Rich and sticky cakes with a gingerbread type texture. The recipe is a relatively healthy one, packed as it is with lots of zucchini, wholemeal spelt flour and not too much unrefined sugar. You can make them as muffins or add a vegan water ganache on the top to make cupcakes. They're not too sweet and it's hard to detect the courgette unless you know it's there.
Top and tail the courgette then grate it using a box grater. Place in a sieve suspended over a bowl whilst you get on with the rest. You'll be surprised how much water drips out.
200 g courgettes (zucchini)
Mix the chia and water together in a small bowl, cup or glass and leave to swell for five minutes. The seeds will absorb all of the water. This works as a sort of egg replacer to bind the ingredients together.
1 tbsp chia seeds, 3 tbsp water
Meanwhile sift all the dry ingredients into a large mixing bowl. Alternatively whisk them together rather than using a sieve.
200 g wholemeal flour, 1 tsp baking powder, ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda (baking soda), 30 g cocoa powder, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 pinch sea salt
In a smaller mixing bowl add the sugar, oil, water, vinegar and chia egg and whisk together until thoroughly combined.
140 g light brown sugar, 50 ml sunflower oil, 1½ tsp apple cider vinegar, 125 ml water
Make a well in the centre of the dry ingredients and pour the wet ones into it. Stir together from the inside out until everything is just about incorporated.
Stir in the grated courgette until just mixed.
Spoon the mixture into 12 lined cupcake holes and place in the middle of a preheated oven - 180℃ (160℃ fan, 350℉, Gas 4).
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until an inserted skewer comes out clean. Then turn out onto a rack to cool.
Chocolate Water Ganache
Melt the chocolate with the date syrup and water in a pan over very low heat.
100 g 70% dark chocolate, 2 tbsp date syrup, 2 tbsp water
Stir, leave to cool slightly and spread over the cupcakes.
Notes
Please note: calories and other nutritional information are per serving. They're approximate and will depend on exact ingredients used.