Friday, 14 June 2013

Healthy Watermelon "Cake"

I was at work a while ago and I was asked to come up with a vegan and gluten free dessert for some clients that were attending a banquet. I came up with this simple and delicious Watermelon "cake". It is only 4 ingredients! It is easy to make, and it is a great alternative to cake if you're trying to live a healthy lifestyle. Even if you aren't vegan or gluten free, you must try this recipe. I had to make three of these cakes for the banquet at work. There were leftovers and I couldn't help but keep eating this "cake". It was light. refreshing, and I even felt like I was treating myself.

You can have your "cake" and eat it too with this healthy alternative. The great thing about this cake is that it has so many health benefits, vitamins, and nutrients! Coconut contains lauric acid which is great for your skin, and prevents wrinkles. It also has antibacterial properties which fights infection, and is good for your bones.  Watermelon is a nutrient packed all star! Once you add up all the nutrients that this fruit is packed with, you might want to start eating it more often. It is high in vitamin B6, vitamin C, magnesium, and vitamin A. Vitamin A is excellent for your vision, and Vitamin C aids in keeping the immune system strong.  This "cake" would be a great dessert to bring to a family barbecue or gathering with friends. Your friends and family will be surprised by the creativity and the health benefits of this cake! The clients that i made this for were very pleased. You might never even think about "real" cake after you've had this!

Recipe
1 Watermelon (For the cake part)
2 packages coconut cream (For the icing)
Agave Syrup or Honey or icing sugar ( I used Agave syrup because it is vegan and the clients I made this for were looking for a healthy alternative)
2 packages sliced Almonds (If you're allergic to almonds, or nuts, you can use shredded coconut also)

Method
1. Peel watermelon. I have included a video on how to properly do this. Instead of dicing the melon like shown in the video, slice into rounds width wise.  I chose the three nicest round pieces for the cakes. You can set aside the leftover watermelon for snacks.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jwHIXpTQbIM

2. Once you have your rounds cut out, place paper towel on top, or dab with a clean kitchen towel to remove excess water. (This will help the icing stay in tact)
3. Place the coconut cream and a couple tbsp of Agave syrup into your mixer, or use your hand blender to whip. Whip only about 1-2 minutes until pliable. Over whipping will cause the "icing to be too runny" (If you'd like your icing to be sweeter you can add a little more agave syrup)
4, Start assembling your watermelon cake as you would a regular cake
5. Once you get to masking the outside of your cake,  it helps to put your "cake" in the freezer between each outer layer of icing, to help set the icing. Once the icing hardens in the freezer, it is much easier to mask the outside with the next layer of "icing"
6. Once you're finished icing your cake, take a handful of sliced almonds and cover the outside of your cake with almonds
7. You can use additional fruits such as blueberries and strawberries to garnish the top of the cake

-Alexandra