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Hands down, this is the healthiest chocolate cake recipe on this planet! Moist and with a tender crumb, this healthy cake is sugar free, fat free, and low calorie- but you’d never tell. I love how each slice has just 100 calories.
Love healthy dessert recipes? Try my healthy chocolate chip cookies, healthy brownies, healthy cookie dough, and healthy lemon bars.
You can never have too many chocolate cake recipes. When I’m not enjoying some flourless chocolate cake or zucchini chocolate cake, I’m enjoying a slice or two of this healthy chocolate cake.
I’ve had my fair share of ‘healthy’ cakes and not going to lie, I was VERY disappointed. Many fat-free desserts or baked goods are prone to being gummy and not overly enjoyable to eat, but NOT this cake!
Table of Contents
Why I love this recipe
- It’s made with no sugar, no oil, no butter, and no milk…but you’d never tell!
- The texture is EXACTLY what you want in any good chocolate cake- moist, fluffy, and with a tender crumb. The taste ticks all the boxes, too- sweet and loaded with chocolate flavor.
- It’s completely vegan, gluten free, and dairy free.
- If calories are something you focus on, each slice has just 100 calories.
- No fancy mixers or kitchen equipment needed- Just one bowl and a mixing spoon.
Ingredients needed
You’ll notice that this recipe is a triple-layer cake. Ingredients listed are for one single cake, so double or triple it as needed.
- All purpose flour– An affordable and simple flour. If you’d like to boost the healthiness of it, you can use white wholewheat all purpose flour. To keep this healthy cake gluten-free, use gluten-free flour.
- Granulated sweetener- Any sugar-free and calorie-free granulated sweetener will work. I prefer using monk fruit sweetener or allulose.
- Cocoa Powder– Use a good quality cocoa powder, and sift it first to ensure there are no clumps. For a richer chocolate cake, use dark cocoa powder.
- Baking soda– Gives the cake some rise and leavening.
- Salt– Enhances the sweetness of the cake.
- Apple Cider Vinegar– Reacts with baking soda so that you don’t need to use eggs. You can also use white vinegar or even lemon juice.
- Vanilla Extract– A must for any cake or baked goods.
- Unsweetened applesauce– Applesauce replaces the need for any fat without affecting the flavor or texture.
- Water– Instead of using milk or non-dairy milk, we use water. Use room temperature water, not warm or hot.
How to make a healthy chocolate cake
Step 1- Whisk the dry. Start by mixing together your dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
Step 2- Add the wet. Next, add your apple cider vinegar, vanilla extract, and unsweetened applesauce and mix until just combined. Then, add your water and mix very well, until fully incorporated.
Step 3- Bake. Transfer the cake batter into a cake pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a skewer comes out ‘just’ clean.
Step 4- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, frost the cake.
Frosting ideas
You can use any chocolate frosting of your choice. While I often use a healthy frosting (made with applesauce), to keep the sugar and calories down, I also use this sugar-free and fat-free chocolate frosting-
To make: 1 cup sugar free powdered sugar, 1/2 cup granulated sweetener (monk fruit or allulose), cocoa powder, vanilla extract, 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk.
Combine your dry ingredients and mix well. Add the vanilla extract and milk and whisk together, until smooth and glossy. For a thicker frosting, add more powdered sugar. For a thinner one, add more milk.
Recipe tips and variations
- Do not overbake the cake! I cannot stress this enough. You want to remove the cake from the oven when a skewer comes out ‘just’ clean, as the cake continues to cook as it is cooling down.
- I prefer to make a triple layer cake, as I find it gives it a more decadent look and flavor. If you’d also like a triple layer cake, simply triple the cake ingredients, and double the frosting ingredients!
- The frosting is completely optional. Omit it if you prefer a cake without frosting.
- Use this recipe as part of a healthy breakfast, by serving it with some Greek yogurt or eggs (for added protein).
- If you’d prefer a snack chocolate cake or chocolate sheet cake, you can bake it in a square pan.
Storage instructions
To store: Leftover cake can be stored in a sealable container, at room temperature. It will keep well for up to 7 days. To ensure it remains moist, place paper towel over the tops of it, before sealing. Refrigerate the cake if you’d like it to keep longer than 7 days.
To freeze: Place pieces of cake in a freezer friendly container and store in the freezer for up to 6 months. Thaw in the microwave for 30 seconds, or in the refrigerator overnight.
More simple cake recipes to try
- Vegan chocolate Cake
- Easiest vanilla Cake
- Vegan strawberry Cake
- Vegan lemon Cake
- Blueberry breakfast cake
Healthy Chocolate Cake (Fat Free AND Sugar free!)
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour gluten free, if necessary
- 1 cup granulated sweetener of choice * See notes
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 6 tablespoon unsweetened applesauce
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180C/350F. Line an 8-inch springform pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine your flour, granulated sweetener,cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt, and mix well.
- Add your vanilla extract, apple cider vinegar, and unsweetened applesauce and mix well. Pour the water over the top and mix until fully combined.
- Transfer the cake batter into the lined pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a skewer comes out just clean.
- Remove from the oven and let cool in the cake pan for 10 minutes, before carefully transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, frost if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Originally published August 2020, updated March 2024
This is the best healthy cake recipe I’ve ever made!!
Could I cook this in a bundt tin??
I don’t see why not!
There is no frosting in this post.
Really good. And super easy. Decided to go with this recipe instead of someone else’s because it looked very easy. And it was. Wasn’t my favorite as far as taste goes. But was fine.
I never, ever comment on recipes but I had to. I was such a skeptic when I was asked to make a “healthier chocolate-chocolate cake”. Wow, just wow. This recipe turned out so well. I followed it exactly, but doubled it for a two layer cake. I also made the linked chocolate frosting which is delicious too (using much less apple sauce as noted on the recipe). This recipe is now bookmarked and will be made again!
Can you use 10 inch pan instead?:)
You can, but it will be flatter and I’d cut back on the cooking time 🙂
I like the fact that it’s a healthier recipe.
Thanks, Shohreh!
Can yiu use coconut sugar?
Yes you can!
Looks amazing. Do you have the weight measurements for this recipe? Just wondering to make this GF will it be the same volume or more than 2 cups? I am in Australia & our cup is 250 & Tablespoon 20ml which is different to some other countries. Appreciate your help!
In your post, for the frosting “To make: 1 cup sugar free powdered sugar, 1/2 cup granulated sweetener (monk fruit or erythritol), cocoa powder, vanilla extract, 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk,” how much cocoa powder and vanilla extract do I use?
Thank you!
Hi! I only have a 9 inch spring foam pan. So the cake layer will be a little thinner. Should I adjust the length of cooking time?
I love this frosting ! I literally eat it by the spoonful alone so good
Will you post a video for this? Personally do you like almond flour cakes gluten free or AP?
I was most skeptical about this cake i.e., taste and moistness. But, oh my gosh, this cake is DELICIOUS. It is so moist and again DELICIOUS. It was easy and quick. I will definitely be making this cake again and again. BTW, I did not ice my cake.
Can you use coconut milk instead of almond milk for the frosting?
Yes you can!
This cake is fantastic~ so moist! I was using up various flours I had so used a combo of almond flour, garbanzo bean flour and a bit of gluten free all purpose and it came out great!!!
I didn’t try the frosting because it didn’t list the amount of cocoa powder. Can you add the amount to the recipe?
Thanks!!
Yes will fix!!
Can I replace applesauce with anything?
Yes! You can use mashed banana or mashed pumpkin 🙂
Best chocolate cake ever!
Looks delicious!!! Do you think the 1 cup of sweetener could work with maple syrup or honey?
I don’t see why not!
I have everything to make this cake except for applesauce Is there a substitute that I could use?
TIA
Thank you
It’s a lot of sugar, I put 150 g of brown sugar, it turned out very sweet. So sweet that the right filling remains cream (as unsweetened as possible).
really good!!!
HELP! I am in the process of making the frosting you have posted. It is just runny soup. I followed it exactly as listed!
What can I do? I am out of sugar-free powdered sugar.
Hi Laura- did you use canned coconut milk? It shouldn’t be like soup, it’s thick and glossy.
Amazing recipe! This is the second recipe of yours I’ve followed and they’re always a big hit! Fuss free, straightforward and happy baking! Thank you for this wonderful recipe!
So welcome!
I made this chocolate cake for Thanksgiving as a healthier sugar free dessert option. My son who’s watching what he eats after losing 100lbs, really loved this healthier option. I also made your sugar free cheesecake recipe. He also loved it and asked me to make both for Christmas dinner. Thank you for sharing!
So delicious. Moist and just chocolatety
Hi! Can I use almond flour??
I haven’t tried- You are welcome to experiment and see or make my almond flour chocolate cake.
All your recipes are scurmtions
Thank you. I am an avid follower of your meal prep. Love the simplicity and yummy recipe. More power on your cooking endeavour.
What a great recipe!
Hello Arman,
I really wanted to make your Healthy Chocolate Cake with Healthy Chocolate Frosting for my husband’s upcoming birthday this week. But I wanted to see if you can help me as in your frosting recipe, as seen below, there is no quantity for the cocoa powder or vanilla extract. Could you pretty please send me these?
I appreciate your assistance and also for your yummy looking recipes!!!
Thank you so much 🙂
Healthy Chocolate Frosting
You can use any chocolate frosting of choice. While I often use a healthy frosting made with applesauce, to keep the sugar and calories down, I also use this sugar free and fat free chocolate frosting-
To make: 1 cup sugar free powdered sugar, 1/2 cup granulated sweetener (monk fruit or erythritol), cocoa powder, vanilla extract, 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk.
Combine your dry ingredients and mix well. Add the vanilla extract and milk and whisk together, until smooth and glossy. For a thicker frosting, add more powdered sugar. For a thinner one, add more milk.
Hi! 1/4 cup 🙂
You are a life saver…sending lots of love from dar es salaam, Tanzania Africa
For the chocolate frosting given in the recipe, it reads “ 1 cup sugar free powdered sugar, 1/2 cup granulated sweetener (monk fruit or erythritol), cocoa powder, vanilla extract, 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk”
How much cocoa powder and vanilla? Thanks!
1/4 cup cocoa powder.
I made this cake a few weeks ago. One of the best chocolate vegan cakes I ever had. My co workers liked it as well.
Can I make this as a 9×13 cake? If so, should I double the recipe? Thanks in advance!
I would double it- it will be super thin if not 🙂
Can you sub the water for milk?
You sure can!
The best
Wondering what happens if you have no sugar or alternative sweeteners in the cupboard and make the recipe without ? I mean I do have chocolate protein powder with sweetener but don’t know it that can be used… thank you for the help!!
So moist and yummy…and easy. Served it with light whip cream…need to find a healthy low fat no sugar frosting recipe.
So nice to have a fat free version that isn’t chewy.. good job
I made this cake yesterday and it was delicious only thing I was a little concerned about the all purpose flour I’m a diabetic but it was so delicious I made a sugar-free cream cheese frosting to go on top of it so easy moist easy peasy if you like chocolate this is your dream cake it’s like you just have to make it it’s delicious
I would love to try this
Thank you for this recipe. I saved the recipe and your post. Chocolate cake is my weakness. (The trouble with start is to stop) I usually cut wedges not slices. I haven’t tried it yet but will definitely, probably before Christmas. Never thought sugar free chocolate cake was even possible. If it comes out as good as the commenters indicate I’m going to have to exercise some real will power or only make it when I’m entertaining, otherwise I’ll eat it all myself alone.
Thank you! How much cocoa powder for this frosting?
Hello,
I just wanted to double-check, do I really use 1/2 cup of vanilla extract for this frosting? Or am I reading this wrong? Thanks.
it’s 1/2 teaspoon
I never baked a cake from scratch until today, and this came out amazing! I highly recommend this guilt-free cake! I also made the “healthy frosting,” and I am a fan! Highly recommend!
Does this cake have to be refrigerated
If you keep it longer than 2 days then yes 🙂
Can I use almond flour
Not that I’ve tried.
Hi this recipe looks great. I’m in need of low fat but not concerned about carbs. Can I use the same amount of regular sugar with no issue? Thanks so much for sharing this!!
You sure can!
Hi Arman I’m recovering from a serious illness and due to this I’m not able to have all the goodies and especially my favourite chocolate cake I was over the moon when I came across your recipes I could of cried (really) I can’t have fat in my diet and tada 💃🏽 Your cakes don’t have any in whoop whoop can’t wait to get back in the kitchen and try these recipes gives me more to look forward too thank you so very much 😘 marina
Has anyone used this recipe for cupcakes? I’m about to and also use the icing and omit the chocolate so I can color it green for St. Patrick’s Day.
I’m a pastry chef that had to give up sugar 😡, and all my training says this cake should NOT work…but it’s FABULOUS!!! I still can’t believe it! Tender, sweet, solid chocolate flavor, good crumb, moist…it just can’t be (but is)!! Brilliant approach for a sugar/fat free cake! Not sold on the frosting, but actually a dusting of sugar-free powdered sugar would have been sufficient. First rate cake!!! (For the record I doubled the recipe using 1 cup each AP flour, whole wheat flour, and chickpea flour, and baked in a 12” springform; took about 45 minutes to bake.)
Has anyone tried to use a combo of AP flour and almond flour?
Yes thank you for the great recipe. I’m always looking for ways to cut fat and calories. Kudos to you, sir!
You are a gem, Faye!
Perfect for my kid with an egg allergy!
Hi just making this now can’t wait, is the 100 calories for the single layer you give recipe for or the triple layer?
Thanks Sam
Really good recipe! I was surprised at how decadent, fluffy and moist it was. I made the ‘healthy frosting’ icing and added a couple of tablespoons of raw Cacao and switched the maple syrup for 4 tablespoons of honey.
Made the applesauce myself.
Cake turned out moist. Made a layer cake, from the one batch, and shared it with my partner who isn’t an alternative foodie – he liked it!! Will be making this regularly. Thanks so much for the recipe.
Loved the cake. Instead of frosting, I made it a poke cake with sugar free raspberry jello! Delicious!!!
It was delicious! Made the triple recipe. I did have to cook it for quite a while…maybe my oven🙄 Used your healthy frosting (applesauce) and topped with sliced strawberries.
Hi! I would like to make this for my son’s first birthday. Do I need to change anything if I wanted to use a 6 inch round pan instead of an 8 inch?
I don’t see why not, you may need to bake it a little longer
Can you use an egg – wonder what that would do?
Haven’t tried!
Hello! I’m looking to bake this cake for my birthday in a few days, but I have a few questions. Have you tried using white whole wheat flour for this recipe, and if so, does it turn out as well? Can you replace any of the water for milk or soymilk? Thank you so much, I can’t wait to make this cake!
It isn’t as moist but works okay! You can definitely use milk or soy milk
I used coconut gluten-free flour but used the other exact ingredients and somehow had a crumby unsmooth batter…twice…what did I do wrong? 🙁
Coconut flour isn’t a substitution option- This recipe calls for all purpose flour or gluten free all purpose flour.
Best chocolate cake recipe. Thank you!
hey i couldnt find apple cider vinegar at my local suppermarket how many eggs should i use instead
I haven’t tried, you can use any vinegar or even lemon juice.
Hey! I saw the ratings of this recipe and I would love to make it. I just want to know if I could substitute some of the water for freshly brewed coffee since I’ve heard it makes the chocolate flavor better.
Absolutely!
This was delightfully SO good! I make some sort of healthy dessert every weekend, and I was skeptical since this one called for no eggs, butter or oil. However, it was very moist and dense. I added an extra 2 tbsp of cocoa, and an extra dollop of apple sauce. I also added in 2 tsp of instant coffee to make enhance the chocolate flavor (I love chocolate). I made the healthy icing with apple sauce icing with coconut oil to go on top…and OH MY!!!! SOOOO good! Thank you!
You are so welcome, Tessa!
this cake was very dry and did not taste good. Do not use honey like I did. Also it was very watery.
Hi Ariana, honey isn’t a recommended or used ingredient in this cake.
Can i just eliminate the sweetener altogether?
I haven’t tried!
Thank you for this recipe! Baked it around Christmas time and I loved it. I used whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose in the same ratio and substituted one cup of granulated sweetener for one half cup of white monkfruit sugar. Baked for 25 minutes and turned out so moist and fresh! (It wasn’t overly sweet, but if you like sweetness then I’d recommend sticking to the full one cup of sugar!) I’ll definitely try more of your recipes as soon as I can. Thanks again!
Thank you, Sophie!
Will stevia packets work in this? It’s not the granules
I haven’t tried that, I don’t see why not.
I tried this recipe for my husband for his birthday and everyone loved it!!
Thanks for the feedback, Kristy!
This was amazing, thank you! I’ve read that oat fiber can replace up to 1/4 of the flour in a recipe so I used 1/3 cup of oat fiber and filled my measuring cup the rest of the way with all purpose flour. I sampled the batter before popping it in the oven and determined that I needed a bit more sweetener for my tastes so I adjusted accordingly. It was the best chocolate cake. So rich and fudgy! I used the sugar free frosting included in this recipe, but substituted peanut flour for cocoa flour for a super delicious peanut butter frosting. Will definitely be making this again!
Hi can iuse honey or maple syrup instead of other sweetners?
I haven’t tried- Granulated is all I’ve tried 🙂
Hiya do you think almond or chia flour would work ok?
Haven’t tried, I doubt chia would, almond could work – you are welcome to experiment and see!
This was the best low cal chocolate cake with frosting recipe I have ever had! It’s a bit higher in carbs than I would like, though, given the amount of flour. Any thoughts on substituting oat fiber for part of the regular flour and if so, how much do you think I could substitute and still keep the great taste/texture?
I haven’t tried so you’d need to experiment and see
What’s the cholesterol in a serving?
Not sure! You could use myfitnesspal to calculate it 🙂
It was so moist and yummy. I didn’t expect it from such a healthy recipe. Thank you!!!
So welcome! 🙂
Hi, tried your recipe with wheatflour tastewise it’s good but while eating we felt little sticky in mouth,I fallow everything🙂
I love chocolate cakes they are my favorite and this one has only 98 calories. Thanks a lot for sharing this recipe it will keep me fit as well as fulfil my craving
You are so welcome!
That’d be nice to add the tool in you recipe though, many bloggers do that and I think it’d be a great addition. Thanks
We do for most recipes, but don’t use the automatic one as it is not accurate.
Can you please give the recipe in grams?
We haven’t calculated it in grams, but you can google a conversion tool.
Thank you so much, I saw that one but it had oil that I didn’t want.
This sounds so yummy like all your recipes. Any suggestions how I can make this a vanilla cake. I am thinking of just omitting cocoa and may adding in a bit of protein powder instead or just leave out all together??
Thanks so much for all your easy to make and creative ideas.
I haven’t tried- You could make my vanilla cake instead- https://thebigmansworld.com/easy-vanilla-cake/