Beet Chocolate Cake
This surprisingly moist and rich chocolate cake gets its incredible tender crumb from hidden, nutrient-packed roasted beets.
Ingredients
- •2 medium fresh beets, peeled and chopped
- •1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (220g)
- •3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (75g)
- •1 1/2 cups granulated sugar (300g)
- •1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- •1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- •1 teaspoon salt
- •2 large eggs, at room temperature
- •1/2 cup vegetable oil (120ml)
- •1 cup milk (240ml)
- •1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- •1/2 cup boiling water (120ml)
Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a 9-inch round cake pan, lining the bottom with parchment paper.
- 2
Place the chopped beets in a medium saucepan, cover with water, bring to a boil, and simmer for about 15 minutes until fork-tender; drain well.
- 3
Transfer the cooked beets to a food processor or blender and puree until completely smooth.
- 4
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- 5
Add the eggs, oil, milk, vanilla extract, and 1 cup of the beet puree to the dry ingredients, mixing with an electric mixer or whisk until smooth and well combined.
- 6
Carefully stir in the boiling water until the batter is thin and uniform.
- 7
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- 8
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
💡 Chef tips
- You can use vacuum-packed plain cooked beets to save time, just ensure they are not pickled.
- Store the cake tightly wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar or top with a rich chocolate ganache for an extra indulgent finish.
✅ How it should turn out
The finished cake should be deeply dark, supremely moist with a tender crumb, and carry a rich chocolate flavor without any overpowering vegetable taste.