Rustic Whole Grain Scones with Cherries

These ridiculously easy, naturally vegan scones are ready in just a half hour. Bursting with cherries (use fresh OR frozen!) and scented with cardamom, they’re a nourishing brunch time treat.

3 whole grain cherry scones stacked on brown plate — Flaky, tender and bursting with cherries, these quick 8 ingredient vegan scones are ready in a half hour!

I know we all love a muffin around here…so why are we not ALL OVER scones??? Scones have this tender, flaky texture that is so freaking satisfying. And they feel fancier, so they’re nice when folks are coming over but they’re just as quick and easy to make…so you can whip them up even for an impromptu visit and feel like Martha.

Bursting with juicy cherries and a sprinkle of cardamom, these cherry scones may ruffle a few feathers for the purists because I really, really love my scones with whole wheat flour. If you don’t, no worries – you can make them with all purpose – but hear! me! out!

Whole wheat flour not only adds nutrition (hello, the dietitian wants you to eat more fibre!) but also a ton of FLAVOUR. It’s got a wheat-y, rustic flavour that is so much more interesting than a typical scone.

If you’re looking for a window into my soul, know that my deep love of whole grain baking is probably because it reminds me of all the crunchy, hippie baked goods that I grew up eating on Vancouver Island in the 90s. Although I have firmly ditched carob for chocolate!!

I love these wholesome cherry scones for a Sunday morning breakfast, with a cup of Earl Grey or a small glass of my black forest smoothie to double down on all that decadent cherry goodness.

If you’re into flavour, you’re in the right place…and you might want to grab a copy of my latest plant-based cookbook, Plant Magic! It’s filled with fun, simple + healthy recipes with major flavor payoff.

A few notes from the ol’ test kitchen AKA my kitchen

What I love most about these vegan scones is that you’ve got OPTIONS! Use fresh cherries in season, frozen cherries the rest of the year. Use whole wheat, spelt, all purpose or a combination of these flours. Use cinnamon instead of cardamom. Or, go wild and add some chocolate, crushed hazelnuts or slivered almonds!

bowls of whole wheat flour, cherries, cardamom and soy milk — Um, did you see that there is only ⅓ cup of sugar for 6 large scones?!? Also, if you’re dairy free, I think Earth Balance sticks are the best performing vegan baking sticks out there.

Whole wheat baked goods have a bad rep as being heavy or dense…but after years of writing cookbooks, I’ve figured out the hack: 1) LOTS of baking powder and 2) a higher temperature to help with lift and create a fluffy, tender crumb.

hand blending butter cubes into flour — Important! You want your butter cold here, so don’t take your butter out of the fridge until you’re ready to use it.

hand mixing butter and flour in glass bowl — Important! You want your butter cold here, so don’t take your butter out of the fridge until you’re ready to use it.

Hot tip: if you’re using frozen cherries, you could let them thaw in a strainer before using. I don’t do this because I’m impatient. I cut them and add them to the dough straight out of the freezer. This adds a bit more moisture to the dough but an extra minute or two of baking fixes it.

hand pouring milk into glass bowl with cherries and flour — I do like to cut the cherries so you A) get more cherries per bite

hand pressing disk of cherry dough — I do like to cut the cherries so you A) get more cherries per bite

hand cutting cherry dough into wedges — Want smaller, snack sized scones? You could cut the dough into 9 portions and maybe shape them in small disks.

cherry scone wedges on parchment paper — Want smaller, snack sized scones? You could cut the dough into 9 portions and maybe shape them in small disks.

More yummy, whole grain baking

Easy Rhubarb Galette with Cardamom
Chunky Vegan Apple Muffins
Vegan Peach + Blackberry Crumble
30 Minute Feel Good Banana Bran Muffins
Flaky Pear Dessert Tart