This cake comes together very quickly and is perfect for holiday gifting, even to non-vegans (they’ll never know it is without dairy or eggs). Don’t be deterred by the long ingredient list since the recipe really is a minimum of fuss.
With ground flax, molasses, walnuts, and ginger, cloves, cinnamon, mace and nutmeg filled with powerful phytochemicals, you can practically call this health cake (is there such a thing?). It’s easy to make variations – substitute some candied dried ginger or chocolate chips for some of the add-ins.
So, spread some seasonal joy with this easy loaf cake. It is sure to hit the spot on cold winter nights. Oh, and make an extra to enjoy for yourself because giving begins at home!
Makes 1 large or 2 small loaf cakes.
INGREDIENTS:
1½ Cup Non-Dairy milk (almond, soy, etc.)
½ Cup Agave Syrup
¼ Cup Maple Syrup
¼ Cup Molasses
¼ Cup Light Cooking Oil (Avocado, Organic Canola, Olive, Peanut, etc.)
1 Tsp. Vanilla Extract
1 Tbsp. Apple Cider Vinegar
2¼ Cups Flour (can use white or whole wheat/white mix)
1 Tbsp. Baking Powder
1 Tsp. Baking Soda
¼ Tsp. Salt
½ Cup Coconut Sugar (can substitute brown sugar)
¾ Tsp. Ground Cinnamon
½ Tsp. Ground Ginger
¼ Tsp. Ground Mace
½ Tsp. Ground Nutmeg
¼ Tsp. Ground Cloves
1 Tbsp. Ground Flax Seed
¼ Cup Chopped Walnuts
¼ Cup Raisins
¼ Cup Dried Cranberries
¼ to ½ Cup Shredded Dried Coconut
1 Tbsp. Coconut Oil
1-2 Tbsp. Powdered Sugar
HOW TO MAKE IT:
Step One: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9 x 5 loaf pan or 2 smaller loaf pans using the coconut oil. We love the 8” paper baking pans which are perfect for gift-giving with their colorful patterns.
Step Two: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, coconut sugar and spices.
Step Three: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the milk, molasses, vinegar, oil, vanilla, agave and maple syrup. Add the flax seed once well mixed.
Step Four: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry (you can make a well in the middle) and using a whisk, mix thoroughly but do not over-mix (for a tender and fluffy cake).
Step Five: Add the walnuts, raisins, cranberries and coconut.
Step Six: Pour mixture into greased loaf pan(s).
Step Seven: Bake for 40-50 minutes for the large loaf and about 30-35 minutes for the smaller size, until a toothpick comes out clean.
Step Eight: Place on a rack to cool and sprinkle tops with powdered sugar. You can also prepare a glaze with powdered sugar mixed with a little water if desired.
Share with friends and family for maximum joy.