Low Sodium Chocolate Cake

Total time1 hr 40 min

Prep time20 min

Cook time35 min

This is a deeply chocolatey layer cake built on rich cocoa powder, tangy buttermilk, and a splash of vinegar that reacts with the batter for a soft, tender crumb. Applesauce and vegetable oil keep each layer moist without weighing it down, and a cup of hot water thins the batter just enough to bake up light and even. Once the layers cool, they're stacked and coated in a fluffy, deeply chocolate frosting made from softened butter, sifted powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and a few tablespoons of heavy cream beaten in until glossy and spreadable. The result is a towering, bakery-style dessert with a fine, tender crumb and swoops of frosting on every side. It's a great option if you're watching added salt, since the flavor here comes entirely from real cocoa, vanilla, and buttermilk rather than any seasoning salt. Slice it thick and serve it for birthdays, potlucks, or any night that calls for serious chocolate.

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Ingredients

12 servings

For the cake

2 cups all-purpose flour
King Arthur Baking Company Unbleached All-Purpose Flour Gold Medal Flour All-Purpose Unbleached - 5 Lb Bob's Red Mill Organic All Purpose Unbleached White Flour - 5 Lb Bob's Red Mill All Purpose Unbleached White Flour - 5 Lb Pillsbury Best Flour All Purpose - 5 Lb
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2 cups granulated sugar
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
Chef's tip
Season to taste - salt substitutes can taste bitter in larger amounts, so start with less.
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 cup buttermilk
½ cup vegetable oil
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp white vinegar
1 cup hot water

For the frosting

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
½ cup heavy cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
¼ tsp salt
Chef's tip
Season to taste - salt substitutes can taste bitter in larger amounts, so start with less.

Instructions

1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans, line the bottoms with parchment paper, and grease the parchment.
2
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.

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