Babsi's Birthday Bundt

My very dear friend Babsi celebrated her Dirty Thirty last Thursday and what better way to kick off your 30s then with a Gluten Free Vegan Chocolate Bundt?

I have always admired a good looking bundt cake, but never had a pan hanging on my wall, let alone in my cupboard. I just so happened to be walking by the local kitchen store when I realized buying a bundt pan now would forever remind me of Babsi's birthday. So I dropped the $30 and got to baking.

Since i love eggs and cream and all things animal, I thought making a vegan cake would be a bit of a challenge, but not having to worry about whipping eggs or cream, this cake really took no time at all.

If you do not have a bundt pan, seriously consider asking for one for the holidays. If you are not convinced, just use a 9 inch round pan & make sure to  half the recipe.

The candles really make it special

[gluten free/Vegan]

Mint-Chocolate Bundt with Cashew Cream

adapted from Joy the Baker

[The Tools]

mixer/paddle attachment

measuring cups/spoons

butter knife

food processor with blade

spatula

clean fingers for noshing on the leftovers

mug for steeping peppermint tea

[The Goodies]

cake

3 C Gluten Free Flour (good quick one is Pamela's*)

1 C Coconut Flour (I love "Let's Do Organic" Brand)

1 C Unsweetened Cocoa Powder

2 C Sugar

2 tsp Baking Soda*

1/2 tsp Baking Powder*

1 tsp salt*

1/2 C melted Coconut Oil

2 C Warm Peppermint Tea (can use coffee)

1/2 C coconut milk

4 tsp Vanilla

*if you use a gluten free flour mix, it may already contain baking powder/soda/salt

cashew cream

1 C raw cashews

1 C water (may need more/less for consistency)

Drizzle of Maple Syrup

1 tsp Vanilla

[The Know How]

the cake

1. Mix wet ingredients in mixer

2. Add dry ingredients and mix until well incorporated

4. Pour into greased bundt pan

5. Bake at 350 degrees F in middle rack

6. Bake for 45 min+ until wood pick comes out clean

7. Let cool completely before popping out of pan 

Meanwhile...make the cashew cream

8. Put cashews in processor

9. While running, add water until cashews a pureed/resemble frosting

10.Drizzle maple syrup to desired sweetness

11. Add vanilla and continue puree until smooth

12. Once bundt is turned out, drizzle cashew cream on top & commence a sweet sweet Happy Birthday!

The Blazing Bundt