Chocolate Buttermilk Cake – Light, Moist & Richly Satisfying

This Chocolate Buttermilk Cake is a dream come true for chocolate lovers who want to indulge without going overboard. Moist, tender, and deeply chocolatey, this cake is made with simple, lighter ingredients that deliver full flavor without excess calories. Perfect for celebrations, potlucks, or a cozy dessert at home, it’s proof that you can have your cake and feel good about it, too.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich Chocolate Flavor – Made with real cocoa for an authentic, deep chocolate taste.
Lower in Fat – Uses buttermilk and applesauce for moisture without heavy oils.
Simple Pantry Ingredients – Nothing fancy, just everyday basics.
Great for Any Occasion – Dress it up for parties or enjoy plain for a daily treat.

Ingredients

Cake:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
• ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¾ cup low-fat buttermilk
• ½ cup hot water or brewed coffee (for enhanced chocolate flavor)

Optional Light Glaze (for topping):

• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1–2 tsp low-fat milk (to desired consistency)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, beat together the applesauce, brown sugar, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth. Add the buttermilk and stir until well combined.

4. Mix & Add Hot Water
Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Once combined, slowly mix in the hot water or coffee—it will thin the batter, which is normal.

5. Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 22–27 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

6. Cool & Glaze (Optional)
Let the cake cool completely before adding the optional glaze. Mix glaze ingredients until smooth and drizzle over the cooled cake.

7. Serve
Cut into 12 squares and enjoy!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

Calories: 145
Carbs: 28g
Fat: 3g
Protein: 3g
Fiber: 2g

Tips for Success

• Use Applesauce for Moisture: A great way to reduce fat while keeping texture rich.
• Coffee Boosts Flavor: Using coffee instead of water deepens the chocolate taste without adding a coffee flavor.
• Glaze Lightly: For a hint of sweetness without overpowering the cake.
• Storage: Keeps well in an airtight container at room temp for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5.

Why This Recipe Works

This cake is rich in flavor and texture, yet doesn’t rely on heavy cream, butter, or oil to deliver that classic chocolate cake experience. Buttermilk keeps it soft and tender, while applesauce adds natural moisture. It’s a treat you can feel good about from the first bite to the last crumb.

Chocolate Buttermilk Cake is everything you want in a dessert: decadent, moist, easy to make—and just a little more balanced. Whether you’re making it for a gathering or sneaking a slice with your afternoon coffee, this cake proves that lightened-up desserts can still deliver on every level of indulgence.