Do you ever crave chocolate cake but hesitate because of the calories? I totally get it! That’s why I’m obsessed with my 70 Calorie Chocolate Cake – it’s the perfect solution when you want something sweet without the guilt. This recipe came about after one too many “I’ll just have a bite” moments that turned into… well, let’s say more than a bite of regular cake. The secret? Simple swaps like applesauce instead of oil and sugar substitutes that keep it light but don’t skimp on that rich chocolate flavor we all love. Trust me, your sweet tooth won’t know the difference!
The first time I made this, my family couldn’t believe it was actually low-calorie. Now it’s our go-to when we need a little something sweet after dinner or for celebrations where we don’t want to overindulge. What I love most is that it’s not just “healthy” – it’s genuinely delicious with that moist, tender crumb that makes chocolate cake so irresistible. And at just 70 calories per slice, you can enjoy dessert without any of the usual regret!
Why You’ll Love This 70 Calorie Chocolate Cake
Oh my gosh, where do I even start? This cake is my little miracle—it’s everything you want in a chocolate dessert without any of the “oops, I ate the whole thing” guilt. Here’s why it’s about to become your new obsession:
- Only 70 calories per slice! Seriously, you could have two pieces and still feel good about it.
- Crazy easy to make—no fancy techniques, just mix and bake. Even my chaotic kitchen skills can handle it.
- Rich, chocolatey flavor that doesn’t taste like “diet” food. The cocoa powder makes it legit.
- No guilt, all joy. Eat it for breakfast (I won’t judge), dessert, or that 3pm snack attack.
Trust me, this cake is the answer to “I want something sweet but don’t want to undo my day.” It’s magic in a pan!
Ingredients for 70 Calorie Chocolate Cake
You won’t believe how simple this ingredient list is – just pantry staples transformed into something magical! Here’s exactly what you’ll need:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled, don’t pack it!)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (the darker the better for rich flavor)
- 1/2 tsp baking soda (make sure it’s fresh)
- 1/4 tsp salt (just a pinch to balance the sweetness)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar substitute (I use erythritol blend but any 1:1 substitute works)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce (the secret moisture-maker!)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (pure vanilla makes all the difference)
- 1/2 cup water (room temperature)
- 1 tbsp vinegar (white or apple cider – reacts with baking soda for lift)
See? Nothing weird or hard-to-find – just simple ingredients making magic happen!
How to Make 70 Calorie Chocolate Cake
Okay, let’s get baking! This recipe comes together faster than you can say “chocolate craving” – seriously, we’re talking mix-to-mouth in under 40 minutes. Here’s exactly how I make my favorite guilt-free treat:
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
First, grab your favorite mixing bowl (mine’s the big yellow one with the chipped edge – it’s seen many cakes!). Whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt until you don’t see any lumps. Pro tip: Sift the cocoa if it’s clumpy! This ensures your cake will be perfectly smooth.
Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl (or just rinse that first one – I’m all for fewer dishes!), stir together the sugar substitute, applesauce, vanilla, water and vinegar. The vinegar might smell strong, but don’t worry – it totally bakes out and gives our cake the perfect rise. Mix until it looks like thin chocolate milk.
Step 3: Bake and Cool
Now the magic happens! Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry while stirring gently – overmixing makes tough cake, so stop when you just see no streaks. Pour into your greased pan (I use an 8-inch round), pop in the oven at 350°F, and set a timer for 20 minutes. Check with a toothpick – if it comes out clean, you’re golden! Let it cool completely (the hardest part!) before slicing.
See? So simple even my scatterbrained self can’t mess it up. The hardest part is waiting for it to cool before digging in – but trust me, that first bite of warm, chocolatey perfection is worth the wait!
Tips for Perfect 70 Calorie Chocolate Cake
After making this cake more times than I can count (for “research purposes,” obviously), here are my can’t-miss secrets:
- Fresh baking soda is non-negotiable! Test it by dropping some in vinegar – if it doesn’t bubble furiously, toss it.
- Mix just until combined – overworking the batter makes it dense rather than light and tender.
- Start checking at 20 minutes – oven temps vary, and nothing’s sadder than overbaked diet cake!
One more thing – if your cake seems drier than usual, try reducing oven time by 2-3 minutes next batch. The applesauce keeps it moist!
Ingredient Substitutions for 70 Calorie Chocolate Cake
Ran out of something? No worries – this cake is super flexible! Swap almond flour for gluten-free needs (use 1 1/4 cups), or try maple syrup instead of sugar substitute (reduce water by 2 tbsp). Regular sugar works too – just expect a few extra calories. My neighbor even used mashed banana instead of applesauce last week – delicious!
Serving Suggestions for 70 Calorie Chocolate Cake
Now for the best part – how to enjoy your masterpiece! I love it plain with coffee (hello, breakfast!), but here are my favorite ways to dress it up without wrecking that perfect calorie count:
- Fresh berries on top – strawberries or raspberries add a gorgeous pop of color and natural sweetness
- Light whipped cream – just a dollop makes it feel extra special for only 15 extra calories
- Warm with sugar-free chocolate syrup – because sometimes you need that extra chocolate hit!
Honestly though? It’s so good you might just grab a slice straight from the pan – I won’t tell!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Here’s the good news – this cake stays delicious for days! Just pop it in an airtight container (I use my trusty cake dome) at room temperature for up to 3 days. For reheating, skip the microwave – it dries out fast! Instead, warm slices gently in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes to bring back that just-baked magic.
Nutritional Information for 70 Calorie Chocolate Cake
Here’s the skinny on each delicious slice: approximately 70 calories, 2g fiber, and only 0.5g fat. (Values vary slightly based on brands used – my sugar substitute adds zero calories, but yours might differ slightly.) The best part? No cholesterol and minimal sodium – dessert you can feel good about!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I freeze this 70 calorie chocolate cake?
Absolutely! Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature – it tastes just-baked when you need a sweet fix!
Q: Is this cake keto-friendly?
Almost! Swap the flour for almond flour (1 1/4 cups) and use a keto-approved sweetener. You’ll have a delicious low-carb chocolate cake that fits your macros.
Q: My cake came out dense – what went wrong?
Oh no! You probably overmixed the batter (I’ve done it too). Next time, stir just until the flour disappears – lumps are okay! Also check your baking soda’s freshness.
Q: Can I make this in a muffin tin?
Yes! Bake at 350°F for 15-18 minutes for perfect little cupcakes. Great for portion control (not that you need it at 70 calories!).
70 Calorie Chocolate Cake – Guilt-Free Bliss in Every Bite!
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A light and delicious chocolate cake with only 70 calories per serving, perfect for a guilt-free dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar substitute
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tbsp vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
- In another bowl, combine sugar substitute, applesauce, vanilla, water, and vinegar.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until smooth.
- Pour batter into a greased 8-inch cake pan.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- For extra richness, add sugar-free chocolate chips.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 0.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
