Description
This lentil protein cake is a moist, chocolatey dessert made with red lentils and plant-based ingredients. Packed with natural protein, it’s completely vegan, egg-free, dairy-free, and made without protein powder.
Ingredients
- 1 cup red split lentils (dry)
- Water – for soaking
- 1 cup unsweetened soy milk
- ⅔ cup plain dairy-free yogurt
- ½ cup mild olive oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ⅔ cup cane sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1¼ teaspoons baking powder
- For the chocolate topping (optional):
- ½ cup unsweetened soy milk
- 8 large pitted dates
- 3 tablespoons almond butter
- ¾ cup dairy-free dark chocolate
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
Instructions
- Rinse the lentils thoroughly and soak in water overnight or for at least 8 hours. Drain and rinse before using.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper and lightly oil the sides.
- In a blender, combine soaked lentils, soy milk, dairy-free yogurt, olive oil, and vanilla. Blend until smooth.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, and baking powder.
- Pour the blended mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until a smooth batter forms.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared cake pan and level the top.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool the cake in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.
- To make the topping, heat soy milk, dates, almond butter, and dark chocolate until softened. Blend with cocoa powder until smooth. Spread over the cooled cake if desired.
Notes
- Use sunflower seed butter instead of almond butter for a nut-free option.
- Add ½ cup dairy-free chocolate chips to the batter for extra richness.
- The cake can be made ahead and tastes even better the next day.
- Store in the refrigerator and enjoy cold or lightly reheated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
