If you’re on the lookout for a cake that surprises both in taste and in how it’s made, this Beetroot Chocolate Cake is your golden ticket. The earthy sweetness of beets pairs beautifully with rich chocolate, creating a dessert that’s moist, flavorful, and remarkably unique.
Beets are the star here, lending sweetness, moisture, and that gorgeous deep color. You’ll need them cooked and pureed. All-purpose flour gives the cake structure, while cocoa powder brings the chocolatey depth. The duo of baking soda and baking powder ensures the cake rises beautifully. A pinch of salt balances the flavors. Unsalted butter adds richness, while granulated sugar sweetens the deal. Eggs bind everything together, and vanilla extract enhances the chocolate flavor. Buttermilk adds tanginess and extra moisture, and semi-sweet chocolate chips give delightful pockets of melted chocolate throughout.
This cake pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a special touch, drizzle with a simple chocolate ganache or dust with powdered sugar for a rustic look.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grab a 9-inch round cake pan, give it a good greasing, and dust it lightly with flour. This step prevents sticking, ensuring your cake comes out in one beautiful piece.
In a medium bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients: flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This not only mixes them well but also aerates the flour, helping your cake to be fluffy.
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until they’re light and fluffy. This will take a few minutes, but patience here means a better cake texture.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and pureed beets. The batter will turn a stunning color — don’t worry, it looks unusual, but that’s the magic happening.
Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Overmixing can make the cake tough, so keep a gentle hand.
Fold in those luscious chocolate chips, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 35-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. This helps it set and makes it easier to handle.