The Best Soft & Moist Avocado Cake Recipe with Irresistible Chocolate Swirls
Prepare to be amazed by this truly unique and utterly delicious avocado cake! Imagine a cake so incredibly soft and moist, with beautiful swirls of rich chocolate throughout, yet it contains absolutely no butter, shortening, or margarine. Yes, you read that right! Thanks to the creamy avocado puree, this cake is not only wonderfully decadent but also a touch healthier, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
This isn’t just any recipe; it’s the culmination of a dedicated pursuit of perfection. I’ve been refining this easy avocado cake recipe since last Summer, enduring countless trials and tiny adjustments. Each iteration brought me closer, and now, after a thousand tweaks and careful considerations, I can confidently say this recipe is absolutely PERFECT!
What makes this avocado marble cake so special is its unparalleled texture. It strikes that ideal balance – it’s beautifully soft and incredibly moist, without being overly dense like a traditional pound cake, nor too airy like a chiffon cake. It’s truly in a class of its own, offering a delightful mouthfeel that will have everyone asking for another slice.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Avocado Cake
There are so many reasons to adore this avocado chocolate swirl cake. Beyond its unique star ingredient, it offers a baking experience and a tasting sensation that stands out:
- Unbelievably Moist: The fresh avocado puree is the secret hero, infusing the cake with incredible moisture. This natural creaminess ensures every bite is tender and never dry.
- A Healthier Twist: By replacing traditional fats like butter and shortening with avocado, we’re not only boosting the moisture but also adding healthy monounsaturated fats, vitamins, and fiber. It’s a smart swap that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture.
- Effortlessly Beautiful: Forget the fuss of elaborate frostings! The stunning chocolate swirls create a natural work of art on top of the cake, making it look as impressive as it tastes. This makes it a fantastic avocado birthday cake option for those who prefer a less sweet, frosting-free finish.
- No Avocado Taste, Promise! I know this is the biggest concern for many. Rest assured, you absolutely cannot taste the avocado in this chocolate-infused cake. The other flavors, especially the vanilla and cocoa, beautifully mask any hint of the avocado, leaving only its wonderful texture and nutritional benefits. My husband, who has a very strong palate and is usually quick to detect unusual flavors, couldn’t tell there was avocado in it at all!
The Secret to Success: Perfect Avocado Puree
The quality of your avocado puree is paramount to achieving the desired texture and ensuring no unwanted lumps. Here’s how to get it right:
- Choose Ripe Avocados: Always start with perfectly ripe avocados. They should yield slightly to gentle pressure when squeezed. Overripe avocados can develop off-flavors, while underripe ones won’t puree smoothly.
- Achieve Ultimate Smoothness: It’s crucial to puree the avocado into a velvety smooth paste. Use a food processor or a powerful blender for this. Any lumps or stringy bits of avocado will remain in your cake, affecting its texture. Scrape down the sides of your blender/processor multiple times to ensure everything is incorporated.
- Freshness is Key: Puree your avocado just before you plan to use it to prevent browning. A squeeze of lemon or lime juice can also help if you need to prepare it a little in advance.
How to Make This Delicious Avocado Marble Cake: A Quick Overview
While the full detailed recipe is below, here’s a glance at the straightforward process that leads to this sensational dessert:
- **Cream the Wet Ingredients:** Combine the smooth avocado puree with sugar and coconut oil until light and fluffy.
- **Incorporate Eggs and Liquids:** Gradually add eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract, mixing until the wet mixture is beautifully smooth.
- **Prepare Dry Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and baking soda.
- **Combine Wet and Dry:** Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined, forming your avocado cake batter.
- **Create the Chocolate Swirl:** Reserve a portion of the main batter, mix it with cocoa powder, sugar, and a splash of milk to create a rich chocolate batter.
- **Marble and Bake:** Pour the avocado batter into your prepared pans, dollop the chocolate batter on top, and use a butter knife or toothpick to create stunning marble patterns. Bake until golden and cooked through, then enjoy your masterpiece!
Recipe
Avocado Cake
Abeer Rizvi
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Ingredients
Avocado cake batter
- 1 Avocado Ripe, Pureed into a smooth paste without lumps
- 2 tablespoon Coconut oil
- 1 cup Granulated sugar
- 2 Eggs Large
- 1 cup Buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon Vanilla extract
- 2¼ cups Cake flour
- 1½ teaspoon Baking powder
- 1 teaspoon Baking soda
Chocolate batter to create the “marbling” effect
- ¾ cup Avocado cake batter Remove this amount from the cake batter you just made
- 3 tablespoon Cocoa powder
- 3 tablespoon Sugar
- 4 tablespoon Milk More or less may be needed to make the batter smooth
Instructions
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In a mixing bowl, add the avocado puree, coconut oil, and sugar and mix everything until smooth.
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Add eggs, one at a time, while continuing to mix.
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Add buttermilk and vanilla extract and mix until smooth.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and baking soda.
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Dump this dry mixture into the wet mixture and mix until just combined. Your avocado cake batter is ready.
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Scoop out ¾ cup of the batter you just made into another bowl.
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Add cocoa powder, sugar and milk and mix until just combined. Your chocolate avocado cake batter is ready.
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Now, pour the avocado cake batter into 2 loaf pans (Dimensions: 8×4). Spread the batter with a knife if necessary.
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Pour spoonfuls of the chocolate avocado cake batter that you just made on top of the cakes and use a toothpick or a butter knife to create a marbling effect.
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Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean. Enjoy!
Notes
- Read all my tips above.
- Leftovers can be stored in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
An automated tool is used to calculate the nutritional information. As such, I cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information provided for any recipe on this site.
Essential Tips for Avocado Cake Success
Achieving that perfect soft and moist texture requires attention to detail. Here are some invaluable tips to ensure your avocado cake turns out flawlessly every single time:
- Don’t Skip Both Leavening Agents: Both baking powder and baking soda are absolutely essential for the perfect rise and tender texture in this recipe. Baking soda reacts with the acidic buttermilk, while baking powder provides additional lift, ensuring a light and airy crumb. Do not omit one or replace one with the other.
- Buttermilk is Non-Negotiable: While it might be tempting to use regular milk, buttermilk plays a crucial role in adding significant moisture and a slight tang that enhances the cake’s flavor. Its acidity also works with the baking soda for a proper rise. Stick with buttermilk for the best results.
- Always Use Ripe Avocados: As mentioned, ripe avocados are key. They provide maximum creaminess, which translates to a wonderfully moist cake. Unripe avocados will be hard to puree smoothly and won’t contribute the desired richness.
- Cake Flour for the Win: Cake flour has a lower protein content than all-purpose flour, resulting in a finer, more tender crumb. Using cake flour will give you the best possible cake texture – light, soft, and delicate. If you absolutely can’t find it, you can make a substitute by removing 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour from each cup and replacing it with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all your cold ingredients, like eggs and buttermilk, are at room temperature. This allows them to emulsify and blend smoothly with the other ingredients, creating a uniform batter and a perfectly textured cake.
- Puree Avocado Until Silky Smooth: This step cannot be stressed enough! Any small lumps of avocado will remain distinct in the baked cake. Use a food processor or a high-speed blender to achieve a completely smooth, creamy avocado paste before adding it to your other ingredients.
Creative Variations & Serving Suggestions
While this avocado cake is spectacular as is, feel free to get creative with these ideas:
- Flavor Swirls: Instead of chocolate, try a berry puree swirl (raspberry or strawberry) for a fruity contrast, or a caramel swirl for added sweetness.
- Add-ins: Fold in a handful of mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans), or even shredded coconut into the main batter for extra texture and flavor.
- Glaze or Dust: For those who love a little extra, a simple lemon glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar can add another layer of flavor and visual appeal.
- Cupcakes or Layer Cake: This recipe can easily be adapted for cupcakes (reduce baking time) or even a small layer cake. Just ensure your pans are properly prepared.
Storing Your Avocado Cake
To keep your avocado cake as fresh and delicious as possible:
- Room Temperature: If consumed within 1-2 days, the cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, or if your kitchen is warm, store leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The moisture from the avocado helps keep it fresh. Bring slices to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
- Freezing: This cake freezes wonderfully! Wrap individual slices or the entire cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before enjoying.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are answers to some common questions about baking with avocado:
Q: Can I really not taste the avocado?
A: Absolutely! The dominant flavors of vanilla and chocolate, combined with the sugar, completely mask the avocado taste. Its primary role here is to provide moisture and healthy fats, not flavor.
Q: Why use avocado instead of traditional fats like butter or oil?
A: Avocado is a fantastic natural fat substitute in baking. It adds incredible moisture, a creamy texture, and a boost of healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, and vitamins, making the cake a slightly more nutritious option without sacrificing deliciousness.
Q: Can I use regular all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?
A: While cake flour is recommended for its fine, tender crumb, you can use all-purpose flour in a pinch. However, the texture of the cake might be slightly denser. To mimic cake flour, remove 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour per cup and replace with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch.
Q: How ripe should the avocado be for this recipe?
A: You want a perfectly ripe avocado. It should be soft to the touch but not mushy. This ensures it will puree smoothly and provide optimal moisture and creaminess.
Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free or vegan?
A: While this specific recipe is not gluten-free or vegan, avocado is often used in such recipes. For a gluten-free version, you would need to experiment with a good gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. For a vegan version, you would need to replace the eggs and buttermilk with suitable plant-based alternatives.
Other Avocado Recipes:
- Avocado Cookies
This avocado cake with chocolate swirls is truly a revelation – a testament to how healthy ingredients can lead to incredibly delicious and satisfying results. Its unique texture, beautiful appearance, and surprising flavor profile make it a must-try for any baking enthusiast. Whether you’re looking for a healthier dessert option or simply a delightful new cake to add to your repertoire, this recipe delivers on all fronts.
Give it a try and discover your new favorite cake. You won’t regret it!
Until next time, tata my lovelies!