Who says you can’t have your cake and eat it too? This Healthy Chocolate Cake recipe lets you satisfy your sweet tooth without the guilt. It’s rich, moist, and chocolatey but made with wholesome ingredients that keep it on the lighter side. Whether you’re craving a delicious dessert or looking for a healthier option for a celebration, this cake has got you covered!
Why You Will Love It
- Guilt-Free Indulgence: Made with no added sugar and healthy swaps like unsweetened applesauce, this cake allows you to enjoy dessert without compromising on your health goals.
- Easy to Customize: Whether you’re gluten-free, vegan, or just want a healthier treat, this cake is adaptable to suit your dietary needs.
- Triple Layer Delight: While the recipe below is for a single-layer cake, it’s easy to double or triple for a show-stopping triple-layer masterpiece.
- Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of these ingredients in your pantry already!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Note: The ingredients listed are for one single-layer cake. Double or triple the amounts as needed for a multi-layer cake.
- All-Purpose Flour: A versatile base that works well in most baked goods. To make it even healthier, opt for white whole wheat flour. For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend.
- Granulated Sweetener: Choose a sugar-free and calorie-free sweetener, like monk fruit or allulose. These sweeteners mimic the sweetness of sugar without the added calories.
- Cocoa Powder: Sifted to ensure no clumps. Go for a high-quality cocoa powder or, for a richer flavor, use dark cocoa powder.
- Baking Soda: Helps the cake rise and gives it a light, airy texture.
- Salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Reacts with the baking soda to create a fluffy texture without eggs. You can also use white vinegar or lemon juice.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and aroma to the cake.
- Unsweetened Applesauce: This is the secret ingredient that replaces the need for oil or butter, making the cake moist without adding fat.
- Water: No need for milk or non-dairy milk—simple room-temperature water will do!
How to Make a Healthy Chocolate Cake
Step 1: Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sweetener, sifted cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk them together until well combined. This step ensures that the baking soda and salt are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients
Add the apple cider vinegar, vanilla extract, and unsweetened applesauce to the dry ingredients. Stir them together until just combined. You don’t want to overmix at this stage.
Step 3: Incorporate the Water
Gradually add the water while stirring the mixture. Mix until the batter is smooth and there are no lumps. The batter will be slightly runny—this is normal!
Step 4: Bake the Cake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch round cake pan. Pour the batter into the pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 5: Cool and Frost
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. You can enjoy it as is or frost it with your favorite healthy frosting. For a triple-layer cake, repeat the process two more times.
Frosting Ideas
- Greek Yogurt Chocolate Frosting: Mix Greek yogurt with cocoa powder and a sweetener of your choice for a tangy, protein-packed frosting.
- Avocado Chocolate Mousse: Blend ripe avocado with cocoa powder, sweetener, and a splash of vanilla extract for a creamy, decadent topping.
- Coconut Whipped Cream: A lighter, dairy-free option made by whipping chilled coconut cream.
Pro Tips for the Best Healthy Chocolate Cake
- Measure Carefully: Baking is a science, so be sure to measure your ingredients accurately to achieve the perfect texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can make the cake dense and tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Cool Completely: Let the cake cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
How to Store
- Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: It will last for up to a week in the fridge. Just make sure it’s well-covered to prevent it from drying out.
- Freezer: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature before enjoying.
Recipe Card
Healthy Chocolate Cake (Fat Free AND Sugar free!)
This is the healthiest chocolate cake- 100% fat free, sugar free and made with no eggs, no butter, and no milk! Moist and with a tender crumb, this healthy chocolate cake recipe is vegan and gluten free!
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (use gluten-free all-purpose flour if necessary)
1 cup granulated sweetener of choice (e.g., monk fruit sweetener, allulose, or another calorie-free sweetener)
1/4 cup cocoa powder (sifted, use dark cocoa powder for a deeper flavor)
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar, or lemon juice)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
6 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce
1 cup water (room temperature)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 180C/350F. Line an 8-inch springform pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine your flour, granulated sweetener,cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt, and mix well.
- Add your vanilla extract, apple cider vinegar, and unsweetened applesauce and mix well. Pour the water over the top and mix until fully combined.
- Transfer the cake batter into the lined pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a skewer comes out just clean.
- Remove from the oven and let cool in the cake pan for 10 minutes, before carefully transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, frost if desired.
Notes
- For a sugar-free and low-calorie chocolate frosting, see the frosting provided in the post. You can also use another healthy frosting.
- For a double or triple layer cake, double and triple the ingredients. Cooking time doesn’t vary at all.
- You can use any zero calorie sweetener of choice. I prefer using monk fruit sweetener or erythritol.
Final Thoughts
This Healthy Chocolate Cake is a delightful way to indulge in something sweet while keeping it light and nutritious. Whether you’re serving it at a birthday party or just enjoying a slice with your afternoon coffee, this cake is sure to be a hit. Happy baking!