Description
This Vegan Raspberry Buttermilk Cake is a luscious, dairy-free dessert that combines the tanginess of homemade coconut ‘buttermilk’ with sweet, fresh raspberries. Made with gluten-free flour and naturally sweetened with beet sugar, this moist cake is perfect for those seeking a delicious plant-based treat without compromising on flavor. Lightly dusted with powdered sugar, it’s an inviting cake that pairs beautifully with afternoon tea or a casual dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups gluten free flour (e.g., Bob’s Red Mill)
- 3/4 cup granulated beet sugar (or regular white sugar)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon xanthan gum
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Add-ins
- 1 cup raspberries (fresh or frozen)
Topping
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9-inch cake pan with parchment paper, spray it with nonstick spray, and dust it with gluten-free flour to prevent sticking.
- Create Vegan Buttermilk: In a glass measuring cup, mix the unsweetened coconut milk with apple cider vinegar. Set aside to let it curdle, mimicking traditional buttermilk.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl or stand mixer, whisk together the gluten-free flour, granulated beet sugar, baking powder, xanthan gum, and kosher salt until evenly combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and the coconut milk and vinegar mixture.
- Form Batter: Stir the mixture until smooth and homogeneous. Then gently fold in the raspberries, taking care not to break them up too much.
- Transfer to Pan: Scrape the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top evenly with a spatula.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 28 to 32 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 20 minutes. Then carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate.
- Serve: Dust the top with powdered sugar before serving for a pretty and sweet finish.
Notes
- Using fresh or frozen raspberries works well; if using frozen, no need to thaw beforehand.
- Ensure your gluten-free flour blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately as instructed.
- The apple cider vinegar reacts with the coconut milk to create a buttermilk substitute, which helps with the cake’s rise and texture.
- You can swap beet sugar for regular white sugar if unavailable.
- Make sure not to overmix after adding raspberries to avoid crushing them excessively.
- For a nut-free option, confirm your gluten-free flour blend is free of nuts and choose a coconut oil brand that does not cross-contaminate.
