PS: Peppermint GF Chocolate Holiday Cake

Chef:  Brandi Doming; Vegan 8
Prep Time:  15 minutes
Cook Time:  25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

INGREDIENTS

• 1 1/2 c blanched almond flour (150 g, use a scale for accurate results, do not use regular almond meal (with the skins), it is not light enough and will not produce the same results)

• 1/2 c potato starch , not potato flour (80 g)

• 1/4 c + 2 T unsweetened cocoa powder (35 g)

• 2 t aluminum-free baking powder (8 g)

• 1/2 t fine sea salt (4 g)

• optional: 1 t finely ground espresso (I use Illy brand , this makes the chocolate richer)

• 3/4 c + 2 T pure maple syrup (210 mL)

• 1/4 c + 2 T unsweetened pumpkin puree (92 g)

• 1/2 c aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas)

• 1/4 t peppermint extract (I found this to be just enough to not overpower the peppermint flavor, because there is peppermint in the glaze too)

• Chocolate Peppermint Glaze

• 1/4 c pure maple syrup

• 3 T unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1/16th t peppermint extract

• 1/8 t fine sea salt

• optional: crushed peppermints for presentation purpose

• Note: It is crucial to not sub these ingredients for best results. I cannot vouch for results if you change the recipe. It's necessary to use blanched almond flour because it is what makes the cake so moist and light. I don't recommend Bob's Red Mill blanched almond flour for this cake. It is never finely ground enough and there is always little bits of almond still left and it doesn't produce as light, fluffy results. If you must use it, make sure to grind it down a bit further in a vitamix. I highly recommend King Arthur Flour or Honeyville, Simple Truth brand from Kroger, or if you are in Texas, use the HEB brand, it's perfect and what I use for my cakes.

DIRECTIONS

1. Make sure your pan is ready before preparing the ingredients. You will need to line a 9 inch round metal pan with parchment on the bottom. I cut a round circle of paper for the bottom. The best way to make the perfect circle is to place the pan on the paper and draw a line around the edge of the pan. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

2. Make sure to weigh all your ingredients for accurate results. I can't stress the importance of this enough. Fluff your almond flour with a whisk first to break up any lumps, as it tends to lump in storage. To measure, scoop your cups into the dry ingredients, pat down well to make sure there are no gaps and then level off, or simply use the scale for accuracy, making sure your bowl is on the scale and zeroed out before adding the ingredients. Add the almond flour, potato starch, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt and espresso (if using) to a large bowl and whisk everything together really well until there are no lumps remaining. Really make sure it is smooth.

3. In a separate medium bowl, add the syrup, pumpkin (make sure to level off), aquafaba and peppermint extract. Lightly beat the liquids with a handheld mixer just until smooth and slightly frothy. Pour over the dry ingredients and beat again until completely smooth, about 30 seconds.

4. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake on the middle rack for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center (may have a few DRY crumbs, but shouldn't have wet batter), I removed mine at exactly 25 mins, but yours may take longer. Make sure it is cooked through. Let cool in the pan 30 minutes before removing from the pan. Then place your serving platter on top and flip it over, so the flat side is facing up. Cool completely before adding glaze or eating, as it will still be cooking through as it cools. To make these as cupcakes, they will make 12 tall cupcakes or 14 regular size. They should cook about the same time, just check for a clean toothpick or a few dry crumbs, not wet batter.

5. For the chocolate peppermint glaze, simply whisk the ingredients until smooth and drizzle over the top. It will take a few minutes because of all the cocoa powder. Garnish with crushed peppermints for presentation, if desired. Keep cake stored in a sealed container to retain it's moisture, at room temperature. Cake is always best and the freshest the day made.

Follow BRANDI @ http://thevegan8.com/ You’ll find lots of baked goods here, as I’ve been a baker all my life, it’s my passion!  Hope you love the recipes!  Share remarks on Instagram , tag me @thevegan8 and be sure to use my tag #the vegan8 or share them on my Facebook page.