Low Fat Chocolate Layer Cake
Indulge your sweet tooth guilt-free with this Low Fat Chocolate Layer Cake—an irresistibly moist and rich dessert that proves healthier doesn’t mean less delicious. Made with wholesome ingredients like unsweetened applesauce, low-fat buttermilk, and liquid egg whites, this cake cuts back on fat without sacrificing flavor. A decadent chocolate cream cheese frosting, sweetened with powdered sugar and cocoa powder, elevates every bite. Perfectly tender layers come together with just 20 minutes of prep, making it an ideal treat for special occasions or anytime you crave a lighter chocolate dessert. Whether you’re watching your calories or just looking for a healthier baking option, this easy-to-make cake is guaranteed to impress. Bake, frost, and savor a slice of guilt-free chocolate heaven!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.5 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 0.75 cup granulated sugar
- 0.25 cup brown sugar
- 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
- 0.75 teaspoon baking soda
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 4 large egg whites (or liquid egg whites)
- 0.5 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 0.75 cup low-fat buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 0.75 cup hot water
- 1.25 cups powdered sugar
- 8 ounces low-fat cream cheese
- 0.25 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (for frosting)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper for easier release.
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the egg whites, unsweetened applesauce, buttermilk, and vanilla extract.
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Then gradually mix in the hot water, stirring until the batter is smooth. Note: The batter will be thin—this is normal.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
To prepare the frosting, beat the low-fat cream cheese in a large mixing bowl until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, and vanilla extract. Beat until creamy and well combined.
Once the cakes have cooled completely, level the tops with a serrated knife if necessary to create even layers.
Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand, spread an even layer of frosting on top, and then place the second cake layer on top.
Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting, spreading it evenly with an offset spatula.
Refrigerate the cake for about 30 minutes before serving to allow the frosting to set.
Slice and enjoy your delicious low-fat chocolate layer cake!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3168 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 69.3 g | 89% | |
| Saturated Fat | 39.9 g | 200% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 88 mg | 30% | |
| Sodium | 4210 mg | 183% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 626.8 g | 228% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 72.9 g | 260% | |
| Total Sugars | 365.2 g | ||
| Protein | 91.1 g | 182% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.4 mcg | 12% | |
| Calcium | 843 mg | 65% | |
| Iron | 35.1 mg | 195% | |
| Potassium | 3962 mg | 84% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
