Anise Coffee Cake (Dairy, Gluten and Refined Sugar Free)

I have always loved the taste of anise but have never actually baked or cooked with it.  Today I thought I would create something using this wonderful spice.  Anise has a licorice taste and has been known to soothe an aching stomach.  I really enjoyed the flavour combined with the molasses in this cake.  I made this recipe in a 9x9 pan but would also like to try it as more of a bread in a loaf pan.

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup non dairy milk
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 cup grapeseed oil
• 1/2 cup unsulphured molasses
• 1/2 cup honey or other natural sweeteners
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup teff flour
• 1 cup sorghum flour
• 1/3 cup chickpea flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 tablespoon psyllium husk
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
• 1 tablespoon anise seeds

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350F and grease a 9x9 baking dish.
2. In a small bowl combine milk and lemon juice and let sit for 3-5 minutes.  
3. In a large mixing bowl combine all dry ingredients.
4. Add molasses, honey, oil and eggs to milk mixture in the small bowl.
5. Combine milk egg mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
6. Pour batter into prepared dish and bake for 40-50 minutes or until inserted toothpick comes out clean.