This dessert is rich, moist, and packed with hidden courgette, making it a delicious and sneaky way to enjoy the summer vegetable.
Chocolate Courgette Pudding
This Chocolate Courgette Pudding is a rich and indulgent dessert that’s perfect for summer. A tender chocolate sponge is infused with grated courgette and then soaked in a gooey chocolate fudge sauce. It’s egg-free, dairy-free, and incredibly easy to make!
This Chocolate Courgette Pudding is a delightful way to enjoy courgette in dessert form. The hidden courgette adds moisture and nutrients, making this chocolatey treat even more satisfying. Enjoy!
What I Love About Chocolate Courgette Pudding
I adore the way this Chocolate Courgette Pudding brings together the richness of chocolate with the subtle earthiness of courgette. The courgette may seem unusual in a dessert, but it adds incredible moisture and a velvety texture to the sponge, making every bite irresistibly soft and tender. The contrast between the deep, dark chocolate flavor and the lightness of the courgette is what makes this pudding truly special.
Perfect Occasion
This dessert shines on a warm summer evening when courgettes are at their peak. It’s an excellent choice for a garden party or a casual family gathering. The pudding’s comfort factor also makes it a hit at cozy indoor gatherings, where you want to offer something rich and indulgent but with a twist that surprises and delights your guests. Since it’s dairy-free and egg-free, it’s perfect for serving to guests with dietary restrictions, ensuring everyone can enjoy it.
Decoration Tips
To elevate the presentation of your Chocolate Courgette Pudding, consider these decoration ideas:
- Fresh Edible Flowers: Decorate the top with a scattering of fresh edible flowers like violets, pansies, or nasturtiums. Their vibrant colors contrast beautifully with the deep brown chocolate, adding a touch of elegance.
- Dusting of Cocoa Powder: Just before serving, dust the pudding lightly with cocoa powder. This simple step adds an extra layer of chocolatey aroma and a polished finish.
- Fresh Berries: Top the pudding with a handful of fresh raspberries or strawberries. Their bright color and tartness provide a delightful contrast to the rich chocolate.
- Mint Leaves: Garnish each serving with a sprig of fresh mint. The refreshing green adds a pop of color and complements the pudding’s rich flavor.
- Serve with a Dollop of Whipped Coconut Cream: For an extra indulgent touch, serve each portion with a dollop of whipped coconut cream or a scoop of dairy-free ice cream. It enhances the luxurious feel of the dessert.
With these tips, you’ll have a dessert that not only tastes divine but looks stunning on the table as well.
Chocolate Courgette Pudding
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Sponge:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup light brown sugar
- 1 cup dairy-free buttermilk 1 cup plant-based milk + 1 tbsp vinegar
- ½ cup dairy-free yogurt
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1½ cups grated courgette excess moisture squeezed out
For the Chocolate Fudge Sauce:
- 1 cup dairy-free milk
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup dairy-free butter
Instructions
Prepare the Chocolate Sponge:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and light brown sugar.
- In another bowl, mix the dairy-free buttermilk, dairy-free yogurt, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Gently fold in the grated courgette.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
Bake the Sponge:
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove the sponge from the oven and allow it to cool slightly.
Make the Chocolate Fudge Sauce:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the dairy-free milk, sugar, and cocoa powder.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sugar is dissolved.
- Add the vanilla extract and dairy-free butter, stirring until melted and combined.
- Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Assemble the Pudding:
- While the sponge is still warm, poke holes all over the top using a fork or skewer.
- Pour the warm chocolate fudge sauce over the sponge, allowing it to seep into the holes and soak into the cake.
Serve:
- Serve the pudding warm with a scoop of dairy-free ice cream or a drizzle of custard.