I’ve been bringing my desserts to the Virtual Vegan Potluck for over a year now. This bi-annual tradition is becoming something I look forward to. You would think I would want to bring a dish other than dessert, but it’s now my own tradition to share my sweets with the world. In May 2012 I brought Oreo covered brownies, November 2012 I brought chocolate chip cookie dough bites, and this past May I brought some classic chocolate cupcakes. Chocolate, chocolate, and MORE chocolate.
When I discovered there was a secret ingredient us bloggers were being challenged to use in our dish, I was immediately sold. Initially I was going to attempt something with chocolate, but I decided to deviate from that and go with something more fitting for the fall holidays. Something with apples, something with cinnamon, something with..beets?
Apple Cinnamon Beet Cake w/a Classic Cinnamon Glaze
For the cake:
- 1 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup Earth Balance Vegan Butter (softened)
- 1 1/4 cup raw sugar
- 1 cup homemade (or store bought) applesauce
- 1 cup of beet/apple puree (recipe below)
- 1 vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
For the beet apple puree: chop one large beet and one large (cored) apple into small cubes and place into a sauce pan with enough water to cover. Top with a lid and bring to a boil. Simmer the cubes until the beets are soft and easily poked with a fork (about 20minutes.) Once softened, drain the water and puree the apples and beets in a food processor or a blender. I used my blender. Cool to room temperature before adding to cake batter. Drink the remaining puree, it’s delicious.
For the cake: Preheat your oven to 350F. Grease an 8 in pan and set aside. In a medium bowl, mix your flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until well combined. In a separate larger bowl, use an electric mixer to combine your butter with your sugar until fluffy. Pour in your applesauce, vanilla, and beet puree and continue to mix. The mixture will look a bit curdled, but that is OK. Gradually pour in the flour mixture and continue to mix until the batter is smooth. Pour batter into your pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
For the glaze:
- 1-2 tblsp almond milk
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 cup powdered sugar
In a small bowl pour one tblsp milk and combine your cinnamon and half your sugar. Whisk together and then add the remaining sugar. The glaze will be a bit thick, so add a bit more milk as needed or for desired consistency.
A few notes: I used 1 cup of whole wheat flour and 1/4 cup of cake flower because that’s what I had on deck. If I were to make this again I would use chia eggs instead of applesauce. I thought the extra apple would help the flavor, but it made the cake a bit more moist than I would have liked.
Despite the mushy texture towards the middle the overall cake was a success. It tasted delicious and you’d never know there was an entire beet mixed in! Besides, once you add ice cream it gets a bit mushy anyway!
To view the desserts before and after mine, click the pictures below. Click here to start at the very beginning of the potluck. Happy eating!
Q: Do you like beets as much as I do??
Blissfulbritt 
69 thoughts on “Virtual Vegan Potluck: Cake That Can’t be Beet”
luminousvegans
Happy Virtual Vegan Potluck! That sweet drippy glaze running down is killing me. I totally could eat this for breakfast right now. Serves me right for looking at all these delicious desserts at 7 in the morning.
Since deciding to use beets in my VVP dish, I have come to like beets a lot. Growing up, we only ate the canned kind. After going through the dishes in VVP, I am finding there are so many creative ways to use it.
di @ life of di.
When I saw the name of the recipe, I was thinking it would be so much more difficult to make 🙂 I was nervous because it sounds really good but I am a TERRIBLE (I mean TERRIBLE) baker. I like the fairly short ingredient list and I think this is one I can handle…I think. 🙂
katalysthealth
Oh my goodness!! This is seriously so freakin creative! I actually never work with beets…because they pretty much terrify me, but you make this sound pretty simple!
Britta
Britt, SIT TIGHT I AM COMING OVER FOR BREAKFAST. Cake for breakfast is appropriate 😀 This looks so incredibly good. You should probably start a cookbook. Actually, let’s start a cookbook together, I promise I will add some value even if it is just sitting and tasting your creations. Flipping LOVE beets. LOVE THEM!
Brittany
I TOTALLY WANT to start a cookbook, but it’s so intimidating! AH!
Britta
pfff, LETS DO IT!!!!
Lisa
Ohh this looks so tasty! I love that there’s beet puree in there.
I LOVE beets, so obvi I like them as much as you do. They are so fun to experiment with.
Poppy
Yum! It looks so moist!
Your go back link needs to be updated to http://lorimerkitchen.com/2013/11/16/maple-bacon-banana-donuts/ and the go forward link should be http://www.greenthickies.com/homemade-chocolate-pudding-vegan-paleo-gluten-free/
🙂
rebeccajanearmstrong
Love the apple and beet puree! this looks great xx
mom
Truly this was an amazingly to die for treat. She thought it was a bit gooey but it was not, it was perfect. I’m so proud of her, this was a tweaked recipe she did omitting the eggs of the original. She’s gooooddddd.
Brittany
Aww, thanks mom. 🙂
Emily
This looks soooooo decadent. I was going to say “moist” but I freaking hate that word. But yummmm
Allison (Spontaneous Tomato)
Oo, this sounds good! Especially with that cinnamon-y glaze. I love the idea of putting beets and apples together; I bet they’re a perfect match.
Change of Pace
Ummmm drool worthy creation! Looks so divine, and nice and seasonal!
I don’t like beets on their own, but my grandma makes the most delicious beet muffins! So, I’ll have to try this since I love them in baking!
Amanda @ .running with spoons.
Sneaky! I would have never thought that beets and apples go together, but now that you mention it, it sounds like a pretty fabulous combination. And you can never go wrong with a cinnamon glaze! LOVE the comment by your mom 😉 So sweet!
Brittany
She’s too good to me, my biggest fan! 🙂
Amy
AHHHH!! You are the BEST Brittany!! I should’ve known that beet drink Instagram picture was a clue… I love that you baked with beets too!! I’d eat every last slice of your cake just as it was. I am addicted to moist cakes; the gooier, the better!
P.S. Love the balance of masses in your last photo! Ice cream with cake, the repetition of shapes and colors with the pumpkins (and the circular ice cream), the rule of thirds, all of the textures… So proud of you! 🙂
Brittany
IT WAS SO GOOD AMY! I want more…HA! YAHOO, I got your stamp of approval on the last photo!! It was my FAVORITE! Thankkk you!! 🙂
Amy
You should totally make more!! Aww YAY! You’re becoming a really great photographer Brittany! 😀
Jan @ Sprouts n Squats
I actually really don’t like beets at all, oops! I find them to taste too earthy. Not sure if you could actually taste the beets in your recipe but it looks like a tasty cake nonetheless 🙂
Brittany
I LOVE the earthy flavor, that’s what I love most about them actually!! I couldn’t taste the beet at all..I was actually shocked since beets have such a strong flavor!
An Unrefined Vegan
Finally made it here (and I’ve still got 11 more desserts to go!)! That last photo…killing me ovah here!
Ally
Yum! What a delightful combo of ingredients. 🙂
I hope you are well, Britt.
The Vegan 8
Love this Brittany! Love how you added beets to the cake…does it alter the taste at all? I also love the cinnamon glaze on top! Seriously, cinnamon is my favorite flavor and spice! I have cinnamon DAILY. I agree with you on the applesauce thing…I’m not a fan of it in cakes….makes them too dense and moist….but as you said…slathering the ice cream all over it anyways, lol!
Brittany
NO, I couldn’t taste the beet at all!! I was shocked because beets have such a strong earthy flavor, which I LOVE, but I also expected to detect some of that in this cake. NOT at all!! Oh I hear you on the cinnamon, I put it on EVERYTHING!
GiGi Eats Celebrities
I HAVE NEVER EVER EVER HAD BEETS BEFORE IN MY LIFE! The closest thing I have ever been to beets is….. Well, I guess technically it was the other day when I grabbed for some Parsley leaves and the beets were next to me.
I kind of wish… I was the beet cake in the last photo. I would love to be showered in that white gooshy “almond milk” sauce…..
Shira
I do I do! I love beets as much as you do for sure! I want your cake. It’s true!
Barbara Bamber | justasmidgen
I remember your bites!! What a fun potluck idea.. and I love the idea of using beet puree. It must have tasted wonderful on its own. I’m surprised it didn’t turn your cake bright red? I’ve never minded a moist cake one bit:D
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jessielovestorun
Beet cake – now that’s something I’m not sure i’ve seen before. Do you think I could use can beets & puree them? (crossing fingers you say yes)
Also, I have a slight confession – I literally wrote “Britt cake” over & over again instead of Beet, Ha Ha.
Brittany
Yes canned beets would work!! You could probably just use apple sauce instead of apples too. I like Britt cake! 😉
miq
Oh man! I cannot wait to try this recipe. It looks amazing. And honestly, how can you go wrong? Beets? Delicious. Apples? Yummy. Cinnamon? Oh yeah!
apartmentwife
umm.. yum! this looks delicious brit – makes me want to come over and hang out in your kitchen and just sort of test everything you do 🙂
Katherine
This looks so good Britt! I tried beets for the first time this year. I know it sounds incredibly stupid, but they were on my New Year’s Resolution list of foods I needed to try. Now I never have tried them in a cake though! The color of the cake is gorgeous! I also love your pumpkins in the background. I’m absolutely giddy about thanksgiving!
Nicole @ FruitnFitness
Oh this sounds wonderful! I love beets. There actually a dangerous food for me to roast. I’ll roast 3-6 of them with plans to add to salads throughout the week, then usually end up eating like half right after they come out of the oven.
Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets
Except for drinking them, I’m not a huge fan of beets. I might be able get on board with this though. You are very clever, and I hope you’re enjoying your Sunday.
Davida @The Healthy Maven
I’m kind of obsessed with beets…and cake, and cinnamon. Genius combo, though my guess it that most people would think you’re crazy hahaha. But I stand by the genius!
the compassionit
Ridiculous! Will have to dust off my cake pans and make this. All of the gorgeous desserts at the VVP are threatening to end my recent baking hiatus. Beautiful recipe! And yes, I love beets as much if not more than you do! Go team beet!
Scrambled Megs
this is so unique and sounds just ridiculously good. i want to try it! the glaze sounds to die for!
Vanessa
Beets? In cake? What a fun idea!!! I must try this.
Megan
BRITTTT this looks so good. You need to just start living in my kitchen. I’d be pretty fat then and you would be with out a potty so that’s a problem… I suppose I could give you bathroom privileges.
kathy @ vodka and soda
i LOVE beets – esp in a salad, it’s so refreshing! the first time i ate it, it was so good that i ATE ALL THE BEETS and then the next day, went to the bathroom and almost had a freaking heart attack when i turned around to flush the toilet and saw ALL THE RED. folks, remember to remember that you ate beets the night before to save yourself from cardiac arrest 😀
Amy @ A Desert Girl
That looks so good!! Your creations always look delicious.
When I was growing up, my mom would can beets each year and they were my absolute fav! Now as an adult I kind of forget about them as an option. That should change immediately. 🙂
veganmiam.com
Happy Virtual Vegan Potluck :)! I would love to eat some of that cinnamon glaze and of course that beet apple puree, mmmm! I love all sorts of beets, the golden ones are my favorite. Thank you for sharing!
kelly @ racesrepsramblings
WOAH. That is a gorgeously delicious looking cake. And not a TON of ingredients. Very doable! Double yum.
sincerelylily
beets in cake!?!!? what ist dis madness??? i generally only eat bees in a salad and only if they are not covered in juice- im super picky. BUT i feel like this cake looks safe and yummy and only good could come from eating it. please ship some to me immediately.
i love that you do a virtual vegan potluck! so fancy! i think you should start a cat potluck where your cat brings a dish and other friends with cats (MEGAN)brings a dish and so on. compare treats. Or maybe that is weird.. ignore me, i know nothing about pets.
Aussa Lorens
You’re kidding, right? Yes? …No?
Scary.
All I could think about was Dwight Schrute from the office, he would certainly appreciate your beet cake 😉
veghotpot
Mmmm seriously good looking cake! I want! I want!
goodstorysarah
This looks great! It reminds me of a cake my grandma used to make with apples. I don’t know if you heard, but Isa Chandra Moskowitz has a new cookbook out and she’s actually having a book signing this Thursday in Seattle. I’ll be there! Come on over!
Brittany
That’s so cool!! Sadly I have to work all day Thursday, but take lots of pictures!
allieksmith
This looks and sounds like the bomb.com! YUM!
Christina Does It All
Beets are making my mouth water!? What?! This looks amazing!!!
Maggie Muggins
Oh man that looks good! That photo with the melting ice cream is making me drool 🙂
Heather @ Kiss My Broccoli
Love beets….LOVE!!! I will put them in just about anything…oats, smoothies, pancakes…I can’t believe I’ve never tried baking with them before! This cake looks amazing! Good call on the cinnamon glaze. Can’t go wrong with cinnamon! ;D
Kristina at damntenpounds
I want this right now! And I don’t even like beets. I’m trying to get into them because they are so healthy and blah blah blah. Maybe if I could hide the dirt taste, I’d like them better 🙂 Definitely saving this one, though. Topping it with ice cream sealed the deal for me!
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Melissa @ Al Forno Mementos
I didn’t know about the whole “secret ingredient” thing … awesome! and I’m still scared to try beets. one day … one day.
Elizabeth
if I lived on the moon with my smart phone and a bowl of beets, I’d be happy forever. in human language, this means I like beets. a lot. 🙂
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sweetveg
I love this combination of apple, beets and cinnamon. I would never think to put those together! Plus, I’m not eating chocolate right now, so thanks for bringing a dessert I can eat! 🙂
Laura
Loving that Starbucks cup! This looks so good!
Rach @ This Italian Family
So I don’t know if I’ve ever eaten beets before, but this cake looks so fabulous! I want to try it!
Herbivore Triathlete
I am so impressed by all of you desserts who used beets in your recipes! This cake looks delightful, I love the glaze. And that beet/apple puree is just beautiful, amazing color! Happy VVP!
miq
Oh. My. Gosh. Just made this! It is amazing!! Seriously, so good.
Brittany
Thank you so much for sharing!! I am glad you liked it, I now want to make more for myself!
miq
Do it! Also that beet-apple puree might just be my new favorite drink…especially when still hot. So good!
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miq
It’s my birthday. And no biggie…but this is totally my birthday cake. And I just put it in the oven. I CAN’T WAIT TO EAT IT!
Brittany
I love it!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!