Welcome to Delia Cooks Food Blog
Hi all ! My name is Delia and through Delia Cooks Food Blog I will try to show you, in my journey called life, some very tasty recipes which I love, some of them since I was a kid.
I have always love food. As a child I was always interested and curious of my mom recipes I was always wanted to help her when she was cooking, even if that would be just peeling the vegetables. I was staying in my mother`s feet to see how she cooks.
My mom loved to improvised a lot when she was cooking. We were living in country side so we had most of the vegetables in the garden which give better tastes obviously.
When she was cooking for Christmas, Easter she would always give as tasks to make us responsible but also to teach us how to cook. She always said that all is matters is the taste. The same happened when I was visiting my grandma, she was making some simple recipes but the smell caught you from the gate. Now I regret that I didn`t write down some of her recipes.
Growing up I started to be more careful with what I was eating. I must say I`m lucky that my husband share this aspect too. He loves to eat but also quite healthy, lots of vegetables and salads. We are cooking together in the weekend and we try new recipes or sometimes just invent them.
Mu husband also help me a lot with the website. I`m cooking and he`s taking care of the website but he always advise me where should I put more effort. We are both kind of perfectionists so we need to make sure everything looks perfect even though we all know that you learning a lot during the journey.
I really hope you will try my recipes and I hope you`ll enjoy them!
Love,
D
Latest blog posts
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How to Make a Perfectly Moist and Fluffy Vegan Lemon Drizzle Cake
If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy dessert, then a vegan lemon drizzle cake may be just what you need. Veganism is becoming more popular than ever, and with good reason. A vegan diet can provide a range of health benefits, from reducing the risk of heart disease to lowering cholesterol levels.
In this article, I will show you how to make a vegan lemon drizzle cake that’s both delicious and healthy. I will provide you with a step-by-step recipe, including all the ingredients you need, as well as tips for sourcing high-quality ingredients.
This vegan lemon drizzle cake is moist, fluffy, easy to make and last but not least delicious. If you wouldn`t mention that this is a vegan lemon drizzle cake no one will notice. There`s no better way to embrace spring than with a slice of this lemon cake and if you love lemons this will become your favorite lemon cake.
When I first bake it I was checking many times if I`ve missed any ingredients because as you will see below you don`t need many ingredients to bake this cake. That`s why I consider it the easiest recipe for a lemon cake.
Also the final touch of the icing sugar is the cherry on top, you`ll see once you try it. 😊
When it comes to ingredients, it’s important to use high-quality products. For example, you can use organic coconut oil to ensure you’re getting the best possible ingredients for your cake.
Ingredients
- 275g self-raising flour
- 200g caster sugar
- 100 ml vegetable oil, plus some extra for the tin
- 170ml cold water
- 1tsp baking powder
- 1 lemon, zested and ½ juiced
Glaze ingredients
- 150g icing sugar
- ½ lemon, juiced
Instructions
In a bowl mix the dry ingredients which are, the flour, sugar, baking powder and lemon zest and mix them together. Add the oil, 170ml cold water, lemon juice and mix well until smooth and well combined.
Leave the mixture aside for 3 – 4 minutes.
Now is time to preheat the oven which 180C should be fine but depends on the oven, mine is quite strong so I set it for 160C – 170C. As I said it really depends on the oven.
Oil the loaf tin and line it with baking paper (the oil will help line the baking paper better and your cake will have a perfect shape).
Pour the mixture into the tin and bake it for 30 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean.
Once baked let it cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then remove it and keep it on a wire rack to cool fully or for at least 30 minutes, but very important for the final step is the cake to not be hot.
For the icing, very important always sieve the icing sugar into a bowl. Have already squeezed ½ lemon juice but don`t add it all in one go. Put half first on top of the icing sugar and mix until you think is thick enough to pour over the loaf (add the rest once happy with the consistence).
If the icing is too thin it will run off the cake so that`s why I strongly advise to don`t add the ½ lemon juice all in one go.
There you have it, the easiest vegan lemon cake you would ever try in your life.
Enjoy,
D 😊
How to Make a Perfectly Moist and Fluffy Vegan Lemon Drizzle Cake
Ingredients
- 275 g self-raising flour
- 200 g caster sugar
- 100 ml vegetable oil plus some extra for the tin
- 170 ml cold water
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 lemon zested and ½ juiced
Glazing ingredients
- 150 g icing sugar
- ½ lemon juiced
Instructions
- In a bowl mix the dry ingredients which are, the flour, sugar, baking powder and lemon zest and mix them together. Add the oil, 170ml cold water, lemon juice and mix well until smooth and well combined.
- Leave the mixture aside for 3- 4 minutes.
- Now is time to preheat the oven which 180C should be fine but depends on the oven, mine is quite strong so I set it for 160C - 170C. As I said it really depends on the oven.
- Oil the loaf tin and line it with baking paper (the oil will help line the baking paper better and your cake will have a perfect shape).
- Pour the mixture into the tin and bake it for 30 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean.
- Once baked let it cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then remove it and keep it on a wire rack to cool fully or for at least 30 minutes, but very important for the final step is the cake to not be hot.
- For the icing, very important always sieve the icing sugar into a bowl. Have already squeezed ½ lemon juice but don`t add it all in one go. Put half first on top of the icing sugar and mix until you think is thick enough to pour over the loaf (add the rest once happy with the consistence).
- If the icing is too thin it will run off the cake so that`s why I strongly advise to don`t add the ½ lemon juice all in one go.
- There you have it, the easiest vegan lemon cake you would ever try in your life.Enjoy,D 😊
The vegan diet
The vegan diet is a type of plant-based diet that eliminates all animal products from the diet, including meat, dairy, eggs, and honey.
One of the main ethical reasons people choose a vegan diet is to reduce animal suffering. Many people believe that the use of animals for food and other products is cruel and unnecessary, and choose to avoid these products as a way of reducing animal exploitation.
Animal agriculture is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation, and reducing meat consumption can help reduce the impact of these activities on the environment.
Finally, some people choose a vegan diet for health reasons.
Overall, the vegan diet is a type of plant-based diet that eliminates all animal products from the diet.
The popularity of veganism and vegan desserts
In recent years, veganism has become increasingly popular as more and more people are adopting plant-based diets for a variety of reasons, such as health, ethical, and environmental concerns.
Vegan desserts are becoming more widely available in restaurants, cafes, and grocery stores, and many home cooks are experimenting with vegan baking in their own kitchens.
There are several reasons for the rise in popularity of vegan desserts. One of the main reasons is the growing awareness of the negative impact of animal agriculture on the environment, which has led many people to seek out plant-based alternatives to traditional desserts made with dairy and eggs.
Another reason for the popularity of vegan desserts is the health benefits associated with a plant-based diet. Vegan desserts are typically made with whole food ingredients such as fruits, nuts, and whole grains, which are rich in nutrients and can help promote good health.
Finally, the ethical concerns associated with animal products have also played a role in the popularity of vegan desserts. Many people are uncomfortable with the idea of using animal products in their food and prefer to choose plant-based alternatives as a way of reducing animal exploitation.
Overall, the popularity of veganism and vegan desserts is a reflection of a growing awareness of the environmental, health, and ethical concerns associated with animal agriculture. As more people continue to adopt plant-based diets, we can expect to see even more innovative and delicious vegan desserts in the future.
Tips for sourcing high-quality ingredients
When it comes to making vegan desserts, using high-quality ingredients is key to achieving great flavor and texture. Here are some tips for sourcing high-quality ingredients for your vegan desserts:
- Choose organic produce: Whenever possible, choose organic produce for your vegan desserts. Organic produce is grown without the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, which can be harmful to both the environment and human health.
- Read ingredient labels: When purchasing packaged ingredients, be sure to read the ingredient labels carefully to ensure that the product is free of animal products and additives. Look for products that contain whole food ingredients and avoid products that contain high amounts of added sugars, preservatives, or artificial colors and flavors.
- Buy in bulk: Buying ingredients in bulk can be a cost-effective way to source high-quality ingredients for your vegan desserts. Many health food stores and online retailers offer bulk options for ingredients such as nuts, seeds, and grains.
- Shop at farmers markets: Shopping at farmers markets is a great way to support local farmers and source high-quality produce for your vegan desserts. Farmers markets often offer a wide variety of seasonal produce that is freshly harvested and full of flavor.
Overall, sourcing high-quality ingredients is an important part of making delicious and healthy vegan desserts. By choosing organic and fair trade ingredients, reading ingredient labels, buying in bulk, and shopping at farmers markets, you can ensure that your vegan desserts are made with the best possible ingredients.
Tips for ensuring that the cake turns out moist and fluffy
Achieving a moist and fluffy texture is key to making a delicious vegan lemon drizzle cake. Here are some tips for ensuring that your cake turns out perfectly:
- Use the right amount of leavening agents: Baking powder and baking soda are essential ingredients in any cake recipe, as they help the cake rise and become fluffy. Be sure to measure the correct amount of baking powder and baking soda and mix them well with the dry ingredients. Too much baking powder can cause the cake to rise too much and then collapse, while too little can make the cake dense and heavy.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing the batter can cause gluten to develop, resulting in a tough and dense cake. Be sure to mix the wet and dry ingredients just until they are combined.
- Use room temperature ingredients: Using room temperature ingredients can help the batter come together more easily and result in a more evenly baked cake. Take the coconut oil and non-dairy milk out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before starting the recipe.
- Use a good quality non-dairy milk: A high-quality non-dairy milk, such as almond or soy milk, can help to make the cake moist and fluffy. Look for a non-dairy milk that is unsweetened and unflavored.
- Use fresh lemons: Fresh lemons are essential for a great tasting vegan lemon drizzle cake. Use organic lemons if possible and be sure to zest them carefully, avoiding the bitter white pith.
- Don’t overbake the cake: Overbaking the cake can cause it to dry out and become tough. Check the cake for doneness after 35 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your vegan lemon drizzle cake turns out moist and fluffy, with a delicious lemon flavor and a perfect texture.
Suggestions for using different types of citrus fruits
If you want to switch up the flavor of your vegan lemon drizzle cake, there are many different types of citrus fruits you can use instead of or in addition to lemons. Here are some suggestions:
- Oranges: Oranges are a great alternative to lemons for a citrusy cake. Use fresh orange juice and zest in place of the lemon juice and zest in the recipe. You could also try using blood oranges for a unique twist.
- Grapefruits: Grapefruits have a slightly tart flavor that works well in a cake. Use fresh grapefruit juice and zest in place of the lemon juice and zest in the recipe. You could also try using pink grapefruit for a pop of color.
- Limes: Limes have a slightly more tangy and sour flavor than lemons, which can add an interesting twist to the cake. Use fresh lime juice and zest in place of the lemon juice and zest in the recipe.
- Meyer lemons: Meyer lemons have a sweeter, less acidic flavor than regular lemons, which can make for a more delicate and nuanced cake. Use fresh Meyer lemon juice and zest in the recipe.
- Combining citrus fruits: You can also experiment with using a combination of citrus fruits in your vegan lemon drizzle cake. Try using a mixture of lemon, lime, and orange juice and zest for a complex and interesting flavor.
When using different types of citrus fruits, it’s important to adjust the amount of sugar in the recipe as needed to balance out the tartness or sweetness of the fruit. You can also experiment with adding different herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, to complement the citrus flavors.
Tips for serving the cake, such as garnishing with fresh fruit or whipped cream
Serving a vegan lemon drizzle cake can be a delicious and elegant experience. Here are some tips for making your cake look and taste its best:
- Garnish with fresh fruit: Fresh fruit can add a burst of color and flavor to your cake. Some good options for garnishing a lemon drizzle cake include raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries. Simply arrange the fruit on top of the cake or around the edges of the serving platter.
- Top with whipped cream: If you’re looking for a creamy and decadent topping for your cake, try making a vegan whipped cream using coconut cream or aquafaba. You can also purchase ready-made vegan whipped cream at many grocery stores. Spoon the whipped cream on top of the cake, or serve it on the side for guests to add as desired.
- Dust with powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar can add a beautiful finishing touch to your cake. Use a fine-mesh sieve to sprinkle the sugar evenly over the top of the cake.
- Serve with a side of sauce: For an extra burst of flavor, consider serving your lemon drizzle cake with a side of sauce. You can make a simple lemon glaze by whisking together lemon juice and powdered sugar, or try a fruity sauce made with fresh berries or stone fruits.
- Cut into small slices: Lemon drizzle cake can be quite rich, so it’s a good idea to cut it into smaller slices. This will also make it easier for guests to try a variety of desserts if you’re serving it as part of a larger meal or buffet.
With these tips, you can create a stunning and delicious vegan lemon drizzle cake that’s sure to impress your guests.
Advice for storing the cake, including how long it will stay fresh and the best way to store leftovers
Storing your vegan lemon drizzle cake properly is important to ensure that it stays fresh and delicious.
- Room temperature storage: If you plan on serving the cake within a day or two, you can store it at room temperature in an airtight container or covered with plastic wrap.
- Refrigerator storage: If you don’t plan on serving the cake right away, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Wrap the cake tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. Keep in mind that refrigerating the cake can cause it to firm up, so you may want to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
- Freezing: If you need to store the cake for longer than a week, you can freeze it for up to three months. Wrap the cake tightly with plastic wrap and then with aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to serve the cake, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight, and then bring it to room temperature before serving.
It’s important to note that the lemon drizzle topping may become slightly more runny when stored, so it’s best to add the topping just before serving. To do so, pierce the top of the cake several times with a fork, and then drizzle the topping over the cake, allowing it to soak in.
By following these storage tips, you can keep your vegan lemon drizzle cake fresh and delicious for days or even weeks to come.
Ideas for pairing the cake with other vegan desserts or drinks
Pairing your vegan lemon drizzle cake with other vegan desserts or drinks can be a great way to enhance its flavor and create a memorable culinary experience. Here are some ideas for pairing your cake with other vegan treats:
- Vegan ice cream: A scoop of vegan vanilla or lemon ice cream is the perfect accompaniment to a slice of lemon drizzle cake. The cool, creamy texture of the ice cream complements the tangy, sweet flavor of the cake.
- Fresh fruit: Sliced strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries are a great way to add color and texture to your dessert. The juicy sweetness of the fruit pairs perfectly with the tartness of the lemon drizzle.
- Vegan whipped cream: Top your lemon drizzle cake with a dollop of vegan whipped cream for a decadent touch. You can make your own whipped cream using coconut cream or aquafaba, or look for pre-made vegan whipped cream at your local grocery store.
- Lemonade: A glass of ice-cold lemonade is the perfect drink to serve alongside your lemon drizzle cake. The refreshing citrus flavor of the lemonade complements the tangy flavor of the cake, making for a refreshing and satisfying pairing.
- Herbal tea: A cup of hot herbal tea is a great way to balance the sweetness of your dessert. Try pairing your lemon drizzle cake with a cup of peppermint, chamomile, or ginger tea for a soothing and refreshing treat.
By experimenting with different pairings, you can create a unique and unforgettable dessert experience that will delight your taste buds and impress your guests.
Conclusion
Making a delicious and healthy vegan lemon drizzle cake is easier than you might think. By using high-quality ingredients and following our simple recipe, you can create a cake that’s not only tasty but also good for you. Plus, the lemon drizzle adds a zesty and refreshing twist to the classic cake.