Maca is thought of as a superfood. It is believed to give you energy and endurance. It’s also used to improve hormonal balance. Why not pair that with cake? Customers often request a birthday cake for someone with dietary restrictions. We love this kind of challenge, as it gives us another excuse to experiment. On this occasion the customer wanted a birthday cake that was dairy-free and vegan and we topped it with our Vanilla Cashew Nut Frosting and finished it off with raspberries, blueberries, and a few leaves of fresh mint. It was such a success that it’s become part of our repertoire.As for Maca, it’s a powerful Peruvian root with an earthy, nutty taste and a hint of butterscotch. Its powder is essentially a flour, but with the spelt taking that role it’s here for its sweet, nutty contribution and amazing nutritional qualities. It also combines very well with the maple syrup and vanilla flavors.
![Vegan Maca Vanilla Cake Recipe](https://girliegirlarmy.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/137_Maca_Vanilla_Cake.jpg)
Maca and Vanilla Cake
MAKES 1 x 8-inch round cake
EQUIPMENT 8-inch round, deep, loose-bottom cake pan
DF V+
1¾ cups spelt flour
4 teaspoons maca powder, plus more for dusting
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
Pinch of salt
1 cup maple syrup
½ cup coconut oil, melted
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
½ cup warm water (it is important that the water is warm not cold, or it will turn the coconut oil solid)
Vanilla Cashew Nut Frosting (page 214)
1 Preheat the oven to 400°F and line an 8-inch round, deep, loose-bottom cake pan with parchment paper.
2 In a bowl, mix the spelt flour, maca powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3 In another bowl, mix together the maple syrup, oil, vanilla, vinegar, and warm water.
4 Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and whisk together well to remove any lumps.
5 Pour the mixture into the pan and bake for 40 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the middle comes out clean.
6 Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack.
7 When completely cool, top with the Vanilla Cashew Nut Frosting and a dusting of maca powder or some fresh fruit.
Reprinted from Super Loaves & Simple Treats by arrangement with Avery, an imprint of Penguin Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House LLC. Image and recipe copyright ©2018, Melissa Sharp.