Vegan Tsoureki-Flavored Cake: Easy, No Mixer & Made with Pantry Ingredients

This vegan tsoureki-flavored cake captures the unmistakable aroma of traditional Greek Easter bread — without eggs, dairy, or yeast. Infused with mahlepi, mastiha, orange zest, and vanilla, it delivers that festive tsoureki fragrance in a soft, moist, everyday cake.

Made in one bowl and without a mixer, this recipe is perfect for fasting periods, plant-based diets, or when you crave the flavor of tsoureki without the long rising process. If you love aromatic Mediterranean baking, this cake will become a favorite.

Vegan Tsoureki-Flavored Cake: Easy, No Mixer & Made with Pantry Ingredients

Recipe by George Zolis

5.0 from 1 vote

Course: DessertCuisine: GreekDifficulty: Easy

Servings

14

slices

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

1

hour 

10

minutes

Calories

390

kcal

Total time

1

hour 

30

minutes

A soft vegan cake infused with mahlepi and mastiha for a tsoureki-style aroma. Easy, no mixer, and perfect for fasting or plant-based baking.

Cook Mode

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Ingredients

Metric US

• 240 g 1 cup Sunflower Oil

• 400 g 2 cup Sugar

• 750 g 3 cup Orange Juice

• 600 g 4 cup Self-rising flour (or all-purpose + 3 tsp baking powder)

• 3 tsp 3 tsp Mahlab

• 2 2 Vanillin Capsules

• 1 pinch 1 pinch Salt

• 1 pinch 1 pinch Ground Mastic

• Zest from 1-2 Oranges

How to make this Vegan Cake

• In a large bowl, combine the orange juice, orange zest, and sugar. Mix well.
• Add the sunflower oil, mahlepi, mastiha, vanilla, and salt. Stir to combine.
• Add the flour and mix thoroughly until fully incorporated.
• Grease and flour a large 28 cm (11-inch) cake pan.
• Pour in the batter, spread evenly, and lightly tap the pan on the counter to remove air bubbles.
• Bake in a preheated oven at 320°F (160°C), conventional heat, for about 70 minutes.
• Allow the cake to cool for 30 minutes before removing from the pan.

Recipe video

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How This Cake Mimics Traditional Tsoureki

Traditional Greek tsoureki uses mahlepi and mastiha for its signature aroma. By incorporating these spices into a simple oil-based cake batter, you achieve the same fragrance without yeast or long proofing times.

Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Fasting

This cake contains:

• No eggs
• No dairy
• No butter

Yet it remains soft and moist thanks to the combination of orange juice and oil.

Texture & Flavor Profile

Expect:

• A soft, fluffy crumb
• Bright citrus aroma
• Warm, sweet spice notes
• Long-lasting moisture

The orange juice not only enhances flavor but also reacts with the leavening agents for proper rise.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with:

• Coffee or tea
• Powdered sugar dusting
• A light orange glaze
• Fresh fruit on the side

It keeps well for several days and becomes even more aromatic the next day.