No-bake Apple Cake

This no-bake ‘cake’-like dessert is naturally sweet with the addition of apple and dried fruit. Easy to make, you can also press the mixture into individual ramekins or rings for serving. Maca and lucuma powder are readily available from large supermarkets or health shops.

Makes 12 portions | Preparation time: 20 minutes plus 2-3 hours chilling time

Storage: Will keep in the fridge for 2-3 days

Ingredients

2 carrots, peeled and finely grated (about 200g)

2 apples, peeled, cored and finely grated

115g pecans, finely ground (use a food processor)

85g desiccated coconut

2 tbsp lucuma or maca powder

2 tbsp cacao powder

½ tsp ground cinnamon

Pinch of salt

150g raisins

60g dried apple, soaked for 15 minutes

60g pitted dates, soaked for 15 minutes

1 whole orange, peeled

Method

1. Grease and line a 20cm (8 inch) springform cake tin. Alternatively, you can place the mixture into individual ramekins or rings.

2. Place the apple and carrots in a large bowl with the pecan nuts, coconut, lucuma or maca, cacao, cinnamon, salt and raisins.

3. Drain the dried apple and dates and place in a blender or food processor with the orange. Process to form a smooth paste –this will help bind the mixture together. Add the paste to the nut mixture and combine thoroughly.

4. Place the mixture (you may need to do this in batches) in a food processor and pulse to form a wet dough. Do not over-mix – you still want some texture.

5. Press the mixture into the cake tin or ramekins or rings and chill for 2-3 hours to firm up before serving.

6. Cut into slices and top with yoghurt if wished.

Nutrition per serving: 203kcal, fat 11g (of which saturates 4.3g), carbohydrates 21g (of which sugars 19g), protein

2.2g, fibre 3.6g