Heart-Healthy Quinoa Cake

Delight your taste buds and nourish your heart with this wholesome Heart-Healthy Quinoa Cake. Made with nutrient-rich quinoa, flavorful whole wheat flour, and naturally sweetened with maple syrup and unsweetened applesauce, this recipe is a guilt-free indulgence you’ll love. The addition of extra virgin olive oil, almond milk, and a hint of vanilla extract ensures a moist and tender crumb, while warm cinnamon and crunchy walnuts elevate the flavor profile. Perfect for a nutritious breakfast treat or an afternoon snack, this vegan-friendly cake is easy to prepare and packed with fiber, plant-based protein, and essential nutrients. Ready in just over an hour, it’s the perfect way to enjoy a healthier twist on a classic dessert.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:65 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 1.5 cups whole wheat flour
• 0.5 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 0.25 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 0.5 cup maple syrup
• 0.75 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
• 0.25 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 0.5 cup chopped walnuts

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with a light coating of olive oil or line it with parchment paper.

Step 2

Rinse the quinoa in a fine mesh strainer under running water. Combine it with 2 cups of water in a saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is tender and water is absorbed. Set aside to cool.

Step 3

In a large bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.

Step 4

In another bowl, combine the applesauce, olive oil, maple syrup, almond milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.

Step 5

Fold the cooled quinoa into the wet ingredients until well combined.

Step 6

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing.

Step 7

Fold in the chopped walnuts, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.

Step 8

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Step 9

Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 10

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1408.8 grams (1408.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2558

Total Fat 112.60g	144%
Saturated Fat 12.40g	62%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.50g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3449mg	150%
Total Carbohydrate 356.10g	129%
Dietary Fiber 28.70g	102%
Total Sugars 120.90g
Protein 58.90g	118%

Vitamin D 66IU	330%
Calcium 496mg	38%
Iron 14mg	78%
Potassium 1275mg	27%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 37.9%

Protein: 8.8%

Carbs: 53.3%