Healthy First Birthday Cake

 

When little SuperBoy hit the big 1 and we knew we’d have an intimate close friend/family BBQ, I began my search for a healthy first birthday cake recipe for him. As he hasn’t had any sugar or white flour to date, why start now? It took a little digging around on the internet, but I found this great site and followed its recipe with some modifications.  Wholesome Baby Food Momtastic.

1) Recipe.

a. 3 medium sized carrots, peeled and sliced or 2 1/2 cups of any size carrot sliced

b. 1 + 1/2 cup organic apple juice concentrate

— put in a small pot together over the stove and bring to a boil for 15 minutes or until carrots appear to be softened, then puree in Vitamix or with hand blender or in blender of whatever sort. We love our Vitamix! Keep aside.

Blend in a medium bowl: 

c. 1/2 cup veggie oil

d. 2 farmer fresh eggs

e. 1 teaspoon vanilla (I love vanilla so I always add a little more)

f. 3/4 cup applesauce (had to pull this out of the freezer as I made applesauce over the winter)

In a separate bowl mix together:

g. 2 cups whole wheat flour

h. 1/2 cup wheat germ (which I have handy because we add it to James’ food on a regular basis)

i. 2 Tablespoons baking powder (not soda, mind you)

j. 1 Tablespoon of cinnamon

Now add the wet and dry mixes together, and fold in the carrot puree.

Beat with a hand held blender using your whisk attachment (or be tough and actually use your arms):

k. 4 egg whites until soft peaks form

Fold this last ingredient into your mix, just until mixed. Don’t over beat it. The purpose of the egg whites is to give volume and lift to your dough. If you stir it in aggressively, you’ve just defeated that purpose.

Place in desired baking containers, cupcake holders, 2 round cake pans, 1 rectangular one, whatever, and bake for 35 minutes at 350 degrees.

Frosting:

Blend for about 5-10 minutes until no lumps:

a. 8 ounces organic cream cheese

b. 1/2 cup organic apple juice concentrate

c. 2 teaspoon vanilla (plus an extra splash)

 Can refrigerate until ready to use to get it to firm up a bit.

2) Enjoy!

SuperBoy engulfed his though the rest of the party generally enjoyed the Alice Waters 1-2-3-4 white cake I made with homemade strawberry cream frosting. I made myself eat some of his cake to counterbalance the processed flour and sugar I was about to imbibe. It wasn’t sweet, but not too bad despite this. I’m glad we are sticking to a healthy diet for him. Why not develop those taste buds the right way?