Eggless Chocolate Cake with Espresso Buttercream Frosting

My sister, brother-in-law, niece, and nephew arrived from sunny California, and hence it was a GREAT weekend!  


I slept over my mom’s house for a night so I could get some quality time with the 4 of them.  We had multiple tea and dessert sessions, and my sister and I stayed up till 5 AM talking and talking and talking. 

It’s so rare that I stay up till 5 AM nowadays… but we had so much to catch up on… and I miss her more when I see her. 

In any case, I was so excited to bake my family a cake, but unfortunately I had no eggs on hand and decided to go eggless. 

This Eggless Chocolate Cake turned out excellent, but it could be a tad bit more moist.  I made some alterations to the original recipe that I strongly suggest you consider as well. 

And let me warn you, this cake is NOT healthy due to the high amounts of saturated fat in the buttercream frosting, however the chocolate cake on its own isn’t terribly bad.



NUTRITION: The only nutrition in this cake is the use of Whole Wheat Flour which adds protein and fiber.  In addition, unsweetened cocoa is an excellent source of antioxidants.


MODIFICATIONS I MADE:

• To begin with, I reduced the original recipe by 1/3.
• Instead of using 3 cups of white flour, I used 1.5 cups of white flour, and the remaining was whole wheat flour.
• Instead of using Vegetable Oil, I opted for a healthier Canola Oil.
• Instead of using 2 cups of water, I used 1.5 cups of water and 1 cup of milk.  I believe you can add an additional 1/2 cup of water to increase the moistness in this cake.
• I topped this cake with my version of Espresso Buttercream Frosting… so good. 

APPROXIMATE NUTRITION PER SERVING (yields 16 slices)

• Calories: 432 cals
• Fat: 19.4 g
• Saturated Fat: 6.8 g
• Carbs: 67 g
• Protein: 3.9 g
• Fiber: 2.2 g

EGGLESS CHOCOLATE CAKE WITH ESPRESSO BUTTERCREAM FROSTING 
(mostly adapted by AllRecipes by Ginger P.)
~ yields 2 round cakes @ 350 degrees using (2) 9″ x 9″ baking trays


INGREDIENTS:

• All Purpose Flour – 1 1/2 cups
• Whole Wheat Flour – 1 1/2 cups
• White Sugar – 2 cups
• Ghirardelli Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – 2/3 cup
• Baking Soda – 2 tsp
• Salt – 1/4 tsp
• Canola Oil – 2/3 cup
• Water – 1 1/2 cups (you can probably add another 1/2 cup… take a chance)
• Milk 2% Reduced Fat – 1 cup
• Vanilla Extract – 2 tsp

DIRECTIONS:
1. Start by preheating the oven to 350 degrees.

2. Grease 2 round 9 inch baking trays.

3. In a mixing bowl combine all the dry ingredients… all purpose flour, whole wheat flour, white sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.

4. Mix.

5. Add the wet ingredients… oil, water, milk, and vanilla extract. 

6. Mix, however do not overmix.

7. End result – a little liquidy – that’s ok.
8. Pour the batter evenly into the baking trays.

9. Into the oven for 45 minutes.  The original suggests 60 minutes, however 45 is sufficient.  Insert a toothpick and make sure it comes out clean.

ESPRESSO BUTTERCREAM FROSTING 
~ yields just enough frosting for 2 round cakes @ 350 degrees using (2) 9″ x 9″ baking trays.  If you want just the right amount of frosting, use 2 sticks of butter and alter the ratio of other ingredients.

INGREDIENTS:

• Unsalted Butter – 1 1/2 sticks (12 tbsp)
• Vanilla Extract – 1 tsp
• Confectioners Sugar – 3 cups (you can use 1/2 a cup less if this is too much)
• Medaglia D’oro Instant Espresso Powder – 1 tbsp + 1 tsp
• Hot Water – 2 tsp (just enough to dilute the espresso)
• Milk 2% Reduced Fat – 3 tbsp

DIRECTIONS:
1. In a mixing bowl combine the butter, vanilla extract, and confectioners sugar.

2. Mix as follows moving from low speed to high speed:

3. Once it looks creamy and light you are done.
4. Dilute espresso powder with some hot water. 

5. Pour this over the buttercream frosting.  Mix.

6. Add milk – I just used the same espresso container to get every last drop.

7. Blend until it looks like whipped light mocha… love it! 

8. Taste it.  Do you want a stronger espresso flavor?  Do you need more sugar?  Do you want the frosting a little more runny?  Then add a touch of milk.

9. Now frost.  I know I know, my frosting skills SUCK!  Hey, I’m no pastry chef, I can just cook and bake.    If you want to cover every flaw, you will need that extra 1/2 stick of butter.

10. Slice and indulge!

FROSTING RATING: 5 / 5
I loved my frosting recipe.  My niece, Rhea, on the other hand thought it was a tad bit too sweet.  Too sweet?  Don’t listen to her.  When you combine this sweet espresso buttercream frosting with a dark chocolate cake, the cake is perfect and well-balanced.

OVERALL RATING: 4 / 5
I would give this cake a 4 only because I felt it could have been slightly more moist.  I believe adding that 1/2 cup of water or even milk (I would use water) will add the lightness and moisture needed.  My husband loved this cake, my brother-in-law loved this cake, and my parents loved this cake.  The remaining gang liked this cake a lot.  Hence, this recipe is a keeper. 

Like I said, the cake itself isn’t terrible in terms of fat, however the buttercream frosting makes this cake indulgent, yummy, and unhealthy.  Hey, I made it for the family and they all instructed me not to make it low-fat. 

TELL ME: Do you have a sister who lives far away?  Do you guys stay up late chatting?  How do you spend quality time with your sister who lives far away?