A HEALTHIER CHOCOLATE CAKE RECIPE
February 5, 2019
Pittsburgh Fitness Project
With Valentine’s Day coming up, I know it is traditional to buy chocolates or other treats for your loved ones. However, a lot of times the store-bought sweets have a lot of junky ingredients in them. Plus, it is always fun and thoughtful to make your own gifts! Although this recipe cannot be classified as health food, it is a great alternative to the traditional Valentine’s Day dessert. So, if you choose to indulge for this holiday, then try this easy healthier chocolate cake recipe instead of buying or ordering out.
LET’S TALK ABOUT DARK CHOCOLATE
As fitness and health specialists, we at PFP believe in balance. It’s perfectly fine to indulge in a sweet treat now and then. But overdoing it can cause harm in terms of blood sugar and weight. And to be honest, going the “sugar-free” route isn’t necessarily the best option. Sugar-free does not, in turn, mean carbohydrate free. Carbs are what help to raise blood sugar levels. With that said, we believe you should opt to eat a small amount of the real treat you’re craving. That way, you’re both satisfied and happy.
If you ask anyone in the health field about sweet treats, they’ll most likely tell you to go to for an option with dark chocolate in it. Studies have shown that eating a small amount of cacao found in dark chocolate may have a beneficial effect on blood pressure, insulin resistance, and vascular and platelet function. The reason for this is likely due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Unfortunately, dark chocolate still doesn’t sit well with people, as we have been consuming processed, commercialized milk chocolate for decades. Commercial chocolate is a combination of cocoa, sugar, milk and other ingredients. The higher percentage of cacao in dark chocolate, the lower the sugar content, too. When choosing a source of dark chocolate aim to choose one with at least 70% or more of cacao to maximize antioxidant effect and reduce sugar content.
With all that said, let’s get into this healthier chocolate cake!
A HEALTHIER CHOCOLATE CAKE RECIPE:
● 1/2 cup coconut oil
● 3 oz fair trade dark chocolate, roughly chopped
● 1 T coconut flour
● 1/2 cup fair trade cocoa powder
● 1 pinch salt
● 1/2 tsp cinnamon
● 1/2 tsp baking soda
● 3 eggs
● 1/2 cup maple syrup
● Your favorite store-bought (or homemade!) frosting, optional
DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Melt chocolate & coconut oil in medium saucepan over low heat.
3. Meanwhile, combine dry ingredients. Sift the coconut flour and baking soda in a sifter so that they will mix easier and not form clumps.
4. Once fully melted, take chocolate and coconut oil/butter off the heat. Add the rest of the wet ingredients, stir, and then add the dry ingredients.
5. Bake in a small cake pan for 15-17 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Alternatively, these can be made into brownies or cupcakes, but for cupcakes check the middle with a toothpick after 10 minutes.
6. Let cool in pan for about 15 minutes before cutting and serving.
7. The frosting is totally optional, as this cake is plenty sweet & moist enough on its own!
HEALTHIER ALTERNATIVE TIPS!
● Add ground flaxseed meal, chia, hemp, sunflower, walnuts, almonds or other nuts to boost fiber, protein, and Omega 3 fatty acid content
● If you don’t have coconut flour, you can use whole wheat flour or almond meal flour for added fiber, antioxidants, and healthy fat
● Opt for fresh fruit when topping/decorating instead of sprinkles and other processed sugars
Note: If you don’t have coconut flour, the flour can be omitted. The healthier chocolate cake will just be denser and more brownie-like.
LOOKING FOR MORE HEALTHY AND HOLISTIC TIPS?
Are you someone who struggles with stress and anxiety? Do you often feel overwhelmed or out of control? Maybe you’ve listened to podcasts about mindfulness. Or have tried the latest meditation app to no avail. Whatever your woes, schedule a FREE consultation with me! If you have goals you would like to meet, working with a coach is a great way to reach them! Holistic Lifestyle Coaching is specifically useful for health-related goals! These goals can include feeling better, being more energetic, finding motivation, and reducing stressors. Furthermore, make sure to check out our PFP Holistic Lifestyle Coaching page for more information!
EMILY EICHNER: PFP HOLISTIC LIFESTYLE COACH