Vegan Fruit Loaf & Iced Coffee

Since Sundays are the perfect excuse to be lazy, today I thought I'd bring you a traditional recipe that will fill your tummy and make you want to sit down with the family with a cup of coffee. I particularly love days like today as I know I can spend time baking and being my most creative self, then being able to share my recipes and what I'm getting up to with you guys.

When I was younger, I used to love it whenever someone in the family would make a fruit loaf, but since being vegan I haven't had the opportunity to eat it. I know, so sad. However, today I had a bright idea to try and make a vegan version and I'm so happy with the result, so here I am sharing it with you of course!

You will need:
- 120g self raising flour
- 270g of Whitworths mixed fruit
- 120g sugar (I'd probably try it with brown sugar next time)
- 120g vegan butter
- 2 flax eggs
- 1 tbsp flaked almonds

Method:
What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is! Like I'm talking only ten minutes to prepare before baking, how great is that?!

Preheat the oven to 180C.
Start off by creaming the sugar and butter together in a mixer or by hand until well combined. Sieve the flour into the mix and gradually add in the flax eggs*. Once everything has been well mixed, fold in the mixed fruit before placing in a loaf tin lined with parchment paper.
I then sprinkled on about a tablespoon of flaked almonds to give it some extra crunch and a lovely additional flavour and it was definitely a good decision, so highly recommend, but of course it's optional! Cook for 1 hour and 15 minutes until golden. Finally devour with some iced coffee!

*If you've never made a flax egg, all you need is one part flaxseed and 3 parts water. So in this case, you'll need 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed and 6 tablespoons of water mixed together in a small bowl or mug. Leave in the fridge for around 10 minutes to thicken and then you're all good to use it in your recipe :)

My simple go to iced coffee:

- half a cup strong brewed coffee, completely cooled
- 2 cups vanilla almond milk
- ice cubes

Make coffee as normal and leave to one side until completely cool. If you make this just after you've put the cake in the oven then the timing will be perfect. Fill a glass with ice cubs and 2 cups of vanilla almond milk / 3/4 glass full. Pour the coffee into the glass and add your sweetener of choice if needed and that's all!

Are you a coffee or tea person?

Love Always,

Shannon x