Looking for a delightful dessert that captures the sweetness of cranberries and the warmth of cinnamon? Look no further than a Vegan Cranberry Upside-Down Cake! This charming cake is perfect for festive occasions, family gatherings, or simply enjoying a sweet treat at home. The tartness of the cranberries pairs beautifully with the soft, buttery cake, creating a scrumptious combination that everyone will love. Plus, it’s easy to make and uses wholesome ingredients, making it a guilt-free indulgence!
What Goes into This Vegan Cranberry Upside-Down Cake
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather everything you need to create this delicious cake. Here’s the list of ingredients:
- 2 cups cranberries (fresh or frozen)
- ½ cup sugar (for the topping)
- ¾ cup sugar (for the cake batter)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1⅓ cups unbleached all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 8 tablespoons vegan butter (melted)
- 10 tablespoons non-dairy milk (½ cup + 2 tablespoons)
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Cooking Vegan Cranberry Upside-Down Cake: Step by Step
Now that you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to bring this lovely cake to life! Follow these steps for a foolproof bake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Line the bottom of an 8- or 9-inch cake pan with parchment paper and coat the sides with a little vegan butter or oil.
- In a small bowl, mix together the ½ cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon for the cranberry topping.
- Spread this sugar mixture evenly across the bottom of your prepared cake pan and layer the cranberries on top.
- In a separate cup, combine the non-dairy milk and apple cider vinegar. Allow this to sit for a few minutes to curdle slightly.
- In a large bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients for the cake batter, including the remaining ¾ cup sugar.
- Pour the melted vegan butter, the milk and vinegar mixture, and the additional teaspoon of pure vanilla extract into the dry ingredients.
- Mix everything together gently using a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix!
- Place the cake pan on a baking sheet and pour the batter over the cranberries, spreading it evenly.
- Bake in your preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.
- Once baked, allow the cake to cool on a rack for about 15 minutes. Carefully run a knife along the edges to loosen the cake from the pan.
- To invert the cake, place a rimmed plate over the pan and flip it quickly. Let the cake cool on the wire rack.
How to Serve Vegan Cranberry Upside-Down Cake
Serving this delightful cake is just as simple as making it! Slice it into generous wedges and serve on individual plates. It’s perfect as is, but if you want to add a touch of decadence, consider serving it with a dollop of coconut cream or a scoop of dairy-free ice cream. Fresh mint leaves can be an attractive garnish. Pair it with a cup of tea or a warm beverage for a lovely afternoon treat.
Recipe Tips & Variations
Here are a few tips and variations to help you get the most out of your Vegan Cranberry Upside-Down Cake:
- Mix It Up: Feel free to add other fruits like diced apples or pears along with the cranberries for a different flavour profile.
- Spice It Up: You can replace the cinnamon with nutmeg or allspice for a unique twist on the traditional flavours.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It also tastes great served cold!
Vegan Cranberry Upside-Down Cake FAQs
1. Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes, frozen cranberries work perfectly for this recipe! Just make sure to thaw and drain them before using.
2. How can I make the cake gluten-free?
You can substitute the unbleached all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just ensure it contains xanthan gum or add a teaspoon of it for texture.
3. Can I reduce the sugar in the cake?
Absolutely! You can reduce the sugar amount in the cake batter to suit your taste preferences, but it may alter the texture slightly.
Now that you’ve got the scoop on how to make a scrumptious Vegan Cranberry Upside-Down Cake, why not give it a try? It’s a delightful treat that’s sure to impress family and friends alike. Happy baking!