Adventures in Molecular Gastronomy: Vegan, Low-Calorie Sponge Cake

Today has just not been a good day for cooking (or in general, for that matter). I blame the fact that I didn’t wake up until 2PM. And I mean wake up–not “get out of bed”, not “finish my morning routine”, not “come downstairs”, but actually wake up.

I feel like the entire day is off when that happens. Which is why I probably burnt the cake, which had turned out marvelously several times before.

So, here I am, one broken, snow-flake studded glass dish and one burnt cake later, surrounded by fumes that should have set my smoke detector off (do I need to be worried?). I’ll make sure to obtain some pictoral proof after I go out and buy a new glass bowl, but until then, you’re just going to have to take my word for it.

There is one caveat, though: it only works in a glass dish. I haven’t figured out why, but I’m sure it has something to do with the varying insulating abilities of different materials.

Anyway, here it is. My vegan, low-calorie, high-fiber, 5-minute cake. Enjoy.

A Vegan Cake That Puffs Up Like the Real Thing (microwave)

servings 1

?Mix the butter, applesauce, lentils and any liquid seasonings in a small-medium glass bowl.

In a different bowl, whisk the fiber one, “floury substance,” baking powder and sugar substitute.

Add the contents of the second bowl to the contents of the first and mix well. DO NOT COVER.

Microwave for 4-7 minutes. My microwave sucks though, so adjust accordingly. You want it dry as a rock but be careful not to burn it.

Take it out of the microwave and drizzle/pour over it. It will soak up the liquid like a sponge (literally!). Try lemon juice, coffee syrups or anything else that comes to mind. Depending on the liquid you choose, you might need to add a little water too. Add enough so that, when you poke it, your finger feels like it’s poking a regular cake.

COVER IT with a medium bowl, opened up cereal wrapper (green tip of the day), saran wrap or anything else. Microwave for 30-40 seconds, just enough to make it nice and hot again and let it soak up any extra liquid.

For a real treat, cut it in half and “fill” with whipped cream.

*sigh* I really loved that glass dish. :’(