Yippee, the weekend is upon us!

We have a busy one with friends and family in and out so I’ve prepared a crowdpleaser with health benefits for everyone to enjoy. A bunch of hungry rugby players are due to land late tomorrow afternoon so I don’t expect it to last too long. The addition of chia seeds add Omega 3, protein and fibre. Theres nothing in this cake that can do you that much harm.

This is based on Nigella Lawson’s excellent Dark and Sumptuous Chocolate Cake which happens to be vegan. As I’ve bribed two vegan teens into looking after my daughter tonight, I hope it to be a popular choice. I’ve tweaked the ingredients to add some health benefits and cut a corner on the topping, as time is tight.

Rich and flavoursome, this will be a winner for all the family.

Chocolate and Chia Kicking Cake – Serves 8-10

1 cup wholemeal four

1/2 cup organic white flour

1/3 tsp fine sea salt

2 tbsp milled chia seeds

1 1/2 instant expresso powder

3/4 cup cocoa powder

1/2 cup soft brown sugar

1 cup coconut sugar

1 1/2 cups recently boiled hot water

6 tbsp coconut oil

1 1/2 tsp white wine or cider vinegar

Freeze dried raspberries and chopped pistachios to decorate

1 x tub chocolate mirror glaze – find this in the home baking section

 

Heat the oven to 180dg/Gas 5 then oil and line a springform tin with baking parchment – the mixture is quite runny.

Mix together the dry ingredients in a bowl with a fork.

Mix together the wet ingredients together in a Pyrex jug until the coconut oil is melted and then  introduce the two together, mixing until well combined. Pour into the springform tin.

Pop into the oven for approx 30 minutes until a skewer comes out clean. Don’t overcook it as this is supposed to have a fudgy texture. Remove from the oven and cool in it’s tin on a wire tray.

When completely cool, plate the sponge cake carefully on a plate (I use a cake storer so that it’s easy to cover). Melt the chocolate glaze according to the pack instructions and sprinkle your choice of toppings over to decorate. Lovely with a glass of fizz/coffee for the grown ups and plenty of kicking power hidden in there for the kids.

Have a great weekend – keep warm!

Karen x