A Cake For Lent: Vegan Spiced Carrot Cake

I have a few friends who have given up all sorts of things for Lent this year; particularly notable is my friend Roxy, who has given up all animal products (except for fish). Because she was coming over today I proceeded to try out this carrot cake recipe, which is completely egg, butter and oil free, and for good measure I replaced the refined sugar with apple juice concentrate.

The resulting cake was a dense, moist loaf that was sweetened by the apple juice concentrate, carrot and the dates. This sweetness was tempered by the cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg, and some texture was given with the addition of some chopped walnuts.

Unfortunately Roxy wasn't able to make it today, so Stephen and I had to eat it ourselves. Such a sacrifice :)

Vegan Spiced Carrot Cake

INGREDIENTS

2 cups whole grain spelt flour (whole wheat flour can be used instead)
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
2 cups water
1 1/2 cups dates, chopped
1 cup raisins
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp ground ginger 
1 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 cup carrot, grated
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup apple juice concentrate

    1. Grease a 23 cm cake tin. In a small bowl, sift the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Grate the carrot and place into a large bowl.

    2. In a small pot, add the water, dates, raisins, and spices and simmer for about 5 minutes until the mixture thickens a little. Pour the mixture into the bowl with the carrot, and stir. Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then add the walnuts and the apple juice concentrate.






    3. Add the flour mixture to the bowl and combine. The mixture should be thick and wet. Pour into the prepared tin, and in an oven pre-heated to 190 degrees Celsius, bake the mixture for approximately 35 minutes, or until a skewer inserted comes out clean.



    4. Leave in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cake rack to cool. You can serve it as is, or with a cream cheese frosting. I prefer to have a wedge with a bit of margarine.

Comments

[briarrose]

Beautiful texture.

[Bel]

This cake looks delicious and moist. I like that it's got no egg or oil, but a bit of butter on top when eating wouldn't go astray =)

[muppy]

Looks great and so healthy ;) I'm sure your friend appreciated it even if she couldn't partake.

[Helen (grabyourfork)]

Don't you love a dessert that's full of healthy goodness. Perfect excuse to have another slice!

[Jasmyne Tea]

Thanks very much everyone! That's the downside - when it's so deliciously healthy I tend to think I can eat more of it :|

[Roxy]

20 DAYS LEFT!!! :0 My chocolate, cake and shiraz cravings are a disgrace. Lol. Thanks for the cake, Jassy :)

[Gaby]

The cake looks incredibly moist, I imagine eating a slice with a cup of tea... mmm.

[Maria @ Scandifoodie]

Gorgeous cake! I've never done anything for lent but this sounds perfect at any time of the year :-)