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Healthy-ish Chocolate Cake

Categories Dessert, Gluten Free, Healthy Recipes

I love a good chocolate cake and this healthy-ish chocolate cake is no exception. I would consider it one of my favorite chocolate cakes even when compared to unhealthy ones. It tastes super moist, flavorful and indulgent!

Healthy-ish chocolate cake with raspberries and whipped cream

Why is this cake healthy-ish?

The “ish” in healthy-ish is there to help you keep in mind that you are still eating cake which naturally has carbohydrates, sugars and fats. However, this cake is comprised of healthy carbohydrates, sugars and fats that the body metabolizes better and contains more nutrients than other cake recipes. My recipe uses a mixture of almond flour, coconut flour and wheat flour OR Gluten free baking mix (what I originally developed the recipe with because my mom is gluten free, both flours work great though) and coconut sugar. Coconut sugar is metabolized differently than refined sugar due to a fiber in it called inulin which slows the metabolism of the glucose and fructose which are in the coconut sugar. This gives it a lower glycemic index than white sugar and prevents a blood sugar spike then drop. The flours used in this recipe are also filled with healthy fats and fiber which counteract the sugars and carbohydrates in this recipe and helps the body process them better.

What inspired me to make this cake?

I created this cake recipe when my dad was in town visiting over his birthday. He was watching his sugar intake and blood sugar numbers. I really wanted to make him a cake that he could enjoy without the negative consequences. So this lower glycemic index cake was born!

Healthy-ish chocolate cake with raspberries and whipped cream

What do non-biased recipe critics have to say?

I would consider children to be the best source for non-biased food reviews. They will tell you exactly how it is when it comes to food. They loved this cake! Everyone else who has eaten this cake also loves how it tastes and they can’t believe it’s healthier and carbohydrate conscious. When my ate this cake for his birthday he checked his blood sugar after eating 2 slices and he was shocked when his blood sugar reading was only at 112! Happy dance! This recipe is definitely one you want in your arsenal for special occasions or even just an everyday treat.

This healthy-ish chocolate cake recipe is also super versatile and can be combined with different frostings or toppings. Some suggestions are cherry pie filling with whipped cream and chocolate. German chocolate mix of coconut and pecans. Simple butter cream frosting would be great too or a drizzle of dark chocolate syrup. It’s a great canvas for creating something everyone will love.

How to make healthy-ish Chocolate Cake:

Makes 1 – 9 x 13 cake or 2 – 8-9 inch round cakes

  • 1 cup Almond Flour you can grind 1/2 cup raw almonds in a blender to make your own
  • 1 cup Flour or Gluten Free Baking Mix
  • 1/4 cup coconut flour
  • 1 cup Coconut Sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
  • 1 tsp Baking Soda
  • 1 tsp Baking Powder
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla
  • 1/2 cup Vegetable Oil
  • 1 1/2 cup Milk of choice
  • 2 Eggs

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
  2. Add all dry ingredients into mixing bowl and mix well.
  3. Add wet ingredients and mix well.
  4. Grease a 9×13 pan and bake cake for 35-38ish minutes. or two 8 inch rounds and bake for about 25-28 minutes.
  5. Cool cake.
  6. If making a cherry chocolate version. Top with cherry pie filling, whipped cream (about 1 cup heavy whipping cream – when whipped it should make about 3 cups, I sweeten mine with 1/2 cup powdered sugar and add 1 tablespoon vanilla extract) and some chocolate ganache.( about 1/4 cup whipping cream heated in microwave for 30-45 second until hot then 1/2 cup semi sweet chocolate chips poured on the cream and let sit for about 1 minute so they melt then stir) drizzle over the top of the whipped cream.
  7. If making the raspberry chocolate version, use fresh raspberries in place of the Cherry pie filling and follow the instructions for the whipped cream and chocolate ganache.

Here are a few other healthy-ish recipes you may love:

Healthy Berry Crumble For Two RECIPE HERE
Healthy Banana Honey Muffins RECIPE HERE
Healthy Chocolate Chip Skillet RECIPE HERE
Healthy Peanut Butter Brownies RECIPE HERE

Print Recipe
5 from 1 vote

Healthy-ish Chocolate Cake

This healthier chocolate cake doesn’t sacrifice any flavor or texture. It’s a family favorite!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time35 minutes
Total Time50 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Baked goods, Chocolate
Keyword: Cake, Dessert, Healthy Recipes, Kids Favorite
Servings: 12 people

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Almond Flour you can grind 1/2 cup raw almonds in a blender to make your own
  • 1 cup Flour or Gluten Free Baking Mix
  • 1/4 cup coconut flour
  • 1 cup Coconut Sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
  • 1 tsp Baking Soda
  • 1 tsp Baking Powder
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla
  • 1/2 cup Vegetable Oil
  • 1 1/2 cup Milk of choice
  • 2 Eggs

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 F.
  • Add all dry ingredients into mixing bowl and mix well.
  • Add wet ingredients and mix well.
  • Grease a 9×13 pan and bake cake for 35-38ish minutes. or two 8 inch rounds and bake for about 25-28 minutes.
  • Cool cake.
  • If making a cherry chocolate version. Top with cherry pie filling, whipped cream (about 1 cup heavy whipping cream – when whipped it should make about 3 cups, I sweeten mine with 1/2 cup powdered sugar and add 1 tablespoon vanilla extract) and some chocolate ganache.( about 1/4 cup whipping cream heated in microwave for 30-45 second until hot then 1/2 cup semi sweet chocolate chips poured on the cream and let sit for about 1 minute so they melt then stir) drizzle over the top of the whipped cream.
  • If making the raspberry chocolate version, use fresh raspberries in place of the Cherry pie filling and follow the instructions for the whipped cream and chocolate ganache.