Beetroot cake

Good morning, my dear cooks! Today, on this special Christmas day, I invite you to discover a magical and unique recipe, perfect for adding a touch of color and flavor to your celebrations. It’s a moist and delicious beetroot cake that not only delights the taste buds but also provides a healthy dose of nutrients. Let’s get to work!

Beetroot Cake

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes
Number of servings: 12 servings

Ingredients:

- 3 eggs
- 1 cup of beetroot puree (about 400 g)
- 120 ml vegetable oil (preferably sunflower or light olive oil)
- 2 cups of flour
- 1 cup of sugar
- 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder
- 1 packet of baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
- a pinch of salt
- 50 g chocolate (dark or milk, chopped)
- walnut pieces (optional, coarsely chopped)
- raisins (or other dried fruits, to taste)
- grated zest of one lemon
- vanilla essence (optional, for an extra flavor)

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the beetroot: Start by washing the beetroot well. You can cook it either by boiling or baking. If you choose to bake it, wrap the beetroot in aluminum foil and place it in a preheated oven at 200°C for about 45-60 minutes. Once cooled, peel the beetroot and puree it with a blender until you get a smooth paste.

2. Creating the wet mixture: In a large bowl, beat the eggs with a pinch of salt and sugar. Use a mixer to obtain a fluffy and whitish cream. Then, gradually add the oil while continuing to mix. This step will ensure that your cake is soft and moist.

3. Adding flavors: Incorporate the cold beetroot puree into the egg mixture, mixing well to combine. Add the grated lemon zest and vanilla essence for a refined taste.

4. Dry ingredients: In another bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Sifting these ingredients will make your cake fluffier.

5. Combining ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, gently folding with a spatula or wooden spoon. Be careful not to overmix to maintain the cake's airy texture.

6. Adding fillings: Finally, fold in the chopped chocolate, walnut pieces, and raisins. These ingredients will add extraordinary flavor to your cake.

7. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Line a baking tray with parchment paper and pour the mixture inside. Bake the cake for 30-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

8. Cooling and serving: Once the cake is baked, let it cool in the tray for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. When cooled, dust with powdered sugar for a festive look and cut into pieces.

Serving suggestions: This beetroot cake pairs wonderfully with aromatic tea or a frothy cappuccino. You can serve it alongside vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a more sophisticated dessert.

Nutritional benefits: Beetroot not only adds a vibrant color to the cake but is also an excellent source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. It is known for its detoxifying properties and can improve blood circulation.

Calories: A serving of this cake has about 180-200 calories, depending on the ingredients used (type of chocolate, oil, etc.). It is a healthier choice compared to other desserts, thanks to the beetroot and nuts content.

Possible variations: You can customize the recipe according to your tastes. Replace the chocolate with dried fruits like apricots or cranberries, or add a bit of cinnamon for a warm flavor. You can also use whole wheat flour instead of white flour for an extra fiber boost.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use canned beetroot?: Yes, but make sure to choose one without added sugar or salt.
- How can I store the cake?: You can store it in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. It can also be frozen for later consumption.
- Is it suitable for vegans?: You can adapt the recipe using flax or chia eggs as a substitute for chicken eggs.

My dear ones, I hope this beetroot cake recipe brings you joy and smiles on this special day. May each bite be an explosion of flavors and good cheer! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!