Two Ingredient Cake

Call it magic, call it a miracle, this no-bake recipe uses just two ordinary ingredients to create an otherworldly cake! (And no, water does not count as an ingredient.) Apples work double time in this recipe to add natural sweetness, heft, and texture. Obviously chocolate is a must in any great dessert (am we right or am we right?) and we recommend a bold, fruity dark chocolate, but you can use any kind of chocolate you like.

What stands out

Vegan? Gluten-free? Dairy-free? Just want an straightforward, dessert that requires no baking? We got you! This cake is a dream come true for anyone with food allergies or dietary restrictions. There is no added sugar or gluten included, just apples and chocolate! Baking or steaming the apples brings out their natural sweetness and softens the texture. Then, they’re blended with your favorite chocolate and the batter sits in the fridge, where it transforms into a rich, pudding-like texture similar to the consistency of a chocolate cheesecake.

How to Prepare our Two Ingredient Cake

Preheat oven to 400F (200C).

Peel, core, and cube or quarter the apples. Place them in a parchment-lined baking dish.

Add a cup of water to the baking dish and bake the apples until soft.

Remove apples from the oven and set aside.

Optionally boil the apples for 15 minutes until soft, instead of baking.

While the apples are cooling melt chocolate over a double boiler or in the microwave with periodic stirring.

Blend the apples with the melted chocolate until smooth.

Pour the mixture into a parchment-lined 7-inch springform pan distribute evenly and refrigerate until set.

Once set top the Two Ingredient Cake with chocolate shavings and enjoy!

Kitchen tip

You can boil the apples until tender or bake them in the oven with a little bit of water at the bottom until soft.

Swaps

By experimenting with these variations and substitutions, you can customize the cake to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Remember if you are changing or adding ingredients you may have to experiment and adjust the quantities.

1. Add spices such as cinnamonnutmeg or ginger to the apples for a warm flavor.
2. Mix in chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds into the batter after blending for a crunchy texture.
3. Sprinkle seeds on top such as chia or flaxseeds for added nutrition.
4. Top the cake with whipped cream, caramel sauce, or fresh berries instead of or in addition to chocolate shavings.
5. Dust Our Two Ingredient Cake with powdered sugar or cocoa powder.
6. If you don’t have a blender, use another appliance such as a food processor or an immersion blender to get a smooth consistency.
7. Make a vegan version of this cake with dairy-free chocolate.

Serve it with

• Coffee or tea
• Some vanilla, caramel, or cinnamon ice cream
• A dollop of freshly whipped cream or a warm berry or apple compote
• A sprig of fresh mint on top
• More desserts, such as our Baked Apples

Questions

strong What type of chocolate works best for our Two Ingredient Cake?

Dark chocolate is ideal for a rich flavor, but you can use milk or white chocolate if you prefer a sweeter or creamier taste. Dairy-free chocolate can be used for a vegan version.

What type of apples should we use?

We would recommend using firm and balanced apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Fuji, Braeburn, or Pink Lady because these varieties hold their shape well and provide a good mix of sweetness and tartness.

strong Can we make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cake in advance and refrigerate it. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Add any toppings just before serving.

strong Do we need to peel the apples?

Yes, peeling the apples is recommended for a smoother texture in the final cake.

strong What can we use if we don’t have a springform pan?

You can use a regular cake pan lined with parchment paper. Ensure it is well-lined so you can lift the cake out easily after setting.

Ingredients

Makes 8 pieces

• 4 apples, peeled and quartered
• 1 cup water, for the bottom of the baking dish
• 225 grams dark chocolate, or any you like

Equipment

• Apple Peeler
• Measuring Cups + Spoons
• Blender
• Springform Pan (7-inch)

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 400F (200C).
2. Peel and core the apples. Cube or quarter the apples and place them in a baking dish lined with parchment paper.
3. Note: you can also boil the apples on the stove for 15 minutes (until soft) if you don't want to bake them.
4. Add a cup of water to the bottom of the baking dish and bake until soft.
5. Mine took 1 hour and 15 minutes but this will depend on the apples and oven so please keep an eye on them. They are ready when soft and a knife can easily go through.
6. Take the apples out of the oven and set aside.
7. Now, melt the chocolate over a double boiler on the stove OR melt it in intervals in the microwave as you stir periodically.
8. How to melt over a double boiler: A double boiler is when you simmer water in a pot, add a heat-proof glass bowl over the top, then add in the chocolate chips as you stir over low-heat until the chocolate has fully melted.
9. Add the apples to a blender along with the melted chocolate. Blend until smooth.
10. Pour the chocolate cake batter into a 7-inch springform pan lined with parchment paper. Shake the pan to distribute the batter evenly and and let it set in the fridge.
11. Once set, add extra chocolate shavings on top and enjoy!