So, last weekend we had one beetroot leftover after making our pink rice and I decided to experiment. I had seen it used in cakes before and I wondered if I could achieve something similar. Thus, the un-beet-able cacao cake was born. It's dairy free, refined sugar free and uses wholemeal flour, coconut oil and cacao. Oh...and some beetroot.
Beetroot can be so divisive, and I think that comes mainly from the fact that when it's in a tin, it's kind of slimy and gross. But when it's fresh, it's totally different ball game. The colour alone is beautiful, but it's versatility is also amazing. It can be used in sweet or savoury cooking and works really well with chocolate flavours.
Master 2 wasn't too keen on pink rice the other night, but mention the word cake and you've got his full attention. The cake was so good that he ate two pieces right after cooking and then had it for preschool lunch two days in a row. That's where you get some extra great news about this one: cut it into little serves and freeze. They defrost perfectly and are awesome in the lunch box.
Miss 4 was also a fan of this one, declaring it the best cake she's ever tasted, which is a pretty good compliment. You know you could probably ice this and use it as a celebration cake if you wanted to- it would go nicely with a cream cheese cacao frosting or even a plain cream cheese one in the style of red velvet cake.
Just remember: beetroot stains. Everything. Chopping boards, skin, clothes, bench tops. Everything. You have been warned. I peel the beetroot with a peeler, then grate it with a stainless steel grater on a plate. It all goes straight in the dishwasher. And wear gloves. Maybe even two pairs. And don't push your sleeves back once you've already started grating if you ever want to wear the clothes you've got on again. Let's not talk about that any further. 😉
Un-beet-able cacao cake
Ingredients
- 3 eggs
- 2 tsps vanilla
- 1 cup dark muscovado sugar
- ½ cup coconut oil melted
- 1 cup wholemeal self raising flour
- 1 cup cacao
- 1 large beetroot peeled and grated
- 8 " square cake tin
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 160 degrees
- Put the eggs, oil, vanilla and sugar the bowl of a mixer. Mix on low for 30 seconds then on high for 1 minute.
- Add the cacao, flour and mix for 30 seconds on low.
- Add the beetroot, mix briefly.
- Pour into a lined 8" square cake tin.
- Bake for 25 minutes, checking with a skewer.
Feeding Finn says
This sounds great! I made a birthday cake for my husband with beetroot in it and it was amazing. Will need to try this recipe. First time linking to #whatkidseatwednesday - thanks for hosting!
Kylie says
Let me know if it's loved! I've made it 5 times this winter!
Gretta says
Oh I'm going to remember this one when we have a garden full of beetroot!! Yum!
Kylie says
Definitely! Although watch the red output afterwards...
lu @ looking for mama me says
This looks surprisingly good, I suppose beetroots are quite sweet, they would probably go well with the bitterness of cacao 🙂
Kylie says
The kids love it!
Tina says
I love beetroot! But I usually put them in a salad. First time I've seen it in a chocolate dessert, so this is a must try then 🙂 Thanks for sharing on #ToddlerFunFriday
Kylie says
You'll be surprised! It really is a different taste for your humble old beetroot!
Carol - My Bored Toddler says
I wish I had this recipe last week when I bought a lot of beetroots on sale and realised that I didn't know what to do with them all! I'll have to try this one next time.Thanks for sharing on #ToddlerFunFriday
Kylie says
I had the recipe ready to go a week ago- next time ask me what to do with them! You know I'll have an answer! 🙂
Ali Gilbert says
Sounds yummy! Thanks for sharing on #ToddlerFunFriday!
bakeplaysmile says
Hahaha yes the dreaded beetroot stains!!! I always get it on my fingers! But what a great recipe - and a perfect way to hide beetroot. Thanks so much for linking up with our Fabulous Foodie Fridays party xxx
Kylie says
Thanks so much for hosting Lucy! So many amazing things to cook! 🙂
rebeccassunday says
This sounds amazing! I have been loving beetroot lately and you're telling me I can put it cake?! YES?!
Kylie says
yep...and now I'm telling you to try it...because if you don't you won't believe it! 😉
Malinda (@MBPaperPackages) says
This looks delicious, I know my girls would love this!
Kylie says
I hope they do! 🙂
Amy @ HandbagMafia says
I'm not a fan of the tinned variety but it intrigues me when used this way!
[email protected] says
I'm scared of staining everything but I reckon it would be worth it. Looks delish! Xx
Kylie says
I recommend a hazmat suit! 🙂
Lauren @ Create Bake Make says
I love cooking with beetroot despite the stains, I just have to make sure I'm alone when I'm doing it otherwise my little helpers end up with purple hands and smearing it everywhere! This cake look so good and I can't wait to try it.
Kylie says
Yes the little helpers can be so very helpful can't they? 😉