Move over red velvet cake, beetroot chocolate cake has your number. No need for artificial colourings here. Puréed beetroot provides a deep red undertone to this moist yet velvety textured bake. It has a delightful and unique flavour as it combines rich chocolate with the earthy sweetness of beetroot.
100gdark chocolate(1.8oz) (I used 90% cacao solids))
170gdark brown sugar(6oz) I used muscovado))
3large eggs
250gwholemeal spelt flour(9oz) I used 200g spelt and 50g quinoa flour))
2tspbaking powder
60gcocoa powder(2oz)
1tspicing sugar
Instructions
If cooking your own beetroot, you'll want around 275g to allow for topping and tailing. Once cooked, whiz to a puree with a stick blender. There's no need to remove the peel.
In a large pan, melt the butter with the chocolate and sugar over a gentle heat.
125 g unsalted butter, 100 g dark chocolate, 170 g dark brown sugar
Allow to cool a little then beat in the eggs until everything is thoroughly combined.
3 large eggs
Sieve the flour cocoa powder and baking powder into a large bowl and stir to combine. Make a well in the centre and pour in the chocolate mixture. Stir from the inside out until everything is just combined.
250 g wholemeal spelt flour, 2 tsp baking powder, 60 g cocoa powder
Mix in the pureed beetroot then scrape into a lined 23cm (9 inch) round cake tin or silicone mould.
250 g cooked beetroot
Bake at 180℃ (160℃ fan, 350℉, Gas 4) for 35-40 minutes or until an inserted skewer comes out more or less clean.
Leave in the tin for ten minutes then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely. When cool place on a cake stand then sift the icing sugar over the top just before serving.
1 tsp icing sugar
Notes
Can bake in a 20 cm (8 inch round cake tin instead, but will need an additional ten minutes or so in the oven. You may need to cover the top with foil or an old butter paper to prevent the top from burning.For a slightly less rich cake, use drinking chocolate rather than cocoa powder.The cake keeps well in an air tight container for three to four days.Please note: calories and other nutritional information are per serving. They’re approximate and will depend on serving size and exact ingredients used. Please refer to my nutrition disclaimer for further information.