This vegetarian cake is full of umami and makes a tempting treat to pair with your favorite bourbon cocktail or glass of pinot noir. Packed with oaty goodness, it’s also a perfect on-the-go meal replacement or hiking snack.
Yield: 14 servings
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon of dried)
- 12 ounces assorted mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tablespoons bourbon, cognac, or armagnac
- 4 garlic cloves, chopped
- Butter* at room temperature for buttering a loaf pan
- 3/4 cup Nana Joe’s Savory Granola** total: ¼ cup for pan, ½ cup for batter (substitute whole rolled oats)
- 3 large eggs*
- 1/2 cup whole milk plain yogurt*
- 1 teaspoon of soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour (or substitute 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour)
- 1/2 cup oat flour (make your own by grinding oatmeal in the blender or substitute an additional 1/4 cup whole wheat flour)
- 1 bunch green onions, chopped
- 1 cup (or up to 1 1/2 cups if you’re feeling extra cheesy) gruyère, comté, manchego, or other sharp, hard swiss-type cheese, diced into small 1/4“-1/2“ cubes*
- 1 cup pecans or walnuts, shelled, toasted, and coarsely chopped
- substitute plant-based butter, egg-replacer, yogurt, and cheese for a vegan version
** available online:
Nana Joes Granola - Gluten Free, Vegan & Handmade in San Francisco, CA
Method:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet. Add the onion and cook on low for 15 minutes, until softened.
- Add the thyme leaves and mushrooms, stir and continue to cook on medium/low for another 10 minutes.
- Add the splash of bourbon and garlic, and continue to cook on medium/low until most of the liquid has evaporated, about 5 minutes. Set aside to cool.
- Preheat oven to 350F
- Butter your loaf pan and sprinkle about 3 tablespoons of Nana Joe’s Savory Granola to coat the bottom and sides.
- Whisk eggs, yogurt, and soy sauce in a bowl.
- Add salt, baking powder, salt, black pepper, and flours and mix with a wooden spoon or spatula until smooth.
- Mix in ½ cup of Nana Joe’s Savory Granola, green onions, cheese, and nuts. Mixture will be thick.
- Spread into the loaf pan and even out. Sprinkle the remaining Nana Joe’s Savory Granola on top.
- Bake at 350F for about 70 minutes. Cooking time can vary depending on your pan and oven. This cake takes a while because of the moisture of the mushrooms. Start checking at the 55 minute mark, and let it finish cooking until the tester comes out clean.
- When your cake is done, cool it a bit before carefully running a butter knife along the edges to loosen and unmolding.
- Cut into slices. Makes a great snack anytime of the day!