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Expert Q&A

	By Cynthia Lair Nutritionist

My friend's son is allergic to diary products and nuts. I would like to surprise him with a birthday cake. Any suggestions?

There are many ways to make substitutions in recipes, for instance you can substitute soy milk for cow's milk and vegetable oil for butter. I have a really simple vegan (no dairy, no eggs) cake recipe from my book Feeding the Whole Family that I'm happy to share with you. Enjoy!

Mary's Chocolate Cake
I learned how to make this incredible cake from my dear friend, Mary Bowman. The recipe uses no eggs, is EASY to make and turns out a beautiful cake every time.

2 1/2 cups whole wheat pastry flour
1/4 cup organic cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon double acting baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup soy milk or water
1/2 cup cold-pressed vegetable oil
1 cup maple syrup
1 tablespoon vanilla

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Mix flour, cocoa, salt, baking powder. and baking soda together in a bowl. Combine liquids separately, then stir into flour mixture. Pour into 8-inch cake pans which have been lightly oiled or lined with parchment paper. Bake for 30 minutes.

Preparation time: 45 minutes
Makes two 8-inch layers

View more Q&A by this Expert