Chocolate Tofu Cake

Chocolate Tofu Cake Recipe from Taiwan

Region / culture: Taiwan | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour 10 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Chocolate tofu cake is a delicious and unique dessert that combines the rich flavors of chocolate with the creamy texture of tofu. This recipe is a healthier alternative to traditional chocolate cake, as it uses tofu and light cream cheese to create a moist and decadent dessert.

History

The origins of chocolate tofu cake are not entirely clear, but it is believed to have originated in Japan, where tofu is a common ingredient in both savory and sweet dishes. Tofu is used in this recipe to add moisture and a creamy texture to the cake, while also providing a source of protein.

Ingredients

Light vegetable oil spray
8 oz (227 g) firm tofu
0.25 cup skim milk ricotta cheese
4 oz (113 g) light cream cheese
0.25 cup maple syrup
3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
2 large egg whites
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
3 tbsp light bailey's irish cream
1 tbsp coffee liqueur

TOPPING

0.5 cup nonfat sour cream or nonfat plain yogurt
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp honey

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Coat a 10-inch glass pie plate with 3 sprays of vegetable oil.
In the bowl of a food processor, combine the tofu, ricotta cheese, cream cheese, maple syrup, cocoa powder, egg whites, cinnamon, and liqueurs.
Puree until smooth and pour into the prepared pie plate.
Place the pie plate on the center rack of the oven. On the bottom rack, place a baking pan filled halfway with water. Bake for 1 hour.
While the cake is baking, combine all the topping ingredients in a small bowl and whisk thoroughly.
When the cake has cooked for an hour, remove it from the oven, spread the topping evenly, decorate if you wish, and return it to the oven.
Bake for about 10 minutes more, until the topping sets.
Refrigerate for 2 hours before serving. Decorate with the chocolate sauce.
Making a Chocolate Sauce Design: Put a mixture of 2 tbsp pure maple syrup and 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder into a squeeze bottle or an improvised pastry bag, which can be made by forcing the sauce into a bottom corner of a sturdy plastic storage bag and pricking a small hole through which it can flow. Squeeze a series of straight lines across the cake, then rake the tines of a fork across the top in the opposite direction to create a pattern.

Variations

Add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for added texture and flavor.
Use different liqueurs or extracts to customize the flavor of the cake.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use firm tofu for this recipe, as it will hold up better in the cake batter.

- Be sure to blend the ingredients in a food processor until smooth to ensure a creamy texture.

- Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the chocolate tofu cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Cooking Techniques

Blend the ingredients in a food processor until smooth.

- Bake the cake in a water bath to ensure even cooking.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use honey or agave nectar instead of maple syrup.

- Substitute Greek yogurt for the ricotta cheese.

Make Ahead Tips

The cake can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 2 days before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Decorate the cake with fresh berries, mint leaves, or a dusting of cocoa powder for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve the chocolate tofu cake with a cup of hot coffee or a glass of red wine for a delicious pairing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 220

Carbohydrates

Total Carbohydrates: 23g

Dietary Fiber: 2g

Sugars: 16g

Fats

Total Fat: 10g

Saturated Fat: 4g

Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

Protein: 8g

Vitamins and minerals

Calcium: 10% DV

Iron: 15% DV

Alergens

Contains dairy (ricotta cheese, cream cheese) and eggs.

Summary

This chocolate tofu cake is a good source of protein and calcium, while also being lower in calories and fat compared to traditional chocolate cake.

Summary

Chocolate tofu cake is a unique and delicious dessert that is sure to impress your guests. With its creamy texture and rich chocolate flavor, this cake is a healthier alternative to traditional chocolate cake that is perfect for any occasion.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is a special one. It was a hot summer day, and I was rummaging through an old cookbook that belonged to my Aunt Martha. As I flipped through the pages, a worn piece of paper fell out, revealing a handwritten recipe for Chocolate Tofu Cake. Intrigued, I carefully read through the ingredients and instructions, feeling a sense of excitement bubbling inside me.

I had never heard of using tofu in a cake before, let alone a chocolate one. But knowing my love for experimenting in the kitchen, I knew I had to give it a try. The next day, I gathered all the necessary ingredients and set to work.

As I mixed the tofu with the cocoa powder, sugar, and flour, a rich chocolatey aroma filled the kitchen. The batter was smooth and velvety, and I couldn't resist sneaking a taste. It was delicious, with a hint of creaminess from the tofu that added a unique depth of flavor.

Once the cake was baked and cooled, I topped it with a simple chocolate glaze and a sprinkle of toasted almonds. The result was a decadent, moist cake that was unlike anything I had ever tasted before. I couldn't wait to share it with my family and friends.

Over the years, I have made this Chocolate Tofu Cake countless times, each time tweaking the recipe slightly to suit my taste. I have shared it with neighbors, brought it to potlucks, and even entered it in a baking competition at the county fair. It has always been a hit, with many people surprised to learn that tofu can be used in such a delicious way.

I have since learned that the recipe for Chocolate Tofu Cake originated from a dear friend of my Aunt Martha's, who was a vegan baker. She had discovered the magic of using tofu as a substitute for eggs and dairy in her recipes, creating treats that were not only healthier but also incredibly tasty.

I am grateful to have stumbled upon this recipe, as it has opened my eyes to a whole new world of baking possibilities. I have since experimented with incorporating tofu into other desserts, such as puddings, pies, and even ice cream. The versatility of this ingredient never ceases to amaze me, and I am constantly inspired to create new and exciting dishes.

As I sit here writing this, with a slice of Chocolate Tofu Cake in front of me, I am filled with gratitude for the wonderful journey that this recipe has taken me on. It has not only expanded my culinary skills but has also brought me closer to my loved ones, who have enjoyed the fruits of my labor.

I hope that this story inspires you to step out of your comfort zone and try something new in the kitchen. You never know what delicious discoveries await you. And who knows, maybe one day you'll stumble upon a recipe as special as Chocolate Tofu Cake.