Moist Almond Flour Chocolate Cake

Greetings, fellow dessert enthusiasts! Embarking on a healthy lifestyle doesn’t mean bidding farewell to the joy of baking and indulging in sweet treats. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. As someone who once revelled in baking, my journey towards a healthier lifestyle prompted a quest for alternatives that could cater to my sweet tooth without compromising on flavour. Dealing with a gluten intolerance only intensified this exploration, leading me to the wonders of almond flour, coconut flour, and alternative sugars. To my delight, these substitutes not only proved to be satisfying and gentle on my blood sugar but also elevated the taste of my creations, surpassing the allure of regular desserts. The joy of baking remains, now accompanied by a newfound appreciation for nourishing ingredients that make every bite a guilt-free delight

Today, I’m thrilled to share a tried-and-tested recipe that not only caters to your sweet tooth but has also passed the ultimate test – it’s kid-approved! Dive into the world of guilt-free indulgence with our Gluten-Free, Sugar-Free Chocolate Cake, carefully designed with a mix of almond flour and coconut flour. This delectable treat not only meets dietary needs but surpasses expectations with its rich flavour and enticing moistness. And here’s a little secret – it tastes even better after a spell in the refrigerator!

The Gluten-Free Goodness

Let’s delve into the heart of this delightful creation – our Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake. Crafted with a thoughtful combination of coconut flour and almond flour, this cake isn’t just gluten-free; it’s a masterpiece of flavours. It’s a testament to the fact that dietary restrictions shouldn’t mean compromising on taste. Personally, I opt for the combination of almond and coconut flour in my baking because I’ve found that this mixture yields superior results in both texture and taste compared to using either one in isolation.

Diabetic-Friendly Delight

For individuals managing diabetes, our cake is an absolute delight. Sweetened with monk sugar, this treat enables guilt-free indulgence without causing a spike in blood sugar levels. Furthermore, the inclusion of low-carb flours significantly reduces the overall carb count, making it a diabetic-friendly option.

Decadent Chocolate Pudding Topping

No cake is truly finished without an exquisite topping, and our Chocolate Pudding Topping steals the spotlight. Its silkiness, richness, and sheer decadence elevate the entire cake experience – quite literally. I deliberately chose this chocolate pudding because of its low-calorie and airy nature, steering clear of the calorie-heavy territory associated with ganaches featuring heavy creams and butter. It’s the perfect guilt-free indulgence, ensuring that each bite remains a blissful, calorie-conscious delight. And here’s a little insider knowledge from our kitchen: refrigerating the cake enhances its flavours and allows them to mingle for a deliciously blended taste.

Keto-Friendly Options

Keto enthusiasts, rejoice! By simply swapping regular milk for coconut milk in the chocolate pudding topping, you’ve got a keto-friendly version ready to be savoured. The coconut milk not only aligns with the keto lifestyle but also brings a delightful tropical note to the pudding. You can also use a ganache made of low-carb chocolate chips and heavy cream instead.

Moisture Magic

What sets our cake apart? It’s the magic of moisture. The thoughtful combination of coconut and almond flours, along with the touch of butter and ricotta cheese, creates a texture so moist that it becomes an unforgettable experience for your taste buds. And yes, the kids love it!

In conclusion, our Tried and Tested Gluten-Free, Sugar-Free Chocolate Cake goes beyond being just a dessert – it’s a celebration for everyone. Whether you’re managing diabetes, following a keto lifestyle, or simply looking for a guilt-free indulgence, this recipe has you covered. Approved by both adults and kids, it promises a delightful experience that even improves after a night in the refrigerator. So, put on your apron, gather your ingredients, and let the baking joy begin! Your taste buds are in for a treat.

Gluten-Free Almond-Coconut Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Pudding Topping

Cake Ingredients

• 1 cup almond flour
• 1/2 cup coconut flour
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder (unsweetened)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup ricotta cheese
• 3/4 cup monk fruit sugar(or other granulated sugar free option)
• 4 large eggs
• 3/4 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy alternative)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Optional

• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup chopped almonds or walnuts (for added crunch)

Chocolate Pudding Topping

• 2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy alternative)
• ¼ -1/3 cup granulated monk fruit sugar
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder (unsweetened)
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a round cake pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together almond flour, coconut flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mix the softened butter and sugar. Add eggs and mix all together. Add vanilla extract, the ricotta cheese, and continue to mix.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Mix until well combined. Fold in the dark chocolate chips and chopped almonds if wanted.                           
5. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Be careful not to overbake.
6. Prepare Chocolate Pudding Topping: While the cake is baking, in a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually whisk in the milk. Place over medium heat, bring to a gentle boil, lower the heat and stir until thickened. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract, and let it cool slightly.
7. Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Spread Chocolate Pudding Topping: Once the cake has cooled, spread the chocolate pudding topping evenly over the cake.
9. Refrigerate: It is recommended to refrigerate the cake for at least 2-3 hours before serving for best results, however, it still tastes great warm out of the oven!
10. Serve: Slice and serve the gluten-free chocolate cake with a decadent chocolate pudding topping. Enjoy!

Here is an estimate of the calorie content for the cake and chocolate pudding topping. Keep in mind that these are approximate values, and the actual calorie count may vary based on specific brands and variations in ingredients. The nutritional information is without chocolate chips and chopped nuts.

Total estimated calories for the cake (without nuts or chocolate chips): ~1752.25 calories

Total estimated calories for the chocolate pudding topping: ~380 calories

Grand Total: ~2132.25 calories

Here are some tips and tricks to optimize and personalize the almond flour chocolate cake recipe:

1. Custom Flavors:
   • Experiment with extracts like almond or hazelnut for unique flavour twists.
   • Add a hint of citrus zest (orange or lemon) to brighten the taste.
2. Nutty Crunch:
   • Enhance texture by incorporating chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the batter.
3. Double for Celebration:
   • Turn it into a birthday cake by doubling the batch and layering it with sugar-free frosting.
   • Adjust baking times accordingly and use a toothpick test for doneness.
4. Berry Bliss:
   • Introduce fresh or frozen berries into the batter for bursts of fruity goodness.
5. Keto-Friendly Frosting:
   • Top with a keto-friendly frosting, like a chocolate ganache made of low-carb chocolate chips and heavy cream.
6. Individual Portions:
   • Bake in muffin tins for personalized almond flour chocolate cupcakes.
   • Adjust baking time for smaller portions.
7. Coffee Infusion:
   • Amp up the richness with a splash of brewed coffee in the batter.
8. Layered Elegance:
   • Divide the batter between cake pans for a layered cake – perfect for special occasions.
9. Decorate Creatively:
   • Personalize with sugar-free chocolate shavings, edible flowers, or a sprinkle of cocoa powder.
10. Dietary Adjustments:
    • Swap dairy milk for a non-dairy alternative to make it lactose-free.
    • Adjust sweetener amounts based on personal taste preferences.

Remember to post here about your results and any personalization you have made so that others can recreate your perfect version of the almond flour chocolate cake in the future. Happy baking!