Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Cake for One (Indulgent Recipe)

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When it comes to chocolate, I’m not a good sharer. In fact, I will go out of my way to ensure no one touches my chocolate stashes or chocolate desserts. You remember that Friends episode where Joey blows a date because “Joey doesn’t share food?” Yeah, that’s me with chocolate. Which is why this dark chocolate pumpkin cake for one is so very perfect for me. Oh and it’s not even healthy in the slightest  but you know what, a girl needs one cheat day 🙂

With a normal cake, you sort of have to share (or risk a few unwanted pounds by eating all of it). With this? It’s made just for you in a tiny bite size ramekin. Filled with a gooey, molton center and a fabulous pumpkin spice, you may find yourself hoarding three or four of these luscious cakes this fall.

Now, I know that’s slightly stereotypical. “Women obsessed with dark chocolate.” I get it. But there’s a reason we ladies flock to this dark, creamy, decadent elixer of life. Dark chocolate doesn’t just taste good, it’s been scientifically proven to make you feel good too! According to FitDay, there are several componenets of chocolate (such as phenylethylamine (PEA), the chemical your brain releases when you fall in love) that cause it to increase your mood and have a positive effect on your brain. This results in a feeling of euphoria, relaxation and, in turn, happiness!

So therefore, chocolate makes me happy. And a happy wife equals a happy life, am I right? (Ahem, E). What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is. You simply whisk, melt and bake! In just 12 minutes you have an ooey, gooey chocolate pumpkin cake that oozes when you take a bite. It’s absolutely decadent and so worth the extra fat and calories. 

Now, I’m not stupid. I know one little cake won’t solve your problems if you’re really struggling with exhaustion, depression or anxiety. (One day I’ll invent a way to make that happen!) For those really struggling with ways to feel Happy, Calm and Focused, check out HCF! Another one of my sponsors (peek over to the right), HCF works to replenish the essential amino acids in our brain that help to make us feel calm, collected and happy! This all-natural brain supplement supports the increase of ‘feel good’ neurotransmitters in our brain very similar to what you would actually find in some foods, like chocolate!

 

Guys, I made this cake yesterday and I wish I quadroupled the recipe so I could have some for breakfast. I mean, scientifically, chocolate for breakfast would lead to a happier day, right? I’m just going off the science here 🙂

*I’ll be back on Saturday with a skinny dessert to make up for this one!

Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Cake for One

CLICK HERE FOR THE PRINTABLE VERSION OF THIS RECIPE!

Serves 1. Recipe adapted from Joy the Baker.
Prep time: 5 – 8 minutes
Cook time: 12 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons cocoa powder, divided
  • 4 tablespoons dark chocolate chips
  • 1/2 tablespoon butter
  • 1/2 tablespoon unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon pumpkin puree
  • 4 teaspoons brown sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 teaspoon flour
  • Dash of salt
  • Walnuts for garnish

Directions: 

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Grease a small ramekin with nonstick cooking spray and dust with cocoa powder. Set aside.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together the egg, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice and brown sugar. Add a dash of salt. Set aside.
  3. In a small sauce pan, heat butter, applesauce and chocolate over medium heat until chocolate melts. Remove from pan and pour into the pumpkin mix and stir to combine. Stir in flour and second 1/2 teaspoon of cocoa powder.
  4. Carefully pour cake into the prepared ramekin. Place the ramekin on a baking sheet and bake for about 12 minutes, or until the cake is slightly puffy. Let cool for about 2 – 5 minutes and then gently flip cake onto a plate (or eat directly from the ramekin). Sprinkle with walnuts and eat immediately!

Nutritional information: 

Calories: 477
Fat: 28 grams
Carbohydrates: 42 grams
Fiber: 4.2 grams
Protein: 9 grams
Weight Watchers Points:  11

Happy, Calm and Focused is a featured sponsor of our site. For any inquiries about the product, you may contact kennzed (at) gmail (dot) com.

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Comments

  1. Posted by Kelly Hunt on
    Wednesday, October 3rd, 2012
    Yummy! I could use some chocolate in my life right now! :)
  2. Posted by courtney on
    Wednesday, October 3rd, 2012
    this sounds awesome!!! hmmm, maybe i'll make it tonight...but only one or i'll eat however many i make in one sitting i'm sure :)
  3. Posted by Kristina Kubik on
    Wednesday, October 3rd, 2012
    I always love new excuses for my overflowing 'chocolate' drawer in the kitchen.... too bad I don't think dark chocolate M&Ms are actually dark chocolate :) These little cakes look killer! So perfect, and love that they're single serving!
  4. Posted by Dorothy R on
    Wednesday, October 3rd, 2012
    Hey.. Claire, so you've found HCF as well or they've found you?
    Glad it's here too right in your sidebar... it's actually one of those products those people at pissed.consumer.com were not pissed off:)


    Do they offer a Free Trial or something? Your chocolate pumpkin looks so delicious but I think this one is handy:)
  5. Posted by Amy CookingAdventures on
    Wednesday, October 3rd, 2012
    Yum! This looks amazing!
  6. Wednesday, October 3rd, 2012
    This recipe is BIG t.r.o.u.b.l.e. for me!
  7. Posted by christina on
    Wednesday, October 3rd, 2012
    I can't wait to try this. So easy, and I just so HAPPEN to have all the ingredients on hand ;)
  8. Posted by domesticfits on
    Wednesday, October 3rd, 2012
    The best part of this is that I don't have a gigantic cake, which I would most likely eat all by myself. Love single serving sizes, and I bet they freeze well too.
  9. Posted by Carolyn on
    Wednesday, October 3rd, 2012
    Claire this is brilliant! Mind if I make a low carb copy cat recipe???
    • Posted by realistic nutritionist on
      Wednesday, October 3rd, 2012
      NO of course not! Please do!!
  10. Posted by Kathryn on
    Wednesday, October 3rd, 2012
    I'm never a fan of sharing chocolate. I'm so making this for me!
  11. Posted by Tutti Dolci on
    Wednesday, October 3rd, 2012
    This cake looks dangerously delish!
  12. Posted by Kristen @ The Balanced Bowl on
    Wednesday, October 3rd, 2012
    Hi! I just found your site and love this recipe. I think my favorite part is that I have every ingredient in my pantry...isn't that the best? Great pictures by the way!
    • Posted by realistic.nutritionist on
      Thursday, October 4th, 2012
      Thank you!! and omg, i know. That's always the best!
  13. Posted by Julie @ Table for Two on
    Wednesday, October 3rd, 2012
    i wouldn't share this cake either! omg looks soo good and sinful!
    • Posted by realistic nutritionist on
      Thursday, October 4th, 2012
      Thank you!! it's SO WORTH the calories :)
  14. Posted by Lizzy Do on
    Wednesday, October 3rd, 2012
    Perfect for those intense chocolate cravings...or those intense pumpkin cravings :) LOVE a one serving dessert...but I'd probably quadruple it, too!
  15. Posted by MargaritasInTheRain on
    Wednesday, October 3rd, 2012
    Well shoot, now I have a mad craving... Thanks for sharing! :)
  16. Posted by Kristi Rimkus on
    Wednesday, October 3rd, 2012
    I love automatic portion control and treats that are incredibly easy to make and absolutely drool worthy!
  17. Posted by Savory Simple on
    Thursday, October 4th, 2012
    I have to pretend I don't know this exists or I'll go mad!
    • Posted by realistic.nutritionist on
      Thursday, October 4th, 2012
      hahahahahah!! make it! :)
  18. Posted by kjpugs on
    Friday, October 5th, 2012
    This is seriously too delicious looking. And you are so right about dark chocolate. I love to have a little sweet treat to munch on while working, and if I choose dark chocolate instead of something crappy-sugary, I definitely feel better! If you are going for something sweet might as well be the best sweet you can get! :)
  19. Saturday, October 6th, 2012
    I wish I liked dark chocolate. I only like milk... :(

    This looks great! I have portion control issues so this is perfect.
  20. Posted by downthelane on
    Tuesday, November 13th, 2012
    This looks so good and ca't wait to try it. What size ramekin did you use?
  21. Posted by BrainSmart on
    Wednesday, December 19th, 2012
    Chocolate actually contains L-Tryptophan which is a mood boosting amino acid (also found in bananas) which is why it not only tastes great but makes you happy .The darker the chocolate , the more cocoa ,the more L-Tryptophan ,the better your mood

    If you want to learn more about brain health and brain nutrition visit www.brain-smart.net
  22. Posted by John | BrainSharp on
    Sunday, March 4th, 2018
    This is a great recipe.
    Thank you for posting :).