Welcome to a delightful culinary adventure where vegetables take center stage in an unexpected way! This veggie cake recipe is a celebration of wholesome ingredients and vibrant flavors, perfect for anyone looking to sneak more veggies into their diet without compromising on taste.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian, a curious omnivore, or simply craving a savory treat, this cake promises to be a crowd-pleaser. Its moist texture, combined with a medley of fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs, makes it an ideal dish for lunch, dinner, or even as a party appetizer.
Not only is this veggie cake packed with nutrition, but it’s also versatile and easy to prepare. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables, experiment with spices, or serve it alongside your preferred dips and sauces.
If you enjoy recipes like this, you might also love our Veggie Quesadilla Recipe Indian Style Easy & Delicious or the Vegan Slow Cooker Recipe for Easy, Delicious Meals, both of which bring plant-based ingredients to life in exciting ways.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This veggie cake is a delightful fusion of nutrition, flavor, and texture. It’s moist, savory, and packed with colorful vegetables that add natural sweetness and earthiness.
Unlike traditional cakes that rely heavily on flour and sugar, this cake offers a healthy balance with wholesome ingredients and minimal processed elements.
It’s also incredibly adaptable. You can swap in whatever vegetables you have on hand, making it a perfect way to reduce food waste.
Plus, the recipe is straightforward, perfect for both beginner cooks and seasoned home chefs looking for a wholesome dish.
Whether served warm or cold, this veggie cake works wonderfully as a main dish, a side, or even a portable snack. It’s a fantastic option for meal prepping and pairs beautifully with fresh salads or dips.
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
---|---|---|
Carrots | 1 cup | Grated |
Zucchini | 1 cup | Grated and squeezed dry |
Bell Pepper | 1/2 cup | Finely chopped (red or yellow) |
Onion | 1 small | Finely chopped |
Garlic | 2 cloves | Minced |
Chickpea flour (besan) | 1 cup | Or any gluten-free flour |
Baking powder | 1 tsp | For leavening |
Ground flaxseed | 2 tbsp | Mixed with 6 tbsp water (flax egg) |
Olive oil | 3 tbsp | Plus extra for greasing |
Fresh parsley | 1/4 cup | Chopped |
Ground cumin | 1 tsp | |
Salt | 1/2 tsp | Adjust to taste |
Black pepper | 1/4 tsp | Freshly ground |
Equipment
- Mixing bowls (large and small)
- Grater for vegetables
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or fork (for mixing flax egg)
- Loaf pan or round cake pan (8-inch)
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Oven
- Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
Instructions
- Prepare the flax egg: In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed with 6 tablespoons of water. Stir well and let it sit for 10 minutes until it becomes gelatinous. This acts as an egg substitute and binder.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your loaf or cake pan with a little olive oil and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Grate the carrots and zucchini: Using a fine grater, shred the veggies. For zucchini, gently squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or paper towel to avoid a soggy cake.
- Chop the bell pepper, onion, garlic, and parsley: Make sure all are finely chopped to ensure even distribution and flavor.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chickpea flour, baking powder, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Whisk these dry ingredients to mix evenly.
- Add the grated veggies, chopped vegetables, and fresh parsley to the dry mix. Pour in the flax egg and olive oil. Using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon, fold everything together gently until well combined. The batter will be thick but moist.
- Transfer the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top evenly.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before removing it to avoid breaking.
- Slice and serve warm or at room temperature. This cake also tastes great chilled and can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Tips & Variations
“Squeezing out zucchini moisture is key to prevent your veggie cake from becoming too wet or dense.”
For added flavor, you can include a handful of chopped nuts or seeds like walnuts or pumpkin seeds. They add a nice crunch and boost the nutritional profile.
Feel free to experiment with different herbs such as dill, basil, or thyme for a twist. You can also add some grated vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy note.
If you want to make this recipe gluten-free and grain-free, chickpea flour is your best friend. However, you could also try almond flour, though the texture will be a bit different.
For a spicier version, add finely chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. Alternatively, check out our Vegan Sisig Recipe: How to Make a Tasty Filipino Classic for a spicy, vegetable-packed meal.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per serving (1 slice) |
---|---|
Calories | 150 kcal |
Protein | 6 g |
Carbohydrates | 18 g |
Dietary Fiber | 4 g |
Fat | 7 g |
Sodium | 250 mg |
This veggie cake offers a balanced combination of macronutrients with a good dose of fiber and plant-based protein. It’s perfect for those looking for a healthy, filling meal without excess calories or processed ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
This veggie cake pairs wonderfully with fresh, vibrant sides. Consider serving it with a simple mixed green salad dressed lightly with lemon and olive oil or a creamy avocado dip.
For a heartier meal, try accompanying it with a warm bowl of soup, such as the High Protein Vegan Soup Recipes for Healthy Meals. The savory flavors complement each other beautifully.
You can also slice the cake and serve it as finger food with a variety of dips like hummus, tahini sauce, or vegan yogurt-based dressings for parties and get-togethers.
Conclusion
This veggie cake recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy a hearty, nutritious, and flavorful dish that celebrates the best of fresh vegetables. Its versatility and ease of preparation make it a fantastic addition to any meal plan, whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or guests.
Not only does it cater to various dietary preferences, but it also encourages creativity in the kitchen by allowing you to swap ingredients based on what you have available. If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to explore other plant-based delights on our site, like the Vegan Flour Tortilla Recipe Easy, Soft, and Homemade or the Vegan Bread Maker Recipe for Soft and Delicious Loaves.
Enjoy making and sharing this wholesome veggie cake. Happy cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Veggie Cake Recipe
Description: A delicious and healthy veggie cake packed with fresh vegetables and herbs. Perfect as a savory snack or light meal.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT40M
Total Time: PT60M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups grated zucchini
- 1 cup grated carrot
- 1/2 cup finely chopped bell pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped spinach
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- In a bowl, mix grated zucchini, carrot, bell pepper, and spinach.
- In another bowl, whisk eggs, olive oil, and milk together.
- Combine flour, baking powder, oregano, and salt in a separate bowl.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until smooth.
- Fold in the grated vegetables and cheddar cheese.
- Pour batter into a greased cake pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool for 10 minutes before slicing.
Nutrition: Calories: 220 kcal | Protein: 10 g | Fat: 14 g | Carbs: 15 g
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