Scones can take many different forms. British scones, for example, are round, crumbly, and fluffy and kind of look like American biscuits. American scones, on the other hand, are usually triangular, dense, and sweet. In the UK, scones are usually served with tea in the afternoon, while in the US, Americans almost always wash them down with a cup of coffee in the morning.
Either way, scones are a beloved treat on both sides of the pond. And while both variations are traditionally made with butter and milk, it’s easy to make a delicious plant-based scone. Find some of our go-to recipes below.
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What is a plant-based scone made of?
Plant-based scones are usually made with many of the same ingredients as traditional scones, like flour and baking powder, for example, just with a few simple swaps. Instead of butter, many recipes call for coconut oil or vegan spread, and instead of cow’s milk, dairy-free milk such as oat, almond, or soy, is usually used to moisten the dough.
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The recipe for British and American scones is very similar, however there are a few key differences. American scones tend to have more sugar, for example, while British scones are a little more savory (because they’re often served with jam and cream, which brings the sweetness). Additionally, while British scones are often cooked plain or with cheese or raisins, American scones can be filled with everything from nuts to chocolate to cinnamon.
The best vegan scone recipes
Whichever scone variation you prefer, there’s a perfect plant-based recipe waiting for you to try. To help you find the right one for you, we’ve listed some of our favorite British and American scone recipes below.
Hannah Kaminsky
1 Vegan Gluten-Free Blueberry Scones
Blueberry muffins are always a solid breakfast choice, but we say these blueberry American-style scones can give them a serious run for their money. Made with agave nectar, vanilla extract, and plenty of blueberries, they’re deliciously sweet, fruity, and perfect with a morning mug of coffee.
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Mixed & Measured
2 Chocolaty Vegan Coffee Scones With Espresso Glaze
Do you know what goes great with coffee? More coffee. These delicious American-style scones are flavored with chocolate chunks and coffee beans and then topped off with a sugary espresso glaze. They’re the perfect morning indulgence.
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Celine Steen
3 Vegan Sour Cream Onion Scones
Not everyone has a sweet tooth. If you prefer to keep things savory in the morning, these American-style sour cream onion scones are the ideal breakfast treat. Enjoy them on their own first thing in the morning or save them for lunchtime and pair them with your favorite soup or salad. Either way, they’re delicious.
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Wallflower Kitchen
4 Vegan Scones With Clotted Cream
If you want to enjoy your scones the British way, clotted cream is a must. On their own, these vegan scones are perfectly fluffy, light, and crumbly, but they are next level when paired with fresh strawberries and jam. “This recipe is pure baking therapy and the result is just like the dairy-laden kind,” says Aimee Ryan of Wallflower Kitchen.
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Mindful Avocado
5 Vegan Lemon Scones With Glaze
A hint of zesty lemon is one of the best ways to balance out the sweetness of American scones, as this delectable recipe from Mindful Avocado proves. “These vegan lemon scones are the perfect breakfast pastry because they’re refreshing, flavorful, and so delicious,” says recipe developer Amanda Sager. “Not to mention they can be made with a handful of ingredients in less than an hour.”
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Lazy Cat Kitchen
6 Wild Garlic Vegan Scones
These fluffy scones are more British than American, but they are bursting with delicious savory flavor, thanks to the addition of wild garlic in the recipe. Skip the clotted cream and serve them with a generous dollop of vegan butter for brunch or lunch. “They are really easy to make, tender, and full of flavor,” notes Lazy Cat Kitchen. “ They make a perfect side to a spring soup or a salad.”
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Vegan Richa
7 Spinach and Cheese Savory Scones
Another way to make delicious American scones is to load them up with vegan cheese, spinach, green onions, and sundried tomatoes (for a little hint of sweetness). “They are absolutely delicious and perfect with gravy or spread with vegan butter,” says Richa Hingle of Vegan Richa. “You can also make these a side with soups, bean stews, tofu scramble, or really anything else you want to serve with it.”
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Charlotte is a VegNews editor and writer based in sunny Southsea on England’s southern coast.
