 3-4 minutes on each side or until they are lightly golden. If the cakes begin to catch or brown too quickly, turn the heat down slightly to prevent burning.
- Sugar coating and cooling: Immediately after cooking, toss the warm Welsh cakes in caster sugar to coat. Then set them aside on a wire rack to cool for about 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Be careful not to overwork the dough to avoid tough Welsh cakes.
- If you don’t have dairy-free butter, a vegan margarine substitute works as well.
- The thickness of the cakes should be about 5mm for ideal texture.
- A cast iron or heavy-based frying pan is essential for even heat distribution.
- Adjust cooking heat to prevent burning while ensuring the cakes cook through.
- Welsh cakes are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for 2-3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Welsh
Keywords: Vegan Welsh Cakes, Dairy-Free Welsh Cakes, Traditional Welsh Cake Recipe, Vegan Snack, Gluten-Free optional

