Introduction
This Vegan Carrot and Oats Cake is a wholesome, sugar-free dessert that combines the natural sweetness of dried fruits and orange juice. Packed with nutritious ingredients like oats, carrots, and walnuts, it’s perfect for a guilt-free indulgence. Topped with a smooth almond cream, this cake is both delicious and healthy.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 3 cups ground oats
- 1 cup grated carrot
- 1 ½ cups orange juice
- 3 tablespoons grated orange peel
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
- 1 cup raisins (or plums, dates, or any dried fruit)
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
For the Almond Cream:
- 1/2 cup almonds
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
Note: Your measuring cup holds 250 milliliters.
Substitutions
- Olive Oil and Oats: Use non-stick paper to line the mold.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Can be omitted if desired.
- Walnuts: Replace with cracked almonds or any other dried fruit.
- Raisins and Plums: Substitute with dates or any dehydrated fruit, or your preferred natural sweetener.
- Orange Juice: Any vegetable milk can be used, but orange juice naturally sweetens and flavors the cake.
Number of Servings
This recipe serves 10-12 people.
Nutritional Information
The nutritional information per serving (assuming 12 servings) is as follows:
- Calories: 220
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 5g
Procedure
1. Prepare the Mold
- Spread the mold with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle it with oat flour, or line it with non-stick kitchen paper.
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 essence, and olive oil. Blend 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 well combined.
7. Add Dried Fruits
- Drain the soaked dried fruits and add them to the mixture. Stir to distribute them evenly.
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 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 to prevent breaking.
Preparation of Almond Cream
1. Soak Almonds
- Let the almonds soak in water for approximately 12 hours. 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 essence. 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.
Conclusion
This Vegan Carrot and Oats Cake is not only delicious but also a healthy alternative to traditional cakes. With no added sugar and the natural sweetness of dried fruits and orange juice, it’s perfect for those looking to enjoy a guilt-free dessert. Topped with a creamy almond topping, this cake is sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy this wholesome treat as part of your balanced diet!
