Low GI Cakes
Gly= glucose; Aemic= blood; Index= indication
The glycaemic index (GI) is a tool used to classify carbohydrate containing foods according to the effect these foods have no blood sugar levels.
Foods with a high GI are quickly absorbed and quickly released into blood stream and consequently result in a quick rise in blood sugar levels while foods with a low GI are slowly absorbed and slowly released into the blood stream and results in a more even blood sugar level.
Cakes usually have a very high GI due to their high sugar content, however there are ways and means to enjoy cakes without a spike in blood sugar.
Low GI Banana Cake
Makes 12 servings
Ingredients
1⁄4 cup | soft margarine | 50 mL |
3⁄4 cup | muscavado brown sugar | 175 mL |
2 | eggs | |
1 tsp | vanilla essence | 5 mL |
1 cup | mashed ripe bananas (about 3) | 250 mL |
1 tsp | grated orange rind | 5 mL (optional) |
2 cups | whole wheat nutty wheat flour | 500 mL |
2 tsp | baking powder | 10 mL |
1 tsp | baking soda | 5 mL |
1⁄2 cup | buttermilk or sour milk* | 125 mL |
Method
- In bowl, cream margarine; add sugar and beat well.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Beat in vanilla essence, bananas and orange rind (if using).
- Mix together flour, baking powder and baking soda; beat into egg mixture alternately with buttermilk.
- Spray 23 cm (2,5 litre) springform or square pan with non-stick coating; spoon in batter.
- Bake in 180°C oven for 40 minutes or until cake springs back when pressed in centre or until tester inserted in the centre comes out clean.
- Let cool in pan for 10 minutes; remove from pan and let cool on rack.
*To sour milk, add 2 tsp (10 mL) lemon juice or vinegar to 1⁄2 cup (125 mL) milk and let stand for 10 minutes.
Carrot Cake
Makes 20 servings
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 30 to 35 minutes
- Preheat oven to 180°C
- 33cm by 23cm (3 litre) baking pan, lightly greased
Ingredients
3⁄4 cup | all-purpose flour | 175 mL |
1⁄2 cup | whole wheat nutty wheat flour | 125 mL |
1 1⁄4 tsp | baking powder | 6 mL |
1 1⁄4 tsp | baking soda | 6 mL |
1 tsp | ground cinnamon | 5 mL |
1⁄2 tsp | salt | 2 mL |
3 | eggs | |
1⁄2 cup | vegetable oil | 125 mL |
1 cup | muscavado brown sugar | 250 mL |
2 tsp | vanilla essence | 10 mL |
2 cups | grated carrots | 500 mL |
Combine grated apples with the carrots or use only apples.
Methods
- In a small bowl, combine all-purpose flour, whole grain wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat eggs, oil, brown sugar and vanilla until well combined.
- Fold in dry ingredients.
- Stir in carrots.
- Pour into prepared pan.
- Bake in preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes or until a tester inserted in the centre comes out clean.
- Let cool completely in pan on a wire rack.
- Cut cake into slices and lift servings out with a flat lifter.
Spicy Apple Cupcakes
Makes 10 cupcakes (1 per serving)
Preheat oven to 180°C
10 muffin cups, lined with paper cups or sprayed with vegetable spray
Ingredients
1 cup | whole wheat nutty wheat flour | 250 mL |
1 tsp | pumpkin pie spice | 5 mL |
1⁄2 tsp | baking powder | 2 mL |
1⁄2 tsp | baking soda | 2 mL |
1⁄2 tsp | salt | 2 mL |
1⁄2 cup | granulated sugar | 125 mL |
1⁄4 cup | muscavado brown sugar | 50 mL |
1⁄4 cup | soft margarine | 50 mL |
1 | large egg | |
1⁄2 tsp | vanilla essence | 2 mL |
1⁄2 cup | unsweetened applesauce | 125 mL |
The applesauce in the batter serves as a partial substitute for fat and sugar, while keeping the cupcakes moist and flavourful.
Method
- In a small bowl, combine flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
- In a medium bowl, using an electric mixer or wooden spoon, cream granulated sugar, brown sugar and margarine until fluffy.
- Beat in egg and vanilla.
- Stir in flour mixture until blended. Stir in applesauce.
- Divide batter among the muffin tins, filling them half full.
- Bake in preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.
- Let cool in pan on a rack for 10 minutes.
- Transfer to rack to cool completely.