Vegan Parkin Recipe Easy, Delicious, and Traditional Treat

Parkin is a classic British gingerbread cake originating from Northern England, traditionally made with oatmeal and golden syrup. This rich, moist, and deeply spiced treat is a beloved favorite during autumn and winter months, especially around Bonfire Night.

If you’re vegan or simply looking to enjoy a plant-based version of this comforting dessert, you’ve come to the right place. Our vegan parkin recipe maintains the authentic texture and flavor without any animal products, using wholesome ingredients like oats, molasses, and warming spices to create a cake that’s both hearty and indulgent.

What makes vegan parkin truly special is its perfect balance of sweetness and spice, combined with a wonderfully sticky texture that improves over time. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe is straightforward and sure to impress.

Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy a traditional favorite while sticking to a vegan lifestyle. Let’s dive into the details and get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan parkin recipe is a fantastic twist on a classic British dessert that everyone can enjoy. It’s:

• Richly flavored: Packed with ginger, cinnamon, and molasses, it offers a robust warm spice profile.
• Moist and sticky: The oats and syrup create a dense, chewy texture that softens beautifully after resting.
• Simple ingredients: Made with pantry staples, it’s easy to prepare without any complicated techniques.
• Perfect for any occasion: Ideal for afternoon tea, holiday celebrations, or cozy nights in.
• Vegan and allergy-friendly: Free from dairy and eggs, suitable for a wide range of dietary needs.

For more vegan baking inspiration, check out our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious for another sweet treat!

Ingredients

• 150g rolled oats (use gluten-free oats if needed)
• 150g self-raising flour (or plain flour with 1 tsp baking powder)
• 150g dark brown sugar or muscovado sugar
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• 120ml golden syrup (or vegan-friendly maple syrup as substitute)
• 120ml plant-based milk (almond, oat, soy, etc.)
• 120ml vegetable oil (sunflower or light olive oil works well)
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (helps with leavening)
• Optional: 50g chopped crystallized ginger or mixed dried fruit for extra texture and flavor

Equipment

• Mixing bowls (medium and large sizes)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk or wooden spoon
• 8-inch square baking tin or equivalent round cake tin
• Baking parchment
• Cooling rack
• Oven preheated to 160°C (320°F) fan / 180°C (350°F) conventional

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 160°C fan (or 180°C conventional). Line your baking tin with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy cake removal.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, self-raising flour, brown sugar, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir well to ensure the spices and raising agents are evenly distributed.
3. Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the golden syrup, plant-based milk, vegetable oil, and apple cider vinegar until fully blended.
4. Make the batter: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, stir until everything is just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender. If using, fold in the chopped crystallized ginger or dried fruit now.
5. Transfer to the tin: Spoon the batter into the prepared baking tin, spreading it evenly with the back of the spoon.
6. Bake the parkin: Place in the oven and bake for 45-55 minutes. To test doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out mostly clean but with some moist crumbs attached.
7. Cool and rest: Allow the parkin to cool completely in the tin on a wire rack. Once cooled, cover and let it rest for at least 24 hours. This resting period is crucial as it allows the flavors to deepen and the cake to become wonderfully sticky.
8. Serve: Slice into squares or bars and enjoy with a hot cup of tea or coffee. Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Tips & Variations

“The secret to perfect parkin is patience — letting it rest for at least a day after baking enhances the sticky, moist texture that makes it so irresistible.”

• Golden syrup substitute: If you can’t find golden syrup, use vegan maple syrup or molasses, but note the flavor will be slightly different (maple syrup is milder, molasses stronger).
• Gluten-free option: Swap the self-raising flour for a gluten-free blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.
• Add texture: Mix in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans, or add dried fruit such as raisins or currants for extra bite.
• Spice it up: Feel free to increase the ginger or add a pinch of cloves for a more intense warming flavor.
• Storage: Parkin tastes even better after a few days and can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly and thaw before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Vegan parkin is wonderfully versatile and pairs well with a variety of accompaniments. Here are some ideas to enjoy your cake:

• Classic pairing: Serve warm with a splash of plant-based custard or cream for a comforting dessert.
• Afternoon tea: Enjoy sliced with your favorite vegan butter and a hot cup of tea.
• With fresh fruit: Add a side of stewed apples or poached pears for a fruity balance.
• As a breakfast treat: Toast slices lightly and spread with nut butter for a hearty start to the day.

For more delicious vegan dessert ideas, check out our Vegan Beignet Recipe: Easy, Fluffy, and Delicious Treat or try the Vegan Soft Serve Recipe: Creamy, Easy, and Delicious Idea for a refreshing alternative.

Conclusion

Making vegan parkin is a wonderful way to enjoy a traditional British treat in a plant-based form. This recipe captures the essence of parkin’s sticky, spiced goodness with ingredients that are easy to find and kind to your diet.

Remember, patience is key — allowing the cake to rest enhances its texture and flavor, resulting in a truly indulgent experience. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a cozy slice with your afternoon tea, this vegan parkin will not disappoint.

Don’t forget to explore more wholesome vegan recipes on our site, including Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas and Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes to expand your plant-based cooking repertoire.

Happy baking and enjoy every delicious bite!

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