It Has No Flour, Butter, or Sugar, But No One Noticed: This Chocolate Cake Has Been My Turning Point to Stay Light Without Giving Up Sweets

Finding a dessert that is both satisfying and healthy can be challenging. Luckily, this chocolate cake recipe is a game changer—delectable enough to enjoy while being light on calories. With ingredients like Greek yogurt and ripe bananas, it’s a guilt-free indulgence that everyone will love. This cake has become a staple in my kitchen, allowing me to enjoy something sweet without compromising on my health goals.

Ingredients

For US Measurements:

• 1 cup (250g) Greek yogurt or skyr
• 7 oz (200g) sugar-free dark chocolate
• 1/3 cup (40g) starch (corn, potato, or arrowroot), dissolved in a little water
• 1 ripe banana
• Optional: chocolate chips for decoration

For European Metric:

• 250 grammi di yogurt greco o skyr
• 200 grammi di cioccolato fondente senza zuccheri aggiunti
• 40 grammi di amido (mais, patate o arrowroot), sciolto in un poco di acqua
• 1 banana matura
• Facoltativo: gocce di cioccolato per decorazione

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 45-50 minutes

Nutritional Information

• Calories per 100 grams: approximately 160 kcal

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, place the Greek yogurt. Add one egg at a time while mixing with an electric whisk after each addition until you achieve a smooth, homogeneous mixture.

2. Peel the ripe banana and cut it into pieces. Use an immersion blender to puree the banana until it is smooth and uniform.

3. Add the banana puree to the yogurt and egg mixture. Stir in the starch that has been dissolved in a little cold water. Mix well using a spatula or the electric whisk.

4. Coarsely chop the dark chocolate and melt it using a double boiler or microwave at low power, stirring frequently to prevent crystallization.

5. Incorporate the melted chocolate into the main mixture and mix vigorously until you obtain a uniform, creamy, and smooth batter.

6. Line a round 20-22 cm (8-9 inch) cake pan with slightly dampened and wrung-out parchment paper. Pour the entire batter into the prepared pan.

7. Bake in a preheated static oven at 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit) for about 30-35 minutes. After the first 15 minutes, sprinkle chocolate chips on top for a more indulgent decoration.

8. At the end of the baking time, check the internal consistency with a toothpick; it should come out slightly moist but not liquid. Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Cooking Tips and Tricks

1. Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cake will be. Look for bananas with brown spots for the best results.

2. Experiment with Starch: You can use different types of starch (corn, potato, or arrowroot) to see which gives you the texture you prefer. Each type may yield a slightly different consistency.

3. Protein Boost: For added protein, consider mixing in a tablespoon of plant-based protein or whey protein powder. This can enhance the cake’s nutritional profile while maintaining moisture. Just balance it with a little less yogurt or banana.

Possible Variations

1. Apple Sauce Substitute: Replace the banana with an equal amount of unsweetened applesauce for a different flavor and a slightly different texture. This will also reduce calories further.

2. Nutty Twist: Fold in chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds into the batter before baking for added crunch and nutrition. This variation adds healthy fats and provides a satisfying texture.

This chocolate cake recipe is simple to make and delightful to eat. It offers a delicious way to satisfy your sweet tooth without the guilt. Enjoy this cake as a treat anytime, and feel free to experiment with the variations to make it your own. Enjoy!