Vegan apple cake with Ardèche saffron
A vegan recipe with a true taste of Ardèche: the apple and saffron cake! This moist and aromatic cake combines the sweetness of apples with the rich flavor of saffron, an exceptional spice locally grown.
Easy to make, it highlights delicate and authentic flavors while offering a delicious and accessible vegan alternative. Here, we share our secret recipe, perfect for delighting your taste buds during a comforting afternoon snack or for finishing a meal with lightness. A true Ardèche treat that invites both travel and shared pleasure!
The ingredients
Pour 6 personnes
- 2 market apples (Golden or Fuji variety, peeled and thinly sliced)
- 200g of wheat flour (or semi-wholemeal flour for a more rustic version)
- 100g of unrefined cane sugar
- 1 packet of baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- 1/2 tsp of cinnamon (optional, to enhance the flavours)
- 1 dose of Ardèche saffron (a few threads infused in 2 tbsp of warm water)
- 250ml of plant-based milk (almond or oat, according to your preference)
- 50ml of neutral vegetable oil (sunflower or canola)
- 1 tsp of apple cider vinegar (to activate the baking powder)
- 2 tbsp of applesauce (replaces eggs)
How to prepare?
- Infuse the saffron threads in 2 tablespoons of warm water. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes to release its aromas.
- In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon (if used).
- In another bowl, combine the plant-based milk, oil, apple cider vinegar, applesauce, and the saffron infusion.
- Gradually incorporate the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing gently until you have a smooth batter.
- Add the apple slices to the batter and mix gently.
- Pour the batter into a greased or parchment-lined loaf pan.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (Th.6) for 40 to 50 minutes. Check doneness with a knife: it should come out dry.
- Let cool before unmolding and enjoy.
Service tips
- For an even more indulgent effect, sprinkle the cooled cake with powdered sugar or serve it with a vegan custard made with almond milk infused with saffron.
- Feel free to personalize the recipe: add nuts, raisins, or citrus zest for more flavor and texture.
- If you’re preparing a snack or a treat for your hikes, we recommend pouring the batter into muffin tins to create several small cakes to share!
The little extra
- The saffron from Ardèche, a rare and precious spice, adds a refined touch that enhances the natural sweetness of the apples. A beautiful way to highlight local products.
- The apples, flour, sugar, and plant-based substitutes are easy to find, making this recipe both economical and practical.
- With no animal-derived products, this recipe is 100% vegan and suitable for those following a plant-based diet, looking to reduce their animal product consumption, or simply wanting to try new recipes!
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