For all of you who enjoy a delicious decadent chocolate cake, but would prefer a guilt-less version… you will be OBSESSED with this heart healthy, good for you, cake. I sure am!  And have been since I was a little girl.  My mother introduced me to this healthy snack when I was about 12 years old.  It is made with whole wheat flour and…. are you ready?… Lentil Beans!  That’s right.  Beans!  Now don’t give me that look!  You won’t even know they’re in there.  Trust me on this one and you will be glad you did.  Amazing, I tell you!

You will need:

1/3 cup of uncooked lentils

1 cup water

3/4 cup sugar

1/4 cup oil ( I use extra virgin olive oil)

1 egg or egg substitute

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 cup whole wheat flour (I like the stone ground whole wheat flour)

2 tablespoons cocoa powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

You will need to simmer the lentils in the 1 cup of water for about 40 minutes.  WARNING:  Check the lentils often!  You will need to add more water so that the lentils don’t burn.

Drain the lentils and let them cool.  I like to keep the leftover water to stir into my cake batter as a last step.

Puree lentils in a blender or magic bullet.

Mix sugar, oil, egg and vanilla together in a mixing bowl.

Then add flour, cocoa, baking soda and lentils and stir well. ( you can also add some of that leftover lentil juice at this time)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Pour batter into an oven safe 8×8 greased pan.

Bake for 30 minutes.

Go relax.  Maybe browse through the latest edition of Vogue or Allure magazine.  Possibly watch an episode of Friends or Sex and the City.  Water your plants, call your best friend….  Whatever you enjoy that will take about half an hour. 

Then, the wait is over!!!  Get ready indulge in the most delicious, healthy cake you have ever had!  Sprinkle with a little powdered sugar for a beautiful, yummy garnish.  Share with your friends and family to show them how much you love and appreciate them.  They will love it and won’t believe that it is actually good for you! And not only adults enjoy this cake… Children are crazy about it, too!

You will be completely, mouth wateringly, OBSESSED with this CAKE! Bon Appetit!