Avocado meat replaces butter as the fat in this frosting. The cake is rich and moist with a hint of espresso.

The frosting balances perfectly with it sweet with a hint of citrus and a definite avocado flavour. When topped with toasted walnut and dark chocolate shavings, this cake has a beautiful, slightly unusual flavour and texture and is rich in healthy fats.

For the Chocolate Cake

Makes 12

Ingredients

Caster sugar155g

Butter60g

Large egg (room temperature)1

Vanilla extract½ tsp

Salt¼ tsp

Marriages Plain Organic flour105g

Cocoa powder25g

Baking soda¼ tsp

Sour cream95g

Strong espresso (cooled)¼ cup

Fresh ground coffee (optional)½ tsp

Toasted walnuts

Dark chocolate shavings

Method

1. Sift all the dry ingredients together (flour, cocoa, baking soda, salt) and set aside.

2. Cream the butter and sugar together until very light and fluffy around 5 minutes with an electric mixer. Add the egg and vanilla and beat until thoroughly incorporated.

3. Add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the sour cream. Then slowly add the cooled coffee and espresso powder (if you’re using it).

4. Use an ice cream scoop to transfer to a lined baking pan, filling the cups ¾ full.

5. Bake in the middle rack of a 180C oven for 15 mins or until a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean.

6. When the cupcakes are cooled completely, top with a spoon of the avocado frosting (recipe below), a toasted walnut and some dark chocolate shavings.

For the avocado frosting

Ingredients

Flesh of 2 large very ripe avocados or 4 medium avocados use the ripest you can find, and cut out any brown bits if necessary

Confectioner’s (icing) sugar 190g

Lemon juice1½ tsp

Method

1. Beat the avocado in a mixer with the lemon juice until you achieve a smooth consistency, beating out all the lumps.

2. Slowly blend in the icing sugar, increasing the speed of the mixer as you go. Add more sugar if needed to achieve a consistency and taste that you like.

l For more creative cake ideas, recipes and baking tips visit lily-vanilli.blogspot.com