Cooking Lesson #925: Gluten-Free Coconut Almond Cake

…from the Perspectives’ Kitchen

How you doin’? Here’s my real, honest-to-goodness holiday quality cake that is not only a gorgeous dessert, it is also grain-free and gluten-free, kosher and it’s dairy-free, as well—even the whipped cream—YES, even the Whipped Cream! But you’ll never be able to detect any of these qualities without a hint because it’s so light, moist, fluffy and sweet, with a tender crumb—it’s simply delish.
 
It's the orange and lemon zest that lends a citrusy brightness that contrasts with the richness of the almonds and the sweet, puffy clouds of coconut whipped cream. It’s the perfect any time dessert!
 
Prep time:  15 minutes
Rest time: 15 minutes
Bake time:  38 to 42 minutes
Cool time:  75 minutes
Yield:  8 servings
 
Ingredients 
3/4 cups, plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon fresh orange zest
2 teaspoons fresh lemon zest
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, plus more for pan prep
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons unsweetened almond milk
3 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
2 large eggs
1 cup almond flour
1/2 cup coconut flour
1/4 cup tapioca starch
1/4 cup potato starch
1-1/2 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 cup slivered almonds
2 cups coconut whipped cream, for the filling (see ChefSecret)
Confectioner’s sugar, for dusting
 
Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350⁰ F.
2. Lightly grease an 8-inch cake pan with oil, line the bottom with parchment paper and lightly grease the parchment.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar and zests. Rub the sugar and zest together between your fingers until well combined and the sugar is light orange.
4. Whisk in the oil, almond milk, orange juice and eggs until well combined.
5. In a separate small bowl, stir together the almond flour, coconut flour, tapioca starch, potato starch, baking powder, salt and baking soda.
6. Sift the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and whisk until well combined.
7. Transfer the cake batter to the prepared pan and let rest at room temperature for 15 minutes.
8. Sprinkle the slivered almonds evenly over the batter.
9. Bake for 38 to 42 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
10. Transfer the cake pan to a wire rack and let cool for 15 minutes.
11. Remove the cake from the pan and discard the parchment.
12. Let cool on the wire rack until room temperature, about 1 hour.
13. To serve, cut the cake in half horizontally to create 2 layers. Spread the coconut whipped cream on the bottom layer of the cake and cover with the top layer.
14. Dust with powdered sugar, slice into pieces, and serve immediately.

​ChefSecret:  What is coconut whipped cream? Coconut whipped cream is a dairy-free alternative to classic whipped cream, which is made with heavy whipping cream! For a dairy-free, vegan-friendly version, simply swap a good quality full-fat coconut milk or coconut cream in its place and whip into soft peaks!

How is Coconut Whipped Cream Made?

1. Select a good quality brand of coconut milk or coconut cream.
2. Chill the can overnight in the refrigerator to harden (do not freeze).
3. Scoop hardened coconut cream into a mixing bowl, leaving any clear liquid behind.
4. Whip with a hand mixer or stand mixer until light peaks form.
5. Sweeten to taste with sifted powdered sugar.

Quip of the Day:  Gluten-free desserts are the perfect way to have your cake and wheat it too.
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Do you have a question or comment?  Send your thoughts to [email protected]. All recipes and cooking tips are posted on our website https://www.perspectives-la.com/covid-19-survival-guide.
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To you and everyone dear to you, be strong, positive, stay well, stay safe and be kind. Take a breath and count your blessings, and if you have a little extra to share with others, please consider donating to  Feeding America, Tunnel to Towers, Union Rescue Mission and/or American Red Cross.

#Dessert #Baking #CoconutAlmondCake #GlutenFreeCake #AlmondCake #Kosher #DairyFreeDessert #AlmondMilk #WhippedCoconutCream  #2024Recipes #T2T #URM #FeedingAmerica #RedCross #PerspectivesTheConsultingGroup  
 
                                                        ©PERSPECTIVES/The Consulting Group, LLC, 2024

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