Looking for a unique twist on traditional chocolate cake? This Chocolate Beet Cake combines the earthy flavor of roasted beets with the richness of unsweetened chocolate to create a moist, decadent treat.
The beets not only provide a natural sweetness but also contribute to the cake’s tender crumb. Whether you’re looking to impress at a dinner party or indulge in a comforting dessert, this recipe is a must-try.
Beets are the unsung hero of many dessert recipes, and when paired with chocolate, they make for a perfectly balanced flavor profile.
Plus, they help keep this cake wonderfully moist, ensuring each bite is as soft as the last. Don’t let the idea of vegetables in your dessert scare you away—the result is a rich, velvety cake that will have everyone guessing your secret ingredient!
Ingredients List for the Cake
To make this Chocolate Beet Cake, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that come together to create something extraordinary. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Cake:
- 3 medium beets, stems and tails removed (about 1 ½ cups pureed)
- 1 ½ cups unbleached all-purpose flour
- ½ cup whole-wheat pastry flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 4 ounces unsweetened chocolate
- ½ cup canola oil, divided
- 3 large eggs
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
These ingredients form the base for a cake that’s not only delicious but also surprisingly healthy, thanks to the natural sweetness and moisture from the beets.
Required Kitchen Tools
Before you dive into making this indulgent Chocolate Beet Cake, it’s important to have the right kitchen tools on hand. These tools will make the process smoother, ensuring your cake comes out perfectly every time.
Essential Tools:
- Food Processor or Grater: For preparing the beets, a food processor can quickly and easily shred them, or you can grate them manually if you prefer. The goal is to get them finely shredded to help them blend seamlessly into the cake batter.
- Double Boiler or Microwave-safe Bowl: You’ll need this to melt the unsweetened chocolate. A double boiler method ensures gentle, even melting, while a microwave-safe bowl is more convenient if you prefer a quicker option.
- Stand or Hand Mixer: A mixer will make it easier to combine the ingredients, especially when incorporating the eggs, sugar, and yogurt into the beet-chocolate mixture.
- Cake Pans: I recommend using two 9-inch round cake pans. Grease them with butter or line them with parchment paper to ensure the cake releases easily after baking.
- Spatula and Whisk: For mixing and smoothing the batter, a rubber spatula and whisk will be your best friends in the kitchen.
Having these tools will streamline the process and give you the best results when baking your Chocolate Beet Cake.
Baking the Chocolate Beet Cake
Now that you have your ingredients and tools ready, it’s time to start making this decadent Chocolate Beet Cake. Follow these easy steps to create a perfectly moist and rich cake that’s sure to impress.
Step 1: Preparing the Beets
First, you need to prepare the beets. Roast or boil them until tender, then peel off the skin and puree them. I find roasting brings out the natural sweetness in the beets, but boiling is fine too if you’re short on time. You’ll need about 1 ½ cups of pureed beets for the cake. Set them aside to cool before adding them to the batter.
Step 2: Melting the Chocolate
While your beets are cooling, melt the unsweetened chocolate. You can do this using a double boiler method or simply microwave the chocolate in short bursts, stirring in between. Once melted, allow it to cool slightly before incorporating it into the batter.
Step 3: Mixing the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, canola oil (reserving half), plain Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract. The yogurt adds a nice tang and helps keep the cake moist. Whisk everything together until smooth and well-combined.
Step 4: Adding the Beets and Chocolate
Now, stir in the pureed beets and melted chocolate to the wet mixture. Make sure everything is thoroughly combined. The color should be a rich, deep brown, and the texture should be smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Preparing the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, whole-wheat pastry flour, baking soda, and kosher salt. This helps prevent any lumps and ensures an even distribution of the dry ingredients.
Step 6: Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet beet-chocolate mixture, mixing gently to avoid overworking the batter. Be sure to fold in the flour mixture just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, and we want this cake to be light and fluffy.
Step 7: Baking the Cake
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the top with a spatula to ensure an even bake. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Keep an eye on it as oven temperatures can vary. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cream Cheese Glaze and Serving Your Chocolate Beet Cake
Now that your Chocolate Beet Cake is baked and cooled, it’s time to finish it off with a luscious cream cheese glaze that complements the rich, earthy flavors of the cake. The tangy cream cheese balances the sweetness, making each bite irresistible.
Step 1: Preparing the Cream Cheese Glaze
To make the glaze, you’ll need to start with softened reduced-fat cream cheese (Neufchatel) for a lighter yet creamy texture. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and glossy. If the glaze is too thick, you can add a little more milk to reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, sift in a bit more powdered sugar to thicken it up.
Step 2: Glazing the Cake
Once your cakes have fully cooled, place one layer on a cake stand or plate. Drizzle the cream cheese glaze generously over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides for a beautiful, rustic look. You can choose to frost both layers or just the top layer—whatever suits your style.
If you prefer a more decadent finish, you can top the cake with some grated chocolate, crushed nuts, or even a sprinkle of cocoa powder. These additions will enhance both the visual appeal and flavor profile of your cake.
Step 3: Serving Suggestions
This Chocolate Beet Cake is perfect for serving at a special occasion, but it’s just as delicious when enjoyed as an everyday dessert with a cup of tea or coffee. The subtle sweetness from the beets, combined with the richness of the chocolate and the tangy cream cheese glaze, creates a balanced and unforgettable dessert experience.
Pro Tip: If you’re serving this cake at a party or celebration, consider pairing it with fresh berries, like raspberries or strawberries, for a pop of color and added freshness that complements the chocolate flavor.
Storage Instructions
How to Keep Chocolate Beet Cake Fresh
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (though that’s unlikely!), store your cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This will keep the cake moist and delicious without needing refrigeration.
Freezing the Cake
To extend the life of your cake, you can freeze it. Wrap individual slices or the entire cake in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. It will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw at room temperature or reheat in the oven for a few minutes.
Conclusion
This Chocolate Beet Cake is a perfect example of how unexpected ingredients can elevate a classic dessert. The beets bring natural moisture and a subtle earthiness that pairs beautifully with rich chocolate. The cream cheese glaze adds the perfect finishing touch, making each bite a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re making this cake for a special occasion or just as a treat for yourself, this recipe is sure to impress.
So, grab your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and enjoy a slice of this extraordinary cake. You might just find that beets and chocolate make the best pair ever!
