The Easiest Protein Vanilla Bean Cake
- Maiah Miller
- Jun 8
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 9
And no, this is not just a healthy cake with vanilla beans...it's a healthy cake with bean beans. Organic Great Northern Beans in this one, specifically. The best part is that it's sooo easy to make; just puree all the ingredients, pour in a lined pan and bake!
There's no refined sugar, and no grains or dairy. It's an excellent lighter cake to wow guests and better yet, have it assembled in minutes!
Vanilla Bean Cake
Ingredients:
1 can (about 1 and 1/2 cup) Great Northern Beans, rinsed and drained
1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon lucuma powder
1/2 teaspoon baking powder (I love Otto's brand because it is gluten-free and corn-free)
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
3 large organic free range eggs
1/2 cup raw honey
Optional: 1 scoop of protein powder (Truvani vanilla tasted great IMO!)
Directions:
1. In food processor, puree beans until smooth. Add in other ingredients until combined, and then pour into a 8x8" greased pan or parchment-paper lined pan.
2. Bake at 350F degrees for 30-38 min or until the middle doesn't jiggle a bunch. Let cool on wire rack for one hour.
3. Invert onto cookie sheet or pan, and drizzle or frosting with optional frosting: coconut oil and spread blended with raw honey or organic powdered sugar, with vanilla to taste. It is sweet and moist as is...unless it's standing in for a birthday cake, I enjoy it plain!
I got this idea from several different recipes I found online, and combined them and tweaked them a bit to custom create this one. I loved the moist richness and it literally melts in your mouth (the main ingredient is a pureed white bean, after all). I could probably eat this at any time!
Why lucuma powder? It's considered a "superfood"! Lucuma is packed with polyphenols, flavonoids, and carotenoids, which are powerful antioxidants that protect the body from cellular damage caused by free radicals. Lucuma is packed with antioxidants that may help protect against chronic illnesses like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. It's also rich in essential nutrients—vitamin C, niacin (B3), calcium, potassium, and iron. With its naturally sweet, maple-like flavor, lucuma makes a great alternative to refined sugar or artificial sweeteners. Plus, emerging research suggests it may have anti-inflammatory benefits and support healthier skin.
Study links:
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