Light Chocolate Cake

Cook: 40 min Cuisine: American

A light, moist chocolate cake with wholesome whole wheat flour and natural sweeteners, perfect for health-conscious dessert lovers seeking rich flavor with lower fat content.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 cup applesauce
  • 1/3 cup Hershey chocolate (cocoa)
  • 2 eggs or egg substitute
  • 1 cup Turbinado brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 cup powdered milk or skim milk
  • 1/4 cup vinegar or 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla

Instructions

  1. Put wet ingredients in a bowl.
  2. Add dry ingredients and milk. Beat until combined.
  3. Pour batter into a 13 x 9 x 2 inch pan sprayed with Pam.
  4. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, separate the eggs and beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form before gently folding them into the batter. You can substitute the applesauce with mashed bananas for a different flavor. If you don’t have Turbinado brown sugar, light brown sugar works well too. Ensure to measure your cocoa accurately for the best chocolate flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This light chocolate cake is delightful served plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar. It pairs beautifully with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast. Consider serving it alongside a cup of coffee or a scoop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds until warm, but be careful not to dry it out.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Light Chocolate Cake contains roughly 222 calories, with 2g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (26% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1787mg per serving (78% of the Daily Value).

222 kcal 11% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.9g 4% DV
Total Fat 2.2g 3% DV
Carbs 38.5g 14% DV
Fiber 0.3g 1% DV
Sugar 12.4g 25% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1787.4mg 78% DV
Potassium 215.3mg 5% DV
Cholesterol 64.7mg 22% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 16.4mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 0.4mg
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 341.4mg 26% DV
Iron 1.2mg 7% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk Egg

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure that the blend contains a binding agent like xanthan gum for the best texture.

How can I enhance the chocolate flavor?

To enhance the chocolate flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of espresso powder to the dry ingredients. This will intensify the chocolate taste without adding a coffee flavor.

Can I freeze this chocolate cake?

Absolutely! Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before freezing. This will keep them fresh for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

American recipes → Vegetarian recipes → Dairy recipes → All recipes →