Chocolate indulgence lava cake (with hidden veggies)

Nutrition content per serve

Energy: 248 calories (1039kJ) | Protein: 5g | Carb: 23g | Sugar: 16g | Total fat: 14g | Sat fat: 5g | Fibre: 2g | Serves 6
Total time: 20 mins prep, 15 minutes cook time

* Approximate values from Xyris Foodworks software

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (+ extra for greasing muffin tray)
• ¼ cup cacao powder (+ extra for dusting muffin tray)
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• 1 tbsp corn flour
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• 2 eggs, yolks and whites separated
• ½ cup finely shredded zucchini
• ½ cup finely shredded sweet potato
• 1 tsp espresso powder
• 2 tbsp natural yoghurt
• ¼ cup grated dark chocolate (minimum 70%) cacao
• Chilli flakes and salt roughly combined in a mortar and pestle (to garnish)

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 220°C.
2. Place grated zucchini and sweet potato in between paper towels for 20 minutes to absorb moisture.
3. Grease muffin tray and dust with cocoa powder.
4. Mix cacao, maple syrup, corn flour, vanilla, baking soda, salt and egg yolks in a medium bowl. Mix until smooth and add zucchini, sweet potato, espresso powder and yoghurt. Stir gently until all ingredients are well mixed.
5. Using an electric hand mixer, beat the egg whites until they form soft peaks. Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the chocolate mixture, leaving a few streaks.
6. Spoon the batter into the prepped muffin tray, filling up halfway. Press about 1 tsp of shredded dark chocolate into the centre of the batter and cover with additional batter.
7. Bake until the cakes rise, and a knife comes out clean- approximately 12-14 minutes.
8. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes. Run a knife around the edge of the cakes and invert onto a dessert plate.
9. Sprinkle with a dusting of chili and salt and serve with a dollop of yoghurt.

Why it’s good for you:

This lava cake has been adapted from traditional dessert versions. Whilst still being a treat food, this chocolate lava cake has a better nutritional profile overall. It is higher in protein, lower in total and saturated fats, higher in both polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fat and has more than double the fibre of a traditional lava cake. Enjoy in moderation!

All information contained in this recipe has been prepared by CBHS health professionals and is intended for general information purposes only. Information provided should not be relied upon as medical advice and does not supersede or replace a consultation with a suitably qualified healthcare professional.