„Das Vegane Backbuch“

By:
Ann-Kathrin Lemke

8.6 / 10

Who wrote it?

Ann-Kathrin Lemke, the baking influencer, is best known for her Instagram channel @annibacktvegan. She learned the confectionery trade from scratch and used the knowledge she acquired to learn vegan baking herself.

And what is it about?

Vegan baking! The name says it all. However, it is exclusively about sweet baked goods.

What does it look like?

The book comes in a handy Din A5 (US half letter) paperback format and is kept in plain sage green, so that the photos can speak for themselves and pop out in color. Yellow accents and small washi tapes add a playful touch without drifting into “girly”. The layout is clear: one column for the ingredients, one column for the preparation and a large-format photo on the opposite page. Even the more elaborate recipes are readable without annoying page turning. Here, the photos are just a bit smaller.

What can I expect?

Not merely 70, as announced on the title, but 72 recipes from the following categories: “Classic Cakes”; “Sheet Cakes”; “Sponge Cakes/Simple Cakes”; “Small pastries”. In addition, Anni provides interesting facts and tips about vegan baking, which are essential for veganizing recipes.

Can I do that?

If Anni’s instructions are followed closely, especially the good ol’ “Don’t overstir the batter”, then there is not much in the way of huge baking success.

What do I need?

Various baking pans and trays, an adjustable cake ring, if necessary a piping bag and piping nozzles, should of course be available for most pastries. With a reasonably deft hand and patience, even the fancier cakes will look as beautiful as they do in Anni’s self-shot photos.

Substitute products?

Vegan “dairy products” from plant milk and cream to cream cheese and butter are used in all recipes. All products can be found in supermarkets and some even discount stores.

Tip: On Instagram, Anni also shares information about exactly which products she uses.

Who needs it?

Firstly: The vegan baking book is only available in German unfortunately. Baking beginners, but also advanced bakers will find suitable recipes here. The recipes are down-to-earth in their own way and extremely sure to succeed. Whether you want to feed vegan skeptics, or just quickly want to have a delicious cake on the table on Sundays, or even if you want to impress with a lush cake, here everyone will find the right recipes. However, if you’re looking for sugar-free, hearty or healthy baking recipes, you won’t find them here.

Oh yes, and does it taste good?

After testing more than 10 cakes, pies and cookies, I am convinced: What Anni tackles turns into (hip) gold. My often numerous fellow tasters and I, loved everything, without exception.

You can find all the recipes tested and my recipe reviews on Instagram under the hashtag #VCRdasveganebackbuch.

Recipe tips to get baking:

Poppy seed lime cake
Cherry cake with marzipan crumble (find the recipe here)
Coconut chocolate cake

Conclusion

A collection of fail-safe vegan baking recipes for foodies who aren’t afraid of calories. But with all the praise for Anni’s recipes, I still have a point of criticism, which, however, is probably not correctly addressed at the author, but at the publisher: Dear Riva Publishing, Anni’s recipes and photos deserve a decent hardcover baking book that does not slam itself shut while baking!

Apart from this, a clear buying recommendation for the German audience!