Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or a gluten-free flour blend)
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar (or granulated sugar)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any plant milk)
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted (or another neutral oil)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup custard apple pulp (about 2–3 custard apples, seeds removed)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round or square cake pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, coconut sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Prepare the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the almond milk, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and custard apple pulp. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Gently fold them together until you have a smooth batter. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden, and the cake should spring back lightly when touched.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar or top with a vegan glaze if desired.
Tips:
- Choosing Custard Apples: Look for custard apples that are soft but not overly mushy. A ripe custard apple should be easy to scoop out, with a creamy texture.
- Texture Adjustment: For a denser, more custardy texture, you can add an extra 1/4 cup of custard apple pulp to the batter.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This cake also tastes great chilled.
This Vegan Custard Apple Cake offers a light, tropical sweetness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s perfect for any dessert table. Each bite bursts with the subtle, fruity richness of custard apple, making it an ideal treat for anyone looking to try something unique and plant-based. Enjoy!
