Tropical Herbal Spice Cake Recipe

​For all the bakers out there and even those who just want to give it a try, here is a take on one of our favorite recipes including delicious warming tropical herbs! Recipes are always a starting point, so feel free to adapt to your lifestyle and preferences, and share how it turns out with us in the comments below! Happy Baking!

​Tropical Herbs in Spice Cake

Cinnamon

Nutmeg

Chocolate

Allspice

Vanilla

Ginger

The tropics is the land of spices, and here in Costa Rica we have no shortage. In fact, we have species of chocolate, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, vanilla and ginger which thrive here!  When you come for a visit, its like meeting your spice rack, and you are sure to fall in love with these special plants in a new way. Many of the qualities of herbs like ginger, cinnamon, allspice and nutmeg mirror their tropical surroundings, they have warming, moving and aromatic qualities which is perfect to keep folks warm who spend winters up north! They also help promote circulation, contain anti microbial and viral qualities. Better yet, chocolate in its pure form is bitter, so we know it can help support our digestive health as well as our liver! Vanilla, ginger, cinnamon, allspice and nutmeg are also deliciously aromatic, and have a carminative affect on our digestive system helping to ease bloating and gas, something many of us can relate to over the holiday season abundant with treats!

Tropical Herb Spice Cake Recipe

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cup flour (whole grain, oat, almond or your favorite)
1/4 cup cacao powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon powder
1/4 tsp nutmeg powder
1/4 tsp allspice powder
1/4 tsp vanilla extract (you can make your own vanilla extract, just tincture the beans!)
1/8 tsp ginger powder (OR grate 1/4 cup fresh ginger if you have access!)
2 tbsp coconut oil (OR butter, mmm!)
1/4 cup + 1 tbsp honey OR maple syrup
2 large eggs (OR 1/2 cup applesauce)
1/4 cup of your favorite nut (we love pecans, walnuts, or even cashews!)

Prep:
Preheat the oven at 350 Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius
Mix the flour and cacao powder until combined (a blender will work here or by hand)
Add the salt, baking soda and tropical herbal spices
Add the eggs (or applesauce) , honey or maple syrup, coconut oil (or butter) and blend until you have a uniform batter
Add the nuts if using
Pour into a greased pan
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes
Allow to cool

Enjoy with people you love! 

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