Chocolate cakes, often regarded as indulgent treats, can be transformed into healthier alternatives without compromising on taste. This article aims to guide readers in creating a healthier version of the classic chocolate cake by offering a compilation of recipes that focus on incorporating nutritious ingredients, reducing excessive sweetness, and utilizing healthier cooking methods. These recipes prioritize the use of wholesome ingredients like whole wheat flour, natural sweeteners, and nutrient-rich additions such as fruits and vegetables, while minimizing the use of processed ingredients and excessive amounts of sugar. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner looking for a healthier indulgence, this article provides options that cater to various dietary preferences and health goals.
Here are our top 5 tried and tested recipes!
HEALTHY CHOCOLATE CAKE (WHOLE WHEAT, GLUTEN-FREE, VEGAN OPTIONS)
This healthy chocolate cake is super moist, made a little healthier with whole wheat flour and is honey-sweetened. Can also be made gluten-free or vegan!
Provided by Erin @ Food Doodles
Categories Dessert
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- If using honey, preheat your oven to 325 °F (167 °C). If not using honey (which bakes quicker than sugar, hence the lower temperature), preheat to 350 °F (175 °C).
- Line 2 round 8" cake pans with parchment paper on the bottom and then grease the sides of the pans.
- In a large bowl, stir together the sugar (if using honey, don't add it yet), flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
- Add eggs, milk, honey (if using), olive oil and vanilla. Mix for 2 minutes on medium and then stir in the boiling water. The batter will be almost as thin as water. If you taste it, it will NOT taste good! But don't worry. It tastes great after baking.
- Divide the batter between the two pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with some moist crumbs, but no uncooked liquid. The bake time will vary widely depending on what combination of sugar / eggs / flour you use. The whole wheat / egg / honey version is on the longer side. The gluten-free / chia egg / honey version is on the shorter side.
- Let cool completely before frosting.
TOO MUCH CHOCOLATE CAKE
This cake won me First Prize at the county fair last year. It is very chocolaty.
Provided by Denise
Categories Desserts Cakes Cake Mix Cake Recipes Chocolate Cake
Yield 12
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- In a large bowl, mix together the cake and pudding mixes, sour cream, oil, beaten eggs and water. Stir in the chocolate chips and pour batter into a well greased 12 cup bundt pan.
- Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until top is springy to the touch and a wooden toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool cake thoroughly in pan at least an hour and a half before inverting onto a plate If desired, dust the cake with powdered sugar.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 600.4 calories, Carbohydrate 60.9 g, Cholesterol 78.9 mg, Fat 38.6 g, Fiber 2.4 g, Protein 7.6 g, SaturatedFat 12.8 g, Sodium 550.4 mg, Sugar 43.5 g
HEALTHIER CHOCOLATE BOX CAKE
This is a healthier version than the conventional. Be sure to use the "lighter" ingredients as listed to ensure that it is healthier. HINT: The frosting firms up as it rests. If it becomes too firm to spread, gently warm it in the microwave on medium power for 30 seconds, or until softened. This cake actually tastes better when made a few hours before serving. As soon as the cake is frosted, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Let stand at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Provided by Celeste
Categories Dessert
Time 50m
Yield 12 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- TO MAKE THE CAKE: Preheat the oven to 350^F. Lightly coat a 13"x9" baking dish with nonstick spray.
- In a large bowl, using an electric mixer set on high speed, beat the egg whites for 1 minute, or until foamy. Beat in the buttermilk and applesauce. Add the cake mix and beat for 2 minutes, or until smooth. Scrape into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean and the cake is pulling away from the sides of the pan. Cool completely in the pan on a rack.
- TO MAKE THE FROSTING: In a small bowl, combine the confectioners' sugar and cocoa, stirring to remove lumps. In a medium bowl, using an electric mixer set on medium speed, beat the butter until fluffy. Gradually beat in the cocoa mixture, milk, and vanilla extract. Beat until very smooth. Spread over the cooled cake, swirling it for a decorative appearance.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 372.7, Fat 11.7, SaturatedFat 4.4, Cholesterol 8.9, Sodium 444.7, Carbohydrate 66.5, Fiber 2.7, Sugar 47.8, Protein 6.4
HEALTHIER CHOCOLATE CAKE
This recipe can be used for cup cakes as well. Instead of using the chocolate frosting you can decorate with fresh strawberries and drizle the with chocolate sauce.
Provided by Miryam MS
Categories Dessert
Time 50m
Yield 1 cake, 16 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350°F Coat a spring form cake pan with cooking spray and coat lightly with flour.
- Combine cocoa and baking chocolate in a bowl and add boiling water stirring until chocolate melts. Set aside.
- Combine sugar, vanilla, egg, milk and pumkin puree. Add flour, baking powder and baking soda to mixture. Combine.
- Stir in cocoa and dark chocolate chips to mixture and combine with batter. Spoon the batter into prepared pan. Sprinkle cake with topping ingredients.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean.
- Cool in pan for at least 10 minutes and remove form pan. Cool completely.
- Combine frosting ingredients and spread over cake. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 198.9, Fat 6.2, SaturatedFat 2.1, Cholesterol 23.6, Sodium 103, Carbohydrate 35.4, Fiber 3.2, Sugar 22, Protein 4.7
HEALTHY-ISH CHOCOLATE CAKE
I started out trying to make healthy brownies and ended up with this moist and healthy chocolate cake!
Provided by jennifer
Categories Desserts Cakes Zucchini Cake Recipes
Time 45m
Yield 12
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Beat agave nectar, applesauce, raw sugar, eggs, sunflower oil, and vanilla extract together in a large bowl. Whisk all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, coconut flour, baking soda, and salt together in another bowl. Add flour mixture to applesauce mixture and stir until combined.
- Fold zucchini and walnuts into applesauce mixture until batter is evenly-mixed. Spread batter into prepared baking dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean, 25 to 30 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 219.2 calories, Carbohydrate 40 g, Cholesterol 31 mg, Fat 5.9 g, Fiber 3.2 g, Protein 4.6 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Sodium 369.5 mg, Sugar 22.9 g
Tips:
- Reduce sugar: Use natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or stevia to reduce refined sugar intake.
- Use whole wheat flour: Substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber and nutrients.
- Add fruits and vegetables: Incorporate fruits like bananas, applesauce, or grated carrots into the batter for a healthier twist.
- Use Greek yogurt: Replace butter with Greek yogurt for a protein-packed and lower-fat alternative.
- Reduce oil: Use less oil or butter than the recipe suggests, or opt for healthier oils like olive oil or avocado oil.
- Limit frosting: Use a thin layer of frosting or consider healthier frosting options like Greek yogurt frosting or avocado frosting.
- Control portion size: Cut the cake into smaller slices to control calorie intake and enjoy a moderate serving.
Conclusion:
Indulging in chocolate cake doesn't have to compromise your health goals. By incorporating healthier ingredients, reducing sugar and fat content, and controlling portion size, you can satisfy your cravings while making mindful choices. Experiment with different recipes and techniques to create a healthier version of this classic dessert that fits your dietary preferences and lifestyle. Remember, balance and moderation are key to enjoying your favorite treats without compromising your well-being.
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