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Vegan Perok

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A plant-based version of the classic Armenian or Pontian jam cake, Vegan Perok features a buttery dairy-free dough layered with sweet jam and optionally topped with a lattice crust. Perfectly tender, slightly crumbly, and rich with nostalgic flavor.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup vegan butter or margarine, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened plant-based yogurt (soy or coconut)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 3/4 to 1 cup thick jam or preserves (apricot, raspberry, cherry, or plum)
  • Optional: extra flour to firm lattice dough strips

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9- or 10-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened vegan butter and sugar until light and smooth.
  3. Add the plant-based yogurt and vanilla extract, and beat until fully combined.
  4. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until a soft dough forms.
  6. Reserve about one cup of the dough for the top lattice or decorative pieces.
  7. Press the remaining dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
  8. Spread the jam evenly over the dough layer, leaving a small border around the edges.
  9. Roll or shape the reserved dough into thin strips and arrange them over the jam in a lattice or crisscross pattern, or simply drop small pieces decoratively on top.
  10. Bake for about 45 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.
  11. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

  • Apricot jam is traditional, but any thick fruit preserve works beautifully.
  • For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum.
  • Do not overbake — remove from oven once golden to keep the crumb soft.
  • Let the cake cool completely to help the jam layer set.
  • Store at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
  • Freeze slices for up to 2 months for longer storage.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/vegan-perok/