Vegan Custard Apple Cake: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Welcome to a delightful and tropical treat that promises to satisfy your sweet tooth while adhering to a vegan lifestyle—Vegan Custard Apple Cake. This recipe highlights the creamy and slightly tangy flavors of custard apple (also known as cherimoya) in a moist, fluffy cake that is both indulgent and wholesome. With a blend of natural sweetness from the fruit and a careful selection of plant-based ingredients, this cake is perfect for any occasion, from a simple afternoon tea to a special celebration. This detailed guide provides all the necessary information, including ingredients, step-by-step instructions, nutritional facts, and tips for perfect results.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (you can use a gluten-free blend if needed)
  • 1 cup coconut sugar (or other granulated sweeteners like cane sugar or maple sugar)
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup coconut oil (melted, or use another neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil)
  • 1 cup custard apple pulp (about 1-2 ripe custard apples, peeled and seeds removed)
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any other plant-based milk)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for added acidity and to react with the baking soda)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed (mixed with 3 tablespoons of water to form a flax egg; a substitute for eggs in vegan baking)

For the Glaze (Optional):

  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar (or powdered erythritol for a low-carb option)
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon water (adjust as needed to reach desired consistency)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Custard Apple:

  • Begin by selecting ripe custard apples. The fruit should yield slightly to gentle pressure when ripe. Cut the fruit in half, scoop out the pulp with a spoon, and discard the seeds.
  • Measure out 1 cup of custard apple pulp. If the pulp is particularly fibrous, you may want to blend it to achieve a smoother consistency.

2. Preheat the Oven:

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.

3. Mix Dry Ingredients:

  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of coconut sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Ensure that the dry ingredients are well combined.

4. Prepare the Flax Egg:

  • In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it forms a gel-like consistency.

5. Combine Wet Ingredients:

  • In another bowl, whisk together 1 cup of custard apple pulp, 1/2 cup of melted coconut oil, 1/2 cup of unsweetened almond milk, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and the prepared flax egg.

6. Mix the Batter:

  • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense cake.

7. Bake the Cake:

  • Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
  • Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

8. Prepare the Glaze (Optional):

  • If you choose to add a glaze, whisk together 1/2 cup of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon of water in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more water if needed.

9. Glaze the Cake:

  • Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top. Allow it to set before slicing and serving.

10. Serve and Enjoy:

  • Slice the cake and serve. Enjoy it on its own or with a dollop of coconut whipped cream for an extra treat.

Useful Information

  • Custard Apple: Custard apple adds a unique flavor and creamy texture to the cake. If custard apples are not available, you can substitute with another fruit puree, but the flavor and texture will vary.
  • Flour Alternatives: If you need a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure the blend includes xanthan gum or guar gum to help bind the ingredients.
  • Sweeteners: Coconut sugar is used for its lower glycemic index compared to regular sugar. You can use other sweeteners like maple sugar or erythritol, but this may alter the taste slightly.
  • Oil Substitutes: Coconut oil provides a rich flavor, but you can substitute with other neutral oils if desired.
  • Flax Egg: The flax egg acts as a binder and helps provide structure in the absence of eggs. Ensure it is well-mixed and gel-like before adding to the batter.

Nutritional Information

Per Serving (Assuming recipe makes 8 servings):

  • Calories: 270 kcal
  • Total Fat: 14 g
    • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 33 g
    • Dietary Fiber: 3 g
    • Net Carbs: 30 g
    • Sugars: 19 g
  • Protein: 3 g

WW SmartPoints Value

For those following the WW (Weight Watchers) program:

  • SmartPoints: Approximately 9 points per serving (1/8 of the cake). This is based on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes. Adjust the points if you make any substitutions or changes.

Conclusion

The Vegan Custard Apple Cake is a beautifully moist and flavorful dessert that combines the exotic taste of custard apples with a classic cake recipe. This treat is perfect for anyone following a vegan diet or simply looking to enjoy a delicious and wholesome dessert. With its tropical flavors and soft, tender crumb, it makes for a perfect ending to any meal or a delightful afternoon snack. Enjoy this cake as a special treat and share it with friends and family for a unique and enjoyable dessert experience!