Free From Everything Chocolate Cake

Ingredients

For the cake

250g dates, pitted

90ml espresso or brewed strong coffee

80g ground flaxseeds

180ml vegetable oil (or you can use coconut butter, which will give the cake a slightly coconutty flavour)

1 x 400g tin of black beans, drained (reserve 120ml of the liquid for the batter)

80g good-quality cocoa powder

2 tbsp vanilla bean paste

2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp sea salt

For the icing

2 very ripe avocados

4 tbsp cocoa powder

4 tbsp carob or maple syrup, or to taste

a handful of mixed berries, for decorating

50g dark chocolate, grated

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 200C/fan 180C/gas 6. Line a 21cm cake tin with baking paper.

Roughly chop the dates, place in a small heatproof bowl, then pour over the hot coffee. Put into a food processor and blend the dates to a sticky paste. Add the rest of the ingredients for the cake and blend until the mixture is perfectly smooth. Dollop the mixture into the prepared cake tin and use a palette knife or spoon to smooth the top. Bake for 30 minutes in the centre of the oven. When you insert a skewer, it should still come out slightly wet. Leave to cool for 10 minutes in its tin before transferring to a wire rack to cool.

To make the icing, scoop the avocados out of their skins and blend in a food processor with the cocoa and carob or maple syrup. Taste and add more syrup to your liking.

When ready to serve, transfer the cake to a serving plate. Use a palette knife to spread the icing over the top. Decorate with berries and finish with the grated chocolate.

TOP TIP This batter can also be baked in muffin cases for individual cakes. Bake for 10 minutes.
GET AHEAD The un-iced cake keeps for a couple of days when well wrapped, or can be frozen in an airtight container for up to a month.