The Best GF & SF Chocolate Cake

Who doesn't want their cake and eat it too? You can still have all your favorite foods without them making you sick and increasing the risk of serious illness.

Quinoa is gluten-free, high in protein and one of the few plant foods that contain sufficient amounts of all nine essential amino acids.. It is also high in fiber, magnesium, B vitamins, iron, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin E and various beneficial antioxidants. (1)

Almonds are often included in the category of superfoods because they are rich in a wide variety of nutrients. An ounce of almonds contains about 129 calories with roughly 14 grams of fat, 6 grams of protein, and 3 grams of fiber. It is important to note that while almonds are high in fat, 9 out of the 14 grams are healthy monounsaturated fats. Almonds are also rich in vitamin E, manganese, copper, magnesium, and phosphorus. (2)

Organic raw cacao has over 40 times the antioxidants of blueberries.  It has an amazing ORAC score of 98,000 per 100g, vs blueberries at a mere 2,400.  ORAC scores measure the ability of antioxidants to absorb free radicals (that come from pollution and toxins in our environment), which cause cell and tissue damage and can lead to diseases such as cancer.

Cacao is the highest plant-based source of iron known to man, at a whopping 7.3mg per 100g.  

Cacao is also one of the highest plant-based sources of magnesium, the most deficient mineral in the Western world.  Magnesium is important for a healthy heart, and helps turn glucose into energy enabling your brain to work with laser-sharp clarity and focus.  

Raw organic cacao has more calcium than cow’s milk would you believe, at 160mg per 100g vs only 125mg per 100ml of milk.  

Cacao is a great source of four scientifically proven bliss chemicals – serotonin, tryptophan, tyrosine and phenylethylamine.  These neurotransmitters are associated with cosy feelings of wellbeing, happiness, and can even alleviate depression. (3)

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Cake:

1 cup Quinoa flour

1/2 cup Almond flour

1/2 cup raw cocao

2 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon xanthum gum

3/4 cup coconut palm sugar

3/4 cup monkfruit or xylitol

1/2 teaspoon stevia concentrate

5 tablespoons coconut oil

1 egg organic free range or flax egg for vegan*

1/2 cup almond milk

1 teaspoon organic pure vanilla extract

Icing:

2 tablespoons organic butter

3 tablespoons coconut butter

2 tablespoons coconut oil

1/2 cup powdered coconut palm sugar

1/2 cup powdered xylitol

(grind regular coconut palm sugar and xylitol in coffee grinder into powder/icing sugar)

1/8 teaspoon stevia concentrate

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Combine all dry ingredients in a bowl. Then add coconut oil to dry mixture and mix into a paste like consistency. Whisk wet ingredients in a separate bowl then add to flour mixture. Stir until evenly mixed. Cake mix will be much thicker than regular cake mix, so don't worry. Line 9 inch round baking tray with parchment paper, add cake mix. Bake for 40-45 minutes. Let cool. Ovens vary, so check with a knife, insert knife into cake and when it comes out clean the cake is done.

Combine all icing ingredients in a bowl and mix. Add icing to cooled cake and enjoy without the guilt!!! No need to be sorry!!! :)

This makes a one layer cake. For double layer cake with icing in between, just double the recipe and use two 9 inch round baking trays.

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References

1. Kris Gunners BSc, 28 June 2018 accessed 18 October 2019 <https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-proven-benefits-of-quinoa>

2. Schaer n.d. accessed 18 October 2019 <https://www.schaer.com/en-us/a/almond-flour>

3. Be Good Organics n.d. Cacao: 5 Little known benefits of this Amazonian superfood accessed 18 Octocer 2019 <https://begoodorganics.com/cacao-5-little-known-benefits-of-this-amazonian-superfood/>