Christmas orange and almond cake. Vegan

The house fills with the aroma of orange and spice as this cake bakes. It is simple, yet so flavourful, so Christmassy, so unique – even if you eat it just like that, without any decorations, but it looks stunning when decorated. It keeps all the attention from first sight to the last piece eaten. 

Ingredients

240 g oats or oat flour
1 organic orange zest, finely grated
pinch of sea salt
1 tsp baking soda
1.5 tsp baking powder
2 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp ground ginger
2 egg substitutes (like Vegeggor any other organic product on the market)
150 ml grapeseed oil
180 g honey, melted if too thick
150 ml almond milk
100 g Seeberger soft dried cranberries
90 g Seeberger peeled almonds

To decorate:
3 tbsp honey
1 tbsp water
Seebergersoft dried fruit such as figs, mangos, cranberries
blanched almonds

Prepare

Preheat the oven to 190°. Line a 20-22 cm baking pan with baking paper. In a blender on a low-speed, mix the oil with honey and milk.

Blend the oats with the orange zest until they are like flour. If using ready-made flour, mix the zest in with your hands, squeezing to release the essential oils. Place into a bowl and mix with salt, baking powder, soda, and spices. 

Add the liquids to the flour mixture and mix until it is halfway incorporated. Add cranberries and almonds and mix until fully incorporated, but do not over mix. Pour into the pan, spread the batter evenly, and bake in the middle of the oven for 40-50 minutes or until a wooden skewer inserted comes out clean. It could also be a bit longer. When done, remove and cool 30 minutes in the pan. Transfer to a cooling rack. Cool completely. 

Before giving it as a gift or serving, decorate with fruit. In a small saucepan, heat honey and water just until it starts to bubble. Spread on the cake and place the fruits and nuts, as the honey will allow them to stick. When it is done, spread the honey on the fruit to make them glossier. Serve or wrap as a gift. 

Recipe and pictures: Signe Meirane
In cooperation with SEEBERGER
Camera: Sony Alpha 7s