Deliciously Wholesome Spelt Flour Cake Recipe: A Healthier Indulgence for Everyone
Spelt, an ancient grain with a rich history and distinctive flavor, offers a fantastic alternative to modern wheat flour in baking. Its nutty, subtly sweet taste and wonderful texture transform ordinary desserts into extraordinary treats. This is precisely why we’re so excited to share our recipe for this healthy and incredibly delicious Spelt Flour Cake! It’s a dessert that truly has it all: incredible flavor, a satisfying texture, and thoughtful ingredients that cater to wellness without sacrificing taste.
In today’s world, health and wellness are increasingly on everyone’s minds, leading many to believe that indulging in dessert is off-limits. But what if we told you that’s not true? This fantastic spelt cake recipe proves that you can indeed have your cake and eat it too! It’s not just delicious, but also mindful of your digestive comfort, particularly for those managing fructose malabsorption. This easy-to-make, soft, and spongy cake boasts an airy texture and a perfectly balanced sweetness that will win over any crowd, regardless of dietary needs.
🥘 Essential Ingredients for Your Spelt Flour Cake
Crafting this wholesome spelt cake requires a selection of simple yet powerful ingredients, each playing a crucial role in its delightful flavor and texture. We’ve chosen ingredients that contribute to both taste and digestive comfort, making this a truly guilt-free treat.
- Eggs: For this recipe, you’ll use whole eggs but separate them to maximize their unique properties. The egg whites, when beaten to stiff peaks, provide essential airy lift, contributing to the cake’s light and spongy texture. The yolks, on the other hand, bring a rich, fatty flavor and help bind the ingredients, adding moisture and a beautiful golden hue. Using room-temperature eggs can also help achieve a better emulsification and volume.
- Dextrose/Glucose: This key ingredient is a naturally occurring simple sugar, often derived from corn or wheat. It serves a vital purpose, especially for individuals with fructose malabsorption. Dextrose acts as a “fructose transporter” in the intestine, meaning that consuming this dessert after a fructose-containing meal can help the glucose bind to the fructose, leading to better absorption and significantly less digestive discomfort. It provides sweetness without the fructose overload.
- Vanilla Sugar: To infuse your spelt cake with a wonderfully aromatic flavor, we highly recommend using homemade Vanilla Sugar. Its subtle vanilla notes elevate the overall taste of the cake, adding a layer of warmth and sophistication. If homemade isn’t an option, a good quality vanilla extract can be used as a substitute, but adjust the amount carefully to avoid an overpowering flavor.
- Water: A simple yet crucial component, water helps to achieve the perfect consistency for the cake batter. It works with the other liquid ingredients to hydrate the spelt flour, creating a smooth, pourable batter that bakes evenly and results in a moist crumb.
- Spelt Flour: The true star of this recipe! Spelt is an ancient grain, a traditional form of whole wheat flour, renowned for its invitingly nutty and naturally sweet taste. It has a slightly different gluten structure compared to modern wheat, which some people find easier to digest. Baking with spelt flour results in a rich, hearty cake with a wonderfully unique flavor profile that is both nostalgic and deeply satisfying. Look for it in the baking aisle or alongside other alternative flours at your local grocery store. It’s often available in light (white) or whole spelt varieties; whole spelt will offer more fiber and a more pronounced nutty taste.
- Baking Powder: Essential for leavening, baking powder is a chemical agent that creates carbon dioxide bubbles when mixed with liquid and heated. This reaction is what gives the spelt cake its light, airy structure and prevents it from becoming dense. Ensure your baking powder is fresh for the best rise.
- Vegetable Oil: A neutral-flavored fat, vegetable oil is perfect for this sweet cake as it adds moisture without imparting any strong flavors that might compete with the spelt and vanilla. Options like canola, sunflower, or grapeseed oil work wonderfully, contributing to a tender crumb.
- Chocolate Sprinkles: While optional, chocolate sprinkles add a delightful decorative crunch and a burst of chocolatey flavor in every bite. They also provide a playful visual appeal, making the cake even more inviting. Feel free to use your favorite type, whether dark, milk, or colorful sprinkles.
See the recipe card below for precise quantities and detailed instructions.
🔪 Step-by-Step Baking Instructions
Creating this wholesome spelt bundt cake is a rewarding experience, and following these detailed steps will ensure a perfect result every time. Precision and gentle handling are key to achieving that desirable light and airy texture.
- Prepare the Eggs: Begin by carefully separating the eggs. Place the egg whites in one large, clean, and grease-free mixing bowl, and the yolks in another. Beat the egg whites with an electric mixer until they form stiff, glossy peaks. This means when you lift the whisk, the peaks stand firm without drooping. Set these aside carefully, as they will be folded into the batter later to provide lift.
- Combine Wet and Sweet Ingredients: In the bowl with the egg yolks, add the dextrose, vanilla sugar, and water. Beat this mixture with an electric mixer until it becomes light, pale, and notably foamy. This step incorporates air and dissolves the sugar, creating a smooth base for your batter.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Oil: Gradually add the dry ingredients – spelt flour and baking powder – to the egg yolk mixture, alternating with the vegetable oil. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten too much and result in a tough cake. The batter should be smooth but not overworked.
- Fold in Egg Whites and Sprinkles: Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the batter. Use a spatula and a light hand, lifting from the bottom of the bowl and folding over, to preserve as much of the air as possible. Once the whites are mostly incorporated, stir in three-quarters of the chocolate sprinkles. This ensures the sprinkles are evenly distributed throughout the cake, adding a delightful texture and flavor.
- Prepare the Pan and Layer the Batter: Thoroughly grease your bundt cake pan with baking spray or a thin layer of oil, ensuring all crevices are coated to prevent sticking. Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
- Add More Sprinkles and Remaining Batter: Sprinkle the remaining chocolate sprinkles over the first layer of batter in the pan. This creates a visually appealing and textured middle layer. Then, carefully pour the second half of the batter over the sprinkles, spreading it gently to cover.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to approximately 347 °F (175 °C) for top and bottom heat. Bake the cake for 60-70 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a wooden skewer or toothpick into the thickest part of the cake; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready. Remember, if you opt to use powdered sugar instead of dextrose (as detailed in the substitutions section), the baking time should be reduced to about 50 minutes.
- Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the cake to firm up before unmolding. Then, carefully invert the bundt cake onto the wire rack to cool completely. Once fully cooled, dust generously with powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation and a touch of extra sweetness. Slice and enjoy your delicious, wholesome spelt flour cake!
🍬 Smart Substitutions for Your Spelt Cake
While this spelt cake recipe is crafted for optimal flavor and health benefits, especially with dextrose, you might want to explore a few substitutions to suit your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some smart swaps:
- Dextrose for Powdered Sugar: Dextrose, while a healthy helper for fructose malabsorption, tends to result in a slightly denser cake compared to traditional sugars. If you prefer a fluffier, more airy cake and are not concerned with fructose content, you can substitute dextrose with an equal amount of powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar). Be aware that if you make this change, the baking time should be reduced to approximately 50 minutes, as powdered sugar might cause the cake to brown faster and cook quicker.
- Spelt Flour Alternatives: If spelt flour is unavailable, you can use whole wheat pastry flour for a similar wholesome texture, or even a mix of all-purpose and whole wheat flour (e.g., 50/50 ratio) for a lighter crumb while retaining some of the nutty flavor. Keep in mind that the unique taste and texture of spelt are what make this cake special, so any substitution will alter the final result.
- Vanilla Sugar for Vanilla Extract: If you don’t have vanilla sugar, you can simply use regular granulated sugar (if not using dextrose) and add 1-2 teaspoons of high-quality vanilla extract for the same delightful vanilla notes.
If you’re looking for other wholesome dessert options, be sure to check out these delicious and healthy gluten-free desserts for more inspiration!
🥜 Exciting Variations to Customize Your Spelt Cake
This spelt cake recipe is a fantastic base for customization. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make it truly your own! Here are some exciting variations to try:
- Fruity & Nutty Additions: Elevate the texture and flavor by mixing in dried fruits like cranberries, raisins, chopped dates, or apricots. For a satisfying crunch and added nutrition, consider adding chopped nuts such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the batter. A combination of both can be particularly delicious.
- Flavor-Infused Sugars: Beyond vanilla, experiment with other flavor-infused sugars. Lavender sugar can add a delicate floral note, while cinnamon sugar will impart a warm, spicy aroma that’s perfect for autumn or winter. You can also make your own citrus sugar by rubbing orange or lemon zest into granulated sugar.
- Spice It Up: Introduce warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, or a touch of allspice to the dry ingredients for a deeper, more aromatic flavor profile.
- Citrus Zest: Grate some fresh lemon, orange, or lime zest into the batter to add a bright, fresh dimension that beautifully complements the nutty spelt flour.
- Glazes and Frostings: Instead of just powdered sugar, consider a simple lemon glaze (powdered sugar mixed with lemon juice) for a tangy finish, or a light cream cheese frosting for a richer treat.
- Different Pan Shapes: This recipe can also be baked in other forms. Try using a loaf pan for a spelt bread-like cake, or a muffin tin for individual spelt cupcakes. Adjust baking times accordingly – smaller cakes will cook faster.
🍽 Essential Equipment for Baking
Having the right tools makes the baking process smoother and more enjoyable. For this spelt flour cake, you’ll need a few standard kitchen items:
- Bundt Pan: A 10-12 cup bundt pan is ideal for this recipe, giving the cake its classic, elegant shape. Ensure it’s well-greased for easy release.
- Mixer: An electric hand mixer or a stand mixer is essential for beating the egg whites to stiff peaks and creaming the wet ingredients, ensuring a light and airy cake.
- Mixing Bowls: You’ll need at least two mixing bowls – one for the egg whites and one for the main batter – to keep the separation process clean and efficient.
- Wire Rack: Crucial for cooling the cake evenly after baking. Cooling on a wire rack prevents the bottom of the cake from becoming soggy.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements, which are vital for successful baking.
- Rubber Spatula: Perfect for gently folding in the egg whites and scraping down the sides of the bowls.
🌡 Storage Tips for Your Spelt Cake
To keep your delicious spelt flour cake fresh and moist for as long as possible, proper storage is key:
- Cool Completely: Always allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack before attempting to store it. Storing a warm cake will create condensation, leading to a soggy texture and potential spoilage.
- Airtight Container: Once cooled, cover the cake tightly in plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. This prevents it from drying out and absorbing other odors from your kitchen.
- Room Temperature: Store the cake in a cool, dark spot on your counter for up to three days. If your kitchen is particularly warm or humid, or if the cake has a perishable frosting, it’s best to refrigerate it.
- Refrigeration: If refrigerated, the cake will stay fresh for up to 5-7 days. Bring it to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
- Freezing: For longer storage, slices or the whole cake (without powdered sugar or a delicate glaze) can be tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, and frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
- Enjoy the Leftovers: Leftover slices are wonderful served cool or gently warmed in the microwave. They pair perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea, making for a delightful breakfast or afternoon treat.
🌟 The Health Benefits of Baking with Spelt Flour
Spelt flour is more than just a tasty alternative to conventional wheat; it brings a host of nutritional benefits to your baking. As an ancient grain, spelt has largely maintained its original genetic makeup, unlike modern wheat which has been heavily hybridized. This means it often contains a more diverse range of nutrients and a different gluten structure that some individuals find easier to digest, even though it is not gluten-free.
One of the primary advantages of spelt flour is its rich nutritional profile. It’s an excellent source of dietary fiber, which is crucial for digestive health, helping to regulate blood sugar levels and promote a feeling of fullness. This can be particularly beneficial for managing weight and maintaining stable energy throughout the day. Beyond fiber, spelt is packed with essential minerals such as magnesium, iron, zinc, and selenium. Magnesium plays a vital role in muscle and nerve function, while iron is key for oxygen transport in the blood. Zinc supports immune function, and selenium acts as a powerful antioxidant.
Furthermore, spelt flour provides a good amount of protein, making it a more substantial and satisfying choice than refined white flour. Its unique flavor, often described as nutty and subtly sweet, also allows for reducing the amount of added sugar in recipes, further enhancing the health aspect of your baked goods. By choosing spelt, you’re not just enjoying a delicious cake; you’re also incorporating a nutrient-dense ingredient that contributes positively to your overall well-being. It’s a smart choice for anyone looking to bake healthier without compromising on flavor or texture.
🙋🏻 FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Spelt Cake
Dextrose is a simple sugar, chemically identical to glucose, which is the primary sugar our bodies use for energy. It’s commonly found in plants, particularly corn and wheat. Its unique benefit in this recipe, especially for those with fructose malabsorption, is its ability to facilitate the absorption of fructose in the intestine. This means it helps the body process fructose more comfortably, making this spelt cake a more tummy-friendly dessert option for many.
Spelt is an ancient grain that offers a richer, heartier, and more complex flavor profile compared to modern wheat. Its invitingly nutty and naturally sweet taste creates a cake that is deeply satisfying and often described as having a comforting, nostalgic quality. Beyond its superior flavor, spelt contains more protein and fiber than all-purpose flour, along with essential minerals like magnesium and iron. Some people also find its unique gluten structure easier to digest, making it a wonderful choice for a wholesome and flavorful baked good.
No, spelt flour is not gluten-free. It is a type of wheat and contains gluten, though its gluten structure is often different from modern common wheat. Many individuals with gluten sensitivities (but not Celiac disease) report being able to tolerate spelt better than modern wheat. However, if you have Celiac disease or a severe gluten allergy, spelt flour is not a suitable substitute for gluten-free flours.
For most baking, including this cake, either light (or white) spelt flour or whole spelt flour can be used. Whole spelt flour retains all parts of the grain, offering more fiber, nutrients, and a stronger, nuttier flavor. Light spelt flour has the bran and germ removed, resulting in a finer texture and milder taste, similar to all-purpose flour but with spelt’s distinct characteristics. For a wholesome, hearty cake, whole spelt is excellent. For a lighter, more delicate crumb, light spelt might be preferred. Both work well in this recipe.
We hope you thoroughly enjoy baking and savoring this wholesome spelt flour cake! If you make this recipe, we’d love to hear how you liked it by giving it a ★★★★★ star rating and leaving a comment below. Your feedback is invaluable to us! You can also sign up for our Newsletter or follow me on Pinterest or Instagram and share your delightful creation with me. Just tag me @combinegoodflavors and hashtag #combinegoodflavors, so I don’t miss it. Happy baking!
📖 Recipe: Wholesome Spelt Bundt Cake
Wholesome Spelt Bundt Cake
Nora
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Equipment
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Bundt Pan
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Hand mixer or Stand mixer
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Mixing bowl
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Cooling Rack
Ingredients
- 4 eggs
- 1 ¼ cup Dextrose can be replaced with powdered sugar
- ¾ tablespoon Vanilla sugar
- ½ cup Water
- 1 ¾ cup Spelt flour
- ¾ tablespoon Baking powder
- ½ cup Vegetable oil
- ½ cup Chocolate sprinkles
Instructions
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Separate 4 eggs.4 eggs
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Beat the egg whites in a bowl until stiff and set aside.
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In a second bowl, beat the egg yolk with 1 ¼ cup Dextrose, ¾ tablespoon Vanilla sugar, and ½ cup Water until foamy.1 ¼ cup Dextrose, ¾ tablespoon Vanilla sugar, ½ cup Water
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Then add 1 ¾ cup Spelt flour, ¾ tablespoon Baking powder, and ½ cup Vegetable oil alternately.1 ¾ cup Spelt flour, ¾ tablespoon Baking powder, ½ cup Vegetable oil
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Finally, fold in the beaten egg whites and stir in ¾ of the ½ cup Chocolate sprinkles.½ cup Chocolate sprinkles
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Grease the cake pan with baking spray or oil and pour half the batter.
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Sprinkle the remaining chocolate sprinkles on top, and then empty the second half of the batter over the top.
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Bake in the oven at approx. 347 °F / 175 °C top and bottom heat for 60-70 minutes. The baking time is reduced to 50 minutes if you use powdered sugar.
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After baking, allow the Bundt cake to cool and then turn it out onto a cooling rack.
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Sprinkle with powdered sugar and enjoy.
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
⛑️ Food Safety Guidelines for Home Baking
Ensuring food safety is paramount when baking at home. Following these guidelines will help prevent foodborne illnesses and keep your kitchen a safe environment:
- Temperature Control: Always cook foods, especially those containing eggs, to a minimum internal temperature of 165 °F (74 °C). While cakes are usually baked well above this, it’s a good general rule.
- Prevent Cross-Contamination: Do not use the same utensils or cutting boards on cooked food that previously touched raw ingredients like eggs, unless they have been thoroughly washed and sanitized.
- Hand Washing: Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds after handling raw ingredients, especially eggs, and before handling cooked food or serving.
- Avoid Extended Room Temperature Exposure: Do not leave perishable ingredients or cooked food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods (generally no more than two hours). This provides an ideal environment for bacteria to multiply.
- Never Leave Cooking Food Unattended: Stay in the kitchen when food is on the stove or in the oven, especially during active cooking or baking. This prevents accidents like burning or overcooking.
- Use Appropriate Oils: When using oils for baking or greasing pans, choose those with a high smoking point to avoid the formation of harmful compounds, especially if high temperatures are involved. Vegetable oil is a good choice for this recipe.
- Ensure Good Ventilation: Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove or oven to prevent the buildup of harmful fumes.
For further comprehensive information on safe food handling practices, please refer to reliable sources like the Safe Food Handling – FDA website.