Easy Hershey Chocolate Cake Recipe with a Moist, Fudgy Finish

Craving a decadent chocolate dessert that’s rich in flavor yet fits your Weight Watchers plan? This Hershey Chocolate Cake is a delightful treat that combines the iconic Hershey’s chocolate taste with a lightened-up twist. Moist, fluffy, and indulgent, this cake is perfect for satisfying your chocolate cravings without the guilt.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 cup whole wheat pastry flour (or all-purpose flour)
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (preferably Hershey’s)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar substitute (like Stevia, Monk Fruit, or Splenda)
• 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (or skim milk)
• 1/4 cup brewed black coffee (optional, enhances the chocolate flavor)

For the Frosting:

• 1/4 cup Hershey’s unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar substitute
• 2 tablespoons light cream cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2-3 tablespoons unsweetened almond milk (adjust for desired consistency)

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare the Pan

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Lightly grease an 8-inch round or square cake pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper.

Mix the Dry Ingredients

1. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk to combine.

Combine the Wet Ingredients

1. In another bowl, whisk together the sugar substitute, applesauce, egg, vanilla extract, almond milk, and coffee until smooth.

Create the Batter

1. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently with a whisk or spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake light and airy.

Bake the Cake

1. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool the Cake

1. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
2. Transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Prepare the Frosting

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, powdered sugar substitute, and cream cheese until smooth.
2. Add the vanilla extract and almond milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.

Frost and Serve

1. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Slice into 12 pieces and serve.

Nutritional Information

(Per Serving)

• Calories: ~110
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fat: 3g
• Fiber: 2g
• WW Points: ~4 (varies by plan and ingredients)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Decadent and Light: This Hershey Chocolate Cake gives you all the indulgent flavor of classic chocolate cake but with fewer calories and points.
2. Perfect for Chocolate Lovers: The use of Hershey’s cocoa powder ensures a deep, rich chocolate flavor that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
3. Customizable Sweetness: With sugar substitutes, you can adjust the sweetness to your preference while keeping it Weight Watchers-friendly.
4. Moist and Fluffy: The applesauce and almond milk create a tender, moist texture that’s hard to resist.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Skip the Coffee: Adding a small amount of brewed coffee intensifies the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Let the egg and almond milk sit at room temperature before mixing for a smoother batter.
• Make It Ahead: The cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
• Add Toppings: For extra flair, sprinkle the top with a dusting of powdered sugar substitute or garnish with fresh berries.

Serving Suggestions

• With a Scoop of Ice Cream: Serve a slice with a dollop of light whipped cream or a scoop of low-point vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
• As a Party Dessert: This cake is a hit for gatherings, birthdays, or holidays, offering a guilt-free option for chocolate lovers.
• Paired with Coffee or Tea: A slice of this cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon snack.

This Hershey Chocolate Cake is proof that you can enjoy a rich, chocolaty dessert while staying on track with your health goals. With its moist texture, deep flavor, and lightened-up ingredients, it’s a dessert you’ll want to make again and again. Treat yourself to a slice and savor the indulgence without the guilt!