Name: Healthy Chocolate Orange Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 7 large eggs (Provides structure and moisture.); 1 cup Greek yogurt (Adds creaminess and protein.); 2 teaspoons orange extract (Enhances the citrus flavor.); 1 cup almond milk (Keeps the cake moist and dairy-free.); 3.5 oz butter (melted; can be replaced with coconut oil for a dairy-free option.); 1 cup coconut flour (Provides fiber and a subtle coconut flavor.); 2.5 cups almond flour (A nutritious alternative to all-purpose flour.); 1 cup cocoa powder (gives the cake its rich chocolate flavor.); 2 tablespoons cocoa powder (for frosting; deepens the chocolate flavor.); 1 cup powdered sweetener (A low-calorie sweetener to keep the cake healthy.); 7 tablespoons powdered sweetener (sweetens the frosting without the calories.); 4 teaspoons baking powder (helps the cake rise.); 1 teaspoon salt (enhances all the flavors.); 3 ripe avocados (flesh only; adds healthy fats and moisture.); 1/2 cup cocoa powder (for frosting; deepens the chocolate flavor.); 1.5 tablespoons butter or coconut oil (melted; for added richness in the frosting.); 1 teaspoon orange extract (complements the chocolate beautifully.); good pinch of salt (balances the sweetness.)

Looking for a guilt-free dessert that satisfies your sweet tooth without compromising on flavor? Look no further than this Healthy Chocolate Orange Cake! Bursting with rich chocolate and zesty orange flavors, this cake is not only delicious but also packed with wholesome ingredients. Using almond flour, coconut flour, and ripe avocados, this cake is a perfect balance of indulgence and nutrition. Whether it’s a special occasion or a simple weeknight treat, this cake is sure to impress everyone at the table!

Why This Healthy Chocolate Orange Cake Stands Out

This Healthy Chocolate Orange Cake is a game-changer in the dessert world. It combines the rich, velvety texture of traditional chocolate cake with the bright, refreshing notes of orange. What sets it apart are the nourishing ingredients that replace refined sugars and flours, making it a much healthier option. The inclusion of avocados not only adds creaminess but also brings healthy fats into the mix, while Greek yogurt and almond milk contribute to a moist and tender crumb. With all of these elements combined, you have a cake that feels indulgent without the guilt!

What Goes Into Healthy Chocolate Orange Cake

To make this delightful cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:

7 large eggs – Provides structure and moisture.
1 cup Greek yogurt – Adds creaminess and protein.
2 teaspoons orange extract – Enhances the citrus flavor.
1 cup almond milk – Keeps the cake moist and dairy-free.
3.5 oz butter, melted (100g) – Adds richness; can be replaced with coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
1 cup coconut flour (45g) – Provides fiber and a subtle coconut flavor.
2.5 cups almond flour (250g) – A nutritious alternative to all-purpose flour.
1 cup + 2 tablespoons cocoa powder (75g) – Gives the cake its rich chocolate flavor.
1 cup powdered sweetener (200g) – A low-calorie sweetener to keep the cake healthy.
4 teaspoons baking powder – Helps the cake rise.
1 teaspoon salt – Enhances all the flavors.
3 ripe avocados (flesh only) (330g/11.6 oz) – Adds healthy fats and moisture.
1/2 cup cocoa powder (55g) – For the frosting; deepens the chocolate flavor.
7 tablespoons powdered sweetener (70g) – Sweetens the frosting without the calories.
1.5 tablespoons butter or coconut oil, melted – For added richness in the frosting.
1 teaspoon orange extract – Complements the chocolate beautifully.
Good pinch of salt – Balances the sweetness.

Recommended Tools

To create your Healthy Chocolate Orange Cake, you’ll need a few essential tools:

Mixing bowls – For combining ingredients.
Whisk – To ensure a smooth batter.
Measuring cups and spoons – For accurate ingredient measurements.
Rubber spatula – Perfect for folding ingredients together.
Baking pan – A 9-inch round cake pan works great.
Food processor – Ideal for pureeing avocados and creating a smooth frosting.
Cooling rack – To cool the cake evenly.

The Method for Healthy Chocolate Orange Cake

Now that you have all your ingredients and tools ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step process to create this delightful cake:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line your 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the 7 large eggs, 1 cup Greek yogurt, 2 teaspoons orange extract, and 1 cup almond milk. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Add the Fats

Pour in the melted butter (or coconut oil) and mix until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the coconut flour, almond flour, cocoa powder, powdered sweetener, baking powder, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps.

Step 5: Mix Dry with Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense cake.

Step 6: Incorporate Avocados

In a food processor, blend the ripe avocado flesh until smooth. Fold the avocado puree into the cake batter until well combined.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool the Cake

Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Step 9: Make the Frosting

While the cake cools, prepare the frosting. In a food processor, blend the avocado flesh with cocoa powder, powdered sweetener, melted butter (or coconut oil), orange extract, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth and creamy.

Step 10: Frost the Cake

Once the cake is completely cool, spread the avocado frosting evenly on top of the cake. You can also frost the sides if desired.

Ingredient Flex Options

If you’d like to customize your Healthy Chocolate Orange Cake, consider these ingredient flex options:

Sweeteners: You can use honey or maple syrup instead of powdered sweetener, but adjust the liquid ingredients accordingly.
Flours: For a nut-free version, substitute almond flour with oat flour or a gluten-free flour blend.
Fats: Coconut oil can replace butter in both the cake and frosting for a dairy-free option.
Flavorings: Experiment with different extracts like vanilla or almond for a twist on the classic flavor.

Pro Tips & Notes

Ensure that your avocados are ripe; this will make blending easier and provide a smoother frosting.
Don’t overmix the batter to maintain a light and fluffy texture.
Let the cake cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
This cake can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a couple of days.

Meal Prep & Storage Notes

This Healthy Chocolate Orange Cake is perfect for meal prep! You can bake it over the weekend and enjoy it throughout the week. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you want to keep it fresh longer, you can freeze slices wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature before enjoying!

Troubleshooting Q&A

What if my cake is too dry?

If your cake turns out dry, it may have been overbaked. Ensure to check for doneness a few minutes before the suggested baking time. You can also add a bit more almond milk or Greek yogurt to the batter next time for extra moisture.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cake stores well in the refrigerator for a few days. You can bake it a day or two in advance and frost it just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

How can I make this cake more chocolatey?

If you prefer a more intense chocolate flavor, increase the cocoa powder to 1.5 cups. Just be aware it may alter the texture slightly, so you might need to adjust the liquid ingredients accordingly.

Why did my cake sink in the middle?

A sinking cake can be due to underbaking or opening the oven door too early. Make sure to allow the cake to fully bake and only check for doneness towards the end of the baking time.

Ready to Cook?

Now that you have all the details for this Healthy Chocolate Orange Cake, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get baking! With its rich flavors and nutritious ingredients, this cake is the perfect way to treat yourself and your loved ones without any guilt. Enjoy the delightful combination of chocolate and orange, and watch as it disappears from your table in no time!

This Healthy Chocolate Orange Cake is not just a dessert; it’s an experience. The fusion of flavors, the creamy texture, and the wholesome ingredients make this cake stand out from the rest. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and indulge in a slice (or two) of this heavenly delight!