This no bake 2-ingredient chocolate cake transforms just two simple ingredients into a show-stopping dessert. It’s egg-free, flourless, gluten-free and made with healthier ingredients. The cake has a smooth, creamy and velvety texture.
2 3/4cups (443 g)dark bittersweet chocolate chips, 60% cocoa, see note before starting
1 1/2cups (357 g)unsweetened applesauce, room temperature
Instructions
Spray the interior of a 7-inch springform pan with cooking oil spray. Line the bottom and sides with parchment paper. I line my bottom with a slightly larger parchment round (8 inch instead of 7 inch) so that I have something to grip later to help move the cake. And I cut long strips of parchment paper for the sides.
Add chocolate chips to a microwave safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between with a spatula, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Alternatively, you could do this over low heat in a double boiler on the stove.
Transfer the melted chocolate to a blender and also add in the applesauce. Blend on high speed until smooth and uniform. I recommend starting at low speed and gradually increasing to high. You shouldn't need to blend too long (less than 1 minute) so that you don’t overwork the chocolate. The goal is to mix the two until uniform and also break down the applesauce further for a smoother cake.
Pour the mixture into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with an offset spatula.
Put in the fridge to set about 3-4 hours or ideally overnight. Once cake is set, carefully release it from the cake pan and peel off the parchment paper on the sides. You can leave the bottom sheet of parchment on temporarily to help move the cake onto a plate (or cake stand if you plan on decorating). Slice the cake with a sharp knife. Because the cake is very rich, we recommend cutting thin slices (the cake in the photos is cut into more generous slices). Store uneaten cake in the fridge in an airtight container.
Notes
Dark chocolate note: Make sure to use dark chocolate chips (sometimes labeled bittersweet chocolate chips) that contains around 60% cocoa. Also make sure your dark chocolate chips contain lecithin. Avoid brands like Enjoy Life that don't contain any lecithin because that ingredient is needed to help keep the chocolate smooth. We also recommend using a dark chocolate that has dairy or a dairy substitute, as this also helps the chocolate be creamy.
I used Ghiradelli 60% cacao bittersweet chocolate chips (Amazon | Walmart | Target)*
*These product links are affiliate links. This means I earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
Applesauce note: If you prefer making your own applesauce, peel and cut into thin slices. Weigh out 357 grams of apple slices. Cook the apple slices in boiling water until soft. Drain from water and place into a blender and blend until smooth. Then blend with the melted chocolate.
Optional ganache frosting: Add 1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips to a medium mixing bowl. Set aside. Add 1/4 cup of canned coconut milk (you can also use traditional heavy cream but I did canned coconut milk to make it a little healthier) to a small saucepan and heat over medium heat until simmering. Remove from heat and pour the hot coconut milk over chocolate chips. Let sit for 60 seconds and then gently mix until chocolate is completely melted and a smooth ganache forms. Frost the surface of the cake with ganache. If desired, you can also garnish with chocolate curls and pearls.
Estimated nutrition is for the cake only and does not include optional frosting or decoration.
The nutrition information provided are only estimates based on an online nutritional calculator. This is not a comprehensive list of all the nutrients in the recipe (i.e., does not include vitamins, cholesterol, etc). I am not a certified nutritionist. Please consult a nutritionist or doctor for accurate information and any dietary restrictions and concerns you may have.