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Indulge Guilt-Free: The Ultimate Dark Chocolate Beet Cake with Rich Ganache

This article is brought to you in partnership with Paisley Farms. All opinions expressed are my own, reflecting my genuine experience and passion for creating delicious recipes. We are grateful for their support in making An Affair from the Heart possible.

Prepare to have your perceptions of healthy desserts delightfully shattered! If the thought of beets in a chocolate cake sounds unconventional, you’re not alone. I’ve heard it all before. Many years ago, when I shared my recipe for sauerkraut chocolate cake, some thought I was truly mad. Yet, that surprising creation became a beloved hit for countless bakers, proving that sometimes, the most unexpected ingredients yield the most remarkable results. This Dark Chocolate Beet Cake promises to do the same, transforming skepticism into sheer delight with its incredible flavor and surprising nutritional benefits.

Unlike anything you’ve tasted, this cake stands apart. Forget dry, crumbly cakes; this one boasts an exceptionally moist, springy texture reminiscent of a luxurious snack cake. It’s dense yet tender, offering a satisfying chew with every bite. The secret? Beets. Yes, beets! When combined with the deep, complex flavors of dark chocolate and crowned with a generous, silken layer of homemade chocolate ganache, this cake is an absolute revelation. To truly appreciate its depth, I highly recommend chilling it in the refrigerator before serving. The cold enhances the cake’s density and firms up the ganache, creating an exquisite textural contrast that is simply irresistible.

Unlocking the Power of Beets in Desserts

Adding vegetables to desserts is a culinary tradition older than many realize, and for good reason. Carrots in cake, zucchini in bread – these additions not only impart incredible moisture but also introduce a wealth of nutrients. Beets, in particular, bring a whole new dimension of health benefits to the table. Imagine a chocolate cake that’s not just a decadent treat but also a source of essential nutrients and powerful antioxidants. Sounds like a dream, doesn’t it? With this Dark Chocolate Beet Cake, that dream becomes a delicious reality.

Beets are truly a nutritional powerhouse, making them an excellent choice for a “healthier” indulgence. They are celebrated for their unique and abundant betalain pigments, which are potent antioxidants responsible for beets’ striking color and numerous health-promoting properties. Beyond their vibrant hues, beets are an exceptional source of folate, a crucial B vitamin vital for cell growth and function. They also provide a very good source of manganese, important for bone health and metabolism, along with potassium for blood pressure regulation, and copper, essential for iron absorption and energy production.

Furthermore, beets contribute significantly to your daily intake of dietary fiber, promoting digestive health and satiety. They are a good source of magnesium, vital for muscle and nerve function, phosphorus for strong bones and teeth, and vitamin C, a powerful immune booster. Iron, crucial for oxygen transport, and vitamin B6, which supports brain health, are also found in these remarkable root vegetables. Incorporating such a nutrient-dense ingredient into a dessert means you’re not just satisfying your sweet tooth, but also nourishing your body with every delightful bite.

Before trying it myself, I shared the common misconception that adding a root vegetable like beets would inevitably alter the cake’s flavor, giving it an earthy undertone. However, my experience, and that of countless others, proved this notion wrong. In fact, using beets in chocolate-flavored desserts is a stroke of culinary genius. The robust, slightly bitter notes of cocoa powder and rich chocolate masterfully mask any subtle earthy flavor from the beets. Instead, beets primarily contribute to the cake’s exceptional moisture and vibrant color, creating a dessert that is visually appealing and incredibly satisfying.

A Partnership with Paisley Farms: Elevating Your Baking Experience

When my wonderful partners at Paisley Farms approached me to develop innovative recipes using their celebrated Sweet Pickled Beets, I was immediately excited. I had long seen beets featured in various dessert recipes across the culinary world, and the idea of combining them with a rich, dark chocolate cake felt like the perfect festive indulgence. Especially during the holidays, when hearty, comforting flavors are desired, a vibrant and nutrient-rich chocolate cake is a welcome departure from lighter fare. We can save the salads and detox meals for January, right? The holiday season calls for a touch of decadence, and this cake delivers on all fronts.

My initial research into beet cake recipes often led to instructions involving roasting fresh beets – a process that, while rewarding, adds considerable time and effort. This is where Paisley Farms’ products shine. Instead of the labor-intensive task of preparing fresh beets, I simply opened a jar of their Sweet Pickled Beets. This simple act saves valuable time and simplifies the baking process immensely, making this gourmet-quality cake accessible to home bakers of all skill levels.

Paisley Farms Sweet Pickled Beets have been a staple in many kitchens for generations, and it’s easy to see why. Their beets are known for their exceptional quality, vibrant color, and a distinctive hint of cinnamon that truly elevates their flavor profile. While they are famously irresistible straight from the jar or as a colorful addition to salads, their versatility extends wonderfully to baked goods. The sweet and tangy notes, subtly spiced, provide a delightful complexity when pureed and folded into this rich chocolate batter. This unique flavor combination, along with the added moisture, creates a memorable dessert experience that you won’t find with ordinary beets.

During my recipe investigation, many beet cake recipes suggested a simple dusting of powdered sugar as a finishing touch. While elegant, I envisioned something more profound, something that would truly complement the cake’s deep chocolate notes and moist interior. I decided to elevate this cake even further, opting for a luxurious homemade chocolate ganache.

The rich, glossy ganache transforms this already delicious cake into an extraordinary dessert. It adds an extra layer of chocolate intensity and a silky-smooth texture that beautifully contrasts with the cake’s tender crumb. Imagine a rich, dark chocolate snack cake, but with an added layer of sophistication and a surprising boost of nutrients. The ganache not only enhances the flavor but also seals in moisture, ensuring every slice is as perfect as the last. It’s the ideal topping for a cake that’s both comforting and elegant.

So, go ahead. Grab a fork, perhaps a tall glass of cold milk, and prepare to dig into a slice of this magnificent Dark Chocolate Beet Cake. You’ll be amazed by its depth of flavor, its luscious texture, and the secret healthy ingredient that makes it truly unique. It’s a dessert that proves indulgence and nutrition can indeed go hand-in-hand.

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Chocolate Beet Cake

Rich dark chocolate cake, full of antioxidants and nutrients, slathered in chocolate ganache.

Prep Time: 10 mins

Cook Time: 30 mins

Total Time: 40 mins

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Chocolate Beet Cake

Servings: 9 x13

Calories: 401 kcal

Author: Michaela Kenkel

Ingredients

1 3/4 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
6 Tablespoons dark chocolate cocoa
1/2 teaspoon espresso powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups sugar
3 eggs
1 cup vegetable oil + 2 Tablespoons
1 1/2 cups pureed Paisley Farms Sweet Pickled Beets (about half of a 35.5 ounce jar, drain before pureeing)
2 teaspoons pure vanilla
For the Chocolate Ganache:
8 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate (I have used squares and chips)
1/2 cup of cream
1 teaspoon of instant coffee or 1 Tablespoon of rum or whiskey

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 C) and spray a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
Sift together flour, baking soda, cocoa powder, espresso powder, and salt. Set aside.
Puree drained beets until smooth. Set aside.
In the bowl of a stand mixer or with a hand mixer, combine together oil, sugar, and eggs. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes until light and fluffy.
Add in vanilla and pureed beets. Mix until just incorporated.
Gradually add in dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
Cool the cake completely in the pan on a wire rack. For best results, cover with plastic wrap and let it sit overnight before adding the chocolate ganache. This allows the flavors to deepen and the cake to set perfectly.
To prepare ganache: In a small saucepan over low heat, add chocolate and cream. Stir constantly until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy. Remove from heat. Stir in the instant coffee or rum/whiskey with a whisk until fully combined.
Pour the warm ganache over the cooled cake, spreading it evenly across the top. Place the cake in the fridge to chill for at least 30 minutes, allowing the ganache to firm up.
We served it cold for an extra firm, rich texture.

Notes

The cake will sit overnight and be ready to eat the next day.
Recipe adapted from food.com.

Nutrition

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Our appreciation for the organic foods and innovative spirit of Paisley Farms runs deep. Their commitment to quality and flavor makes them a trusted partner in our kitchen.

If you’re looking for more delicious ways to incorporate Paisley Farms products into your meals, be sure to check out my Five Bean Chicken Chili Recipe, where I used their flavorful Five Bean Salad to create a hearty and satisfying dish.

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