Tahini Cake with Purple Frosting

This Tahini Cake with Purple Frosting is a delightful, healthier dessert option, made with wholesome ingredients like applesauce, tahini, and coconut sugar. Topped with a creamy, naturally purple frosting made from coconut milk and black goji berry powder, this cake is not only visually striking but also rich in flavor. Whether served for a special occasion or as a sweet treat, it’s a simple yet elegant dessert that everyone will enjoy.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

For the Cake

  • 3/4 cup (180g) unsweetened applesauce

  • 3/4 cup (180g) tahini*

  • 1/2 cup (70g) coconut sugar

  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice

  • 1/4 cup (30g) coconut flour

  • 1/4 cup (30g) tapioca starch

  • 1 tsp baking soda

  • 1 tsp cinnamon

  • 1/4 tsp salt

For the Purple Frosting

  • 1 15-oz can full-fat coconut milk, chilled

  • 1 tsp black goji berry powder** (or blueberry juice)

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF (175ºC).

  2. In a bowl, whisk together the applesauce, tahini, coconut sugar, and apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice).

  3. Add the baking soda, coconut flour, tapioca starch, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until well combined.

  4. Transfer the batter to a greased baking dish (a 9×6″ ceramic dish or a loaf pan would work).

  5. Bake for 30-35 minutes at 350ºF until the cake is firm and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

  6. Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely before frosting (it’s also delicious without frosting!).

  7. For the frosting: Scoop out the solid cream from the top of the chilled coconut milk can. Whip with a hand mixer until smooth and fluffy.

  8. Add the black goji berry powder (or blueberry juice) and mix until the desired purple color is achieved.

  9. Spread the frosting over the cooled cake and top with berries. Slice and enjoy!

Notes

  • *If you don’t like the taste of tahini, you can substitute it with any nut or seed butter of your choice.

  • **If you don’t have black goji berry powder, you can defrost about 1/2 cup of frozen blueberries, squeeze out the juice, and use that for the purple color. You may also add 1-2 tbsp of sweetener to the frosting, but it’s great as is.

Nutrients

  • Calories: 307 kcal

  • Sugar: 14g

  • Fat: 21g

  • Saturated Fat: 11g

  • Carbohydrates: 27g

  • Fiber: 4g

  • Protein: 6g

Why Tahini?

Tahini, the sesame seed paste used in this cake, is not only a delicious ingredient but also a healthful one. Packed with healthy fats, protein, and essential minerals like calcium, iron, and magnesium, tahini is a powerhouse ingredient. It brings a creamy texture to the cake while providing a rich, nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of applesauce and coconut sugar.

The use of tahini also adds a depth of flavor that sets this cake apart from others that rely on more common cake bases. It balances the sweetness of the applesauce and coconut sugar, making the cake moist and tender while imparting a unique taste. The tahini’s richness works in harmony with the natural sweetness of the other ingredients, providing a dessert that is both satisfying and nutritious.

The Health Benefits of Coconut Sugar and Applesauce

One of the key elements of this Tahini Cake is its use of coconut sugar, which is a natural sweetener derived from the sap of coconut trees. Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index than regular sugar, meaning it doesn’t cause a sharp spike in blood sugar levels. This makes it a healthier alternative for those who are mindful of their sugar intake. Additionally, coconut sugar retains some of the nutrients found in the coconut sap, including minerals like iron, zinc, calcium, and potassium.

Applesauce is another wholesome ingredient that contributes both flavor and moisture to the cake. It acts as a natural sweetener, providing sweetness without the need for refined sugars. Applesauce also helps to create a tender, moist texture in the cake, ensuring that it stays soft and delicious even after it cools. By using applesauce as a substitute for oils or butter in the batter, this cake remains lower in fat while still maintaining its richness and flavor.

The Role of Coconut Flour and Tapioca Starch

In this recipe, coconut flour and tapioca starch are used to create the base of the cake. Coconut flour is a gluten-free flour made from dried coconut meat, and it has a naturally absorbent quality that makes it a perfect choice for gluten-free baking. This flour adds a subtle coconut flavor to the cake and provides structure and moisture.

Tapioca starch, on the other hand, is often used in gluten-free baking to help improve the texture of the finished product. It provides a chewy, slightly elastic texture, which is ideal for cakes like this one. The combination of coconut flour and tapioca starch results in a cake that is soft and light yet has a satisfying bite. Together, these ingredients work to give the cake its perfect consistency while keeping it gluten-free and suitable for those with dietary restrictions.

Creating the Purple Frosting

The unique purple frosting on this cake is what truly sets it apart from other desserts. Made from full-fat coconut milk and black goji berry powder, the frosting is both creamy and vibrant. Coconut milk is used to create a rich, thick base for the frosting. When chilled, the coconut milk solidifies, making it easy to whip into a fluffy, creamy consistency. The natural fats in coconut milk help to create a smooth texture that pairs beautifully with the moistness of the cake.

The addition of black goji berry powder (or blueberry juice) gives the frosting its striking purple color. Not only does this add a visually appealing element to the cake, but black goji berries and blueberries are also packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. They bring a subtle fruity flavor to the frosting, which complements the rich tahini cake underneath. The result is a gorgeous, nutrient-dense frosting that not only looks stunning but also tastes amazing.

A Healthier Dessert Option

While many traditional cakes are laden with refined sugars and heavy fats, this Tahini Cake with Purple Frosting offers a healthier alternative. The ingredients are carefully chosen to provide a balanced, nutritious dessert that still feels indulgent. With the use of tahini, coconut sugar, and applesauce, this cake provides healthy fats, fiber, and natural sweetness without relying on processed ingredients.

The frosting, made from coconut milk and black goji berry powder, adds an extra layer of nutrition. It’s a great way to enjoy a sweet treat while still getting some beneficial nutrients, such as antioxidants and healthy fats. Whether you’re looking for a dessert that’s gluten-free, lower in sugar, or just want to enjoy something a bit healthier, this cake is a great choice.

Perfect for Special Occasions

Not only is this cake a healthier option, but it also makes a striking dessert for special occasions. The vibrant purple frosting and the rich, nutty flavor of the cake create a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a gathering, or simply looking for a show-stopping dessert, this Tahini Cake with Purple Frosting is sure to impress. Its unique flavor and appearance make it a standout at any table.

If you’re looking to customize the cake for different occasions, the purple frosting can also be adjusted in color and flavor by using different fruit powders or juices. For example, if you want a more tropical twist, you could add mango or passion fruit puree to the frosting, changing both the color and flavor profile. This flexibility allows you to make the cake your own while still keeping it as healthy and delicious as the original recipe.

A Simple Yet Elegant Dessert

Despite its elegant appearance and healthful ingredients, this Tahini Cake with Purple Frosting is incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple steps, you can create a beautiful and flavorful cake that everyone will love. The use of wholesome ingredients like tahini, coconut sugar, and applesauce ensures that this cake is not only delicious but also nourishing. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, you’ll find that this recipe is straightforward and approachable.

The combination of the tender tahini cake and the creamy, purple frosting creates a dessert that’s both light and satisfying. It’s perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight treats to more formal gatherings. And with its vibrant color and unique flavor profile, it’s a cake that’s sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

Conclusion

Tahini Cake with Purple Frosting is the perfect dessert for those looking to indulge in something both delicious and nutritious. The rich, nutty flavor of tahini pairs beautifully with the sweetness of applesauce and coconut sugar, creating a moist and flavorful cake that everyone will enjoy. The vibrant purple frosting, made from coconut milk and black goji berry powder, adds a visually stunning touch while offering an antioxidant-packed boost. This dessert is not only gluten-free and refined sugar-free, but it also provides a healthier alternative to traditional cakes without sacrificing flavor or elegance. Whether you’re serving it at a special occasion or enjoying it as a treat, this cake is sure to impress and satisfy every time.

Leave a Comment