Gluten-Free Vegan Matcha Strawberry Cake

Step 1

Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit).

Step 2

Place the coconut oil in a large bowl and melt over a saucepan of boiling water or in the microwave (skip this step if using any other oil).

Step 3

Once melted, add the milk to the same bowl along with the lemon juice, maple syrup, vanilla and ground almonds.

Step 4

Sift in the flour, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda and matcha powder.

Step 5

Mix well, adding a tiny splash more milk if it's looking too dry.

Step 6

Transfer mixture between two small greased baking tins lined with baking paper (I used two 7inch/18cm tins).

Step 7

Bake in oven for around 15 minutes until risen and an inserted skewer comes out clean.

Step 8

Once out the oven, immediately remove cakes from baking tins and transfer onto a wire rack to cool.

Step 9

You'll need to keep your tin of coconut milk in the fridge overnight for the rich creamy bit to separate from the watery bit at the bottom. Make sure it is full fat coconut milk, otherwise this separation won't happen and you won't be able to make this cream!

Step 10

Open the tin upside down - the coconut cream will be at the bottom and you can just pour off the watery liquid (save this for adding to soups or smoothies).

Step 11

Place the thick, creamy part into a bowl.

Step 12

Add the strawberry jam.

Step 13

Use an electric whisk (or a manual one and a lot of elbow grease) to whip up the coconut cream until light and fluffy.

Step 14

Once the sponges have cooled completely, place one sponge on a large plate or cake stand, and cover with half of the strawberry frosting.

Step 15

Place other sponge on top and use remaining frosting to cover the top.

Step 16

Decorate as desired.

Step 17

Tastes best eaten on the day.