Description
Healthy Chocolate Cake is a rich, moist dessert made with better-for-you ingredients like whole wheat flour, natural sweeteners, and yogurt or applesauce. It delivers indulgent chocolate flavor with a lighter nutritional profile, perfect for guilt-free enjoyment.
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce or Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup milk or plant-based milk
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8-inch cake pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together whole wheat flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix maple syrup, applesauce, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients, mixing until just incorporated. Fold in chocolate chips if using.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool completely before serving or frosting.
Notes
- Use almond flour or oat flour for gluten-free versions (adjust liquid).
- Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to enhance chocolate flavor.
- Frost with Greek yogurt and cocoa frosting for a healthier topping.
- Mix in nuts, berries, or shredded coconut for variety.
- Make into cupcakes by adjusting baking time to 15-18 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
