Some nights, you just need chocolate, but you also want to feel good about it. This rich, fudgy zucchini cake is the perfect way to treat yourself without the sugar crash. Packed with wholesome ingredients, it’s a healthier take on a classic that the whole family will love.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups spelt flour
• 1/2 cup cane sugar
• 4 tbsp cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda (bicarbonate)
• 1 medium zucchini, shredded
• 1 chia egg (1 tbsp chia seeds + 3 tbsp water)
• 1/2 cup neutral tasting oil (like rice bran or sunflower oil)
• 1/2 cup unsweetened plant milk (soy or almond)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the chocolate ganache frosting

• 1/4 cup plant milk (almond, soy or coconut will work)
• 75g chopped dark chocolate or chocolate chips

Instructions

Prepare the Chia Egg: In a small bowl, mix 1 tbsp chia seeds with 3 tbsp water. Set aside for about 5 minutes to thicken.

Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the spelt flour, cane sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and baking soda. Set aside.

Shred the Zucchini: Using a vegetable shredder, finely grate the zucchini. Do not peel it, as the skin will help add texture.

Whisk the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the plant milk, oil, vanilla extract, and the chia egg. Mix until smooth.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the wet ingredients and the shredded zucchini to the dry ingredients. Gently stir until just combined – do not overmix, as this can affect the texture.

Bake the Cake: Transfer the batter into a brownie pan lined with baking paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 45 minutes. To check doneness, insert a toothpick into the centre of the cake – it should come out clean.

Cool and Frost: Let the cake cool completely. Once cooled, prepare the ganache frosting. Heat the plant milk in a small pan until very hot (but not boiling). Remove from the heat and stir in the chopped chocolate until fully melted and smooth.

Frost the Cake: Spread the chocolate ganache frosting over the cooled cake. Slice into 9 pieces and serve.

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