Parsnip and Hazelnut Vegan Cake Recipe
This delicious Parsnip Cake with hazelnuts is a moist and flavorful treat perfect for any occasion. Made with grated parsnips, ground almonds, and a blend of warm spices, it offers a delightful twist on traditional carrot cake, enhanced by crunchy hazelnuts and sweet sultanas. The dairy-free cream cheese icing adds a creamy, tangy finish, making this cake not only vegan-friendly but also irresistibly satisfying.
- Author: Luna
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 55-60 minutes (plus optional overnight resting)
- Yield: 2 x 23cm (9 inch) round cakes, serving approximately 12 slices 1x
- Category: Cake
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegan
Dry Ingredients
- 325 g self-raising flour
- 75 g ground almonds
- 240 g light brown sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 400 ml soya milk (unsweetened)
- 160 ml rapeseed oil
Other Ingredients
- 250 g parsnips (peeled and grated)
- 120 g hazelnuts (chopped, plus extra handful for topping)
- 120 g sultanas
Icing Ingredients
- 400 g icing sugar
- 100 g dairy-free block margarine (at room temperature)
- 100 g dairy-free cream cheese
- 1–2 tbsp soya milk
- Prepare the Oven and Pans: Preheat the oven to 180°C (fan) / 350°F / Gas Mark 4. Grease two 23cm (9 inch) cake tins and line them with baking parchment or greaseproof paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the self-raising flour, ground almonds, light brown sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt thoroughly to ensure even distribution of the leavening agents and spices.
- Prepare Parsnips and Nuts: Peel and trim the parsnips, then grate them finely. Chop the hazelnuts roughly and set aside for use in the batter and topping.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the soya milk and rapeseed oil to the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix until the batter is smooth and well combined without lumps.
- Add Parsnips, Hazelnuts, and Sultanas: Fold the grated parsnips, chopped hazelnuts, and sultanas into the batter evenly, ensuring they are well incorporated throughout.
- Pour Batter and Bake: Divide the mixture evenly between the two prepared cake tins. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a knife or skewer inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cakes are cooked through.
- Cool the Cakes: Allow the cakes to cool in the tins for 5 minutes, then turn them out onto a cooling rack. Carefully peel off the baking parchment and leave to cool completely before icing.
- Optional Resting Tip: For an improved texture and moisture, place the cooled cakes in an airtight container or tin and leave overnight. This softens the crust and enhances overall moistness.
- Prepare the Icing: In a food mixer or large bowl with a hand whisk, beat the icing sugar, dairy-free margarine, and dairy-free cream cheese together until completely smooth and creamy.
- Adjust Icing Consistency: Gradually add soya milk, one tablespoon at a time, while continuing to beat the mixture until the icing becomes light and fluffy, suitable for spreading.
- Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on your serving plate and spread about one third of the icing evenly over the top. Sandwich with the second cake layer.
- Finish and Decorate: Use the remaining icing to cover the top of the cake smoothly. Sprinkle with a handful of roughly chopped hazelnuts for added crunch and decorative appeal.
Notes
- The cake is vegan and dairy-free, making it suitable for those with lactose intolerance or following a vegan diet.
- Allowing the cake to rest overnight in an airtight container enhances moisture and softens the crust.
- If you don’t have hazelnuts, walnuts or pecans can be used as a substitute.
- Ensure the parsnips are grated finely to distribute moisture evenly and avoid large chunks.
- Use unsweetened soya milk to keep the sugar content balanced and the flavor consistent.
Keywords: parsnip cake, vegan cake, dairy-free cake, hazelnut cake, moist cake, festive cake, vegan dessert