Christmas Food Ideas #11: Vegetable Chocolate Cake

Wouldn't the world be a better place if healthy foods and junk foods were united as one? Well, that's exactly what I've done, sneaking vegetables into meals and deserts is no new trick but it sure is one that works. This has to be the most awesome way to get in your 5 a day whilst consuming a cheeky treat at the exact time. This cake has no added sugar as I've only used natural sugars like apples and honey. There is also cucumber, butternut squash, cabbage and other vegetables in this cake. Here is how you can make this vegetable chocolate cake for Christmas; don't knock it until you try it.

When I posted this cake on my personal Facebook account, I received some mixed reviews; a few people didn't think it worked including some of the nurses I work with. So, I took it upon myself to bake this exact cake and take it into work for people to try. Guess what? They all loved it! Now do I have your attention?

What you need:  

1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup honey
100g dark chocolate (70%)
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
2 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/3 cup oil
1 cup vegetable milk
1/4 cup cocoa
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 apples, finely chopped
2 kiwis, blended
1/2 red cabbage, blended
1/2 cucumber, chopped into tiny pieces
1/2 butternut squash, mashed
1/2 carrot, chopped and blended
2 small beets
1/4 cup crushed walnuts

Method:

1.  Preheat oven, 175 degrees Celsius.
2. Melt chocolate by placing in a bowl over boiling water. 
3. One chocolate has cooled, add vegetable milk and leave for a few minutes. Add oil, honey and vanilla and beat until incorporated.
4. Add flour, salt, baking powder, cocoa and baking soda. Add 1/2 the flour mixture to the liquid ingredients and mix well.
5. Add fruits and vegetables to the batter, mix thoroughly then add the rest of the flour. Mix well.
6. Add the melted chocolate and mix. Pour the batter into prepared baking tin, make sure there are no air bubbles. 
7. Place it in the oven, bake for 45 mins to an hour. Knife should come out clean when stuck into cake.
8. Once ready, remove from oven then place the extra dark chocolate cubes onto cake. They will melt instantly. Using a knife spread the chocolate all over the cake. 
9. Enjoy.

I'd love to know what you think so if you do make this cake, tweet me @pocketsizedcook:)

Nokhuthula xo 

Recipe adapted from http://marcelamacias.com/chocolate-cake-hidden-veggies/