Who hasn't eaten healthy all day, only to feel guilty for even considering a rich, chocolate desert? By incorporating healthy ingredients into this decadent cake, your guilt can take a hike--not you!
Wholesome Elements
Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate is one of the sweetest and most luxurious of culinary treats. Considering all the scientific investigating into cocoa's healthful flavonoid and natural antioxidant properties, more and more people are eating like the ancient Aztecs and Mayans thousands of years ago, who believed chocolate to be a gift of the heavens. The dark chocolate in this cake gives it its rich and not-too-sweet flavor.
Organic Zucchini
The benefits of organic foods range from less pesticide residue to higher vitamin content. Organic zucchini is a fiber-rich food and its addition keeps this cake moist and light.
Whole Grain Flour
Substituting white flours with whole grain flours enhances a baked good's fiber content, vitamins and minerals. It also satisfies cravings much longer than white flour because it has a lower glycemic index rating.
Pastured Eggs
Looking for ways to increase your intake of Omega-3 fatty acids? Swap conventional eggs for pastured eggs, and increase the nutritional benefits without a pill or supplement. 'Pastured' means that a hen is allowed to eat grass and bugs while roaming outdoors. Be aware that not all free-range eggs come from hens who have access to greens. They may simply be outdoors on concrete. To ensure your eggs contain a high dose of Omega-3s, purchase them from a local farm whose chickens wander in the grass.
While this recipe includes a lovely chocolate glaze, you may omit it without sacrificing any of the luscious chocolate flavor. It does, however, offer a beautiful presentation factor when serving the cake to guests and an extra drizzle of Montezuma's secret! The addition of honey to the glaze enhances the dark chocolate's sweetness and lends a sheen to it.
Ultimate Dark Chocolate Zucchini Cake
Makes (2) 8-inch cakes (one for now, one for freezing!) or 12 large muffins
Cake Ingredients:
- 2 squares (1/4 oz) gourmet dark chocolate, melted
- 1/4 cup cocoa
- 2 eggs + 2 egg whites, pastured
- 1-1/4 cups unrefined sugar or honey
- 1/3 cup apple sauce
- 1/3 cup 0% fat Greek yogurt
- 2-1/2 cups shredded organic zucchini (a box grater works well for this)
- 1 tsp each vanilla, salt, baking soda, and cinnamon
- 2 cups white whole wheat flour
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
Glaze:
- 6 oz dark chocolate chips
- 2 Tbsp honey
- 1/2 cup 0% fat Greek yogurt
- pinch cinnamon
Cake Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and coat (2) 8-inch round pans or a dozen muffin tray with non-fat spray.
- Melt the chocolate in the microwave on low for 15 second intervals until soft or in a heatproof glass or ceramic bowl over a simmering pot of water.
- Whisk together the melted chocolate with the cocoa, eggs, and egg whites.
- Add the sugar or honey and mix well.
- Add apple sauce and yogurt and combine.
- Incorporate shredded organic zucchini and vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, combine white whole wheat flour with salt, baking soda, and cinnamon.
- Gradually whisk combined dry ingredients into wet mixture.
- Finally, stir in dark chocolate chips.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
For the Glaze:
- In a heatproof bowl over simmering water, combine dark chocolate chips with yogurt and stir just until melted.
- Turn off heat and add honey and cinnamon.
- Drizzle over cooled cakes or muffins.
This is a great cake for when you are craving something healthy and sweet, or when zucchini is in abundance. It freezes very well, and is great to have stashed away for surprise guests. For an added treat, serve a la mode with creamy vanilla or sophisticated mint ice cream.
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