Pastel saludable de chocolate y calabacín (paleo, sin gluten)

Ingredientes

• 2 cups almond flour (or meal)
• 1/2 cup tapioca flour (cassava flour can also be used)
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (bicarb soda)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup applesauce
• 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
• 1/3 cup sugar-free sweetener (e.g. monk fruit, stevia/erythritol or see notes)
• 2 tablespoon coconut oil (melted)
• 1 cup shredded zucchini (squeezed between two paper towels to remove excess water)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup chocolate chips (70% cocoa)
• 1/2 cup coconut milk

Preparación

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 180 C / 355 F.

2. 2

   Grease a non-stick loaf pan (22cm x 12cm is what I used) with a little coconut oil and set aside. You can place a piece of parchment paper on the bottom and sides to prevent sticking (this depends on your loaf pan).

3. 3

   In a large bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients: almond flour, tapioca flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda and salt.

4. 4

   Then add the applesauce, eggs, coconut sugar, coconut oil, zucchini and vanilla. Mix until fully combined.

5. 5

   Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Pop in the oven on the middle rack for 40 minutes, or until deep golden brown and a toothpick inserted near the centre of the loaf comes out clean or with a few crumbs.

6. 6

   Cool the bread in the pan on a wire rack for 20 minutes, then use the parchment paper to remove the loaf from the pan and continue to cool to room temp on a wire rack. If not using parchment paper, insert a knife along the edges to loosen the cake and carefully remove it to a plate. You can do the upside-down flip onto a wire rack or a cutting board.

7. 7

   --- To make the chocolate ganache ---

8. 8

   Add the milk to a microwave-safe bowl and heat for about 1 minute, keeping an eye on it. Remove from the microwave just before it bubbles up. Pour the warm milk over the chocolate chips and allow to sit for 3-5 minutes. If you don't have a microwave, slowly heat the milk on the stove.

9. 9

   Gently stir the milk and chocolate together until they come together to a smooth consistency. Then add the chocolate ganache on top of the zucchini cake.