Strawberry Gin Cake

Instructions

1. Step 1

   Preparation:

2. Step 2

   For the base, in a mixing bowl, combine the spelt flour, instant oats and ground almonds with the rapeseed oil until smooth.

3. Step 3

   Add the icing sugar and mix again until smooth.

4. Step 4

   In a separate small bowl, combine the water and apple cider vinegar, then add to the bowl with the flour mixture and knead to combine.

5. Step 5

   Add the baking powder and salt and bring the mixture together to form a dough ball.

6. Step 6

   Wrap the dough ball in cling film (or a beeswax cloth) and chill in the fridge for 20–30 minutes.

7. Step 7

   Preheat the oven to 170°C. Grease and line a round cake tin with baking paper.

8. Step 8

   Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to a circle the thickness of 5mm and several inches larger than the diameter of the tin.

9. Step 9

   Using the rolling pin to help you, lift the dough into the prepared baking tin. Carefully work the dough into the edges and up the sides to form a 2cm high rim above the top edge, trimming off any excess.

10. Step 10

    Use the tines of a fork to pierce the dough base all over. Bake for 40–45 minutes until golden brown then remove and leave to cool.

11. Step 11

    For the filling, whisk the cornflour and 1–2 tablespoons of the coconut milk in a small bowl to make a paste. Slowly stir in the remaining coconut milk.

12. Step 12

    Pour the coconut milk-cornflour mixture into a small saucepan and stir in the remaining ingredients.

13. Step 13

    Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens to form a custard.

14. Step 14

    Spread the custard over the cooled cake base, then leave to cool again.

15. Step 15

    Meanwhile, prepare the strawberry gin layer. Put the chopped strawberries in a small saucepan with the remaining ingredients (except the pink gin) and simmer over a medium heat for about 10 minutes until small bubbles form on the surface.

16. Step 16

    Remove the pan from the heat, mash the strawberries with a fork then leave to cool.

17. Step 17

    Stir the gin into the cooled mixture, then spread the strawberry gin mixture evenly over the cooled custard.

18. Step 18

    Just before serving, finely slice the whole strawberries and arrange in concentric circles on the top of the cake. Garnish with a sprig of mint, if you like.