Fudgey (Spinach and Carrot) Chocolate Cake

Yesterday was a killer! I felt like I was back in the first couple of days of flying solo even though my mom was here helping! Yes, it was crazy. Both kids screaming and crying at the same time, neither going to sleep well, Gabriel pushing every button I have and Brenik just being more needy than usual. I chalk it up to Gabriel cutting his 2nd 2 year old molar and Brenik just being a baby but also I'm guess pre-teething. Even though there are known 'reasons' for the extra drama and attitude, it doesn't make it any easier. Unfortunately it just seemed like that was the trend with most of my mommy friends all around the country. I haven't check yet as to what the moon was like last night or the night before, not that I believe in those things but do find it kinda strange how we were all looking forward to bedtime and chocolate.

After the boys were in bed I posted this picture to Instagram...

... with the caption, "Would you believe me if I told you there was 3 cups of spinach and 2 cups of carrots in these goodies? *fist pound *thumbs up *smiley face." Many people were instantly asking me to share the recipe. With the high demand I only found it appropriate to do so even though I've been shying from sharing this recipe for quite some time.

Back in February I shared a recipe for Spinach Muffins. They sound completely crazy but are incredibly delicious. Fast forward a few months and I shared a Blueberry Spinach Muffin recipe that also had great reviews from my blog friends and followers. Well, since those spinach muffins are so popular in our house I didn't stop there and have since used that first recipe as a base recipe for many different types of muffins including lemon poppy seed, pumpkin spice, and the above chocolate version. I sort of felt like a one trick pony making the same recipe so many different ways, hence why I haven't shared it yet, but they are SO good! 

Without further ado, here's the recipe! 

Ingredients: 

1 cup applesauce 
2 large eggs
2 Tablespoons vanilla extract
3 cup fresh spinach, gently packed (I just grab 3 generous handfuls)
2 cup grated carrot (or chopped if you have an awesome blender)
4 Tablespoons honey
1/3 cup coconut oil in solid form, generous 1/3 cup
4 Tablespoons chia seed
2/3 cup brown sugar, packed
3 cups all purpose flour
1/2 cup cocoa powder
2 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
semi sweet chocolate chips to sprinkle on top

***I would have added a tablespoon or two of black coffee if I had it laying around too. 

Directions: Preheat the oven to 350'f and grease a 9"x13" with cooking spray or with baking grease. Put the first eight ingredients into a blender or food processor and blend until smooth: applesauce, egg, vanilla, spinach, carrot, honey, coconut oil, and chia seed. 

Transfer mixture into a mixing bowl and fully incorporate the dry ingredients: brown sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. 

Batter will be thick, scoop into the baking dish, smooth out batter, sprinkle chocolate chips on the top and bake in the oven for 25 minutes or until a toothpick is inserted into the middle and comes out almost clean. If you want to make muffins instead, bake at the same temperature and begin checking around 15 minutes for doneness.