Craving a rich, indulgent chocolate cake that’s light yet full of flavor? This Moist Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Buttercream Frosting offers everything you love about chocolate cake—soft, fluffy layers with a creamy, velvety frosting. It’s a dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to celebrations, or even just a sweet treat after dinner. Despite its decadence, this cake is surprisingly light, allowing you to indulge without feeling guilty. With a perfect balance of moisture, sweetness, and chocolatey goodness, this cake is sure to become your new go-to dessert!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Rich & Moist: A perfectly tender and moist cake that’s sure to satisfy your chocolate cravings.
Fluffy Frosting: The silky chocolate buttercream adds the perfect amount of sweetness and richness.
Simple & Easy: Simple ingredients and straightforward instructions for a no-fuss dessert.
Perfect for Any Occasion: From casual gatherings to special celebrations, this cake is a crowd-pleaser.
Lower in Calories: Enjoy a lighter version of this classic treat without compromising on flavor.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar substitute (erythritol, monk fruit, or stevia)
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- ½ cup milk (or almond milk for a dairy-free version)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup hot water
For the Chocolate Buttercream Frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar substitute
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3-4 tbsp milk (or almond milk)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
Prepare the Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar substitute, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir to combine.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, applesauce, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until well combined.
- Slowly pour in the hot water and mix until the batter is smooth and runny.
- Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Make the Chocolate Buttercream Frosting:
- In a mixing bowl, beat the butter until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar substitute, cocoa powder, and salt, beating until fully combined.
- Add the vanilla extract and milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired frosting consistency. Beat until smooth and creamy.
Assemble the Cake:
- Once the cakes have cooled completely, place one layer on a serving platter.
- Spread a layer of chocolate buttercream frosting evenly on top of the first cake layer.
- Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides with the remaining frosting.
- For added decoration, you can pipe frosting around the edges or top with chocolate shavings or sprinkles if desired.
Serve & Enjoy:
- Let the cake sit for about 15 minutes to allow the frosting to set before slicing.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature and enjoy the rich, chocolatey goodness in every bite.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 12 Servings)
Calories: 250 | Protein: 4g | Carbs: 20g | Fat: 17g | Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 4g
Tips for Success
Moisture Boost: If you prefer an even moister cake, consider adding a small amount of yogurt or sour cream to the batter.
Avoid Overmixing: Mix the ingredients just until combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.
Use Hot Water: Adding hot water to the cake batter helps achieve that perfect moist texture.
Frosting Tip: For a thicker frosting, add more powdered sugar substitute until the desired consistency is achieved.
Customization: Feel free to add chocolate chips to the cake batter or top the finished cake with fresh berries for extra flavor.
Why This Recipe Works
- Light and Moist: The combination of applesauce and hot water keeps the cake moist and tender without the need for excessive butter or oil.
- Rich & Flavorful Frosting: The chocolate buttercream is smooth and creamy, with just the right amount of cocoa to complement the cake.
- Lower in Sugar: By using sugar substitutes, this cake offers all the flavor of traditional chocolate cake without the added sugar.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this cake is easy to prepare and results in a delicious, beautiful dessert.
This Moist Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Buttercream Frosting is the perfect treat when you’re craving something indulgent but light. The rich chocolate flavor, combined with the creamy frosting, creates a dessert that satisfies your sweet tooth without weighing you down. Whether it’s a celebration or just a well-deserved treat for yourself, this cake is sure to impress and become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy every slice of this delightful dessert—it’s a chocolate lover’s dream come true!
The Best Ever Moist Chocolate Cake With Chocolate Buttercream Frosting
12
servings25
minutes30
minutes250
kcalIngredients
For the Cake:
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar substitute (erythritol, monk fruit, or stevia)
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 ½ tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
2 large eggs
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
½ cup milk (or almond milk for a dairy-free version)
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup hot water
For the Chocolate Buttercream Frosting:
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups powdered sugar substitute
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp vanilla extract
3-4 tbsp milk (or almond milk)
Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar substitute, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir to combine.
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, applesauce, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until well combined.
Slowly pour in the hot water and mix until the batter is smooth and runny.
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. - Make the Chocolate Buttercream Frosting:
In a mixing bowl, beat the butter until light and fluffy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar substitute, cocoa powder, and salt, beating until fully combined.
Add the vanilla extract and milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired frosting consistency. Beat until smooth and creamy. - Assemble the Cake:
Once the cakes have cooled completely, place one layer on a serving platter.
Spread a layer of chocolate buttercream frosting evenly on top of the first cake layer.
Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides with the remaining frosting.
For added decoration, you can pipe frosting around the edges or top with chocolate shavings or sprinkles if desired. - Serve & Enjoy:
Let the cake sit for about 15 minutes to allow the frosting to set before slicing.
Serve chilled or at room temperature and enjoy the rich, chocolatey goodness in every bite.
Notes
- Moisture Boost: If you prefer an even moister cake, consider adding a small amount of yogurt or sour cream to the batter.
Avoid Overmixing: Mix the ingredients just until combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.
Use Hot Water: Adding hot water to the cake batter helps achieve that perfect moist texture.
Frosting Tip: For a thicker frosting, add more powdered sugar substitute until the desired consistency is achieved.
Customization: Feel free to add chocolate chips to the cake batter or top the finished cake with fresh berries for extra flavor.