Chocolate Applesauce Cake with Coconut Milk Ganache Recipe
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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before removing to ensure it sets properly and to avoid crumbling.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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