It’s over 100 degrees here in Los Angeles and of course, I’m dreaming of Fall. This sweet cake is loaded with spices and bitter{sweet} chocolate – Winter Squash & Bittersweet Chocolate Cake, new & must holiday Bijouxs jewel.
By now most everyone has seen recipes from the beautiful Gjelina Cookbook, including their uber good Kabocha, Olive Oil & Bittersweet Chocolate Cake. Now, I take my own spin on this cake, harnessing some recipe memories into one lovely little sweet cake, another little jewel recipe.
A child of the 70’s I remember making cakes made using cooked/raw veggies (carrots, zucchini and pumpkin) and using vegetable oils, instead of butter. Both of these additions in tandem kept cakes moist and tender.
Cue 2017– this recipe includes baked squash (here, kabocha) and olive oil, so a tender, soft cake ensues. Reading the recipe, I recalled a pumpkin gingerbread I used to bake…and since I am holiday dreaming, I introduced a little ginger and dark molasses to this cake.
Since the cake ranges on the sweet side, I went for a dramatic cocoa hit with this 100% chocolate bar (new favorite, at Trader Joe’s) No sugar, no dairy, no gluten, no soya, all natural, via our friends in Britain. It’s fabulous for us chocolate lovers.
By all means, grab a copy of the Gjelina cookbook, turn on the oven early morn and bake this cake, perhaps try my bake too, which will be my holiday cake go-to. Here’s to the Holidays and cooler days ahead.
As always, enjoy. B
My husband and I were fortunate enough to sample this delicious cake. We loved it! The background spices are addicting. Try it, it will be a hit! Everyone will want more!
Thank you again for being a trusted recipe tester!! ~Bijouxs
I really like this cake! Moist and not too sweet, even with the icing. The lightly spiced cake with the bits of bittersweet chocolate are a nice combination, and the pepitas on top give it a nice crunch. Well done!
Thank you Julie!!! You and your family are trusted recipe testers for the little jewels:) ~Bijouxs
I too was quite fortunate to sample this bittersweet chocolate cake! What a fun & interesting combination of bittersweet chocolate, winter squash, hint of ginger & molasses, my taste buds woke up with such a delight! The light glaze of cocoa nibs & pepitas was the crowning finish! Ioved it! I definitely will make this!
This cake is deliciously different. It’s very moist and flavorful, and I love the crunch of the pepitas on top!
I can’t wait for fall for this delicious recipe!
Hello Valentina! So good to hear from you. This cake is wonderful, so glad I tried it. Great for gifting. ~Bijouxs