Einkorn Chocolate Cake Recipe

If you’re searching for a rich, deeply chocolatey cake with a wholesome twist, this Einkorn Chocolate Cake is about to become your new favorite obsession. Einkorn, one of the world’s oldest grains, lends the cake a tender, buttery crumb with a lovely nuttiness. Swirled with decadent cocoa and topped with a fudgy icing, each slice is an irresistible fusion of nourishment and indulgence. This is the kind of cake I love sharing with friends — simple, honest ingredients come together for pure magic!

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of pantry staples, you can bake up a Einkorn Chocolate Cake that rivals any bakery treat. Each ingredient plays a key role, so don’t skip or swap unless you must — the results are worth it!

• Einkorn flour: This ancient grain flour gives the cake its tender, flavorful character. You can use other wheat flour if needed, but einkorn makes it special.
• Cane sugar: Sweetens the cake while keeping the crumb moist and delicate.
• Sea salt: Enhances the chocolate flavor — don’t leave it out!
• Cocoa powder: The star of the show, providing deep, rich chocolate taste. Choose a good-quality, unsweetened variety for best results.
• Baking soda: Helps the cake rise to fluffy perfection.
• Salted butter: Adds richness and a hint of savoriness. Melted butter makes for an extra-tender crumb.
• Homemade vanilla extract: Rounds out and elevates all the flavors.
• Room temperature water: Keeps the batter smooth and brings everything together.
• Apple cider vinegar: The secret for making the cake light and fluffy — it reacts with the baking soda for beautiful lift.
• Organic powdered sugar: For the icing, adds sweetness without the chalky texture some brands have.
• More cocoa powder (for icing): Doubles down on chocolate flavor in the fluffy, creamy topping.
• Salted butter (for icing): Lends a luscious, silky texture to the icing.
• More vanilla extract: Brings a lovely warmth to the icing.
• Water (for icing): Brings everything together into a spreadable, spoon-lickable frosting.

How to Make Einkorn Chocolate Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Pans and Oven

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and get your two 9-inch round cake pans ready. Grease them thoroughly and dust with flour to prevent sticking. Take a moment to do this well — nothing ruins cake joy like cake stuck to the pan!

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the einkorn flour, cane sugar, sea salt, cocoa powder, and baking soda. This ensures every bite of your Einkorn Chocolate Cake is evenly flavored and has that classic, rich color throughout.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

Pour in the melted salted butter, homemade vanilla extract, and your room temperature water. Mix gently but thoroughly—the batter will start looking glossy and chocolatey, and the aroma will have you ready to lick the spoon.

Step 4: Stir in the Apple Cider Vinegar

Add the apple cider vinegar and mix well, making sure there are no lumps in the batter. This step is what gives the cake its tender, airy texture — a little food science magic in action!

Step 5: Pour and Bake

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans and smooth the tops. Pop them in the oven and bake for about 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The cakes should rise beautifully and have a slight spring when touched gently.

Step 6: Cool the Cakes

Let your cakes cool completely in the pans before turning them out. This patience is key — warm cakes are delicate and can break, but cooled cakes are sturdy and ready for icing.

Step 7: Make the Cocoa Icing

In a large bowl, combine powdered sugar and cocoa powder. Stir in the vanilla extract and butter. Gradually add water and keep stirring until the mixture becomes smooth and spreadable. Don’t worry if it thickens as it sits — just stir again and it’ll be perfect!

Step 8: Assemble and Frost

When the cake layers are completely cool, stack them on a plate or cake stand. You can add icing between the layers for extra decadence, or just go simple and pour the icing on top, using a spatula to spread it evenly. Let the icing set just a little before serving.

How to Serve Einkorn Chocolate Cake

Garnishes

Dress up your Einkorn Chocolate Cake with a flurry of chocolate shavings, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a handful of fresh berries for contrast. A few sprigs of mint or a swirl of soft whipped cream make every slice feel a bit more special and celebratory.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla bean or coffee ice cream, a dollop of lightly sweetened crème fraîche, or a glass of cold milk. For gatherings, set out bowls of sliced strawberries or raspberries to let guests DIY their own perfect bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the cake into small squares for an easy finger-food dessert table. Serve slices on vintage plates for a homey touch, or elevate things with a drizzle of homemade raspberry coulis across each plate. You can also bake the batter in a bundt pan or as cupcakes for variety.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled and frosted, you can store leftover Einkorn Chocolate Cake tightly covered at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, pop it in the fridge where it will keep its moist crumb and delicious flavor for about five days.

Freezing

If you’d like to make your cake in advance, freeze it unfrosted by wrapping each layer in plastic and foil, then tucking them into a freezer bag. Frosted slices can be frozen too, just separate layers with parchment paper. Defrost in the fridge overnight and bring to room temperature before serving.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or place them in a low oven (about 275 degrees) wrapped in foil for about 10 minutes. This revives the fudgy icing and brings the cake back to just-baked softness.

FAQs

Can I use regular whole wheat or all-purpose flour instead of einkorn?

You can substitute whole wheat or all-purpose flour in a pinch, though the resulting cake will have a slightly different flavor and texture. Einkorn’s unique taste and gentle crumb truly make this Einkorn Chocolate Cake shine!

How can I make the icing thicker or thinner?

If you prefer a thicker icing, use a bit less water. For a thinner, more pourable glaze, simply add water a tablespoon at a time until you reach the consistency you love.

Can I make this cake dairy free?

Absolutely! Swap the salted butter for a plant-based or dairy-free alternative and check that your cocoa and sugar are vegan-friendly. The results will still be delicious and satisfying.

Is raw apple cider vinegar necessary?

The apple cider vinegar is important for activating the baking soda and giving the cake a tender texture. Lemon juice can be used in a pinch, but the mild tang of apple cider vinegar is preferable.

How do I prevent my cake from sticking to the pans?

Make sure you thoroughly grease and flour your cake pans. You can also line the bottoms with parchment circles for extra insurance. Allowing the cakes to cool completely before removing them will help, too!

Final Thoughts

Baking this Einkorn Chocolate Cake is like sharing a little slice of joy — rustic, rich, and chocolatey enough to satisfy any craving. Don’t be surprised if it disappears quickly! I hope you’ll try it soon and experience the magic einkorn adds to a classic chocolate cake. If you do, let me know how it turned out!

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