Healthy Ragi Cake Recipe With Nutritional Benefits

Ragi cake is a nutrition rich, gluten free alternative to regular cakes. Ragi can offer calcium for strong bones, iron for prevention anemia, and fibre for smooth digestion. It can be a diabetic-friendly option with low glycemic index (GI) that can support weight management and offer necessary antioxidants. The wholesome and nutritious dessert is prepared using finger millet flour.

Ragi is healthy and beneficial alternative to refined flour. The cake is perfect for tea-time snack and a guilt-free dessert option. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can bake tasty homemade ragi cake that will taste as good as regular cake.

Ingredients Required

• 1 cup ragi flour  

• ½ cup whole wheat wheat flour (optional but preferred for better texture)  

• ½ cup powdered jaggery or brown sugar

• ½ cup curd or yogurt

• ¼ cup oil preferably sunflower or neutral oil

• ½ cup milk (adjust as required)

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• 1 teaspoon vanilla essence

• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder

• Some chopped nuts (almonds, cashews, and walnuts)

• A pinch of salt  

Steps To Prepare  

Prepare Batter

• Preheat oven to 180°C and grease the cake tin with oil. You may line it with parchment paper for smooth removal.

• In large mixing bowl, mix ragi flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt. Mix all the ingredients properly.  

• In a separate bowl, whisk curd, powdered jaggery or brown sugar, oil, and vanilla essence until smooth. Slowly add dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Gradually add milk and mix slowly to form a smooth batter that is free from lumps. Avoid overmixing as it may make ragi cake dense. The batter should form a slight thick but pourable consistency.  

• Fold in chopped nuts for that crunchy feeling.

Bake The Cake  

• Pour the batter into the cake tin and level the surface. Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for at least 35 minutes. To check if it is prepared, insert a toothpick into the centre. If the toothpick comes out clean, cake is ready.

• Let the cake cool in the tin for at least 15 minutes before shifting it to a wire rack. Once it is completely cooled, slice and serve.  

Health Benefits

• Ragi cake is a rich source of calcium. It is great for bone strength and beneficial for children and postmenopausal women.  

• It supports diabetes management. Ragi has a low glycemic index (GI) and great fibre content that can prevent sharp blood sugar spike. It will support smooth bowel movement.

• Ragi cake is rich in fibre content that can promote healthy digestion and support weight management by controlling unnecessary snacking.

• It is rich in iron that can improve hemoglobin levels thus making it ideal ally to fight anemia.

• It is gluten free and rich in nutrition. The cake is ideal for individuals with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.  

• It is rich in protein as it contains amino acids thus making it an excellent alternative for vegetarians.

• It supports skin health and prevents premature aging as it supports skin elasticity.

• It is a natural cooling agent that can soothe the body particularly in warm weather, according to Ayurveda.  

Disclaimer: This content is for general informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions about your health or treatment options.