Name: Chocolate Espresso Spelt Cake
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 1/4 hr
Yield: Makes 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 1/2 sticks (3/4 cup) unsalted butter, softened, plus additional for pan; 3/4 cup unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder plus additional for dusting pan and cake; 1 cup boiling-hot water; 1 1/2 tablespoons instant-espresso powder; 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 lb Medjool dates (12 to 14), pitted and coarsely chopped (1 1/2 cups); 2 cups spelt flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 3/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup packed dark brown sugar; 2 large eggs; Accompaniment: lightly sweetened whipped cream; a 9-inch springform pan

A single slice of a dark onelayer chocolate cake with whipped cream on the side.

Photo by Romulo Yanes

This cake is the little black dress of fiber — velvety and sophisticated. Medjool dates lend it an unbelievably unctuous texture. When measuring spelt flour, be sure to spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off to prevent packing it down; this will keep the cake light.

Recipe notes

Chocolate Guinness Cake

A generous glug of stout gives this snackable loaf a malty depth.

Super Seedy Power Cookies

As energizing as an energy bar, with a much simpler ingredient list.

Hot Honey–Glazed Salmon

This broiled hot honey salmon recipe results in sweet, spicy, glossy fish coated in a homemade hot honey glaze for an easy weeknight dinner or make-ahead lunch.

Golden Mushroom Soup With Orzo & a Pat of Butter

This is the type of soup that, at first glance, might seem a little…unexciting. But you’re underestimating the power of mushrooms, which do the heavy lifting.

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

Classic French Vinaigrette

Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

One-Pot Chicken Thighs With Cilantro Rice and Beans

This one-pot dinner cooks chicken thighs directly on top of a bed of flavorful cilantro rice studded with black beans for a complete dinner.