Adding beans to your baking will boost the protein, fibre, vitamin and mineral content of your treats. The high protein content of beans also improves the texture of baked goods. Find out for yourself with this yummy cake from Ontario Bean Growers.
Apple Bean Cake with Warm Cranberry Sauce
Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 40-50 minutes Makes: 12 servings
Cake
- 1 1/2 cups 350 mL white pea beans (navy beans), soaked and cooked or canned in water, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup 125 mL apple juice
- 1 cup 250 mL vegetable oil
- 3 eggs
- 2 tsp 10 mL vanilla
- 1 1/2 cups 350 mL cooking apples, peeled and grated
- 1 1/2 cups 350 mL brown sugar
- 3 cups 750 mL all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp 10 mL baking soda
- 1 tsp 5 mL cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp 2 mL nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp 2 mL ground cloves
- 1/4 cup 50 mL chopped pecans
Cranberry Sauce:
- Zest and juice of 2 oranges
- 1/2 cup 125 mL water
- 1/2 cup 125 mL white sugar
- 2 cups 500 mL cranberries
- 2 tbsp 25 mL cornstarch
- 1/4 cup 50 mL water
Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
In a food processor or blender, purée beans with juice until smooth. Transfer to a large mixing bowl and stir in eggs, vanilla, apples and oil. Add sugar and mix well.
Combine remaining dry ingredients together and gently fold into wet ingredients. Pour into a greased bundt pan. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle of the cake comes out clean.
Remove from oven and cool for 15 minutes. Turn out of pan and allow cake to cool to room temperature.
Tip: To lower the fat content of this recipe, substitute 1 cup vegetable oil with 1/2 cup vegetable oil and 1/2 cup apple sauce.
Warm Cranberry Sauce:
- In a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat, combine juice, zest and water.
- When hot, add sugar and cranberries. Dissolve cornstarch in 1/4 cup (50 mL) of water and add to saucepan. Simmer over low heat for one minute, stirring gently.
- Remove from heat. Do not overcook or use high heat. Serve (warm) sauce over slices of cake and garnish with whipped cream if desired.
Nutritional information for one serving: calories 525 kcal; protein 7 g; fat 22 g; carbohydrates 75 g; total dietary fibre 3.8 g; sodium 253 mg.
The Author:
Find more recipes online at ontariobeans.on.ca.