How to Make a Rich and Moist Salted Caramel Chocolate Cake

This luscious Salted Caramel Chocolate Cake brings rich cocoa flavor and silky caramel sweetness together in a lightened-up dessert you can enjoy anytime. With moist chocolate cake layers, a smooth caramel swirl, and a sprinkle of sea salt on top, it’s the perfect balance of decadent and mindful.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Decadent but Lighter: All the indulgence with better-for-you ingredients.
Irresistible Combo: Rich chocolate, gooey caramel, and a hint of sea salt.
Simple to Make: Comes together with basic pantry staples.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit for birthdays, holidays, or just because.

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake:

• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/2 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar substitute (like monk fruit or erythritol blend)
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup whole wheat pastry flour (or all-purpose)
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk

For the Salted Caramel Swirl:

• 1/3 cup sugar-free caramel sauce
• 1/4 tsp flaky sea salt (plus more for topping)

Instructions

Preheat Oven

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Lightly grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan, or line with parchment paper.

Mix the Wet Ingredients

• In a large bowl, whisk together applesauce, Greek yogurt, eggs, vanilla, and sugar substitute until smooth.

Combine Dry Ingredients

• In a separate bowl, sift together the cocoa powder, flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
• Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet, alternating with the almond milk until fully incorporated.

Layer and Swirl

• Pour half the batter into the prepared cake pan.
• Drizzle half the caramel sauce over the batter and use a knife to swirl it gently.
• Pour in the remaining batter and swirl in the rest of the caramel.
• Lightly sprinkle with flaky sea salt.

Bake

• Bake for 22–26 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.
• Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 160
• Carbs: 18g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 7g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 4g

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye to maintain a soft, moist crumb.
• Use Quality Cocoa Powder: A rich cocoa gives deeper flavor.
• Customize the Topping: Add a dollop of light whipped cream or fresh berries.
• Chill Before Slicing: Cooling helps the caramel set for cleaner slices.

Why This Recipe Works

• Moist and Satisfying: Applesauce and Greek yogurt keep it tender without excess fat.
• Balanced Sweet-Salty Flavor: Just enough salt to contrast the rich chocolate and caramel.
• Smart Swaps: Substitutes sugar and cream-heavy ingredients without sacrificing taste.
• Easy Elegance: Looks and tastes gourmet but comes together in under an hour.

This Salted Caramel Chocolate Cake is your new go-to dessert when you want something decadent without the extra heaviness. Moist, rich, and beautifully swirled with caramel, it’s a treat that feels indulgent yet aligns with your balanced lifestyle. Perfect for special occasions or weeknight cravings alike.