Craving a decadent chocolate dessert that's secretly healthy and unbelievably easy? Prepare to be amazed by this self-saucing chocolate pudding, where zucchini does the impossible: vanishes into a gooey, chocolatey dream. Get ready to discover your new favorite guilt-free indulgence!
Key Ingredients
Okay, let's explore into what makes this Chocolate Self Saucing Pudding so awesome—the key ingredients! First off, you'll need 3 cups of grated zucchini. Yeah, I know—zucchini in a pudding?! Trust me; you won't even taste it! The zucchini, much like in chocolate zucchini bread, will add essential moisture.
Now, get ready with 1 ¾ cups of flour, ⅓ cup of cocoa powder—Dutch-processed if you can, but regular's fine too. Don't forget 1 ½ teaspoons of baking soda and ½ teaspoon of salt to balance the sweetness.
Let's not ignore the flavor enhancers! Time to mix in 2 teaspoons of vanilla essence, 1 ¼ cups of white sugar, 2 eggs, and 100g of melted unsalted butter.
Last, but defo not least, 300g of chopped dark chocolate. Keep some chunks bigger—'cause who doesn't love a surprise chocolate explosion?! We're set to begin!
Step-by-Step Guide
Let's get our hands dirty and turn those ingredients into a chocolate masterpiece, one step at a time! First, preheat your oven to 180C/350F (160C fan). Don't forget to grease and line that loaf pan—mine's about 11 x 6 x 2.5 inches, just so you know!
Now, grab those zucchini handfuls and squeeze out the excess juice; we don't want soggy bread, do we? Next, in a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, whisk eggs and sugar until combined, then add melted butter and vanilla—mix well!
Pour the egg mixture into the flour bowl and stir until just combined! It'll be thick! Add zucchini and chocolate—stir until blended. This recipe is perfect when you want to make a delicious dessert that is also simple.
Scrape that lovely batter into the pan and bake for 45 minutes. Then, cover with foil; then bake 20 minutes more—a skewer check is essential! I'm excited already!
Serving Suggestions
I'm already thinking about how I'm going to enjoy my chocolate zucchini bread, and you should be too! First off, you absolutely have to try it warm. Seriously, that melty chocolate is sensational!
A scoop of vanilla ice cream? Oh yes! It's the perfect contrast to that rich chocolate. Whipped cream works wonders, too–adds a light, fluffy touch.
For a little something extra, I sometimes sprinkle a bit of sea salt on top–don't knock it 'til you try it! Or, maybe a dusting of cocoa powder? It looks pretty, I promise.
Honestly, you can eat it straight from the loaf with a fork, I won't judge! So, go get that bread, and enjoy every single bite; no matter what you dollop on top.
Nutritional Information
Now, let's talk about what's inside each slice of this amazing bread–the nutritional lowdown! Each generous piece packs about 437 calories–that's 22% of your daily intake.
Carbohydrates come in at 61 grams–or 20%. We've also got 6 grams of protein (12%), and 19 grams of fat (29%). Watch out for that saturated fat: 14 grams, 88% of what you should have!
Don't worry, it's not all bad! You'll also get 366mg of potassium, plus vitamins A and C, calcium, and iron. Each slice isn't too shabby! Sodium clocks in at 425mg. Okay, but everything in moderation, right? Fiber is at 3g.
Keep those nutrition stats in mind if you're counting calories or just curious. Enjoy! Each slice guarantees a treat with a little bit of everything.
Short Recipe Version
Chocolate Self Saucing Pudding (Short Version)
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 3/4 cups hot water
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, 1/4 cup cocoa, baking powder, and salt.
- Stir in milk, melted butter, and vanilla. Pour into an ungreased 8×8 inch baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, combine brown sugar and remaining 1/4 cup cocoa. Sprinkle evenly over batter.
- Pour hot water over the top. Do not stir.
- Bake for 35 minutes, or until top is set and sauce is bubbly.
- Cool slightly and serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream, if desired.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Estimated):
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Sugar: 40g
- Protein: 4g