Easy Whole Wheat Chocolate Cake Recipe – Oats & Cocoa Delight

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Easy Whole Wheat Chocolate Cake Recipe – Oats & Cocoa Delight

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you love a good slice of cake with your evening chai. But sometimes, you want something a little… kinder to your body, right? That’s exactly how this whole wheat chocolate cake came about! I was craving something chocolatey but wanted to sneak in some extra goodness. This recipe is the result – a super easy, incredibly moist, and satisfying cake that even the kids will adore. Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t your average chocolate cake. It’s made with whole wheat flour and oats, giving it a lovely texture and a subtle nutty flavour that complements the rich cocoa. It’s surprisingly easy to make, even if you’re not a seasoned baker. Plus, it’s perfect for a quick treat, a birthday celebration, or even a festive occasion. Honestly, it’s a winner all around!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious cake:

• 1 cup Whole Wheat flour (approx. 120g)
• ½ cup Powdered Oats (approx. 40g)
• 2 tbsp Cocoa Powder (approx. 10g)
• 1 tsp Baking Powder
• 1 tsp Baking Soda
• 1 cup + 1 tbsp Powdered Sugar (approx. 200g)
• ½ cup Oil (approx. 120ml)
• 1 cup Milk (approx. 240ml)
• 1 tsp Vanilla essence
• 1 tsp Oil (for greasing)
• 1 tsp Wheat flour (for dusting)
• Chocolate sauce, as needed (for drizzling)
• Sprinkles, as needed (for decorating)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! Using whole wheat flour adds a lovely depth of flavour and a boost of fibre. Don’t worry, it doesn’t make the cake heavy at all! Powdered oats help create a wonderfully soft and moist crumb. You can easily make your own by blending rolled oats in a food processor.

I recommend using a good quality cocoa powder – Dutch-processed cocoa will give you a richer, darker chocolate flavour. As for sugar, powdered sugar dissolves beautifully, giving a smooth texture.

Now, a little bit about cake baking in India! Traditionally, many Indian cakes use a combination of flours and often incorporate spices like cardamom. While this recipe is a simpler chocolate version, feel free to experiment with a pinch of cardamom if you like!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get down to business!

1. First, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes. Getting the oven nice and hot is key.
2. Grease a 7.5-inch cake tin with a little oil, then dust it with wheat flour. This prevents the cake from sticking.
3. In a large bowl, sift together the whole wheat flour, powdered oats, cocoa powder, baking powder, and baking soda. Sifting ensures everything is nicely combined and lump-free.
4. In another bowl, whisk the oil and powdered sugar together until it’s light and fluffy. This takes a little elbow grease, but it’s worth it!
5. Add the vanilla essence and lukewarm milk to the sugar-oil mixture. Beat until it looks foamy and well combined.
6. Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until you have a smooth, lump-free batter. Don’t overmix!
7. Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin, filling it about halfway. This leaves room for the cake to rise.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean. Every oven is different, so keep an eye on it.
9. Let the cake cool in the tin for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Once cooled, drizzle with chocolate sauce and sprinkle with sprinkles. Because, why not?!

Expert Tips

• Don’t open the oven door frequently while the cake is baking, as this can cause it to sink.
• Use room temperature ingredients for best results.
• If you don’t have a 7.5-inch tin, an 8-inch tin will work, but the cake will be slightly thinner.

Variations

• Chocolate Chip Delight: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter for an extra chocolatey kick. My son loves this version!
• Nutty Goodness: Stir in ¼ cup of chopped walnuts or almonds for added texture and flavour.
• Orange Zest: Add the zest of one orange to the batter for a bright, citrusy twist.

Vegan Adaptation

Want to make this cake vegan? Simply replace the milk with plant-based milk (like almond or soy milk) and ensure your chocolate sauce is vegan-friendly.

Gluten-Free Adaptation (using gluten-free flour blend)

For a gluten-free version, substitute the whole wheat flour with a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum for binding.

Spice Level (Optional: adding a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom)

As I mentioned earlier, a pinch of cinnamon (about ¼ tsp) or cardamom (about ½ tsp) can add a lovely warmth to the cake, reflecting traditional Indian flavours.

Festival Adaptations (Adaptations for birthdays or Diwali)

For birthdays, get creative with the frosting and decorations! For Diwali, you could add a sprinkle of edible gold dust for a festive touch.

Serving Suggestions

This cake is delicious on its own, but it’s even better with a cup of hot chai or a glass of cold milk. It’s also lovely served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Storage Instructions

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

FAQs

Is this cake healthy because it uses whole wheat flour?

It’s a healthier option than a traditional chocolate cake, as whole wheat flour provides more fibre and nutrients. However, it’s still a cake, so enjoy it in moderation!

Can I use jaggery instead of powdered sugar?

Yes, you can! Use about ¾ cup of grated jaggery. Keep in mind that jaggery will give the cake a slightly different flavour and colour.

What is the best way to prevent the cake from becoming dry?

Don’t overbake the cake, and store it in an airtight container. Adding powdered oats also helps retain moisture.

Can I add nuts or dried fruits to this cake?

Absolutely! Feel free to add your favourite nuts or dried fruits to the batter.

How can I tell if my oven temperature is accurate for baking this cake?

An oven thermometer is your best friend! Place it in the oven while preheating to ensure it reaches the correct temperature.