Chocolate Applesauce Cake

Chocolate Applesauce Cake is incredibly moist, rich, and loaded with chocolate chips. This easy homemade chocolate cake is perfect for birthdays, potlucks, holidays, or everyday desserts.

Prep Time15

Cook Time30

Cool Time30

Total Time1 15

Servings:

Calories: 434kcal

Author: Karin and Ken

Ingredients

⅔ cup butter melted or vegetable oil
¾ cup white sugar
¾ cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
3 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups unsweetened applesauce
1 ½ cups semisweet chocolate chips divided
2 cups all-purpose flour
5 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and applesauce until smooth and fully combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until no streaks of flour remain. Fold in ¾ cup of the chocolate chips.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle the remaining ¾ cup of chocolate chips evenly over the top.
Bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 20 to 30 minutes before slicing and serving. For the cleanest cuts or if you plan to frost the cake, let it cool completely on a wire rack for 1½ to 2 hours. Enjoy as is or serve with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or your favorite frosting.
Enjoy it as is or top with whipped cream, ice cream, or your favorite frosting.

Notes

Measure carefully: Spoon and level the flour and cocoa powder instead of scooping directly from the container to keep the cake light and tender.
Don't overmix: Stir the batter only until the ingredients are combined to avoid a dense or tough cake.
Use quality cocoa and chocolate: Good-quality cocoa powder and chocolate chips make a noticeable difference in the richness of the finished cake.
Watch the baking time: Begin checking for doneness around 28 minutes since every oven bakes a little differently. The cake should still be moist but fully baked.
Cool before slicing: Let the cake cool for at least 20 to 30 minutes so it slices neatly and the chocolate chips have time to set slightly.

Nutrition