One Saturday morning just before the guests were about to arrive I tried to think to make something new to bake for their arrival. In the winter we get lots of oranges and mandarins. They are always European, mostly they come from Spain. They taste delicious, juicy, sweet and full of flavour.
I have never been a massive fan of oranges in cakes but once I found this great recipe for orange and cranberries rock cakes, it changed my mind. With a few adaptations these vegan rock cakes came out perfect.
Oats are perfect in cakes or cookies. I love incorporating them, especially when we have gluten-free guests. Extra orange juice and zest gives a strong flavour to these rock cakes and somehow that makes me think of Christmas time. Dried cranberries add sweetness and sourness while the texture that comes out is lovely. Who doesn’t love a bit of a crispy outside and then a soft and warm inside.
They do remind me a bit of scones and perhaps, like scones could be served with some non-dairy cream and jam. I assure you, they won’t last long. Let us know how they turned out for you!
Makes around 15 rock cakes
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1tbsp cornstarch
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup non-dairy milk
• 2tbsp fresh-squeezed orange juice
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• Zest of one large orange
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
Preheat oven to 180˚C.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar and starch then whisk in the oil, non-dairy milk, orange juice, vanilla extract, and orange zest. Sift in the baking soda, baking powder, salt, and flour then stir in the rolled oats and cranberries. Mix just until everything is combined.
Drop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet then flatten with the palm of your hand. Bake at 180˚C for 7-8 minutes or until golden brown then let cool on baking sheet for 5-10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Simple and delicious, allowing me time to bake and then play in the snow surrounding MoaAlm!
For more vegan baking ideas, why not check out our Banana Cake recipe or our Chocolate Brownies
If you love cheesecake, then maybe try our Baked Cheesecake
Happy 'RelaxinglyActive' Baking!