Tuesday, June 15, 2010

My Favorite Chocolate Cake

Normally I’m not a cake person—I have no problem turning it down and I rarely ever make it because most of my kids feel the same way.   Most cakes seem dry and flavorless to me.  Until this one.   A good friend made chocolate cake for a girls’ luncheon.  Knowing she ate a gluten-free diet, I had to ask, “Maren, how come you made a cake you can’t even eat?”  She assured me it was gluten free, so I wondered what kind of flour she used.  “Oh, there’s no flour in the recipe—and no butter or oil, either.  The secret ingredient is garbanzo beans.”  I was intrigued.  I had to taste it.  And then I devoured the whole piece.  It’s moist and fudgy, rich and delicious.  So much for my take-it-or-leave-it attitude about cake.  When I make this cake, it takes all my will-power to stop at one piece.   At least I’m getting some protein and fiber along with my chocolate fix!DSC04209
Chocolate Garbanzo Cake

1 1/2 c. chocolate chips (I use 60% cacao)
2 cans garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
6 eggs
1 1/2 c. sugar
2 T. cocoa powder
1 T. lemon juice
1 1/2 t. baking powder
3/4 t. baking soda
1 t. vanilla
In a small bowl, melt the chocolate in the microwave for about 2 minutes on 50% power, stirring frequently until smooth.  In a blender, blend the beans and  eggs until creamy.  Add remaining ingredients, including the melted chocolate and blend well.  If your blender is not big enough, pour into a bowl to mix.  Put batter into a greased and floured 13x9 pan and bake at 350 for about 40-45 minutes, until a toothpick in center comes out with moist crumbs—don’t overbake.  Frost with your favorite frosting when cool.
Chocolate Frosting:
1/4 c. butter
4 c. powdered sugar
1/4 c. cocoa powder
1/4 c. milk
1 1/2 t. vanilla
Beat until creamy and spreadable.

5 comments:

Karen said...

I have a similar chocolate cake recipe that uses pinto beans. And a frosting recipe to match. I wouldn't say they are my favorite recipes, because apparently unlike you I enjoy cake just fine and have several faves that have no health benefits whatsoever!

Heather Jones said...

Yum!! I am so excited to try this. I know I will struggle stopping at one piece!

Karey said...

This recipe is sweeping through my ward, after I made it for a provident living themed activity recently. It's even becoming a wedding cake for one of the families in the ward whose son is marrying a girl who is allergic to most everything!
Thanks, Mirien!

Karey said...

Oh, forgot to mention that I love it and am completely addicted to it! In fact, I want to go make it right now! :)

Lara said...

I can't believe I haven't commented on here yet. We've made this several times now and it is definitely our new favorite chocolate cake recipe. I plan to share it on my recipe blog soon.