Passover chocolate cake, a time of reflection and celebration in Jewish tradition, often calls for special dishes that adhere to dietary laws while still delighting the palate.
For those who cherish the sweetness of dessert during this significant holiday, a rich, indulgent chocolate cake can be a delightful treat.
This Passover Chocolate Cake combines the decadence of chocolate with the requirements of Passover, offering a moist, flavorful dessert that’s both satisfying and respectful of the holiday’s traditions.
Instead, it uses a blend of almond meal and cocoa powder to create a cake that’s both rich and light in texture.
The result is a cake that is not only gluten-free but also incredibly delicious. Perfect for satisfying chocolate cravings, this cake is sure to be a hit at any Passover gathering.
How To Prepare Passover Chocolate Cake?
Recipe Overview
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Total time: 65 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Jewish, Passover
Yield: 10 servings
Equipment:
- Large bowl,
- medium bowl,
- 9×13 inch baking pan,
- mixer (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup potato starch
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup strong brewed coffee or water
Instructions
Mixing the Batter
1. Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, potato starch, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until thoroughly combined.
2. Add wet ingredients: Beat in the eggs, oil, and coffee or water until the batter is smooth. It will be quite thin, but don’t worry!
Baking the Cake
3. Prepare the pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
4. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. Cool: Let the cake cool completely in the pan before frosting or serving.
Special Notes
This Passover Chocolate Cake is incredibly versatile. You can add a touch of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor or fold in some chopped nuts for extra texture.
If you prefer a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with margarine.
Nutritional Facts Passover Chocolate Cake
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 |
| Fat | 12g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Protein | 4g |
5 Serving Ideas Passover Chocolate Cake
1. Berry Compote Topping
Pair your chocolate cake with a fresh berry compote to add a vibrant, tangy contrast to the rich chocolate flavor.
Simply simmer a mix of fresh or frozen berries (such as raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries) with a bit of sugar and lemon juice until they break down into a thick sauce.
Spoon the compote over each slice of cake for a burst of fruity freshness that complements the chocolate beautifully.
2. Whipped Coconut Cream
For a dairy-free option, top each slice with a dollop of whipped coconut cream. Chill a can of coconut cream overnight, then whip it with a touch of vanilla extract and a bit of sweetener until fluffy.
This light, creamy topping adds a delightful texture and a hint of tropical flavor that pairs wonderfully with the rich chocolate cake.
3. Chocolate Shavings and Sea Salt
Elevate your cake with a simple yet elegant garnish. Use a vegetable peeler or a grater to create chocolate shavings from a bar of high-quality chocolate.
Sprinkle the shavings over the top of the cake along with a pinch of flaky sea salt. The salt enhances the chocolate’s depth of flavor, while the shavings add a touch of sophistication.
4. Fresh Mint Leaves
Add a pop of color and a refreshing flavor with fresh mint leaves. After frosting the cake, decorate each slice with a sprig or two of mint.
The mint’s bright aroma and taste provide a refreshing contrast to the dense chocolate, making each bite feel even more indulgent.
5. Passover-Friendly Ice Cream
Pair the chocolate cake with a scoop of Passover-friendly ice cream. Opt for dairy-free or kosher-for-Passover varieties to stay within dietary restrictions.
Flavors like vanilla, coffee, or even a rich chocolate ice cream can complement the cake and add a delicious, cold contrast to the warm, fudgy cake.
Can You Eat Cake During Passover?
You can definitely enjoy cake during Passover. The key is to use Passover-friendly ingredients. Traditional cake recipes rely on wheat flour, which is off-limits during the holiday.
However, you can create delicious cakes using alternatives like almond flour, coconut flour, or matzo meal.
These ingredients provide a different texture and flavor, but they can still produce a delightful cake.
Are Gluten Free Cakes Kosher For Passover?
Unfortunately, not all gluten-free cakes are kosher for Passover. While it might seem like a safe bet, the issue lies in the ingredients.
Many gluten-free products use grains like rice or corn, which are considered chametz (leavened grains) and prohibited during Passover.
How To Store Passover Chocolate Cake
To store Passover chocolate cake, allow it to cool completely before covering it to avoid moisture buildup.
Place the cake in an airtight container to maintain its freshness, or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Store the cake at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate it to extend its shelf life for up to a week.
Conclusion
This Passover Chocolate Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavor that aligns with the traditions of the holiday.
With its moist, chocolatey crumb and rich ganache topping, it offers a luxurious treat that feels both festive and indulgent.
The use of almond meal instead of flour not only ensures that the cake adheres to Passover dietary restrictions but also adds a subtle nutty flavor that complements the chocolate beautifully.
Enjoy every bite of this delectable cake, and may it bring joy and sweetness to your holiday festivities.