Sauerkraut Kefir Cake: Double Chocolate and Chai Masala

No, it’s not a typo!  Sauerkraut kefir cake is a real thing, and it’s so good that it doesn’t last for long in my house!  I rarely buy sweets or make unhealthy treats, so when I do bake something and ask my kids to try it, they are very suspicious, especially my two eldest. I was thrilled when I finally got the “thumbs up” from my kids who continue to eat the cake, even after I told them it contained sauerkraut and kefir!

Since the cake is baked, the beneficial bacteria found in the sauerkraut and kefir are killed off.  However, there are other health benefits to using sauerkraut and kefir.  Similar to using zucchini or carrots in cake, the sauerkraut make a moist crumb and adds extra nutrition and fibre.  The milk kefir creates a fluffy cake, adds extra protein and is better tolerated due to its extremely low lactose content.  I use either straight milk kefir, or milk kefir whey that I have left over after making kefir cheese.

You might be concerned that the cake will tase like sauerkraut.  Fear not!  There is no residual sauerkraut flavour.  I found this recipe on a fermentation forum and tweaked it a bit using my own The Cultured Foodie sauerkrauts.  I created a Chai Masala version using Curry Sauerkraut, and a Double Chocolate version using Caraway Sauerkraut.  If you don’t have access to these sauerkrauts, try making your own using this easy recipe or use a sauerkraut that doesn’t contain any garlic or onion.

How To Make Sauerkraut Kefir Cake

INGREDIENTS

• 2/3 cup butter
• 1 cup sugar (granulated or stevia)
• 3 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1.5 cup milk kefir ( kefir whey, or milk of your choice)
• 1 cup drained and finely chopped sauerkraut

FOR DOUBLE CHOCOLATE VERSION:

Use The Cultured Foodie Caraway Sauerkraut and add 1/2 cup sifted cocoa powder and 1/2 cup of chocolate chips

FOR CHAI VERSION:

Use The Cultured Foodie Curry Sauerkraut and add 1-2 teaspoons chai (tea) masala powder (chai masala can be found in the Indian food section of most grocery stores) and 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional)

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat oven to 350 Celsius.  Line a 13 x9″ pan with parchment paper (or lightly grease pan).
2. Stir together flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
3. In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy
4. Add eggs, one at a time, stir in vanilla.
5. Add the flour mixture to the wet mixture alternating with the kefir.  Beat until blended.
6. Stir in sauerkraut
7. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 40-45 minutes or until cake tester comes out clean.
8. Let cool to room temperature and dust with icing sugar (if desired)