Putting Chia Seeds to Work in Apple Coffee Cake

Chia seeds are a little powerhouse in this refined-sugar-free coffee cake.  Not only are the chia seeds the egg replacer in this vegan breakfast treat, but they also act as a binder for the gluten-free flour.  Not too shabby for an itty-bitty little guy!

It is the gluten in wheat that holds traditional baked goods together, so it is necessary to add a binder to gluten-free flours to replicate that effect.  Frequently, that binder is xanthan gum or guar gum, but they are not the only options.  When chia seeds are soaked in water they form a gel that not only can take the place of eggs in vegan baking, but the gel is strong enough to hold the gluten-free baked good together.  There are other options, too, like psyllium husks, but I didn't use that here.

I shared this recipe with Allergy Free Wednesdays.

Crunchy Topped Apple Coffee Cake

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon chia seeds

1/4 cup water

1/2 cup pepitas (shelled pumpkin seeds)

3/4 teaspoon salt, divided

1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons coconut palm sugar, divided

1/2 cup soy-free Earth Balance

1/4 cup maple syrup

1/2 cup non-dairy milk beverage (I used rice milk.)

2 cups gluten-free baking flour mix (I used King Arthur Flour brand.)

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1 1/2 cups 1/2-inch diced, peeled apples (approximately 3 small apples)

Preparation:

1)  Preheat oven to 350.

2)  Lightly oil an 8-inch-square baking pan .

3)  Combine chia seed and water in a small bowl.  Set aside.

4)  Lightly toast pepitas in a dry skillet for approximately one minute or until lightly golden.

5)  In a food processor, pulse together pepitas, 2 tablespoons coconut palm sugar and 1/4 teaspoon salt.

6)  Cream together Earth Balance, 1/4 cup coconut palm sugar and maple syrup.  (I used my KitchenAid stand mixer.)

7)  Mix in chia seed mixture and non-dairy milk beverage.

8)  In a separate bowl, combine flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon and nutmeg using a whisk.

9)  Mix dry ingredients into wet, one half at a time until well incorporated.

10)  Mix in apples.

11)  Pour batter into prepared pan.  Smooth top with a damp spatula.

12)  Spread pepita mixture over top.

13)  Bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Happy Cooking!

Kim 

Find more tasty recipes in Welcoming Kitchen: 200 Delicious Allergen and Gluten-free Vegan Recipes.