Chocolate Applesauce Cake with Coconut Milk Ganache Recipe

Introduction

This rich and moist chocolate applesauce cake combines deep cocoa flavors with the natural sweetness and moisture of applesauce. It’s an easy-to-make dessert that blends wholesome ingredients and finishes with a luscious chocolate ganache for a perfect treat.

Ingredients

• 2 cups flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/3 cup cocoa powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups North Coast Organic APPLESAUCE
• 1 cup vegetable or avocado oil
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1/2 cup cream or full-fat coconut milk
• 4 ounces milk chocolate pieces

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease an 8-inch springform baking pan.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt until evenly mixed.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, mix the applesauce, oil, and vanilla together until smooth.
4. Step 4: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
5. Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Step 6: Let the cake cool completely in the pan before removing.
7. Step 7: While the cake cools, heat the cream or coconut milk in a saucepan over medium-high heat until it just begins to boil.
8. Step 8: Place the chocolate pieces in a bowl and pour the hot cream over them. Let sit for 2 to 3 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy.
9. Step 9: Drizzle the chocolate ganache over the cooled cake, allowing it to drip gracefully down the sides.
10. Step 10: Allow the ganache to set slightly before serving for a beautiful finish.

Tips & Variations

• Use avocado oil for a subtle fruity note and healthier fat profile.
• Try dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate for a richer ganache.
• For extra texture, fold in chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the batter.
• Substitute cream with full-fat coconut milk to make this cake vegan-friendly.

Storage

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. If refrigerated, allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture. Leftover ganache can be reheated gently to restore its pourable consistency.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular applesauce instead of North Coast Organic APPLESAUCE?

Yes, any unsweetened applesauce works well in this recipe. Using organic applesauce may provide a fresher flavor, but regular varieties will still yield a moist cake.

Is this cake gluten-free?

This recipe calls for regular flour, which contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, substitute with a gluten-free flour blend that can be used cup-for-cup.

Chocolate Applesauce Cake with Coconut Milk Ganache Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 728 reviews

This delicious Chocolate Applesauce Cake is a moist, cocoa-rich dessert that uses North Coast Organic Applesauce for a naturally sweet and tender crumb. Enhanced with a luscious milk chocolate ganache made from coconut milk, this cake is perfect for gatherings and special occasions, offering a delightful balance of fruity and chocolatey flavors.

• Author: Leo
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/3 cup cocoa powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups North Coast Organic Applesauce
• 1 cup vegetable or avocado oil
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup cream or full-fat coconut milk

Chocolate Ganache

• 4 ounces milk chocolate pieces

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease an 8-inch springform baking pan to prevent the cake from sticking during baking.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt, mixing thoroughly to ensure even distribution of the leavening agents and cocoa for consistent texture and flavor.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, blend the North Coast Organic Applesauce, vegetable or avocado oil, and vanilla extract. This mixture adds moisture, sweetness, and richness to the cake batter.
4. Mix Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir just until combined, careful not to overmix to maintain a tender crumb.
5. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
6. Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before removing to ensure it sets properly and to avoid crumbling.
7. Prepare Ganache: Heat the cream or full-fat coconut milk in a saucepan over medium-high heat until it starts to boil. Remove from heat and pour over the milk chocolate pieces in a heatproof bowl.
8. Melt Chocolate: Let the mixture rest for 2 to 3 minutes to soften the chocolate, then stir until smooth and glossy, creating a rich ganache.
9. Decorate Cake: Once the cake is fully cooled, drizzle the chocolate ganache over the top, allowing it to cascade down the sides for an elegant finish.
10. Set Ganache: Let the ganache cool and harden slightly before serving to achieve the ideal texture and presentation.

Notes

• Use a springform pan for easy cake removal and minimal damage to the cake edges.
• For a dairy-free version, use full-fat coconut milk and dairy-free chocolate pieces.
• Ensure the cake is completely cool before applying ganache to prevent melting and sliding.
• You can substitute vegetable oil with avocado oil for a subtle flavor and healthier fats.
• This cake can be stored covered at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.

Keywords: Chocolate cake, applesauce cake, moist chocolate cake, dairy-free ganache option, easy chocolate cake recipe