Super Moist Healthier Chocolate Cake

By srumbel

Now I have to admit, there is butter in the frosting because what’s a buttercream without butter?? But in my opinion, no butter/oil in the cake is a step in the right direction. So what takes the place of the fat? Applesauce is taking the place of butter and oil in this recipe; there is simply no need for the added fat. Sometimes healthy baked goods without the presence of fat can be dry and crumbly. I can’t stress enough that this cake is NOT anything like that. The applesauce and a few other ingredients in the recipe do a fine job keeping the cake moist, tender, and soft. Not only is this cake healthified, but it’s also super easy to make too. It comes together in a little under 10 minutes with no mixer required. Score! You are going to love this cake. It’s moist, fudgy, flavorful, simple, and easy. You will not even realize this cake is lightened up.
from sweettreatsmore.com

Ingredients

• For the cake
• 1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup applesauce
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For the frosting
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, slightly softened
• 3 Tablespoons heavy cream or milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (or 1 teaspoon almond extract)

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and spray a 9x9-inch pan with non-stick spray.
In a small bowl, mix together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder. Set aside.
In a medium bowl, whisk together water, brown sugar, sugar, applesauce, eggs, and vanilla.
Add flour mixture to wet ingredients and mix well. Pour into the prepared pan.
Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 30-35 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool.

While cake is cooling, make frosting

Sift the powdered sugar and cocoa together in a bowl, stir in salt and set aside. Add butter to a mixing bowl and cream until nice and smooth. Slowly add the powdered sugar, alternating with the milk. Add in vanilla.
Frost cake, slice and serve.