Sweets: Cran-Apple Quinoa Cake

I recently joined FoodBuzz and am now connected to tons of great people with fantastic food blogs of their own. I found a recipe for Apple Quinoa Cake and just had to try it. My husband and I love quinoa in savory dishes but have never tried it in something sweet. I didn't have all the ingredients on hand, so this is my adaptation. I love the texture. It's very hearty. Something similar to a dense banana bread. Enjoy!

Adapted from Anjas Food 4 Thought




Cran-Apple Quinoa Cake
(makes 8 servings)
(roughly 160 calories per serving)

1/4 cup all purpose flour

1/2 cup whole wheat flour

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp ground ginger

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp salt

1 apple, cored, grated, skin-on (about 1 cup)

1/4 cup sugar

1/4 cup low fat greek yogurt (2% Chobani or any other brand)

1 cup cooked quinoa

1 tsp vanilla extract

3 tbsp flax seeds

1/4 cup craisins

1/2 package maple instant oats (1/4 cup)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F

1. Combine dry ingredients in large bowl - flours, baking powder, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, and salt. Mix and set aside. 

2. Core and grate the apple. You can use a food processor to grind it up. It should amount to 1 cup.

3. Add grated apple, sugar, greek yogurt, egg white, quinoa, and vanilla extract to a separate bowl. Mix well. 

4. Slowly add dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Mix well. Stir in flax seeds and craisins.

5. Pour mixture into a greased (use cooking spray) loaf pan (9" x 5"). Spread evenly.

6. Sprinkle the maple instant oatmeal on top. If you don't have instant oatmeal around, use a mixture of rolled oats, 1 tsp sugar, and a dash of cinnamon. 

7. Bake 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.

8. Allow to cool completely. Slice.... Enjoy!!