Verbena: A game-changer herb for vegan baking
What's the story
Verbena, with its intoxicating lemony scent and flavor, is a secret weapon herb that can transform vegan desserts from simple to sublime. This blog post explores five inventive ways to infuse verbena magic into vegan desserts, amplifying their flavor profile and turning them into unforgettable delicacies. Think cakes to sorbets, verbena adds that unexpected zing that delights the senses.
Cheesecake twist
Verbena-infused vegan cheesecake
Imagine combining the velvety indulgence of cheesecake with the vibrant, citrusy fragrance of verbena. This dessert is created by blending soaked cashews, coconut cream, maple syrup, and lemon juice for the base. Fresh verbena leaves are then infused by gently simmering them in coconut oil before incorporating them into the blend. The outcome? A luxuriously refreshing cheesecake that strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and lightness.
Sorbet refresh
Lemon verbena sorbet
Nothing beats a zesty sorbet for a palate-cleansing dessert. Take it to the next level by infusing sugar syrup with fragrant lemon verbena leaves. Simply strain this syrup and mix with fresh lemon juice and water, then churn everything in your ice cream maker. The verbena imparts a subtle, almost minty note, complementing the refreshing lemon. The result? A sorbet that's both invigorating and surprisingly calming.
Pudding comfort
Verbena-scented rice pudding
Rice pudding = ultimate comfort food. Infuse it with a fragrant twist by steeping verbena leaves in almond milk before combining it with Arborio rice, vanilla extract, and your choice of sweetener. Cook until creamy and finish with a sprinkle of lemon zest for added zing. This dessert brings the familiar comfort of rice pudding with a unique aroma that excites the senses with each spoonful.
Cupcake surprise
Chocolate-verbena cupcakes
Chocolate cupcakes meet their fragrant match with the addition of verbena. Take your go-to vegan chocolate cupcake batter and stir in some finely chopped verbena leaves before baking. For the frosting, make a vegan buttercream but with a twist - use verbena-infused coconut milk for flavor. These cupcakes hold a special surprise - the familiar boldness of chocolate is unexpectedly complemented by the subtle hint of citrusy herb.
Tea time delight
Verbena tea cakes
Tea cakes, perfect for afternoon tea or coffee, are elevated with the addition of verbena. Simply mix dried ground verbena with flour, baking powder, plant-based milk, and sweetener to create the batter. Bake until golden and optionally finish with a lemon juice and powdered sugar glaze for added sweetness. This simple addition transforms the experience, infusing each bite with a distinctive aroma.