Grape Cake

This Grape Cake is a delicious gluten-free dessert that combines the natural sweetness of fresh grapes with the rich flavor of olive oil and butter. Made with Bob’s Red Mill gluten-free flour, almond milk, and orange olive oil, this moist cake is perfect for those with dietary restrictions. The cake is topped with sugared grapes for an extra burst of flavor and dusted with powdered sugar for a beautiful finishing touch. Ideal for desserts, brunch, or a special treat, this easy-to-make cake is sure to impress your guests with its light, fruity taste and elegant presentation.

Ingredients

Sugared Grapes:

• ½ cup green or purple grapes
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon water

Grape Cake:

• 1 ½ cups Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 gluten-free flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¾ teaspoon baking powder
• ⅔ cup sugar
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• ⅓ cup almond milk (room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons Costabile olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Costabile orange olive oil
• ¼ cup butter (melted and cooled)
• 2 cups purple grapes (sliced if desired)
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Sugared Grapes: In a small bowl, combine the grapes, sugar, and water. Stir to coat the grapes and set them aside while you prepare the cake.
2. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease the bottom and sides of a 9-inch springform pan with coconut oil.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
4. Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar on high for about 3 minutes, until light and frothy. Add the almond milk, orange olive oil, regular olive oil, and melted butter, and mix for an additional 30 seconds until just combined.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined.
6. Fold in Grapes: Gently fold the sliced grapes into the batter with a spatula, being careful not to overmix.
7. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared springform pan and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean when the cake is done.
8. Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Run a knife around the edges to release the cake, then carefully remove it from the pan and let it cool completely.
9. Finish the Cake: Once cooled, dust the cake with powdered sugar and top it with the sugared grapes.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Grape Cake is a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of fresh grapes with the richness of olive oil and butter. The use of gluten-free flour makes it a great option for those with dietary restrictions, while the fresh grapes add both flavor and texture to the cake. The sugared grapes on top provide a burst of sweetness that complements the cake’s subtle citrusy note from the orange olive oil. Perfect for any occasion, this cake is sure to impress with its moist texture and beautiful presentation.

Tips, Variations, and Substitutions

• Tip for a lighter texture: Be sure to not overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients to keep the cake light and fluffy.
• Substitute for almond milk: You can use any milk or milk alternative, such as oat milk or coconut milk, if almond milk isn’t available.
• Olive oil alternatives: If you don’t have orange olive oil, you can use regular olive oil or even a light drizzle of citrus juice and zest for the same refreshing flavor.
• Add-ins: Consider adding a touch of cinnamon or lemon zest to enhance the flavor profile further.
• Fresh vs. Frozen Grapes: If using frozen grapes, make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before folding them into the batter.

FAQs

Can I make this cake dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free butter or a plant-based alternative and ensure the almond milk is also dairy-free.

How can I prevent the grapes from sinking to the bottom of the cake?
Toss the grapes in a small amount of flour before folding them into the batter. This helps them stay suspended in the cake as it bakes.

Can I store leftovers?
Yes, store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Serving Suggestions

This Grape Cake is versatile and can be served in various ways:

• As a Dessert: Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful dessert.
• For Afternoon Tea: Pair with a cup of tea or coffee for a lovely afternoon treat.
• For Brunch: This cake works beautifully as part of a brunch spread, especially with fresh fruit on the side.
• With Yogurt: Top a slice with a spoonful of Greek yogurt for a balanced, delicious snack or breakfast.