Healthy Chocolate Chickpea Cake

Recently I’ve been obsessed with creating new and innovative baking recipes where traditional ingredients take a backseat, making room for healthier, yet equally delicious alternatives. Today, I’m excited to share with you a recipe that is not only easy to make but also packs a nutritional punch – the Chocolate Chickpea Cake. This recipe redefines indulgence and is perfect for those seeking dairy-free or gluten free options.

Why You’ll Love This Healthy Chocolate Chickpea Cake

• Gluten-Free Option: By using gluten-free flour, this cake becomes a delightful treat for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Healthy Twist: Canned chickpeas and coconut cream add a nutritious spin to your usual chocolate cake.
• Simple and Easy: The instructions are straightforward, making this recipe perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Unique Flavor: The chickpeas add a subtle nuttiness that complements the deep chocolate flavour.

Why Use Chickpeas in Baking

Incorporating chickpeas into baking is a culinary trend that offers both health benefits and unique textures to various baked goods. Chickpeas, with their neutral taste and adaptable texture, are an excellent way to add plant-based protein, fibre, and essential nutrients like iron and potassium to desserts.

Benefits of Using Chickpeas in Baking

They are particularly beneficial for those following vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free diets. When pureed, chickpeas contribute a moist and dense consistency to cakes and cookies, making them a great substitute for fats or flours. Their subtle flavor allows the primary ingredients, such as chocolate or fruits, to shine through. Additionally, using chickpeas in baking is an innovative way to reduce food waste and incorporate more legumes into your diet, offering a creative and nutritious twist to traditional baking recipes.

To learn more about all the important health benefits of incorporating Canadian-grown pulses into your diet and learn more about the Alberta pulse industry, visit https://albertapulse.com/eating-pulses/.

Looking for more pulse recipes? Check out https://albertapulse.com/recipe/

Other Chickpea Recipes You’ll Love

• Chocolate and Peanut Butter Chickpea Cookies
• Kale and Chickpea Salad
• Sweet and Salty Candied Chickpeas
• Tomato and Chickpea Bake
• Creamy Spring Pasta Salad

Ingredients for Chickpea Cake

• 2/3 cups of cooked Chickpeas (or Garbanzo Beans)
• 1/3 cup of Coconut Cream
• 1 oz of Dark Chocolate (70%-85% Cacao)
• 120 ml of Warm Dairy Free Milk (I used Oat Milk)
• 1 tsp of Vanilla Extract
• 1/2 cup of Flour (gluten-free if preferred)
• 1/2 cup of Sugar
• 1/4 cup of Cocoa Powder
• 1 tsp of Baking Powder
• 1/2 tsp of Salt

How to Make Chickpea Cake

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin your baking adventure by preheating your oven to 350°F. This step is crucial for a perfectly baked Chocolate Chickpea Cake.

2. Melt and Mix: In a small saucepan, gently melt the coconut cream and dark chocolate over low heat. Whisk them together until they’re seamlessly combined, creating a luxurious and rich base for your cake. Remove from heat. 

3. Blend the Chickpeas: Using a Food Processor or blender, combine the cooked chickpeas, warm milk, vanilla extract, and the melted chocolate mixture. Blend for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.

4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. These dry ingredients will give your Chocolate Chickpea Cake its structure and sweetness.

5. Mix Wet and Dry: Pour the smooth chickpea-chocolate mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently fold them together until just combined. Remember, overmixing can affect the cake’s texture! Simply fold until the dry ingredients are combined.

6. Bake the Cake: Transfer your cake batter into a 9-inch Round Cake Pan lined with parchment paper and bake for 18 minutes. The key to a perfect Chocolate Chickpea Cake is not to overbake it.

7. Cooling Time: Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a Wire Rack to cool completely. This step is essential for achieving the perfect texture.

Topping for the cake

This Creamy Coconut Cream and Chocolate Icing was the perfect addition to this decadent cake. Start with 1 cup of coconut cream, chilled overnight in the fridge to achieve a firm consistency. To this, add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder for that deep, chocolatey essence and 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar for just the right amount of sweetness. Using a handheld electronic mixer, whisk these ingredients until they are thoroughly combined, transforming them into a luscious and creamy icing. This icing is not only incredibly delicious but also effortlessly easy to make, adding a gourmet flair to your cakes, cupcakes, or any sweet treat in need of a decadent finishing touch.

You can also substitute the powdered sugar for a tablespoon of maple syrup, adding in a little bit at time until the desired consistency.

How to Store This Chocolate Chickpea Cake

Storing the Chocolate Chickpea Cake properly is crucial for maintaining its freshness and flavor. To ensure your cake stays delectable, follow these simple steps:

1. Cool Completely: Before storing, allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack. This prevents condensation inside the storage container, which can make the cake soggy.
2. Room Temperature Storage:
   • For short-term storage (1-2 days), keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature.
   • Choose a container that’s just big enough for the cake to prevent excess air, which can dry it out.
   • If the cake is frosted or has a moist texture, it’s better to store it in the refrigerator.
3. Refrigerator Storage:
   • For storing up to a week, wrap the cake in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container before refrigerating.
   • If the cake is cut, cover the cut side with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.

Can You Freeze This Chocolate Chickpea Cake?

Yes, you can! For long-term storage (up to 3 months), wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze the whole cake or individual slices. If freezing slices, wrap each slice separately. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

By following these storage tips, your Chocolate Chickpea Cake will remain as delightful as when it was first baked, ready for you to enjoy at a moment’s notice.

Other Chickpea Desserts To Try

• Chickpea Brownies
• Chickpea Blondies
• Chickpea Truffles

Conclusion

This Chocolate Chickpea Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a testament to how creative baking can lead to healthier yet delicious recipes. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to the world of baking, this recipe is bound to impress. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to bake a cake that’s as nutritious as it is delicious!