Courgette and Carrot Loaf Cake
Loaf cakes are easy to prepare and are extremely versatile. Good for packed lunches, picnics, a coffee morning or afternoon tea. The vegetables in this dairy free recipe give a moist and rich cake without being too sweet. The delicate flecks of courgette and carrot look pretty, and with the crunchy walnuts this creates a delicious treat.
2 large eggs
125ml sunflower oil plus a little for greasing the loaf tin
85g soft brown sugar
175g grated courgette
175g grated carrot
1 teaspoon vanilla essence
300g plain flour
2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon grated nutmeg
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
65g chopped walnuts
140g sultanas
Preheat the oven to 180C/160C fan/Gas Mark 4. Oil and line a 2lb loaf tin with baking parchment.
In a large mixing bowl whisk the eggs, oil and sugar and then add the courgettes, carrots and vanilla mixing all the ingredients together thoroughly.
Add the walnuts and the sultanas.
In a second bowl sieve the remaining dry ingredients together and then add these to the courgette and carrot mixture.
Pour into the loaf tin and carefully level the mixture with a knife. Bake for approximately 50 – 60 minutes until a skewer inserted in the centre comes out clean.
Leave to cool before removing from the tin. Either serve, store in an airtight tin r freeze for up to one month.
Courgettes are a good source of fibre and many essential minerals and vitamins.
Carrots are one of the richest sources of beta carotene, which is converted by the body to vitamin A. They are a good source of vitamins C and E. This high antioxidant status gives carrots an important role in preventing oxidative damage in the brain. Carrots also support good detoxification and immune function.
Eggs are a complete protein. They are an energy producing food and support many other body systems.
Walnuts are a good source of protective Vitamin E and selenium. Also high in protein and the bone building minerals, calcium and magnesium
Cinnamon supports good digestion and is known for its healing properties