Paleo Chunky Monkey Cake

I originally found this recipe here although the recipe was for cookies, not cake. I decided to tweak the recipe and turn the batter into a cake instead. My husband couldn't believe that it didn't contain any grains, it had the texture of cake made with wheat, and was moist and fluffy!

1 cup sunflower butter or other nut or seed butter (I used my homemade sunflower-coconut butter)
1/4 cup honey
1 1/2 ripe bananas, mashed
1 egg
3 tbsp my homemade Nutella or any chocolate nut spread
1 tsp vanilla
2 tbsp tapioca starch
1 tbsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Mix together all ingredients except pecans, until well mixed. Stir in nuts. Pour batter into a greased 9x9 pan. Bake about 25-30 minutes, until done.

*Note* The Nutella recipe does use coconut sugar and maple syrup but could be adapted to use honey if desired to stay away from all sugar.
*Note* The banana can be changed to any fruit or veggie that is good in baked goods. I have made this recipe with shredded zucchini (1/2 cup or more if desired). I think pumpkin, apple sauce or grated carrots would also work nicely. I have also made this nut free by replacing the Nutella with extra sunflower butter and 1 tbsp cocoa powder! I love this very versatile recipe!

Zucchini Honey Cake

3 eggs
1 1/2 cups liquid honey
1 cup oil
2 cups finely shredded zucchini
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 cups flour, sifted
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon nutmeg
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 cup choppednuts or 1 cup raisins or 1 cup chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
Set oven rack to second lowest position.
Oil and flour 2 medium or 3 mini loaf pans. ( I used a 9x13 baking pan)
In a mixing bowl using an electric mixer beat eggs well; add honey and oil, beat until well combined.
Add zucchini and vanilla, mix.
Sift dry ingredients, then add to egg mixture.
Fold in nuts/raisins/chocolate chips.
Pour batter into prepared pan about 3/4 full.
Bake for about 50 minutes or until cake tests done.

Rhubarb Crunch Cake

This is my husband's all time favorite rhubarb dessert!

3-4 cups rhubarb pieces
1 small package (3 oz.) red jello (we like strawberry)
1 cup margarine
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 cup sour cream
2 cups flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt

Mix rhubarb and jello together and set aside. Mix margarine and sugar in separate bowl. Add eggs to sugar mixture and beat well. Stir in sour cream, and remaining dry ingredients. Fold rhubarb mixture into batter. Put into 9x13" pan. Mix together and sprinkle on top of the cake:

1/3 cup brown sugar
2 tbsp. white sugar
1-2 tsp. cinnamon depending on taste (our family loves cinnamon)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional - this tastes just fine without nuts)

Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes or until done.

White Cake

1/2 cup margarine
1 1/4 cups sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
2 cups flour
3 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup milk

Cream margarine and sugar. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each egg. Stir in vanilla. Add sifted dry ingredients alternately with milk. Blend well. Pour into greased 9x13 pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes.