Dark Chocolate Layer Cake

Serves 16
Time 2 hrs 5 min
Dark Chocolate Layer Cake

Made with ingredients you probably have in the pantry, this moist and decadent chocolate cake will become your go-to celebration dessert. To make it vegan, omit the frosting and top with this rich chocolate ganache.

Special Diets:

VegetarianVegetarian

Ingredients

    1/2 cupcanola oil, plus more for the pans
    1/4 cupunsweetened applesauce
    1 tablespoonpure vanilla extract
    2 teaspoonsdistilled white vinegar
    3 cupswhole wheat pastry flour
    1 cupgranulated sugar
    1 cupfirmly packed light brown sugar
    3/4 cupunsweetened cocoa powder
    2 teaspoonsbaking soda
    1/4 teaspoonfine sea salt
    1 cupbittersweet or semisweet chocolate chips
    1/2 cuplow-fat sour cream

Exclusively for Prime members in select ZIP codes.

Method

Preheat the oven to 350°F.


Oil two 9-inch round cake pans, line the bottoms with parchment paper and oil the parchment.


In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups water, oil, applesauce, vanilla and vinegar.


In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugars, cocoa, baking soda and salt.


Add flour mixture to oil mixture, whisking just until combined.


Pour batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake until cakes just bounce back when touched in the center and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out cleans, about 35 minutes. Set aside to let cool completely.


To make the frosting, melt chocolate in a small saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until just smooth, 2 to 3 minutes.


Stir in sour cream.


Loosen edges of each cake with a knife.


Place 1 cake layer (top side up) on a large plate, discarding parchment paper.


Top with half of the frosting and then remaining cake and frosting (leave sides unfrosted).


Let sit for at least 1 hour to allow frosting to set and then serve.

Nutritional Info

Serving Size

Calories

310

Total Fat

11g

Saturated Fat

2.5g

Cholesterol

5mg

Sodium

200mg

Total Carbohydrate

52g

Dietary Fiber

4g

Total Sugars

30g

Protein

4g

Note: We've provided special diet and nutritional information for educational purposes. But remember - we're cooks, not doctors! You should follow the advice of your health-care provider. And since product formulations change, check product labels for the most recent ingredient information. See our Terms of Service.