Introduction
Are you craving a delicious dessert that’s both vegan and healthy? Look no further! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of creating a mouthwatering vegan carrot and oats cake without any added sugar. Packed with wholesome ingredients and bursting with flavor, this recipe is sure to impress even the most discerning palates.
Ingredients
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need to prepare this delectable vegan treat:
Cake Ingredients:
Cake:
- 3 cups of Ground Oats
- 1 cup of grated carrot
- 1 ½ cups of Orange Juice
- 3 tablespoons grated orange peel
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
- 1 cup of raisins (or plums or dates or tâmaras or any dried fruit)
- 1 cup of chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons of baking soda
Almond Cream:
- 1/2 cup almonds
- 1/4 cup of water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
Note: Your measuring cup holds 250 milliliters.
Substitutions
Here are some easy substitutions you can make based on your preferences and dietary restrictions:
- Instead of adding olive oil and oatmeal, you can use non-stick paper.
- The extra virgin olive oil can be omitted if desired.
- Walnuts can be replaced with cracked almonds or any other dried fruit.
- Raisins and plums can be substituted with dates or any dehydrated fruit, or with your preferred natural sweetener.
- Any vegetable milk can be used instead of orange juice, but keep in mind that orange juice also serves to naturally sweeten and flavor the cake.
Procedure
Now that we have all the ingredients ready, let’s get started with the cooking process:
1. Prepare the Mold
The first step is to prepare the mold for baking. Spread the mold with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle it with oat flour. Alternatively, you can use non-stick kitchen paper to line the mold.
2. Hydrate the Dried Fruits
Place the dried fruit mixture in a bowl of water and let it soak for approximately 15 minutes to hydrate.
3. Grate Carrot and Orange Peel
Using a grater, grate the carrot and the orange peel to incorporate into the cake mixture later on.
4. Prepare the Liquid Mixture
In a blender, combine the grated carrot, orange peel zest, orange juice, vanilla extract, and extra virgin olive oil. Blend the ingredients for about 1 minute until smooth.
5. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate container, mix together the ground oats, salt, cinnamon, and chopped walnuts.
6. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the liquid mixture from the blender into the container with the dry ingredients. Stir until all the ingredients are well combined.
7. Add Dried Fruits
Drain the soaked dried fruits and add them to the mixture. Stir to distribute them evenly throughout the batter.
8. Incorporate Baking Soda
Lastly, add the baking soda to the mixture and mix until thoroughly combined.
9. Bake the Cake
Transfer the cake batter into the prepared mold and spread it evenly. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake the cake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Let it Cool
Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the mold before attempting to unmold it. This helps prevent the cake from breaking.
Preparation of Almond Cream
While the cake is cooling, you can prepare the delicious almond cream topping:
1. Soak Almonds
Let the almonds soak in water for approximately 12 hours. Then, rinse them well to remove any impurities.
2. Remove Skins
Place the soaked almonds in warm water for 15 minutes to soften the skins. Remove the skins from the almonds.
3. Blend Almonds
In a food processor or blender, combine the skinned almonds, water, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth and creamy, adding more water if necessary to reach the desired consistency.
4. Chill
Once the almond cream is ready, transfer it to a container and refrigerate until ready to use.
Suggestions
Here are a few tips to enhance your vegan carrot and oats cake experience:
- Allow the cake to cool completely before unmolding to prevent it from breaking.
- Once cooled, decorate the cake with almond cream, chopped walnuts, grated orange peel, and carrot zest for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Serve slices of cake with thin slices of orange on the side for a refreshing touch.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this vegan carrot and oats cake without sugar is a delightful dessert option for those looking to indulge in a guilt-free treat. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can whip up this delicious cake in no time. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to satisfy your sweet cravings without compromising on taste or nutrition.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. Can I use gluten-free oats for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute regular oats with gluten-free oats if you have gluten sensitivities or preferences.
2. How long does the almond cream last in the refrigerator?
The almond cream can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
3. Can I omit the nuts from the cake recipe?
If you have nut allergies or prefer not to use nuts, you can omit them from the recipe without affecting the overall texture of the cake.
4. Can I freeze the cake for later consumption?
Yes, you can freeze the cake once it has cooled completely. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
5. Can I use other fruits instead of carrots in this recipe?
While carrots add sweetness and moisture to the cake, you can experiment with other grated fruits like zucchini or apples for a different flavor profile.
