Mary Berry Chocolate Courgette Cake

Dive into the world of unique baking with the Chocolate Courgette Cake, a delightful twist on traditional chocolate cake recipes. This cake, which intriguingly incorporates courgettes (zucchini), is not just a treat for the taste buds but also a sneaky way to include vegetables in your desserts. The addition of courgettes makes the cake incredibly moist and adds a subtle complexity to the flavor profile that chocolate lovers will appreciate.

Brief Description of the Recipe

The Chocolate Courgette Cake is an ingenious blend of rich chocolate and the freshness of courgettes, creating a moist, dense, and flavorful cake. It's a fantastic way to use up a glut of courgettes while making a dessert that stands out for its taste and texture.

Cultural or Historical Context

Incorporating vegetables into cakes has a long history, with carrots, beets, and zucchinis commonly used to add moisture and flavor. The trend of using courgettes in cakes gained popularity as a way to make desserts slightly healthier and to use up seasonal produce.

Ingredients for the Chocolate Courgette Cake

• Courgettes: 450g, finely grated
• Dark chocolate or cocoa powder: 50g
• Lime zest: From 1 lime
• Self-raising flour: 250g
• Sugar: 75g
• Salt: A pinch
• Sunflower or groundnut oil: 75ml, plus extra for greasing
• Eggs: 3 large

Preparation Instructions

1. Prepare the Courgettes: Grate the courgettes and squeeze out excess moisture.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: Combine the flour, cocoa powder or grated chocolate, lime zest, sugar, and a pinch of salt.
3. Combine with Wet Ingredients: Make a well in the dry ingredients, add the oil, eggs, and grated courgettes, and mix well.
4. Bake: Pour the mixture into a greased loaf tin and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 40 minutes.

Storage and Reheating

This cake can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for a few days or refrigerated for longer shelf life. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving​​​​.

Nutritional Information

A slice of this cake offers a good balance of energy, fats, and proteins, with the added benefit of courgettes contributing vitamins and minerals. For exact nutritional details, consider the ingredients used, especially the amounts of sugar, flour, and chocolate.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Chocolate Courgette Cake

• Can I use wholemeal flour? Yes, substituting wholemeal flour for a portion of the plain flour adds a healthier twist, though you may need to adjust the amount of baking powder.
• How do you ensure the courgettes don't make the cake too wet? Squeezing the grated courgettes to remove excess moisture before adding them to the batter is crucial.
• Can this cake be made gluten-free? Yes, by using a suitable gluten-free flour blend.

Final thoughts on serving the Chocolate Courgette Cake include considering a dusting of icing sugar or a drizzle of chocolate ganache for an extra special touch. This cake is as delightful to eat as it is intriguing to make, proving that vegetables indeed have a place in the dessert menu.

For a detailed exploration into the ingredients and steps to create this unique cake, the recipes by Jack Monroe and Michelle Minnaar offer comprehensive guides, showcasing their innovative approach to baking​​​​.