mini moringa cakes // matcha frosted

Who doesn't love cake? I love cake but in moderation- given a choice between cake and ice cream and I'll always choose ice cream, always, always, always. However these mini cakes are the perfect size for when I need to satisfy my sweet tooth in the form of cake. 

What makes these cakes extra special you ask? They are filled with super foods galore - moringa powder, cacao nibs + matcha green tea.

I had the opportunity to sample Moringa Powder and create a recipe for a contest Kuli Kuli was running, the company that distributes Moringa. I had never heard of Morniga and figured I'd give it a try.  

A little background on Moringa: 

The tiny leaves of the moringa oleifera tree may be the worlds most nutritious green. known as "the miracle tree", this plant has the potential to save millions of lives.

Once eaten by the ancient Romans, Greeks and Egyptians, Moringa oleifera leaves have been used in traditional medicine passed down for centuries in many cultures. In the Ayurvedic system of medicine Moringa is said to cure or prevent around 300 diseases. More recently, the modern scientific community has begun to validate many of these claims with over 1300 studies, articles and publications on moringa.

Native to South Asia, this rapidly growing tree is now widely used throughout the tropics. Moringa’s high levels of protein, calcium, iron, Vitamin C and Vitamin A has led many organizations to advocate the plant as a "natural nutrition for the tropics."

Moringa Powder is Raw, Gluten Free + Vegan

Moringa Powder is super earthy tasting- very similar to the earthiness of matcha powder. A little Moringa powder goes a long way. The earthiness of the powder pairs exceptionally well with the bittersweet of the cacao nibs- add sugar for the cake and you have a well balance of flavors packed into this little cake.

Moringa is a no brainer to add to your daily smoothie, but don't stop there- Kuli Kuli has posted all the recipes that are apart of their Moringa Recipe contest on Facebook + on their website, there are loads of ideas for this magical powder. 

The recipes can be found here

Mini Moringa Cakes // Matcha Frosted

makes 6 mini double layer moringa cakes or(1) 6" double layer cake

you will need:

for the cake

dry

2 cups all purpose flour

3 tbsp cornstarch

1/2 tsp baking soda

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

3 tsp Kuli Kuli Moringa Powder

wet

3 flax or chia eggs

3/4 cup sugar

1 cup canola oil

1/2 cup cold water

2 tsp pure vanilla extract 

for the frosting

1/2 cup vegan butter - room temp

2 tbsp almond milk

4 cups confectioners sugar - sifted

1 tsp matcha powder

pinch of salt

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

3 tbsp raw cacao nibs

assembly:

Pre heat oven to 350 degrees

to make the cake

Sift the dry ingredients in a medium mixing bowl. In a separate bowl whisk together the wet ingredients. Slowly stir the wet mix into the dry mix until well blended

Line a rimmed baking pan with parchment paper. Spread batter onto pan- to about a 1/2 inch thick layer. Bake in the pre heated oven for 18-20 minutes.

Remove from oven and allow to fully cool.

to make the frosting

Using a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment- cream together butter, milk, sugar, salt and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

to assemble the cakes

Using a 2 inch ring cutter/mold (biscuit cutter) cut 12 rounds from the cooled sheet cake. Frost each cake to your liking (either the tops only or tops + sides of each cake). Sprinkle the tops of each cake with cacao nibs.

Enjoy!