Are you craving a moist, flavorful cake but want to avoid refined sugar and excessive fat? Then look no further! This veg fruit cake recipe is the perfect solution. Packed with wholesome ingredients and bursting with vibrant fruit flavors, this cake is a guilt-free indulgence that's surprisingly easy to make. It’s a fantastic option for a healthy dessert, a perfect addition to your afternoon tea, or a delightful treat to share with friends and family. This recipe offers a wonderful blend of easy recipes and delicious dishes, making it perfect for both beginner bakers and experienced home cooks.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour
- ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts, almonds, or pecans)
- ½ cup raisins
- ½ cup chopped dried apricots
- ½ cup chopped dried cranberries
- ½ cup grated carrots
- ½ cup mashed banana
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- ¼ cup maple syrup or honey
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Fruit and Vegetables
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round baking pan. In a medium bowl, gently combine the raisins, apricots, cranberries, carrots, and nuts.
Step 2: Combining Wet Ingredients
In a separate large bowl, whisk together the mashed banana, vegetable oil, maple syrup (or honey), and eggs until well combined.
Step 3: Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
Step 4: Bringing it all Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Then, gently fold in the fruit and nut mixture.
Step 5: Baking the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cooling and Serving
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, you can dust it with powdered sugar, or drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a little milk or lemon juice for an extra touch of deliciousness.
Tips for Baking Success:
- Fruit Prep: For a more intense flavor, soak the dried fruits in warm water or juice for about 30 minutes before adding them to the batter.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough cake. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.
- Checking for Doneness: Use a wooden skewer or toothpick to check if the cake is baked through. If it comes out clean, it's ready.
- Cooling Time: Allowing the cake to cool completely prevents it from crumbling when you slice it.
Variations:
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of ginger or cardamom for a warmer flavor profile.
- Citrus Twist: Incorporate the zest of an orange or lemon for a bright citrusy note.
- Chocolate Delight: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips for a decadent twist.
- Different Fruits: Feel free to experiment with other dried fruits like figs or cherries.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 250-300 Protein: 5-7g Fat: 10-12g Carbohydrates: 35-40g Fiber: 4-5g
This veg fruit cake recipe offers a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional cakes. It's a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its best, providing a quick dinner idea or a perfect dessert for any occasion. Enjoy this simple yet satisfying recipe, and don't hesitate to share your baking adventures!