Traditional Plant-Based Cooking

  • Recipes
  • About
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
Γ—
Home Β» Baking Β» Cakes, traybakes, & fridge bakes

Old-Fashioned Swiss Cakes

Published: Sep 15, 2022 Β· Modified: Apr 22, 2024 by Jacq Β· This post may contain affiliate links Β·6 Comments

Spread the love
   9  
9
Shares
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

These old-fashioned Swiss cakes are adapted from an 1960's recipe from the Highland Housewives' Cook Book by Nancy Reid.

The cost of the book was 10/ - which translates to 10 shillings! Or 50p. This old Scottish cookbook is a gem full of vintage recipes collected from ordinary housewives from across the Scottish Highlands and Islands.

These wee cute Swiss cakes was a recipe sent in by a Mrs Lee from Inverness, Scotland, and are prepared with vegan friendly ingredients.

Perfect for vegan birthday parties, buffets, cake sales, afternoon teas, pack-lunches, picnics, or just as an everyday sweet treat.

close up of a Swiss cake with more cakes behind, on wooden board with small spatula to side.

What is an old-fashioned Swiss cake?

Swiss cakes are a rare old-fashioned vintage teatime treat that was more common in Britain during the 50s and 60s.

There are other recipes on the internet for Swiss cakes that look similar to the recipe I have adapted from an old Scottish cookbook, but none are exactly the same.

Some of the recipes were Australian so perhaps Australia have their own version of Swiss cakes. Or perhaps the recipe for Swiss cakes does originate in Australia and somehow made its way over to Scotland during the 50s or earlier.

For this recipe, the Swiss cakes have a thin crisp top similar to a buttery Scottish shortbread, with a fairy-cake or cupcake like vanilla flavoured spongy inside. Although the sponge is slightly more dense somewhat like a muffin texture. The Swiss cakes are simply topped with a dusting of snowy icing sugar and a wee blob of fruit jam.

I tried to do some research as to why these little buns are called Swiss cakes and due to the lack of information available I had to make a guess. Especially as I couldn't find any reference to these cakes actually originating from Switzerland.

My best guess is that the little cakes are named after the Swiss Alp mountains, as the top of the cakes are crisp with the appearance of mountain ranges.

a row of Swiss cakes decorated with fruit jam and dusted with icing sugar, photos of snowy mountains and blue skies to side, on wooden chopping board.
Swiss cakes are ideal for birthday parties, buffets and cake sales.
Kids especially will love making these little mountain ranges, especially good for those geography projects!

Also, the addition of powdered icing sugar resembles snow on the mountains, with the blob of red fruit jam the mountain peak, or even the sun illuminating the mountain. Alternatively, perhaps the red jam is meant to resemble the red and white colours of the Switzerland flag.

This explanation came to me as I was preparing the cakes and it does seem quite logical. Although, if you have any other thoughts or indeed know the real reason why these are called Swiss cakes, then do pop a comment below and enlighten me!

How to prepare old-fashioned Swiss cakes

These delicious little cakes are simply decorated with a dusting of icing sugar, also known as powdered or confectioners sugar. Any fruit jam or preserve can be used to cap the little mountain ranges!

margarine and powdered sugar added to mixing bowl with wooden spoon.
margarine and sugar creamed together.

Cream or beat the margarine and icing sugar together.

vanilla whipped into creamed margarine in mixing bowl.
flour and baking powder added to creamed margarine in mixing bowl.

Whip the vanilla essence through the creamed margarine. Sieve in the flour and baking powder.

Swiss cakes batter ready to add to paper cases.
cake batter shared out between 12 cup muffin baking tray lined with paper cases.

Stir until just combined.

Divide the cake batter between the 12 paper cases.

cakes baked and in baking tray cooling.
cakes cooling on wire rack.

Bake for 15-20 minutes until lightly golden, firm on top, and a skewer popped in comes out clean.

Cool completely before decorating.

Swiss cakes decorated, with red and white spotty jam pot to side, blue and white icing sugar decanter to side, wooden handled spatula on wooden board, yellow tea towel background, photos of mountains and blue sky to side.

Decorate with a dusting of icing sugar and a wee dollop of fruit jam.

Recipe notes and FAQs

Storage

Swiss cakes can be stored in a cool, dry place within a cake tin or food container for 2-3 days. Additionally, wrapping the cakes in a layer of kitchen foil, and then storing in a tub or tin, will help keep the cakes fresher for longer.

Or wrap and place in the refrigerator if storing somewhere warm.

Swiss cakes can be frozen [undecorated] for 2-3 months. Defrost to room temperature before decorating.

What is icing sugar?


Icing sugar is simply sugar, such as granulated or caster sugar, that has been powdered into a fine flour like consistency.

As the icing sugar is so fine and dusty, often an anti-caking agent or a product such as maize starch is added to prevent the sugar from clumping together as it stores.

However, it is best to sieve your icing sugar before using in recipes as this will ensure the best outcomes.

Other countries, especially the US, may label icing sugar as powdered or confectioners sugar.

Is icing sugar [powdered sugar] suitable for vegans?


Some brands of icing sugar may have been prepared with bone char which is not vegan.

However, this manufacturing process tends to be more common in the US compared with the UK. Most icing sugar brands within the UK are suitable for vegans, especially the Tate and Lyle variety.

So if you are located within the US organic powdered sugar may be more likely to be vegan, but do check before purchasing.

Also some brands of icing sugar may actually contain dried egg whites, so its best to check the ingredient list.

More vegan family favourite traditional teatime treats:

Weetabix loaf cake

Cinnamon streusel coffee cake

Scottish border tart

British treacle buns

Old-school dinners concrete cake

πŸ“– Recipe

close up of a Swiss cake with more cakes behind, on wooden board with small spatula to side.

Old-Fashioned Swiss Cakes

Course: Afternoon tea, Dessert, Party
Cuisine: British
Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
20 minutes minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes minutes
Servings: 12
Calories: 210kcal
Author: Jacq
These little Swiss cakes have a biscuity crisp and rocky top similar in texture to a buttery shortbread but the insides are deliciously soft and spongy packed with tasty vanilla flavours.
Finish with a simple sprinkle of icing sugar and a dollop of sweet jam for the perfect teatime treat.
Print Recipe
US Customary - Metric

Equipment

  • 1 12 cup muffin/cupcake baking tray
  • fairy cake/cupcake paper baking cases
  • sieve
  • wire rack

Ingredients

Cakes:

  • 225 grams vegan margarine
  • 60 grams icing sugar [powdered sugar]
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
  • 225 grams plain flour [all-purpose flour]
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 pinch salt

Decorate:

  • 6 teaspoon fruit jam [use more if preferred]
  • 1 tablespoon icing sugar [powdered sugar]

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 160 Fan / 180 C / 356 Fahrenheit / Gas mark 4.
  • Pop a paper baking case into each cup within the cupcake baking tray.
  • Add the margarine to a mixing bowl and sieve in the icing sugar.
    225 grams vegan margarine, 60 grams icing sugar
  • Cream and whip the margarine into the sugar for a few minutes. This can be done by hand with a mixing spoon or if preferred use a hand whisk.
  • Stir through the vanilla until it is incorporated into the mixture.
    1 teaspoon vanilla essence
  • Next sieve the flour and baking powder into the mixture. Stir until just combined.
    225 grams plain flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 pinch salt
  • Scoop the mixture up with a tablespoon and scrape into each of the paper cases. Level the tops a little but keep it a little bumpy as then the cakes will bake into cute little rocky mountains.
  • Bake on the middle shelf for 15-20 minutes.
    When baked the cakes will be lightly golden with some of the peaks tinged more golden, and a skewer popped in to the centre comes out clean.
    Cakes will also feel firm to touch.
    If using a fan oven check after 15 minutes as fan ovens tend to bake faster.
  • Leave the cakes in the baking tray to cool for 10-15 minutes before removing and cooling completely on a wire rack.

Decorate:

  • Dust icing sugar over each cake and place a small dollop of fruit jam on each. Alternatively a halved glace/candied cherry or other small vegan sweet could replace the jam.
    1 tablespoon icing sugar, 6 teaspoon fruit jam

Notes

  • Nutritional data is provided for guidance only and is not intended to be a strict calculation as ingredients vary.
  • Swiss cakes can be stored in a cool, dry area within a cake tin or plastic container for up to 2-3Β  days. Also wrapping in a layer of kitchen foil will help keep the cakes fresher for longer.
  • If the cakes are being stored in a warm environment then storing in the refrigerator may be best.
  • Or freeze [undecorated] for up to 2-3 months.
  • Any fruit jam or preserve can be used to decorate.

Nutrition

Calories: 210kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 161mg | Potassium: 29mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 716IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 23mg | Iron: 1mg

Prepared these wee cute Swiss cakes?

Do let us know how you got on. These little vegan cakes are a new favourite at our house.

Sharing a photo on social media?

Tag us in using @traditionalplantbasedcooking or #traditionalplantbasedcooking

So we can admire your great baking.

Thanks so much Jacq x

More Cakes, traybakes, & fridge bakes

  • Fruit cake sliced into on a serving plate.
    Vegan Cut and Come Again Cake
  • A festive patterned plate with mincemeat crumble traybake bars on top and small hessian plant pot to side.
    Vegan Mincemeat Crumble Traybake
  • A ground rice cake on a red patterned vintage cake plate, with vintage tea cup and saucer, and serving plate in background, pink and white flowered table cloth.
    Vegan Old-Fashioned Ground Rice Cake
  • Slice of Welsh apple cake with cream poured over, small Welsh dragon ornament in front, apples in background with a teapot, featured image.
    Welsh Apple Cake [Teisen Fala]

Comments

    4.67 from 3 votes (1 rating without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




  1. Nathan says

    September 17, 2022 at 9:20 pm

    5 stars
    These were amazing. Couldn't wait till they completey cooled before eating them. Loved how your recipe had the measurements added in along the way and temperatures for fan ovens. Thank you very much 😊

    Reply
    • Jacq says

      September 19, 2022 at 4:32 pm

      Thanks Nathan! Happy you loved the Swiss cakes. I agree these Swiss cakes are amazing warm from the oven. I find that their crisp topping is at its best soon after baking. That's good to know that you liked the measurements added along the way in the recipe card, as that's a new feature and I wasn't sure if people would like it. I will take some time and add it in for the other recipes πŸ™‚

      Reply
  2. Glenda King says

    September 17, 2022 at 3:16 pm

    4 stars
    Still need 2 know about the flour

    Reply
    • Jacq says

      September 19, 2022 at 4:33 pm

      Replied below πŸ™‚

      Reply
  3. Glenda King says

    September 17, 2022 at 3:15 pm

    Can u use free from plain flour instead of ordinary plain flour

    Reply
    • Jacq says

      September 19, 2022 at 4:27 pm

      Hi Glenda, i have not tried these Swiss cakes with free from plain flour but if I was going to I would add 1/4 teaspoon of xantham gum to help the cake crumb stick together, as gluten-free bakes can be crumblier. Also I possibly would add a teaspoon of milk as gluten-free flour tends to result in a drier cake. I do have some gluten-free plain flour at home so will try a batch and let you know how I get on. Look out for an update tomorrow, thanks!

      Reply
Photo of Jacq the admin wearing sunglasses, outside with trees in background and blue skies.

Hello! Welcome to our collection of traditional family favourite recipes. We have old-fashioned favourites reinvented with vegan-friendly every-day ingredients.

Find out more β†’

🍽️ Free Recipe Booklet! Subscribe &
receive our '9 old-school dinner recipes made vegan (pdf), as a thank-you!

Visitors favourite recipes

  • Vegan Easter Cornflake Cakes on a white plate with vegan mini eggs on top of each cake and a linen table runner with writing stating 'happy Easter', rabbit placemat image and peach tulips to side/featured image.
    Vegan Chocolate Cornflake Cakes

  • 3 chocolate puddings in little expresso mugs with shortbread biscuits and strawberries, on a grey rectangular plate, with three cookies to the side and three strawberries.
    Vegan Chocolate Pudding (Whipped Silken Tofu)

18th May is World Baking Day!

Bake egg-free and dairy-free this World Baking Day and share with family and friends to show just how delicious vegan baking can be.

  • Fruit scones in long wicker basket, with white lining, tartan background.
    Edinburgh Fruit Scones

Family favourite vegan curry recipes

  • A close up of a pan with curry, spatula to the side and a pot of rice, featured image.
    Vegan Mango β€˜chicken’ Curry

  • Red Thai curry cooked and in pan ready to be served with a silver ladle.
    Vegan Thai Red Sweet Potato, Broccoli and Chickpea Curry

  • Cauliflower tikka masala in small silver curry bowl, with naan bread at side, small silver curry dish with brown rice, small brown cup to side.
    Slow Cooker Vegan Tikka Masala

  • old school vegan chicken curry in a pan with ladle, naan breads to side and black and white check background/featured image.
    Vegan Old-School Chicken Curry

Family favourite vegan pie recipes

  • Vegan Meat and Potato Pie

  • Close up of vegan British homity pie on a wire rack, with red and white striped tea towel underneath, red and white salt and pepper shakers to side with a flower imaged saucepan with baked beans.
    Vegan British Homity Pie [cheese, potato and veggie open pie]

  • A vegan chicken pie on a green trivet with flower patterned gravy jug in background with plates to side, bright colourful flower tablecloth.
    Vegan Chicken Pie

  • Four pie dishes of hotpot baked and on a baking tray.
    Vegan Traditional Lancashire Hotpot

Footer

↑ back to top

✨ About ✨

  • Privacy Policy
  • Affiliate Disclaimer
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Accessibility Policy
traditional family favourites new logo

✨ Contact ✨

  • Contact us
  • About
  • Work with us

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright Β© 2025 * Traditionalplantbasedcooking

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.OkNoPrivacy policy