Making Chocolate Cake Recipes From Scratch

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

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sweetener, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, combine mashed bananas, applesauce, yogurt, coffee, almond milk, vanilla, and olive oil.
4. Fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. If using, fold in dark chocolate chips.
6. Pour batter into prepared pan.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. 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

Video thumb