Vegan Puerto Rican Cherry-Almond Scones: A Delicious Cultural Twist
In the heart of Puerto Rican cuisine, there’s a rich tapestry of flavors and traditions that can be beautifully adapted to vegan delights. Here, we’re transforming the classic cherry-almond scones into a vibrant, vegan Puerto Rican treat that will make your taste buds dance.
The Cultural Significance
Puerto Rican cuisine is a melting pot of Taíno, Spanish, and African influences, each contributing unique flavors and techniques. Our vegan cherry-almond scones incorporate some of these traditional elements, making them a perfect blend of old and new.
Ingredients
For the Scones
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold vegan butter (such as Earth Balance), cut into small pieces
- 3/4 cup non-dairy milk (like almond or soy milk)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cherries (or dried cherries rehydrated in a little non-dairy milk)
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (optional, for an extra burst of flavor)
For the Glaze
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons non-dairy milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
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Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
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Add the Vegan Butter: Using a pastry blender or your fingers, work the cold vegan butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
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Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the non-dairy milk and vanilla extract.
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Bring It All Together: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix.
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Fold in the Cherries and Almonds: Gently fold in the chopped cherries and sliced almonds.
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Shape the Scones: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead it a few times until it comes together. Pat the dough into a circle that is about 1 inch thick. Use a biscuit cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out scones. Gather the scraps, re-form the dough, and cut out additional scones.
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Bake to Perfection: Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each scone. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown.
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Glaze with Love: While the scones are cooling, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, non-dairy milk, and vanilla extract. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled scones.
Tips and Variations
- Orange Zest: Adding a tablespoon of orange zest to the dough can enhance the flavor and aroma of the scones.
- Coconut Flakes: For an extra tropical touch, sprinkle some coconut flakes on top of the scones before baking.
- Guava Jam: If you want to add a more traditional Puerto Rican flavor, try serving the scones with a side of guava jam.
Enjoy Your Delicious Vegan Puerto Rican Cherry-Almond Scones!
These scones are perfect for a breakfast treat, an afternoon snack, or even as a delightful accompaniment to your favorite coffee or tea. The combination of cherries, almonds, and a hint of orange zest captures the vibrant spirit of Puerto Rican cuisine, all while staying true to vegan values.
So go ahead, indulge in these scrumptious scones, and let the flavors of Puerto Rico transport you to a world of culinary delight
- Vegan Boricua Pantry Essentials