May 16, 2019

Almost Raw "Almond Butter Cup" Cake

By Ruth Elnekave, CNP, and Sophie Bourdon

Yield: 10-12 servings

Vegan, Gluten-free, Grain-free, Dairy-free, Refined Sugar-free

raw almond cake on a mint green cake stand, drizzled with chocoalte

For any nut butter fanatics out there, this is the cake for you. Its flavour is reminiscent of all those delectable times you ate your favourite nut butter right out of the jar with a spoon (because we’ve all been there). Only — dare we say it? — this cake is even better. Because rather than standing alone in your kitchen eating out of a jar, this is a nut butter experience you’ll actually want to share with friends and family. Make this recipe for special occasions and holidays, or prepare it the night before to serve at a homemade brunch fest. This is one cake that cannot be overshared.

While your favourite nut butter is definitely the star of this recipe, we can’t forget to mention the “almost raw” ingredient: chickpeas. Although not your typical cake ingredient, chickpeas are essential to this recipe. They hold everything together and have a creamy consistency when blended, giving this cake its velvety texture. Plus, chickpeas are neutral in taste so we promise they won’t outshine that nut buttery flavour you’re after!

Ingredients

Crust 

  • ½ cup raw almonds (ideally soaked overnight)
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • ½ cup soft pitted dates (about 10 large dates)*
  • 2 tbsp raw JOYÀ Calm Cacao Superblend or raw cacao powder
  • 3 tbsp coconut oil
  • ¼ tsp fine sea salt
*If your dates are not sticky and soft when squeezed, soak in hot water for 10-15 minutes to soften, then drain

Filling 

  • 3 cups cooked chickpeas* or canned chickpeas (equivalent to one 28 oz or two 14 oz cans, drained and rinsed)
  • 1 cup almond butter (or other nut butter)
  • ½ cup + 2 tbsp maple syrup
  • ⅔ cup coconut milk (or other plant-based milk)
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp fine sea salt
*Use approximately 1 ¼ cups dry chickpeas to yield 3 cups cooked

Toppings

Instructions

Crust

  1. Lightly grease the bottom and sides of a 8” or 9” springform pan with oil and then line all surfaces with parchment paper.
  2. Add almonds to food processor and pulse a few times until the texture resembles coarse sand. Add the rest of the crust ingredients and blend until combined. Test the crust by spooning out a small amount of mixture and rolling it in your hands. If the ingredients hold together, your crust is perfect. If it is too dry, add a couple more dates and blend again.

Filling

  1. Scoop out crust mixture into the lined pan and press firmly with your hands, making sure that the edges are well packed and the base is relatively even throughout. Place in the freezer.
  2. Add all filling ingredients to food processor or high-speed blender and blend on high until very smooth (this may take 30 seconds to a minute, depending on your machine).

Topping

  1. Remove springform pan from the freezer. Pour the filling onto the crust and smooth with a spatula or the back of a spoon. Place pan back in the freezer for 2 to 2 ½ hours, until solid.
  2. Toast almonds in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F until fragrant and slightly golden. Let cool and chop.
  3. Remove cake from freezer and allow it to thaw at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before removing the outer ring of the pan. Once you’ve removed the cake from the pan, transfer it gently to a serving plate or cake stand and allow it to thaw for 20-30 more minutes before serving.
  4. In a double boiler (or a stainless steel bowl placed over a pot of simmering water), melt dark chocolate, stirring with a whisk or spoon until smooth. Alternatively, melt the dark chocolate by placing it in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave in 20-second increments, stirring in between, until fully melted.
  5. Drizzle cake with melted chocolate and top with chopped almonds. Let chocolate set -- approximately 5 minutes.
  6. To serve, cut cake into slices with a sharp (non-serrated) knife. Store leftovers in the freezer or in the refrigerator if you prefer a creamier texture
Ruth Elnekave, Founder and CEO of JOYÀ
by Ruth Elnekave, CNP

Ruth Elnekave is a Toronto-based chef, holistic nutritionist, culinary instructor, recovering corporate lawyer and founder of JOYÀ. Her projects are fuelled by one main goal: to spread the pure joy and wellbeing experienced when sharing and savouring delicious, real food.

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A young woman, Sophie Bourdon, sits outside in a black tea shirt in a garden.
by Sophie Bourdon

Sophie Bourdon is a health and wellness entrepreneur based in Montreal, Canada. She is the holistic nutritionist and founder behind The Green Life, an online journal, shop and natural skincare and self-care line. Sophie believes in a holistic approach to wellness that uses the power of plants to promote nourishment and vibrancy on every level - skin, body and soul.

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