Strawberry-Balsamic Chocolate Chip Sheet Cake w/ Basil Creme Fraiche

Yield: 12 servings

This combo is like chocolate dipped strawberries meets caprese salad. Sound weird? I promise it’s not…or if it is, you won’t care!

Ultra-moist, this dessert is my take on the 3-ingredient so-called “dump cake” made with cake mix, pie filling, and eggs for which I substitute aquafaba.

I add lemon juice to the batter to balance the sweetness and balsamic vinegar for a savory undertone, along with vanilla and almond extracts for depth. Chocolate chips are so pretty and tasty dotting the top.

To my topping of 2-ingredient lazy gal’s plant-based creme fraiche, I add minced fresh basil. And I garnish each piece of cake with more chocolate chips and a sprig of basil for a serving of summer personified.

Strawberry-Balsamic Chocolate Chip Sheet Cake w/ Basil Creme Fraiche

Aquafaba from 1-15 ounce can chickpeas (reserve chickpeas for another use)
1 box strawberry cake mix (13.25 to 15.25-ounces)
1 21-ounce can strawberry pie filling
Juice from 1/2 medium lemon
2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon almond extract
Zest of 1 medium lemon
1/2 cup chocolate chips
Basil Creme Fresh (recipe follows)
Garnish: chocolate chips and basil sprigs

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9 x 13-inch pan. In a large bowl, stir together all ingredients, except chocolate chips, topping and garnish, until completely combined. Transfer to prepared pan and gently smooth top. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup chocolate chips. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until top is set, and a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean or with barely any moist crumbs clinging to it. *Cool, cover, and refrigerate for at least a couple hours before serving. Serve topped with a dollop of basil creme fraiche, a sprinkling of chocolate chips, and a sprig of fresh basil. Note: This cake is a bit sticky once cooled, and refrigeration reduces the tacky factor.

Basil Creme Fraiche

1 cup vanilla Greek style plant-based yogurt (I like Silk brand)
1 cup fairly firm plant-based whipped topping (I like Cocowhip)
2 tablespoons minced fresh basil

Gently fold together in a medium bowl until completely combined. Cover and refrigerate until serving time.