Avocado Cake

Delicious Avocado Cake Recipe with Raisins and Walnuts

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

The Avocado Cake is a delightful twist on traditional cake recipes, incorporating the creamy texture and nutritional benefits of avocados into a sweet, spiced dessert. This unique cake combines the rich flavors of nutmeg, cinnamon, and allspice with the natural sweetness of raisins and the crunch of walnuts, all complemented by a tangy lemon sauce. Perfect for those looking to add a bit of adventure to their baking repertoire, this recipe promises a moist, flavorful cake that's as nutritious as it is delicious.

History

The Avocado Cake is a relatively modern creation, emerging as avocados gained popularity in global cuisine beyond their traditional uses. Initially celebrated for their health benefits in savory dishes, creative bakers began experimenting with avocados in desserts, appreciating their ability to substitute for fats like butter, thereby enhancing the nutritional profile of sweet treats. This recipe is a testament to the versatility of avocados, marrying their subtle flavor with classic cake ingredients to produce a dessert that's both innovative and reminiscent of more traditional spiced cakes.

Ingredients

1 cup sugar
0.5 cup butter
2 eggs
1 cup mashed avocado
0.5 cup buttermilk
1 tsp baking soda
1.5 cup all-purpose flour
0.5 tsp nutmeg
0.5 tsp cinnamon
0.5 tsp allspice
0.5 cup raisins
0.5 cup walnuts (broken)

Lemon sauce

1 cup water
0.33 cup sugar
1 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp lemon juice
0.5 tsp vanilla extract

How to prepare

In a bowl, cream together the sugar and butter. Then, add the 2 eggs and avocado, and mix well.
In a separate bowl, combine the baking soda with the buttermilk. Add this mixture to the batter.
In another bowl, mix the spices with the flour. Add this mixture to the batter all at once, and mix well.
Lightly dust the raisins and walnuts with flour, and add them to the batter.
Pour the batter into a well-greased pyrex pan (8”x10”), and bake at 350°F (177°C) for 35 – 40 minutes. This cake can be stored or frozen, but it is especially delicious when served warm with or without a tart lemon sauce.
Serve the lemon sauce over the cake.

Lemon sauce

In a bowl, mix together all the sauce ingredients.
Bring the mixture to a boil, and continue boiling until it becomes clear.

Variations

For those looking to experiment, this cake offers several variation possibilities:
Substitute the walnuts with pecans or almonds for a different nutty flavor.
Add a cream cheese frosting for an extra layer of richness.
Incorporate chocolate chips into the batter for a chocolatey twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure your Avocado Cake turns out perfectly, consider the following tips:

- Use ripe avocados for the best flavor and texture. They should yield to gentle pressure but not be overly soft.

- When mixing the batter, avoid overmixing once the flour is added to keep the cake tender.

- Dusting the raisins and walnuts with flour before adding them to the batter helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the cake.

- Check the cake for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean when the cake is ready.

- Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving, especially if topping with the lemon sauce, to let the flavors meld together beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

Avocado Cake is best served warm, with the lemon sauce drizzled over each slice. For an extra indulgence, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream complements the cake's flavors beautifully. A cup of strong coffee or a glass of milk also pairs well with this dessert.

Cooking Techniques

This recipe employs the creaming method for mixing the batter, ensuring a light and fluffy cake texture. Additionally, the technique of folding in the flour-coated raisins and nuts helps distribute them evenly throughout the cake without them sinking to the bottom.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a dairy-free version, use almond milk or coconut milk in place of buttermilk and a plant-based butter substitute.

- If you're out of buttermilk, mix half a cup of milk with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for a few minutes before using.

- Maple syrup or honey can be used as a natural sweetener alternative to sugar, though this will alter the flavor profile slightly.

Make Ahead Tips

The Avocado Cake batter can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator overnight. Simply bring it to room temperature before baking. The lemon sauce can also be made ahead and reheated gently before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the cake on a decorative plate, drizzled with the lemon sauce, and garnished with a few thin avocado slices or lemon zest for a touch of elegance. A sprig of mint adds a pop of color and freshness.

Pairing Recommendations

A dessert wine such as a Riesling or a Moscato pairs wonderfully with the Avocado Cake, as their sweetness complements the cake's spiced flavors. For a non-alcoholic option, a spiced chai tea or a latte would make a cozy accompaniment.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Avocado Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cake can be enjoyed cold or gently reheated in the microwave for a few seconds. The lemon sauce should be stored separately and warmed before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A typical serving of Avocado Cake contains approximately 300 calories. The majority of these calories come from the carbohydrates and fats in the recipe, making it a relatively energy-dense dessert option.

Carbohydrates

A single serving of Avocado Cake contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates. The primary sources include sugar, all-purpose flour, and buttermilk. The inclusion of avocados provides additional fiber, slightly offsetting the overall glycemic load of the cake.

Fats

Thanks to the avocados and walnuts, this cake is rich in healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Each serving contains about 15 grams of fat, contributing to the cake's moist texture and offering heart-healthy benefits.

Proteins

Each serving of Avocado Cake provides around 5 grams of protein, sourced from the eggs, buttermilk, and nuts. While not a high-protein food, the cake offers a modest contribution to daily protein intake.

Vitamins and minerals

Avocado Cake is a good source of several vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin E from the avocados, Vitamin C from the lemon juice, and various B vitamins from the eggs and buttermilk. The nuts and avocados also provide essential minerals like magnesium and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains common allergens such as eggs, nuts (walnuts), and dairy (butter, buttermilk). Those with sensitivities to these ingredients should exercise caution or seek suitable substitutions.

Summary

Overall, Avocado Cake offers a healthier alternative to many traditional cake recipes. By incorporating avocados and nuts, it provides beneficial fats, vitamins, and minerals, while still satisfying the sweet tooth. However, it remains a treat best enjoyed in moderation due to its sugar and calorie content.

Summary

The Avocado Cake is a delightful, nutritious twist on traditional dessert recipes, perfect for those looking to experiment with new ingredients in their baking. With its rich flavors, healthful benefits, and versatile serving options, this cake is sure to become a cherished recipe for any occasion.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was a warm summer day, and I had just come back from a farmers market with a bag full of ripe avocados. As I was sorting through them, trying to come up with new ways to use them, I stumbled upon an old, tattered recipe card tucked away in my recipe box.

The card had a faded picture of a delicious looking avocado cake on it, and I couldn't resist trying it out. The instructions were simple, but the ingredients were a bit unusual. Avocados in a cake? It sounded strange, but I was intrigued.

I remembered the first time I tried avocado. It was back in my hometown in the Philippines, where avocados grew abundantly. My mother used to make a creamy avocado dessert that was a family favorite. The smooth, buttery texture of the fruit had always amazed me, and I couldn't wait to see how it would translate into a cake.

I followed the recipe carefully, mashing up ripe avocados and mixing them with flour, sugar, and eggs. The batter was a vibrant green color, and it smelled fresh and earthy. As the cake baked in the oven, the house filled with a sweet, nutty aroma that made my mouth water.

When the cake was done, I couldn't wait to try it. I cut a slice and took a bite, savoring the moist, tender crumb and the subtle avocado flavor. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before – rich and creamy, with a hint of sweetness that lingered on my tongue.

I shared the cake with my family, and they were all amazed by how delicious it was. My husband couldn't believe that avocados could be used in a dessert, and my children begged me to make it again and again.

Since then, avocado cake has become a staple in our household. I've made it for birthdays, holidays, and special occasions, and it never fails to impress. The recipe has been passed down through generations, with each family member adding their own twist to it.

I've shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, who have all been pleasantly surprised by how tasty it is. Some have even asked me to teach them how to make it, and I've happily obliged, passing on the knowledge and love for avocado cake.

As I sit here, reminiscing about that fateful day when I found the recipe, I can't help but feel grateful for the culinary journey it has taken me on. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, a way to express my creativity and love for my family. And avocado cake has become a symbol of that passion, a reminder of the joy and satisfaction that comes from creating something delicious from scratch.

So here's to avocado cake – a humble yet extraordinary dessert that has brought so much happiness into my life. May it continue to bring joy and delight to all who taste it, and may the recipe be shared and cherished for years to come.