Are you searching for a delicious, healthy, and completely vegan dessert that stands out from the crowd? Look no further than chickpea flour vegan cakes!
Chickpea flour, also known as gram flour or besan, is a fantastic gluten-free and protein-packed alternative to traditional wheat flour. Its nutty flavor and dense texture make it perfect for creating moist, flavorful cakes that everyone will adore.
Not only is it a powerhouse of nutrition, but it also helps in making baked goods that hold together beautifully without the need for eggs or dairy.
In this post, we’ll explore some incredible chickpea flour vegan cake recipes that are easy to make at home, packed with wholesome ingredients, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan baker or just someone looking to try something new and nourishing, these recipes will quickly become a staple in your baking repertoire.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Chickpea flour vegan cakes are a revelation for anyone looking to bake without eggs, dairy, or gluten. Here’s why these recipes are sure to become your favorites:
- Nutritious and filling: Chickpea flour is rich in protein, fiber, and essential vitamins, making your cake both tasty and healthful.
- Moist and dense texture: Unlike some vegan cakes that can be dry, chickpea flour lends a wonderfully moist crumb.
- Egg-free binding: The natural properties of chickpea flour act as a great binder, eliminating the need for eggs.
- Versatility: These cakes can be flavored with spices, fruits, nuts, or chocolate, making them adaptable to your preferences.
- Allergy-friendly: Perfect for those avoiding gluten, dairy, and eggs.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups chickpea flour (gram flour/besan)
- 1 cup organic cane sugar or coconut sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
- ⅓ cup melted coconut oil or vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- Optional: 1 tsp ground cinnamon or cardamom for flavor
- Optional: ½ cup chopped nuts, raisins, or vegan chocolate chips
Equipment
- Mixing bowls (at least two)
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- 9-inch round cake pan or loaf pan
- Oven
- Cooling rack
- Optional: Sifter for dry ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your cake pan with coconut oil or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Sift together the dry ingredients: chickpea flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and optional spices into a large mixing bowl. This ensures the cake will have a light texture and no lumps.
- In a separate bowl, combine the wet ingredients: plant-based milk, melted coconut oil, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk well until the sugar starts to dissolve.
- Slowly pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula or whisk. Mix until just combined — avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
- If you’re adding nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips, fold them into the batter now.
- Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on the cake after 25 minutes to prevent overbaking.
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Slice and enjoy! This cake pairs wonderfully with vegan frosting, fresh fruit, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Tips & Variations
“For a richer flavor, try adding a tablespoon of almond butter or tahini to the batter.”
- Chocolate Chickpea Flour Cake: Add ¼ cup cocoa powder to the dry ingredients and stir in vegan chocolate chips for a decadent twist.
- Citrus Zest Variation: Mix in the zest of one lemon or orange for a fresh, zesty flavor.
- Spiced Cake: Incorporate ground ginger, nutmeg, or cloves for a warm spice cake perfect for fall.
- Fruit-Loaded: Fold in fresh or frozen blueberries, chopped apples, or mashed bananas for moisture and natural sweetness.
- Storage: Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per serving (1 slice) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4 g |
| Fat | 6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3 g |
| Sugar | 12 g |
Serving Suggestions
This chickpea flour vegan cake is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with various accompaniments. Try serving it with a dollop of coconut whipped cream or your favorite vegan frosting for a celebration-worthy dessert.
For a simple, wholesome treat, slice the cake and spread with natural almond butter or a smear of vegan cream cheese. Fresh berries or a fruit compote make for an elegant topping that adds a burst of color and flavor.
To enjoy a cozy afternoon snack, serve warm slices with a cup of herbal tea or your preferred plant-based latte.
More Vegan Baking Inspiration
If you love experimenting with wholesome vegan recipes, be sure to check out these delicious dishes:
- Pareve Cake Recipe – Another fantastic egg-free cake to add to your baking collection.
- Peda Recipe Ricotta Cheese – Vegan-inspired sweets with rich flavors.
- Peanut Butter Ganache Recipe – Elevate your cakes with this creamy, decadent topping.
Conclusion
Baking with chickpea flour opens up a world of creative, nutritious, and delicious vegan desserts that everyone can enjoy. These chickpea flour vegan cake recipes offer a wonderful balance of texture, flavor, and wholesome ingredients, making them perfect for both everyday treats and special occasions.
Whether you’re new to plant-based baking or a seasoned pro, this versatile flour will quickly become a pantry favorite. Plus, the ability to customize with spices, fruits, and nuts means you can tailor each cake to your unique taste.
So, grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a vegan cake that’s as satisfying as it is nourishing!
📖 Recipe Card: Chickpea Flour Vegan Cake
Description: A moist and fluffy vegan cake made with chickpea flour, perfect for a healthy dessert. Naturally gluten-free and packed with plant-based protein.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT35M
Total Time: PT50M
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups chickpea flour
- 1/2 cup almond milk
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together chickpea flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix almond milk, coconut sugar, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, apple cider vinegar, and applesauce.
- Combine wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until smooth.
- Pour batter into a greased 8-inch cake pan.
- Bake for 35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cake cool before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 180 kcal | Protein: 6 g | Fat: 8 g | Carbs: 22 g
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