Avocado is often celebrated for its creamy texture and rich, buttery flavor, but did you know it can be a star ingredient in a cake? This avocado cake recipe combines the natural creaminess of avocados with a hint of citrus to create a moist, slightly tangy dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking to surprise your guests or try something new, this recipe will delight your taste buds and make avocado your new baking best friend.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 ripe avocados (about 1 cup mashed)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- Zest of 1 lime (optional, for extra tang)
For the Glaze (Optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons lime juice
- Zest of 1 lime (for garnish)
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter, Sugar, and Avocado
- In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter, sugar, and mashed avocado until smooth and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in the vanilla extract and lime zest (if using).
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the avocado mixture in three additions, alternating with the buttermilk.
- Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Prepare the Lime Glaze (Optional)
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and lime juice until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake and sprinkle with lime zest for a burst of color and flavor.
Tips for Success
- Choose Ripe Avocados: Make sure the avocados are ripe but not overripe. They should yield slightly to gentle pressure.
- Mash Thoroughly: To avoid lumps, mash the avocados well or puree them in a blender or food processor for an ultra-smooth texture.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Add Citrus: Lime zest and juice enhance the flavor of the avocado and add a refreshing tang. Feel free to substitute with lemon if you prefer.
- Experiment with Toppings: If you’re not a fan of glaze, dust the cake with powdered sugar or top it with whipped cream for a simpler finish.
Conclusion
This avocado cake is a testament to the versatility of avocados in baking. Its moist texture, subtle sweetness, and unique flavor make it a standout dessert that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or enjoying it as an everyday treat, this cake is bound to become a favorite. Give it a try and let the magic of avocado transform your baking game!