Ginger Molasses Brunch Cake (Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Refined Sugar Free)
Dec 17, 2020, Updated May 20, 2024
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I think we can all agree that the holidays are all about grazing… especially in 2020 when we are all home day, after day, after day, after day. Celebrating the holidays, on the whole, is more casual for most of this year and I have to say I don’t mind that one bit.
I call this a “brunch cake” because it is packed with oats, applesauce, and buttermilk (I make mine from almond milk, instructions are below), just sweet enough and doesn’t host any frosting or glazes. It’s the sort of cake that I refer to as brunch, or snacking cakes, because they are daytime cakes… easy to throw together, comforting and delicious, with a bit of virtue in them to boot.
I love to have something comforting and delicious to grab at a moment’s notice, and similar to the One-Bowl Pumpkin Banana Bundt Cake I make in the fall, this is the cake to satisfy that desire any time of the day.
To make this cake vegan, replace the eggs with a plant-based egg replacer, such as flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg). Use a plant-based buttermilk substitute, like almond milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar.
While the Bundt pan creates a beautiful presentation, you can use a 9-inch round or square cake pan if you prefer. Adjust the baking time as necessary—smaller pans may bake faster, so start checking at 30 minutes.
Check the cake by inserting a toothpick or cake tester into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs (not wet batter), the cake is done. If there’s still batter sticking, give it a few more minutes in the oven.
Yes, this cake can be made ahead of time! It keeps well at room temperature for 4-5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months—wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and defrost it at room temperature when ready to serve.
“What else can I use?”
- You can easily swap in all purpose flour for the Gluten Free flour blend.
- If you don’t have oat flour (remember, it’s super easy to make and I show you how in this post) you can use that equal amount of whole wheat flour or more GF or all purpose flour.
- Vegan buttermilk is easy to make if you only have almond or oat milk on hand. I use this almond milk. Simply add 1 Tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to the 2/3 cup of milk and let it sit for 10 minutes. Voila, vegan buttermilk. I will do a detailed post on this soon!
This is a cake I will make again and again this month, and I hope you will too. As always, let me know if you make it, have any questions, or simply want to give your feedback. I always value it! Happy Holidays!
Ginger Molasses Brunch Cake
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups Gluten Free flour blend, (ex. Cup 4 Cup or Bob's Red Mill)
- 1 cup oat flour
- 2 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 3/4 tsp Kosher salt
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 3/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 2/3 cup olive oil
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2/3 cup buttermilk (vegan or regular)
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar, for finishing
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Grease or spray a Bundt pan with nonstick baking spray and set aside.
- In a large bowl, sift together all dry ingredients with a fork, through the baking powder and set aside.
- In a separate bowl, using a stand or hand mixer, whisk the maple syrup, molasses, olive oil, applesauce, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined and there are no more traces of flour.
- Transfer the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 40-55 minutes, until a tester inserted into the center comes out just clean.
- Allow to cool for 10 minutes in the pan before inverting onto a cooling rack to finish cooling completely.
- Once cool, dust with powdered sugar and serve.
- The cake will keep for 4-5 days at room temperature.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This recipe reminded me of a recipe my mom used to make us as kids, and it transported me right back. Will be making this regularly!
Ahh this made me tear up a little, Oriana! I’m so glad you loved this one.
Enjoy,
Kat.