Old World Italian Water Cake

No eggs, butter, or milk required! This kidney-friendly and completely vegan recipe will surprise you with its delicate crumb and decadent flavor. It can take on many different personalities. Just change up some of the ingredients and add fresh fruit or fresh fruit juice instead of water. This recipe includes the juice and zest of a lemon for a light and fresh zing! A cocoa powder option will quench your craving for chocolate.

12 servings  INGREDIENTS (LEMON)

1¼ cups water

1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil or other mild oil

1 teaspoon vanilla extract or paste

2½ cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 cup sugar

2 large lemons (for zest and for juice)   

¼ cup freshly-squeezed lemon juice

Zest from one lemon

¼ cup powdered sugar (optional)

12 servings INGREDIENTS (CHOCOLATE)

1½ cups water

1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil or other mild oil

1 teaspoon vanilla extract or paste

2½ cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 cup sugar

4 tablespoons cocoa powder

¼ cup powdered sugar (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. Mix oil, water, vanilla (and lemon juice/zest if using) in a small bowl, then set it aside until needed.

3. In a large bowl, sift the flour together with the baking powder, and mix well with a whisk.

4. Add the sugar (and cocoa powder if using) to the dry ingredients and mix well.

5. Slowly pour the oil and water mixture into the dry ingredients, and gently mix with a whisk until combined and free of lumps.

6. Spray a 7-inch springform cake pan or Bundt cake pan with baking oil.

7. Pour in the cake batter and use a spatula to make the top even.

8. Place on middle rack of oven and bake for about 45 minutes.

9. Remove from oven and allow cake to cool completely. Turn pan upside down to gently remove the cooled cake from the pan.

10. Optional: Dust the top with powdered sugar before serving.

Tips: If you use self-rising flour you can omit the baking powder.

Insert a toothpick in the middle of the cake. If it comes out dry, your cake is done, otherwise continue to bake for 5 minutes more, then check again.

 

Approximate analysis per serving:
Lemon, includes powdered sugar 

Calories: 162 
Sodium: 53 mg
Protein: 2.74 g 
Potassium: 123 mg
Fat: 2.83 g 
Calcium: 43 mg
Carbohydrates: 31.25 g
Phosphorus: 87 mg
Fiber: 31.75 g  
Cholesterol: .7 mg

Approximate analysis per serving: Chocolate, includes powdered sugar 

Calories: 164 
Sodium: 54 mg
Protein: 3.04 g 
Potassium: 160 mg
Fat: 3.05 g 
Calcium: 45 mg
Carbohydrates: 13.13 g  Phosphorus: 99 mg
Fiber: 31.75 g  
Cholesterol: 2 mg

 

Web ID: 4057-4