Apple & Carrot Gluten Free Breakfast Cake: VitaMixed

March 17, 2010 { }

I struggled with the price of my VitaMix for months before I actually bought it. Rationally, I couldn’t justify a blender that was more than my KitchenAid Stand Mixer.

Joe told me to buy it. Ruminating for months about a purchase isn’t in his DNA. Laser-focused decisions based on cost verses energy is how he operates. Time is money. Cliche, yes, but true for him.

Buying the VitaMix

One fateful day, we were at Costco and The VitaMix Man happened to be there effortlessly whipping up sugar-free smoothies and frozen treats. My husband, ignoring the stress in my eyes, told Mr. VitaMix to put everything he was selling in our cart.

Being me, thoughts of an unused grain attachment and the ‘luxury’ smaller blending attachment swirled through my brain until we got to the checkout. Why I thought they’d go unused, I don’t know.

My entire kitchen flashed before my eyes – 2 KitchenAid Stand Mixers, a 6 quart and a 5 quart, a Cuisinart food processor, mini-food chopper, and immersion blender with various attachments, a handmixer that’s begging to be replaced, two sets of knives, two sets of pots and pans, one stainless and one non-stick, an assortment of cast iron skillets, griddles, and dutch ovens.

An electric skillet, various convenience gadgets including silpats, juicers, and enough bakeware to feed a small army. Yes, an assortment there too – glass, stoneware, non-stick, and both light colored and dark colored metals. Let’s not forget my yogurt maker, two ice cream maker attachments and, yes, a Magic Bullet that sits in the bottom of our garage storage cabinet patiently waiting to make chicken paste.

At the last minute I insisted that Joe leave the attachments behind until I was convinced that the VitaMix was going to be an integral part of my life.

A Love Affair

I’ve never been ashamed to admit that there is a special place in my heart for my kitchen tools, and especially my VitaMix. Maybe the way some people love their big screen tv, or the way others adore their Gucci bags. If given the choice between a beautiful Louis Vitton and a brand new VitaMix, I’d take the VitaMix.

Why?

Because I can make this.

Yes, you really just put the apple and carrot into the blender, whirl it around and in less than a minute you have low-fat cake batter packed with whole foods. No grating. No dicing. No food mill. Just yummy, slightly sweet, nutrition packed goodness.

Like I said – slightly sweet. If you like your breakfast cakes sweeter, add a little more palm sugar or 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon of clear liquid stevia.

Long Term Moistness

If you read Celiac Family, you know that Heather’s litmus test for a good gluten-free baked good is that it stays moist and crumble-free when sitting out on the counter. This passes with flying colors. I left it on the counter for 5 days – that’s how long it took us to eat it. It was just as good on day 5 as it was on day 1.

Other Vita-Mix Friendly Recipes

Reminder

I’m hosting Go Ahead Honey, It’s Gluten-Free this month. Send your ‘Guiltless Pleasures’ to amy2804 at gmail dot com me by March 26th.

Print friendly recipe
Apple and Carrot Breakfast Cake
serves 6 – 9
adapted from The VitaMix Cookbook

2 cups sorghum flour
1/2 cup palm sugar
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum
3/4 cup egg white substitute or 6 egg whites or 3 eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 apples, quartered (leave the peels on)
1 cup of carrots, peeled and chopped (about 3 medium carrots)

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Prepare an 8×8 baking pan with cooking spray.

Whisk together sorhgum flour, palm sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and xanthan gum until evenly combined.

Place egg whites, vanilla, apples, and carrots into the VitaMix. Start on low and quickly increase to Variable 10 while using the tamper to push the apples and carrots into the blades. Switch to High and blend for 20-3o seconds until thoroughly mixed. It will be thick.

Fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients by hand. Pour into prepared pan and bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick tests clean.

Top with freshly whipped cream, homemade yogurt, or cream cheese frosting.

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Comments

38 Responses to “Apple & Carrot Gluten Free Breakfast Cake: VitaMixed”

Ari@ The Frugally Rich Life
March 18th, 2010 @ 1:36 am

Amy! That looks absolutely delicious! I want to try this (at least some version of it!) soon! I’ve been dying for something different for breakfast but a little sweet and this looks perfect….looks like I’ll have to make a few adjustments though as I don’t yet have a Vita-mix although I’d love one! (Hey, I’d like a kitchen aid too) but anyways, as I try to do in my life and my blog, I’ll be frugal -ling it as much as I can. Perhaps someday I’ll be able to save up enough for one or both….which is better?

[Reply]
Ari@ The Frugally Rich Life Reply:
March 18th, 2010 at 1:39 am
@Ari@ The Frugally Rich Life, One other question: Why the egg white substitute lately? Is that just the pasterized egg whites? And to keep the fat content down or ? ? Just wondering? And if I could sub whole eggs and or some eggs and liquids instead? Thanks!

[Reply]
Katrina (gluten free gidget)
March 18th, 2010 @ 6:16 am

I’m going to ask for a Vitamix for my b-day. Your photos and recipes always look so amazingly mouthwatering. How do you do it?!

[Reply]
Iris
March 18th, 2010 @ 6:35 am

That looks so moist!

Someday…someday I’ll get a vitamix. I’m thinking maybe for Christmas. Ahem…Santa, are you listening?

[Reply]
Cathy
March 18th, 2010 @ 6:43 am

I’m interested in a vitamix also but when I look on the web there seem to be several choices. Which model did you go with? Is the most economical one still a good choice or do you think it’s best to splurge?
Thanks!

[Reply]
Amy Reply:
March 18th, 2010 at 8:15 am
@Cathy, I got the 5200 without the grain attachment and the smaller blender container but I’ve decided that I want the smaller container. I was confused by all the options, too. Please feel free to e-mail me any questions you have. I also can get you free shipping with my affiliate code if you decide to buy one.

[Reply]
kellyc Reply:
March 18th, 2010 at 8:27 am
@Cathy, I just bought the 5200 super (if you are wanting to grind grains that comes with the separate dry container and blade)

[Reply]
Diane-The W.H.O.L.E. Gang
March 18th, 2010 @ 6:54 am

I finally ordered a VitaMix after also waiting years. I can’t wait to get it. We’ll have to make this cake. It looks and sounds delicious. I searched around and read up what many chefs were saying about the VitaMix. The Professional series with the variable speed was the clear favorite. I am waiting on the newest one with 3 additional buttons and one of those is soup. It’s like waiting for Christmas. Ever time the UPS man drives down the street I run to the door. How silly am I.

[Reply]
Sandy
March 18th, 2010 @ 7:03 am

What is egg white substitute? I can’t eat eggs at all. Or perhaps just the usual egg substitute would work?

[Reply]
Amy Reply:
March 18th, 2010 at 7:46 am
@Sandy, It’s just egg whites that come already separated.

[Reply]
kellyc
March 18th, 2010 @ 7:08 am

We just got a vitamix 2 weeks ago! So far I have only done a couple of smoothies and some frozen yogurt. Yesterday I finally attempted some brown rice flour. Not sure if I got is as fine as I wanted. (I am going for the extra fine)Do you have any tips for grinding gf flours? I am all ears. I’ll have to try that cake looks yummy! Thanks, Kelly

[Reply]
gfe--gluten free easily
March 18th, 2010 @ 7:25 am

This cake certainly sounds and looks delicious! Love the idea of taking apples and carrots and with no fanfare, ending up with this. I’ve actually been thinking about a Vita-Mix, too. The folks in our group who have them love them. Others say a BlendTech is as good for most things, less expensive, and takes up less room. I’m still debating … And, as I’ve said before, we’re on the same wavelength. I have absolutely no interest in big screen tvs or Gucci bags either, but I do like a few really good products in the kitchen. Of course, some of the things I use were purchased for $1 back when I was in college. I still use them and love them. LOL

Shirley

[Reply]
Ricki
March 18th, 2010 @ 7:32 am

I was sure I’d commented on this–if this is a duplicate, sorry! The cake looks phenomenal. Perfect for breakfast! I’m glad it uses the VitaMix, too–I enjoy having mine, but am not head over heels as you seem to be. I hate that so much of the batter (or whatever you make) stick to the container and you can’t get it out! Seems so wasteful. . . my old blender had a screw-off bottom that you could push excess stuff out of. Ah, well. I think a piece of this cake would definitely make up for it.

[Reply]
Amy Reply:
March 18th, 2010 at 7:45 am
@Ricki, I understand what you mean about waste but I have found that a thin rubber spatula greatly reduces the amount left in the container.

Funny that you liked the screw off bottom – I found it to be a royal pain. It seemed to not seal correctly and would often leak. The cookware industry must love that we’re all so particular and will buy exactly what works for us.

[Reply]
Ricki Reply:
March 18th, 2010 at 2:51 pm
Thanks for the suggestion–maybe my spatulas aren’t thin enough (just like me–ha ha!)

You’re right, though–never thought that we keep those companies going with our individual quirks about these things.

Ricki

[Reply]
Amy Reply:
March 19th, 2010 at 7:58 am
@Ricki, Truth be told the I like the leftover part in the blender because I can eat the batter. Shameful, I know, but I was a chunky little kid and my mom never let me lick the spatula. It always went into the sink and was covered with soapy water immediately.

So, today, after my cake goes in the oven I lick the spatula.

kellyc Reply:
March 19th, 2010 at 8:11 am
@Ricki, hah, Amy, I was chunky too, and I still lick the spatula (no more weight over here either!) and so do my kids. That is part of the fun. Moderation….=0)
Karen K
March 18th, 2010 @ 8:28 am

I have had my Vita Mix for years and have used it on & off but always loved it. Since being diagnosed Celiac though Ive dusted it off and make Green Smoothies every day. I love it and also will use it to make a very fine salad with Kale. I haven’t been to experimental but I love this cake idea and plan to try it. Congrats on your purchase.

[Reply]
Heather @CeliacFamily
March 18th, 2010 @ 9:17 am

The cake looks delicious. Wish I had a Vitamix to try it out. But then I would have to find a place to put it. I hate to take up more counter space. Maybe someday….

[Reply]
Amy Reply:
March 18th, 2010 at 1:51 pm
@Heather @CeliacFamily, I know!! I was going through my kitchen mentally this morning trying to figure out where to store the fabulously oversized cutting boards I bought yesterday. I love them because I have lots of space to work but am not sure I have a home for them yet.

[Reply]
Karen@Cook4Seasons
March 18th, 2010 @ 9:29 am

LOVE this post! First, I could not live without my VitaMix. I use it every day, most times more than once. (Have gotten so good at it, I might apply to be one of those demo people like you saw in Costco;-) Green smoothies, soups, nut milks…and now this. I’m always looking for moist breakfast goodies, and I think I’ll try making these into muffins. Will let you know – thanks, Amy!

[Reply]
Alta
March 18th, 2010 @ 1:29 pm

This sounds absolutely delightful. I am the same way with expensive purchases. I about had a heart attack purchasing the KitchenAid (which I love) and my camera (which I love even more). It’ll be a while before I get up the courage to get a Vitamix, but it’s on the wish list!

[Reply]
Jenn AKA The Leftover Queen
March 18th, 2010 @ 2:33 pm

Amy, I know just how you feel, and my husband sounds just like yours. He knows how much use my various kitchen tools get, and he loves to make my life as easy as he can. So he is very supportive of my kitchen tool obsession. I have to say my vitamix is the single most useful kitchen tool in my kitchen after my knives and cast iron pan. I use it daily, and it saves so much time and energy. I think it paid for itself in the first month!

[Reply]
gfe--gluten free easily
March 18th, 2010 @ 3:06 pm

I just wanted to add to the skinny spatula discussion. I’m not usually crazy over one particular product, but this long, skinny micro scraper designed for dressing, ketchup, etc. bottles is phenomenal for getting the last drop. It’s from Pampered Chef. Other companies probably have something similar. My MIL gave it to me one year when I asked for a skinny spatula. I’ve been amazed and happy using it ever since.

http://www.pamperedchef.com/our_products/catalog/product.jsp?productId=18907&categoryCode=KW

Note that I have no affiliation with Pampered Chef. (I have probably purchsed four things from them in my lifetime.)

Shirley

[Reply]
kellyc
March 18th, 2010 @ 4:28 pm

does anyone have any tips on grinding gf grains with a vitamix? I could really use the tips! kelly

[Reply]
Amy Reply:
March 19th, 2010 at 7:56 am
@kellyc, I didn’t buy the grain attachment because when the VitaMix man demoed it for me, he made brown rice flour that was the same consistency as what I buy at the store. I asked him if it could be ground finer and he said that’s about the best they can do. I really wanted something that would finely grind my grains.

If you figure out how to use the grain attachment, I’d love to know all about it.

[Reply]
kelly Reply:
June 22nd, 2010 at 9:09 am
@Amy, I just wanted to give an update on grinding grains. I have been using the grain attachment (container and blade) and following directions. (grind 2 cups for 60 seconds on variable 10). It grinds very nicely. I heard from another person that she grinds her grains twice. So I put mine in a gallon bag to cool in the fridge (while I am grinding other gf grains. I do a mass grain grinding every couple of weeks and make my bread mixes and other favorite mixes for the kids. Bottom line, I grind the grains twice (following same directions) and it works like a charm. Yup, nice fine grains. I am so glad I decided to get the grain container and blade. It was definitely worth the purchase. HTH, Kellyc

[Reply]
Amy Reply:
June 22nd, 2010 at 1:18 pm
@kelly, What a great idea – I’m so glad that it works well for you. And, I definitely appreciate you taking the time to come back and share what you’ve learned. Maybe I’ll have to get one soon. Hugs.
Rebecca
March 19th, 2010 @ 8:14 am

I don’t have a vitamix. Is there another way to make this recipe? It looks so yummy…

[Reply]
Amy Reply:
March 19th, 2010 at 8:35 am
@Rebecca, The only problem would be that the VitaMix literally chops the apple and carrot to the point where it’s so fine you can’t see it. You can try a regular blender or even try grating the apple and carrot but it won’t be the same cake.

If you find something else that works please come back and share it here. We’d love to learn from you.

[Reply]
Katie
March 19th, 2010 @ 9:12 pm

Amy, I am just like you! I would rather have a kitchen appliance any day over a hand bag! I LOVE LOVE my Vita mix! When we found out we had to go gluten free it was the first purchase I made second was a kitchen aid as I traded in my bosch since we used a lot of wheat products in it. And I no longer needed the big motor to knead all that wheat dough.

[Reply]
lucy g
March 24th, 2010 @ 1:58 am

hi, just wanted to say that i made an altered version of this recipe today and it turned out fabulously! i don’t have a vitamix so i used a food processor and finely ground the carrots and apple and then added the egg. other changes i made: replaced half of the sugar with erythritol, added some stevia and a bit of molasses, added a pinch of clove and about 1/2 tsp ginger powder, added about a tsp of olive oil, used 2 whole eggs and 1/4 C egg whites. i also added a handful of zante currants (basically tiny raisins) to the batter. topped with a greek yogurt frosting and it was SO GOOD! THANKYOU, this is the first baked good i have made with sorghum flour that i have found to be edible!

[Reply]
Amy Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 2:50 pm
@lucy g, I love sorghum flour and am so glad that you’re finding ways of using it that work for you. Your spin sounds fabulous – thanks so much for sharing your food processor method.

[Reply]
kahli
June 22nd, 2010 @ 8:41 am

i was looking for a recipe for my mom who is gluten free but she can and will eat sugar so if i was to add sugar to this recipe what would it replace and how much would i put in?

[Reply]
kahli Reply:
June 22nd, 2010 at 8:41 am
@kahli, nvm i got it

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Laura
June 23rd, 2010 @ 9:58 pm

These were delicious! My husband, 2 boys, and I have almost scarfed the whole thing down in a day! Thanks! I used 1/4 cup xylitol and 1/4 cup agave nectar.

[Reply]
Amy Reply:
June 24th, 2010 at 9:43 pm
@Laura, Thanks so much for letting me know. I used this recipe in a cooking class the other night and they loved it. And, I really appreciate that you shared your variation. Sounds delicious!

[Reply]
Laura
June 25th, 2010 @ 6:58 am

Amy – my question is – do you have any more Vitamixed recipes like this one! : )

[Reply]