Elegant, dreamy, and surprisingly light, this J’Adore Layer Cake is a celebration-worthy dessert that doesn’t weigh you down. With layers of fluffy cake, creamy mousse-like filling, and a whisper of chocolate on top, it offers a show-stopping treat that fits right into a balanced lifestyle. Whether you’re celebrating a special moment or simply treating yourself, this cake is indulgence—refined.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Impressive Yet Simple – Looks bakery-made, but comes together easily.
Lightened Indulgence – Sweet and satisfying, without the heavy finish.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Chill before serving for the perfect texture.
Crowd Favorite – A hit at gatherings, with built-in portion control.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) sugar-free or reduced-sugar vanilla cake mix
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 3 large egg whites
- 1 cup water
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Filling:
- 1 box (1 oz) sugar-free white chocolate or vanilla pudding mix
- 1 ½ cups skim milk
- 1 tub (8 oz) light whipped topping, thawed
For the Topping:
- ¼ cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp skim milk
- Optional garnish: fresh berries, shaved dark chocolate, or mint leaves
Instructions
1. Bake the Cake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8- or 9-inch round cake pans.
In a large bowl, mix cake mix, applesauce, egg whites, water, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Divide batter evenly between the pans. Bake for 22–25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
2. Prepare the Filling
Whisk pudding mix with 1½ cups skim milk until thickened, about 2 minutes. Gently fold in the whipped topping until light and airy. Refrigerate until ready to use.
3. Assemble the Layers
Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate. Spread half the filling over the top. Add the second cake layer, and spread remaining filling on top.
4. Make the Chocolate Drizzle
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips and milk in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Drizzle over the cake in a thin stream or spread lightly for full coverage.
5. Chill & Serve
Refrigerate for 2–4 hours to set. Slice and serve chilled. Add optional garnishes if desired.

Nutritional Info (Per Slice, Approximate)
Calories: 180
Carbs: 26g
Fat: 6g
Protein: 3g
Fiber: 1g
(Great for mindful dessert lovers—adjust portions to fit your goals.)
Tips for Success
- Chill Time is Key – Letting the cake set in the fridge enhances both structure and flavor.
- Customize the Flavor – Try chocolate cake mix with chocolate pudding for a mocha twist, or strawberry pudding for a fruity layer.
- Elegant Garnishes – A few berries or a dusting of cocoa powder can elevate the look.
- Portion Control – Thin slices still satisfy thanks to the creamy, rich layers.
Why This Recipe Works
This cake gives you everything: height, texture, flavor, and visual wow-factor—all with ingredients that keep things balanced. It’s the kind of dessert that feels like a splurge, but fits right into a lifestyle of moderation and smart choices. No one will guess it’s lightened up.
The J’Adore Layer Cake is proof that elegance and ease can coexist—along with indulgence and mindfulness. With its soft, moist layers and creamy filling, it’s the kind of dessert that feels luxurious while keeping your goals in check. Bring it to a gathering, or enjoy a slice at home—you’ll be smitten either way.
J’Adore Layer Cake – A Lighter Slice of Elegance
12
servings25
minutes180
kcal2
hours25
minutesElegant, dreamy, and surprisingly light, this J’Adore Layer Cake is a celebration-worthy dessert that doesn’t weigh you down. With layers of fluffy cake, creamy mousse-like filling, and a whisper of chocolate on top, it offers a show-stopping treat that fits right into a balanced lifestyle. Whether you’re celebrating a special moment or simply treating yourself, this cake is indulgence—refined.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
1 box (15.25 oz) sugar-free or reduced-sugar vanilla cake mix
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
3 large egg whites
1 cup water
1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Filling:
1 box (1 oz) sugar-free white chocolate or vanilla pudding mix
1 ½ cups skim milk
1 tub (8 oz) light whipped topping, thawed
For the Topping:
¼ cup semisweet chocolate chips
2 tbsp skim milk
Optional garnish: fresh berries, shaved dark chocolate, or mint leaves
Instructions
- Bake the Cake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8- or 9-inch round cake pans.
In a large bowl, mix cake mix, applesauce, egg whites, water, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Divide batter evenly between the pans. Bake for 22–25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely. - Prepare the Filling
Whisk pudding mix with 1½ cups skim milk until thickened, about 2 minutes. Gently fold in the whipped topping until light and airy. Refrigerate until ready to use. - Assemble the Layers
Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate. Spread half the filling over the top. Add the second cake layer, and spread remaining filling on top. - Make the Chocolate Drizzle
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips and milk in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Drizzle over the cake in a thin stream or spread lightly for full coverage. - Chill & Serve
Refrigerate for 2–4 hours to set. Slice and serve chilled. Add optional garnishes if desired.
Notes
- Chill Time is Key – Letting the cake set in the fridge enhances both structure and flavor.
Customize the Flavor – Try chocolate cake mix with chocolate pudding for a mocha twist, or strawberry pudding for a fruity layer.
Elegant Garnishes – A few berries or a dusting of cocoa powder can elevate the look.
Portion Control – Thin slices still satisfy thanks to the creamy, rich layers.