Quinoa Chocolate Carrot Cake Recipe
Healthy, high-protein, and indulgently delicious – a treat that combines the best of both worlds!
A slice of this Quinoa Chocolate Carrot Cake is the perfect way to start your day or enjoy a delightful snack with tea or coffee. The inclusion of quinoa flour gives it a boost of protein, while the addition of grated carrots adds a wholesome, nutritious touch. Whether you’re looking for a healthy dessert, a comforting breakfast treat, or a snack for your kids’ lunchbox, this cake is the answer. A unique blend of ingredients ensures a moist and flavorful cake that’s sure to please the whole family.
Cuisine: Continental
Course: Dessert
Diet: Eggetarian
Ingredients
For the Cake:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Quinoa Flour | 2 cups |
| Cocoa Powder | 1/2 cup |
| Instant Coffee Powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Oil | 1/2 cup |
| Brown Sugar (Demerara Sugar) | 1 cup |
| Whole Eggs | 2 |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Baking Powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Carrot (Gajjar), Grated | 1 cup |
| Salt | 1 pinch |
For the Glaze:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter (Salted), Melted | 1/4 cup |
| Icing Sugar | 2 cups |
| Milk (Warm) | A few teaspoons |
| Salt | 1 pinch |
| Almond Essence (Badam Essence) | 1/2 teaspoon |
Preparation
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 65 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Serves: 8-10
Instructions
-
Prepare the Egg Mixture:
- In a stand or hand mixer, whisk together the eggs, oil, vanilla extract, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and frothy. This should take about 3 minutes on medium speed. Set the egg mixture aside.
-
Prepare the Baking Pans:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Grease two 6-inch baking pans with butter, then dust them with flour. Set them aside.
-
Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine the quinoa flour, cocoa powder, and instant coffee powder.
- Add the grated carrots and stir until the mixture is well combined and there are no lumps.
-
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Pour the dry ingredient mixture into the egg mixture. Add the milk and stir well to combine all the ingredients, ensuring the batter is smooth.
-
Bake the Cake:
- Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans.
- Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached. Be sure to keep an eye on the cakes as baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven.
-
Cool and Glaze:
- Allow the cakes to cool completely in their pans. Once cool, remove the cakes from the pans.
- To make the glaze, whisk together the melted butter, icing sugar, warm milk, salt, and almond essence until smooth and pourable.
-
Finish the Cake:
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cakes. You can use a spoon or a pastry brush to evenly coat the top of the cake.
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- Slice the cake and serve with your favorite hot beverage, like coffee or green tea. This Quinoa Chocolate Carrot Cake is perfect for breakfast, tea time, or as a delightful snack for any time of the day.
Allergen Information
- Contains: Eggs, Milk, Butter
- May contain traces of: Tree nuts (depending on the brand of quinoa flour and other ingredients used)
Dietary Preferences
- Eggetarian-Friendly: This cake contains eggs, making it suitable for those who follow an eggetarian diet.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use certified gluten-free quinoa flour to make this cake suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or Celiac disease.
- Dairy-Free Option: You can substitute dairy ingredients (butter and milk) with plant-based alternatives such as almond milk and dairy-free butter to make it vegan-friendly.
Tips & Advice
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Flaxseed Egg Replacer: If you’re looking for an egg-free alternative, you can substitute the two eggs with flaxseed egg replacer. Simply mix 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseeds with 6 tablespoons of water and let it sit for 5 minutes to form a gel-like consistency. This will work wonderfully as a substitute.
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Storage Tips: This cake stays fresh for about 3-4 days at room temperature, covered with a kitchen towel or in an airtight container. If you want to keep it for longer, refrigerate it, and it will last for about a week. Be sure to bring it back to room temperature before serving to get the full flavor.
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Sweetness Level: The recipe uses brown sugar, but you can adjust the sweetness to your preference. For a lighter sweetness, reduce the brown sugar slightly, or for a more indulgent treat, feel free to add an extra tablespoon of sugar.
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Add-ins: Feel free to add your favorite nuts (like walnuts or almonds) or dried fruits (such as raisins or cranberries) to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
Conclusion
The Quinoa Chocolate Carrot Cake is a truly versatile and nutritious treat that brings together the goodness of quinoa, the richness of chocolate, and the wholesome power of carrots. This cake is perfect for those looking for a healthy dessert or a breakfast option that’s both delicious and satisfying. Its moist texture, delightful glaze, and balanced sweetness make it an ideal choice for any occasion, from a casual breakfast to a special afternoon snack.
Whether you enjoy it with a hot cup of coffee or pack it into a lunchbox, this cake will undoubtedly become a favorite in your household. Don’t forget to try out the tips and variations to make this recipe even more customized to your taste preferences!
Enjoy baking and eating this guilt-free indulgence, knowing that each bite is a step toward nourishing your body while satisfying your sweet tooth. Happy baking!
