Indulge in the Richness of Gooey Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake

Who says you can’t indulge in decadent desserts while staying on track with your Weight Watchers plan? This Gooey Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake is the perfect blend of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter, creating a heavenly dessert that feels indulgent but fits your wellness goals. Easy to make and irresistibly gooey, this cake is a must-try for chocolate and peanut butter lovers alike.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar or sugar substitute (like Stevia)
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/2 cup fat-free Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup skim milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg

For the Peanut Butter Layer:

• 1/3 cup natural peanut butter (or reduced-fat peanut butter)
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar substitute
• 2 tablespoons skim milk

For the Gooey Topping:

• 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon skim milk

Instructions

Prepare the Cake Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate large bowl, combine the sugar, applesauce, Greek yogurt, skim milk, vanilla extract, and egg. Whisk until smooth.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Create the Peanut Butter Layer

1. In a small bowl, mix the peanut butter, powdered sugar substitute, and skim milk until smooth and creamy.
2. Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
3. Spoon the peanut butter mixture over the batter in dollops, then spread gently to create a thin, even layer.
4. Top with the remaining cake batter, spreading it carefully to cover the peanut butter layer.

Bake the Cake

1. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not completely clean).
2. Remove from the oven and let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Add the Gooey Topping

1. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and skim milk. Microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring in between, until the mixture is melted and smooth.
2. Drizzle the gooey chocolate peanut butter topping over the cooled cake, spreading it evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon.

Serve and Enjoy

1. Slice the cake into 12 equal pieces and serve.
2. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Nutritional Information

(Per Serving)

• Calories: ~180
• Protein: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Fat: 7g
• Fiber: 2g
• WW Points: ~5 points per slice (varies by plan)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Rich and Gooey: The combination of moist chocolate cake, creamy peanut butter, and a luscious chocolate drizzle makes every bite indulgent.
2. Weight Watchers-Friendly: Despite its decadent flavor, this cake fits within your points budget, allowing you to enjoy dessert guilt-free.
3. Simple Ingredients: Using pantry staples like cocoa powder, peanut butter, and Greek yogurt makes this recipe easy and accessible.
4. Perfect for Sharing: This cake is a crowd-pleaser and makes a fantastic addition to parties, potlucks, or family dinners.

Tips for Success

• Use Natural Peanut Butter: Opt for natural peanut butter without added sugar for a healthier option that still delivers great flavor.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the baking time to ensure the cake stays moist and gooey. Overbaking can lead to dryness.
• Experiment with Sweeteners: Feel free to use your preferred sugar substitute to lower the calorie count while maintaining sweetness.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend to make this dessert gluten-free.

Serving Suggestions

• Top with Fresh Berries: Add fresh strawberries or raspberries for a burst of freshness that complements the rich flavors.
• Serve with Light Ice Cream: Pair with a scoop of low-calorie vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an extra-special treat.
• Sprinkle Crushed Peanuts: Garnish the cake with crushed peanuts for a bit of crunch and visual appeal.

This Gooey Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake is the perfect treat to satisfy your sweet tooth while staying on track with your Weight Watchers goals. With its rich layers and irresistible flavor, it’s proof that you can enjoy indulgent desserts without compromising your wellness journey. Give it a try—you’ll love every gooey, chocolatey bite!