Chocolate Pear Snack Cake
/
I spent a good chunk of this past weekend in Grand Marais with some of my favorite ladies. We drove up the shore in the fresh snow, drinking coffee and catching up in ways only possible when you have many hours with people.
Grand Marais never disappoints. We walked by the water and wandered through art galleries. I bailed on part of the shopping to eat ice cream in our hotel room with a good chick flick on tv. (Hey, I’m a tired mom, this was perfect). We spent the evening at the Gunflint Tavern because we had been told it’s where the locals hang out. (Can any locals confirm this?) Considering the number of people in Halloween costumes for Halloween Karaoke night, there were more than a few locals there.
We headed straight for Java Moose the next morning, did some hiking, and then headed home. It was a short trip, but so refreshing to be with friends in one of my favorite places. I have so many memories driving up the North Shore and fresh snow on the ground always makes me even more nostalgic. But one of my favorite things about the weekend was just being with people with no agenda for awhile. Friendships take more planning with adulthood. Jobs, kids, travels, family, etc all take up a lot of time. For me, friendships are something I want to prioritize even in busy seasons of life. The time we are given with just one night away is so wonderful for friendships. Conversation moves in such different ways with a little more time. The connection that happens after “catching up” is often so honest and connecting. I am so thankful that I have opportunities like this to have a few less things to think about (ie what the kids will have for lunch, when does the laundry need to be started, how can I be a better parent…I think too much sometimes). I know it is a privilege, but it is also something we prioritize. I am very thankful for that.
Ok, this cake is delicious. Pair it with a good dose of self-control or it might not last very long. It is really chocolatey and moist. And the ingredients definitely justify it being called a good snack.
Chocolate Pear Snack Cake (Paleo)
35 min, 9x9” pan
Ingredients:
1/3 c coconut oil, melted
1/3 c maple syrup
2 eggs
2 t baking powder
1/2 t baking soda
1/2 t salt
1/2 c cocoa powder
1/2 c applesauce
1 pear, chopped
1 1/2 c almond flour
Directions:
- Heat oven to 350 F
- Melt coconut oil in large bowl.
- Add maple syrup and whisk into coconut oil.
- Add eggs and whisk together until fully combined.
- Add baking powder, baking soda, and salt and stir to combine.
- Add cocoa powder and applesauce and stir until fully incorporated.
- Fold pear into batter.
- Fold almond flour into batter
- Bake for 25 min, or until knife inserted comes out clean
