Just Because It's Vegan: Spiced Persimmon Flax Cake

Wow - I just realized it's been awhile since a "Just Because It's Vegan" post. Although most of my dishes are either vegan-friendly or can be with some simple modifications, I like to make sure I'm posting recipes that highlight just how tasty vegan eatin' can be.

So this recipe is one of many firsts for me. One, first time I've ever used persimmons in anything. I was at our local Asian market and saw the most gorgeous persimmons and immediately grabbed a few to bring home, having no idea what their fate would be. Secondly, I've never used this particular bundt pan, as I'm not really a baker. (those astute readers will probably realize that by checking out the recipe archives at the side) Baking intimidates me as the science is more exact and I don't feel the liberty to just add and throw things in as it suits, as I can do with cooking.

That being said, I just decided to use this recipe as a guideline, made my own modifications, and crossed my fingers, hoping that it would actually work. And did it ever! The cake is moist, tasty, and the perfect showcase for the fantastically sweet persimmons. Not only is the cake super easy to throw together, but you can easily substitute apples or pears if you can't find the persimmons. No matter how you slice it, I think this is a tasty cake that will be making a few appearances this season.



Spiced Persimmon Flax Cake

2 cups chopped persimmon
1 1/2 cup flour
1/4 cup golden flax seed
1 3/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup agave nectar
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
1 tsp vanilla
1/4 cup soy yogurt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a bundt pan with cooking oil and set aside. In a large bowl, combine flour, flax seed, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. In a smaller bowl, whisk together water, lemon juice, agave, vinegar, and vanilla. Add to dry mixture, along with yogurt, and stir well to combine. Fold in persimmon until well mixed. Pour into pan and place into oven.
Bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Remove from oven, allow to cool in pan for 10-15 minutes, and then completely cool after removing pan.