This cake has a sophisticated bitterness to it – just add a little more stevia if you would like a sweeter version. Soak and cook your own kidney beans if you have the time – you’ll need 480 g (1 lb 1 oz) cooked beans.
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INGREDIENTS
melted butter, for greasing
100 g (3½ oz/1 cup) Dutch-processed cocoa powder, plus extra for dusting
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
2 x 420 g (15 oz) tins kidney beans, rinsed and drained
6 eggs
1 tablespoon natural vanilla extract
½–1 teaspoon liquid stevia (optional)
150 g (5½ oz) butter, softened
170 g (6 oz/½ cup) rice malt syrup
creamy natural yoghurt or crème fraîche, to serve
METHOD
1 Preheat the oven to 160°C/320°F (fan-forced). Grease a 22 cm (8¾ in) baba or ring (or 20 cm/8 in round) tin generously with melted butter. Add a little of the extra cocoa powder to the cake tin, tilt the tin to cover the butter with the cocoa powder, then tip out the excess.
2 Combine the cocoa powder, baking powder and salt in a small bowl and set aside.
3 Whiz the beans, 1 egg, the vanilla extract and stevia (if using) in a food processor until smooth and creamy. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
4 Without cleaning the processor bowl, process the butter and rice malt syrup until smooth and creamy.
5 Add the remaining eggs one at a time, processing well between each addition. Return the bean mixture to the processor and sift in the cocoa, baking powder and salt. Process until well combined.
6 Pour the mixture into the prepared tin and bake for 40–45 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Remove from the oven and leave to cool for 10 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Serve, dusted with extra cocoa if you like and a dollop of yoghurt or crème fraîche.
Authors tip
This cake will keep for 2–3 days in an airtight container.
Extract from Incredible Bakes by Caroline Griffiths, published by Smith Street Books, RRP $39.99