Why You’ll Love This Black Bean Chocolate Cake Recipe
While you might be skeptical about a cake made with black beans, I promise you’ll love this Black Bean Chocolate Cake recipe for its rich, fudgy texture and surprising health benefits.
It’s incredibly satisfying and guilt-free, offering a delectable way to indulge without the heavy calories. The black beans add moisture and protein, making it a smart choice for dessert.
Plus, I adore how easy it’s to whip up—just mix and bake! Once you take a bite, you’ll be amazed that it’s both delicious and nutritious.
Trust me, this cake will become a staple in your dessert rotation!
Ingredients of Black Bean Chocolate Cake
When it comes to whipping up a delicious dessert that’s also a bit healthier, this Black Bean Chocolate Cake is a game changer. You might be thinking, “Black beans in a cake? Really?” But trust me, it works wonders. The beans add moisture and a surprising amount of protein, keeping your cake rich and fudgy without all the guilt.
Plus, it’s super easy to make. You just mix a few ingredients, pop it in the oven, and voilà! You’ve got yourself a delectable treat. So, let’s take a look at what you’ll need to make this delightful dessert.
Ingredients for Black Bean Chocolate Cake:
- 1/2 cup natural applesauce
- 1 (18 ounce) box devil’s food cake mix
- 1 (15 ounce) can low sodium black beans
Now, before you jump into baking, let’s chat about the ingredients. Using natural applesauce is a fantastic way to keep the cake moist while cutting down on added sugars.
And if you’re feeling a little adventurous, you could throw in some chocolate chips on top for an extra chocolatey touch. Just imagine that gooey goodness as you bite into it—heavenly!
Also, make sure to grab the low-sodium black beans; they’ll blend right in with the other flavors without overpowering anything. Trust me, you won’t even know they’re there.
How to Make Black Bean Chocolate Cake
Alright, let’s explore making this delightful Black Bean Chocolate Cake. Trust me, it’s easier than you might think, and the results are absolutely worth it.
First, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350 degrees. This is an essential step because, let’s face it, nobody likes waiting for the oven to heat up when you’re ready to bake.
While that’s warming up, grab your trusty 9 x 13 pan and give it a good spray with some nonstick spray. We don’t want our masterpiece to stick, do we?
Now, onto the fun part—let’s get mixing. In a large bowl, take that 15-ounce can of low sodium black beans and pour it in, liquid and all. Yes, you heard me right.
But here’s the trick: grab a fork and mash those beans up a bit, leaving about half of them intact. This might feel a little strange, but those beans are what make this cake so moist and fudgy.
Once you’ve got a nice mash going, add in 1/2 cup of natural applesauce. This will keep our cake from being too dry.
Now, grab your 18-ounce box of devil’s food cake mix and sprinkle it in. At this point, you might want to take a moment to appreciate how absurdly easy this is.
Mix everything together on medium speed for about 3 minutes. The batter will be thick, and you might even feel like a baking wizard at this point.
After that, pour the thick batter into your prepared pan. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, toss some chocolate chips on top to create that gooey layer of chocolatey goodness. Who can resist that?
Then, pop it in the oven and let it bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Now, here’s a little tip: test the cake with a toothpick to see if it’s done. If it comes out wet, just give it another 5 to 10 minutes.
Patience is key, my friend. Once it’s done, let it cool completely before cutting it into 16 pieces.
And there you have it—a delicious, guilt-free treat that’s sure to impress. Enjoy every last bite, and maybe even share… but no promises, right?
Black Bean Chocolate Cake Substitutions & Variations
Now that you’ve mastered the basics of making a delicious Black Bean Chocolate Cake, let’s explore some fun substitutions and variations to personalize it.
You can swap the applesauce for mashed bananas for a fruity twist or use a gluten-free cake mix if you’re avoiding gluten.
Try adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract for extra flavor, or mix in some espresso powder to enhance the chocolate.
If you want a richer cake, go ahead and fold in some dark chocolate chips.
These small changes can make your cake uniquely yours while keeping it moist and scrumptious!
Additional Tips & Notes
To guarantee your Black Bean Chocolate Cake turns out perfectly every time, I recommend keeping a few key tips in mind.
First, make sure you thoroughly mash the black beans; this helps create a smoother texture. If you prefer a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract.
Don’t skip the toothpick test—baking times can vary based on your oven. If you want extra indulgence, sprinkle some chocolate chips on top before baking.
Finally, let the cake cool completely before cutting; this allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Enjoy every bite of this delicious guilt-free treat!