Looking for a guilt-free, delicious chocolate cake that doesn’t compromise on flavor? This healthy chocolate cake is made with fresh apples and cocoa powder, offering a naturally sweet and rich chocolate taste without the need for refined sugars. The apples not only add natural sweetness but also contribute to the moist texture of the cake, making it a perfect option for anyone seeking a wholesome dessert.
This recipe is gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined-sugar-free, making it an ideal treat for those with dietary restrictions or anyone aiming for a cleaner version of their favorite chocolate indulgence.
Ingredients
- 4 apples, peeled, cored, and pureed (approx. 2 cups or 480 ml of apple puree)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup (70 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon (5 g) baking powder
- 3 tablespoons (45 ml) coconut oil, melted
Optional Add-ins:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon for a hint of spice
- A handful of dark chocolate chips or chopped nuts for added texture (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Before starting the cake batter, it’s important to get your oven ready.
- Preheat to 360°F (180°C): Set your oven to this temperature to ensure even cooking throughout the cake.
- Prepare the baking dish: Line an 8-inch (20 cm) round or square baking dish with parchment paper, or grease it lightly with coconut oil. This will make it easy to remove the cake after baking.
2. Prepare the Batter
This cake is simple to make, relying on fresh apple puree to provide moisture and natural sweetness.
- Puree the apples: Begin by peeling, coring, and pureeing the apples. You can use a food processor or blender to achieve a smooth, even texture. If your apples are particularly juicy, you may want to strain the puree slightly to remove excess liquid.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the apple puree and eggs. Whisk the mixture thoroughly until it’s smooth and well-blended. The eggs help bind the cake while also giving it structure.
- Add the dry ingredients: Gradually add the unsweetened cocoa powder and baking powder to the apple-egg mixture. The cocoa powder provides a rich, chocolatey flavor, while the baking powder ensures the cake rises properly.
- Incorporate the coconut oil: Finally, pour in the melted coconut oil. Stir the batter well until all the ingredients are fully combined, and the batter is smooth. The coconut oil adds healthy fats and enhances the cake’s moist texture.
- Optional flavors: For added depth of flavor, you can stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon. These optional ingredients can elevate the taste without adding calories or unhealthy components.
3. Bake the Cake
Now that your batter is ready, it’s time to bake your healthy chocolate cake.
- Pour the batter into the dish: Transfer the batter to your prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure even baking.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, or with only a few moist crumbs clinging to it.
4. Cool and Serve
Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely before slicing. Cooling helps the cake set and improves the texture.
- Cool in the pan: Leave the cake in the baking dish for about 10-15 minutes after taking it out of the oven. Then, transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Slice and enjoy: Once cooled, slice the cake into squares or wedges. This cake is perfectly delicious on its own but can also be served with fresh berries, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate for a bit of indulgence.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Servings: 8 slices
- Calories: 170 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sugars: 12 g (natural sugars from apples)
- Sodium: 60 mg
Health Benefits
This healthy chocolate cake is not only delicious but packed with beneficial ingredients:
- Apples: Rich in dietary fiber and vitamins like Vitamin C, apples provide natural sweetness, keeping the need for added sugar to a minimum.
- Cocoa powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder is a powerhouse of antioxidants and offers a rich chocolate flavor without the fat and sugar found in traditional chocolate.
- Coconut oil: Contains healthy medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are metabolized quickly for energy, making it a better choice for baking compared to other fats.
- Eggs: Provide protein and help bind the cake together, offering a source of essential amino acids.
Conclusion
This healthy chocolate cake made with apples and cocoa is a fantastic alternative to traditional, calorie-laden chocolate cakes. With its moist texture and rich chocolatey taste, it offers a wholesome and satisfying dessert that can be enjoyed without guilt. Whether you’re following a clean-eating diet or just looking for a lighter dessert, this cake is sure to become a new favorite.
Enjoy it as a standalone treat, or pair it with fresh fruits and a little whipped coconut cream for a delightful finish to any meal!
