Welcome to the wonderful world of vegetable cakes—a perfect harmony of wholesome veggies and delightful baking that promises a unique taste experience. Whether you’re looking to sneak more greens into your diet or surprise your guests with a savory twist on a classic dessert, vegetable cakes are your go-to recipe.
These cakes are not only packed with nutrition but also offer a moist, tender crumb and incredibly rich flavors that will satisfy even the most discerning palates.
In this post, you’ll learn how to create a delicious vegetable cake that’s easy to prepare and versatile enough to be served as a snack, appetizer, or even a light meal. We’ll cover everything from the essential ingredients and equipment to step-by-step instructions and handy tips for variations.
Plus, you’ll find links to other amazing recipes like the Vegan Slow Cooker Recipe for Easy, Delicious Meals and Veg Maharashtrian Recipes: Easy & Delicious Meals to expand your cooking repertoire. Let’s get started on this tasty journey!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegetable cake recipe is a brilliant way to enjoy your daily dose of vegetables in a fun, flavorful, and unexpected form. Unlike traditional sweet cakes, this savory cake is loaded with fresh veggies like carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers, which keep it moist and add a delightful texture.
It’s incredibly nutritious, packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, making it a guilt-free indulgence. Plus, it’s easy to customize with any vegetables you have on hand, making it a perfect recipe for reducing food waste.
Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or simply looking for a new way to enjoy your veggies, this recipe fits the bill. It’s perfect for potlucks, picnics, or even as a wholesome snack.
For more plant-based inspiration, check out these amazing recipes: Vegan Flour Tortilla Recipe Easy, Soft, and Homemade and Vegan Chocolate Milk Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide.
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
---|---|---|
Carrots (grated) | 1 cup | Fresh and finely grated |
Zucchini (grated) | 1 cup | Excess moisture squeezed out |
Bell peppers (finely chopped) | ½ cup | Any color |
Onion (finely chopped) | ½ cup | Red or white |
All-purpose flour | 1½ cups | For binding |
Baking powder | 2 tsp | For leavening |
Ground flaxseed | 2 tbsp | Mixed with 6 tbsp water (flax egg) |
Olive oil | ¼ cup | Or any neutral oil |
Plant-based milk | ¾ cup | Almond, soy, or oat milk |
Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves | Fresh |
Salt | 1 tsp | Adjust to taste |
Black pepper | ½ tsp | Freshly ground |
Dried herbs (thyme or oregano) | 1 tsp | Optional |
Equipment
- Mixing bowls (large and medium sizes)
- Grater for vegetables
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or fork
- 8-inch round or square cake pan
- Parchment paper or non-stick spray
- Oven preheated to 350°F (175°C)
- Spatula or wooden spoon for mixing
- Cooling rack
Instructions
- Prepare the flax egg: In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp ground flaxseed with 6 tbsp water. Stir well and set aside for 10 minutes until it thickens.
- Grate and prepare vegetables: Using a grater, shred the carrots and zucchini. Place the zucchini in a clean cloth and squeeze out the excess moisture to avoid a soggy cake.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, and dried herbs if using.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat a small pan with a teaspoon of olive oil and sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant. Let cool slightly.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the thickened flax egg, olive oil, and plant-based milk.
- Fold in vegetables and aromatics: Add the grated carrots, zucchini, chopped bell peppers, and sautéed onion-garlic mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir gently to combine.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures: Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
- Prepare the baking pan: Line your cake pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips & Variations
Tip: Always squeeze excess moisture from watery vegetables like zucchini or spinach to prevent a soggy cake.
Feel free to experiment with different vegetables. Adding finely chopped spinach, corn kernels, or even cooked sweet potatoes can add interesting flavors and nutrition.
For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend or chickpea flour. To make it spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños.
If you prefer a cheesy twist, mix in some vegan cheese or nutritional yeast to add a savory depth. This cake also pairs beautifully with a variety of dips and sauces, enhancing its versatility.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (1 slice) |
---|---|
Calories | 150 |
Protein | 4 grams |
Carbohydrates | 22 grams |
Dietary Fiber | 4 grams |
Fat | 6 grams |
Sugars | 4 grams |
Vitamin A | 120% DV |
Vitamin C | 35% DV |
Iron | 8% DV |
Serving Suggestions
This vegetable cake is delicious served warm as a snack or appetizer. Consider pairing it with a refreshing cucumber yogurt dip or a tangy tomato chutney for extra zing.
It also works wonderfully as a light lunch when served alongside a crisp green salad or a bowl of hearty soup. For a party platter, cut the cake into small squares and serve with an assortment of dips and spreads.
To explore more plant-based meal ideas, try our Vegan Casserole Recipes: Easy for quick weeknight dinner or the High Protein Vegan Soup Recipes for Healthy Meals.
Conclusion
Vegetable cakes are a fantastic way to bring more color, nutrition, and flavor into your kitchen. This recipe combines the best of fresh vegetables with simple baking techniques to create a versatile dish that’s both satisfying and healthy.
Whether you’re preparing a quick snack or an impressive addition to your dinner table, this cake is sure to delight your taste buds and nourish your body.
With endless customization possibilities, you can tailor this recipe to suit your dietary needs and preferences. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different vegetable combinations or spices to make it truly your own.
For more inspiration on plant-based meals, check out our Vegan Soul Food Recipe Book: Delicious Plant-Based Meal. Happy baking!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegetable Cake
Description: A moist and flavorful vegetable cake packed with grated carrots, zucchini, and spices. Perfect as a healthy snack or dessert option.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT40M
Total Time: PT60M
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup grated carrots
- 1 cup grated zucchini
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In another bowl, beat eggs, brown sugar, oil, and vanilla until smooth.
- Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until combined.
- Fold in grated carrots, zucchini, and walnuts.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cake cool before slicing and serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 280 kcal | Protein: 5 g | Fat: 15 g | Carbs: 32 g
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