Low Fat Classic Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Buttercream Icing

Indulge guilt-free with this Low Fat Classic Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Buttercream Icing—a lighter take on a timeless dessert that doesn’t skimp on rich flavor or luxurious texture. This decadent cake is made moist and tender with the clever addition of unsweetened applesauce and low-fat buttermilk, while the combination of cocoa powder and hot water ensures a deep, chocolatey taste. Topped with a silky chocolate buttercream icing made with a touch of semisweet chocolate, the result is a show-stopping treat that feels like a splurge but keeps calories in check. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or any time you need a healthier chocolate fix, this easy-to-make recipe is designed to satisfy cravings without compromising on flavor or quality. Bake a batch and relish a dessert that’s equal parts indulgent and wholesome!

Nutriscore Rating: 58/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 0.75 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 0.75 cup granulated sugar
• 0.5 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 cup low-fat buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• 1.5 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 0.5 cup hot water
• 0.25 cup unsalted butter
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 0.5 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Directions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.

Step 2

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

Step 3

In another bowl, mix the applesauce, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 4

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until a smooth batter forms. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 5

Slowly stir in the hot water until fully incorporated. The batter will be thin, but this is normal.

Step 6

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.

Step 7

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 8

Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9

To make the chocolate buttercream icing, melt the chocolate chips in a microwave or double boiler until smooth. Let cool slightly.

Step 10

In a medium bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until fluffy.

Step 11

Add the melted chocolate and cream to the butter mixture, and beat until smooth and spreadable.

Step 12

Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a layer of chocolate buttercream icing on top of one cake layer.

Step 13

Place the second cake layer on top and cover the top and sides with the remaining icing.

Step 14

Serve and enjoy your low-fat chocolate cake with chocolate buttercream icing!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1603.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4040.9

Total Fat 105.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 59.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 474.0mg	0%
Sodium 3336.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 811.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 78.5g	0%
Total Sugars 546.6g
Protein 82.7g	0%

Vitamin D 207.0IU	0%
Calcium 746.1mg	0%
Iron 44.1mg	0%
Potassium 4016.1mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 20.9%

Protein: 7.3%

Carbs: 71.8%