This Chocolate Apple Cake with Pumpkin and Apple Filling is a moist, rich dessert that perfectly combines the flavors of chocolate, apples, and pumpkin. It’s a delightful cake with layers of soft, caramelized apples and smooth pumpkin puree, making it ideal for fall or any occasion when you’re craving a unique and flavorful cake. The cake is naturally sweetened by the apples and pumpkin, with the richness of unsweetened cocoa powder providing a deep chocolatey base.
Ingredients
- 4 apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup (70 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 3 tablespoons (45 ml) coconut oil, melted
- 1 cup (240 g) pumpkin puree (fresh or canned, no added sugar)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Apples
- Peel and dice: Start by peeling, coring, and dicing the 4 apples into small cubes.
- Cook the apples: Place the diced apples in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until they soften and slightly caramelize. You can add a splash of water if necessary to prevent sticking. Once softened, set the apples aside to cool.
2. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pan with coconut oil or line it with parchment paper.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients
- Whisk the eggs: In a large mixing bowl, beat the 4 eggs until smooth and slightly frothy.
- Add the pumpkin and oil: Stir in 1 cup of pumpkin puree and the 3 tablespoons of melted coconut oil. Whisk until all ingredients are fully combined and smooth.
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients
- Sift the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together 1 cup (70 g) of unsweetened cocoa powder and 1 teaspoon of baking powder.
- Combine the mixtures: Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until a smooth and uniform batter forms. Be sure to mix gently to avoid overmixing, which can make the cake dense.
5. Layer the Apples
- Layer the batter and apples: Pour half of the chocolate cake batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly.
- Add the apples: Gently spoon the softened apples over the first layer of batter, spreading them out evenly across the surface.
- Add the remaining batter: Pour the remaining cake batter over the apples, covering them to create a layered effect.
6. Bake the Cake
- Bake the cake: Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be firm to the touch but still moist inside.
7. Cool and Serve
- Cool the cake: Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Garnish and serve: Once cooled, dust the top of the cake with cocoa powder for a decorative finish. You can also garnish with thin apple slices or a drizzle of melted chocolate for added flair.
- Serve: Slice and serve this moist and rich cake as a dessert or a special treat with a cup of coffee or tea.
Tips for Success
- Pumpkin puree: Be sure to use unsweetened pumpkin puree, either fresh or canned. If using canned, ensure there are no added spices or sugars.
- Caramelized apples: Slightly caramelizing the apples in the pan before adding them to the cake enhances their flavor, adding a natural sweetness and texture to the filling.
- Coconut oil: If you prefer, you can substitute the coconut oil with melted butter or a neutral vegetable oil.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 240 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Sugars: 18 g
- Sodium: 100 mg
Conclusion
This Chocolate Apple Cake with Pumpkin and Apple Filling is a rich and decadent dessert that brings together the earthy sweetness of apples and pumpkin with the deep, rich flavor of cocoa. The combination of soft apples layered between chocolatey goodness makes this cake a perfect treat for fall, holidays, or whenever you want something special. Enjoy this cake with family and friends—it’s sure to become a new favorite!