Vegan Scottish Dundee Cake [Cupcakes]

Mixed dried fruit typically refers to a blend of different types of dried fruits, which are often used in baking recipes like Christmas pudding, mince pies, and fruit cakes.

The exact composition of mixed dried fruit can vary depending on the brand and the recipe, but it usually includes a combination of raisins, currants, sultanas, and candied peel.

Raisins are dried grapes, currants are dried small, seedless grapes, and sultanas are dried white grapes. Candied peel is made from the peel of citrus fruits (such as oranges and lemons) that has been candied or preserved in sugar.

In addition to these common ingredients, some mixed dried fruit blends may also include other dried fruits like dried apricots, prunes, or figs, as well as glace cherries or cranberries. The mix of fruits adds a range of flavors, textures, and colors to home baking.

If you are unable to find pre-packaged mixed dried fruit, you can create your own blend using a combination of different dried fruits. Some good options for a mixed dried fruit substitute include:

Raisins: Raisins are a common ingredient in mixed dried fruit blends, so they are a good place to start. They are readily available in most grocery stores and can be used in place of some or all of the mixed dried fruit in a recipe.

Currants: Like raisins, currants are also commonly used in mixed dried fruit blends. They have a slightly tart flavor and are smaller in size than raisins.

Sultanas: Sultanas are another type of dried grape and can be used in place of raisins or currants. They are slightly sweeter and lighter in color than raisins.

Diced dried apricots: Dried apricots are a popular addition to mixed dried fruit blends and can add a nice sweetness and chewy texture to baked goods.

Dried cherries or cranberries: Dried cherries or cranberries can be used to add a pop of color and tartness to mixed dried fruit blends.

Candied peel: Candied peel, made from the candied rind of citrus fruits, is often included in mixed dried fruit blends. If you can't find it, you can try adding some grated orange or lemon zest for a similar flavor.

If using any dried fruit that is bigger than a raisin be sure and dice the fruit, so that it is similar in size to ordinary raisins.

Alternatively, for Dundee cupcakes simply use one type of dried fruit such as all currants, instead of a fruit mix.

Marmalade is a type of fruit preserve made from citrus fruits, typically oranges but lime, lemon and grapefruit can also be used.

Marmalade is prepared similar to fruit jam in that the fruits are boiled with sugar until it is nice and thick. The resulting marmalade is usually sweet, tangy with slight bitter notes.

Marmalade can be enjoyed on toast or bread, as a glaze for savoury dishes or as a baking ingredient. It is a popular condiment in the UK and is often associated with traditional British breakfasts.

Marmalade is also closely associated with Paddington Bear, a beloved character in British children's literature. Paddington Bear is often depicted as enjoying marmalade sandwiches, which are made by spreading marmalade between two slices of bread.

In fact, his love for marmalade is such an integral part of his character that it has become one of his defining traits. As a result, many people now associate marmalade with Paddington Bear and his adventures in London.

Dundee cake is a type of fruit cake, but it has a slightly different texture. It is not as moist as a rich fruit cake, but it is not dry either. Instead, it has a crumbly, buttery texture similar to a lemon Madeira cake or a pound cake.

Unlike traditional fruit cakes, Dundee cake does not contain spices. Instead, it has a pleasant citrusy orange flavor, and ground almonds are added to the mixture, giving it a nutty flavour and lighter texture than a heavier fruit cake.

Also, the addition of ground almonds gives the cake subtle almond flavours that are reminiscent of a tasty Bakewell Tart.

Dundee cake also contains a lesser amount of fruit than traditional fruit cakes and when sliced, Dundee cakes are generally lighter in color compared to a classic fruit cake that gets its darker color from the addition of spices.

Many people who dislike ordinary fruit cakes do enjoy Dundee cake, so it's definitely worth a try!