Heart-Healthy Dark Chocolate Cake
Nutrition Per Slice (12 servings)
- Calories: 215
- Total Fat: 7g (Saturated Fat: 1.5g)
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 180mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 38g (Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 18g)
- Protein: 5g
Ingredients
- 1¾ cups whole wheat pastry flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup monk fruit sweetener (or other sugar substitute)
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- 1½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 ripe mashed bananas
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ½ cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt
- ½ cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
- ½ cup unsweetened almond milk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup heart-healthy olive oil
- Optional: ½ cup dark chocolate chips (70% cocoa or higher)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sweetener, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, combine mashed bananas, applesauce, yogurt, coffee, almond milk, vanilla, and olive oil.
- Fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.
- If using, fold in dark chocolate chips.
- Pour batter into prepared pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Heart-Healthy Baking Tips
- Replace butter with olive oil for healthy fats
- Use mashed bananas and applesauce to reduce fat while maintaining moisture
- Choose whole wheat pastry flour for added fiber and nutrients
- Dark cocoa powder and dark chocolate provide antioxidants
- Greek yogurt adds protein and moisture without excess fat
- Coffee enhances chocolate flavor without adding calories
- Monk fruit sweetener reduces sugar content
Shopping List
Pantry Items
- Whole wheat pastry flour
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Monk fruit sweetener
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Olive oil
- Vanilla extract
- Coffee (for brewing)
- Optional: Dark chocolate chips
Refrigerated Items
- Non-fat Greek yogurt
- Unsweetened almond milk
Produce
- 2 ripe bananas
- Unsweetened applesauce (or 2 fresh apples to make your own)
Storage Instructions
- Store at room temperature for up to 3 days
- Refrigerate for up to 1 week
- Freeze slices wrapped individually for up to 3 months
Optional Toppings (Heart-Healthy)
- Fresh berries
- Unsweetened cocoa powder dusting
- Greek yogurt whipped cream
- Pureed fruit sauce
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