Healthy & Delicious Orange Cake Recipe with Coconut

I love embracing all seasons of the year, but in true Shikha fashion, I like to think out of the box and always try to incorporate fresh flavors. My easy Orange Cake Recipe is one that my family enjoys whether in springtime or in the cold winter months. I love making it in a loaf pan and having a slice toasted for breakfast, as a snack to reward myself for getting a lot done, or with a hot cup of tea. And because I love my new neighbors, I might whip up a few and surprise them for the holidays! I used a different ingredient you may not be familiar with, so I am going to give you all the deets and ways you can start adding to recipes you love. Making this is so easy, I’ll let you decide if you want to share this recipe for an orange cake with your friends or if you want to keep it all for yourself!

What Is Spelt?

Spelt, Triticum spelta, is an ancient grain, like wheat, that is grown in many parts of the world and is soon becoming a more popular option because of its health benefits. Unlike other foods that have been genetically modified over time, this super grain has managed to remain unaffected since Biblical times. Spelt is high in gluten, has a nutty flavor, and is a very popular health food in Europe, as known as farro or dinkel.

Although spelt is nutritious because it has a high gluten content, those with gluten intolerances or who have diseases like irritable bowel syndrome should be mindful.

How to Use Spelt?

With a slightly sweet and mild nutty flavor, spelt can be easily incorporated into your diet, while adding another level of flavor, texture, and nutrition to your dishes. Here are some ways you can use spelt in your cooking:

• Spelt pasta holds up better in heavy sauces and sustains its texture.
• When baking cakes, bread, cookies, etc., just substitute about half or all your usual flour for spelt flour to get a similar outcome.
• It can be used as an alternative to carbohydrates like rice or potatoes.
• It can thicken soups or gravies.
• Use it as a breakfast cereal or add to your morning porridge.
• Spelt can be an accompaniment in stews or as a side dish.
• Use it as a grain in making beers and vodkas.

As you can see, there are SO many ways to start incorporating this healthy grain into your recipes today, like in my delicious Lemon Chia Muffins and Chocolate Lemon Orange Cookies! If you plan on using whole grains, be sure to wash them well and soak them overnight. You can find spelt at your local grocery store or even online.

Is Vegan Orange Cake Healthy?

This is a tricky question and one that I get quite often. It depends on the ingredients in the cake. Like with all delicious cakes out there, vegan cakes, a true indulgence, should be enjoyed in moderation. I wish it weren’t so, but at least when you do make one, it should check all your boxes…decadent, delicious, rich, flavorful, and hit all your other flavor notes.

I hope I didn’t burst your bubble because I have some great tips, I use to make my vegan recipes a little healthier. I’m sharing all my secrets here, but we’re all friends so it’s okay!

As a substitution for oil or if you need to add some moisture to your loaves and cakes, I use good-quality olive oil, coconut oil, ghee, vegan butter, and even applesauce at times.

I try to use a healthier sugar substitute. In my Orange Vegan Loaf, I used coconut sugar and in my Lemon Chia muffins and,, in my Chocolate Lemon Orange Cookies, I used maple syrup. I also use other ingredients like dates, and agave as well.

I also try to add fruits and nuts whenever I can, so when I bake, I like adding dried figs, cranberries, currants, and nuts like pecans, walnuts, and almonds. These simple ingredients add lots of texture, complex flavors, and most importantly some nutrition as well.

How Do You Make a Vegan Orange Cake from Scratch?

With any sponge cake, vegan orange cake, or pound cake recipe, this recipe is very similar with a few minor substitutions, you have a light, fluffy, and flavorful Orange Vegan Cake. In my house, it doesn’t have to be a special occasion to bake a cake, my kiddos love to eat. And nothing makes a mom’s heart fuller than baking and watching your family enjoy! Here is a quick, made-from-scratch recipe you need to save ASAP. Mix the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients and bake in a greased cake pan for about 25 minutes in a preheated 350-degree oven. When your toothpick comes out clean you are all set.

• 2 cups of spelt flour
• ¾ cup of coconut sugar
• ½ 1 tsp. baking powder
• ¼ tsp. baking soda
• ¾ 1 cup of orange juice
• ¾ cup of oil (your choice)
• 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
• 1 tsp. cinnamon

Health Benefits and Allergens For Orange Cake

There are a multitude of health benefits to this Vegan Orange Cake if prepared as directed.  Here are a few you can gain by using the ingredients in this dish:

• Spelt Flour- Contains nutrients like Iron, Magnesium, Zinc, Fiber, and Calcium that may help improve heart health, and digestion and decrease the risk of diabetes.
• Coconut Sugar- Contains Vitamin C, Iron, Potassium, and Zinc, which may help in improving gut health and slowing glucose absorption.
• Shredded Coconut- This is a good source of Fiber, Zinc, and Iron, and may improve heart health, aid in digestion, and strengthen the immune system.
• Orange Juice- It is high in Vitamin C, Potassium, Folate, Calcium, and Vitamin D which can promote heart health and strengthen the immune system.
• Olive Oil- Rich in monounsaturated fats, may prevent stroke, and has anti-inflammatory properties.
• Cinnamon- May lower blood sugar levels and cholesterol.
• It’s healthy
• It’s vegan
• It’s dairy-free

I can’t wait to hear your thoughts on this delicious loaf, leave a comment below!

-BON APPÉTIT!