I’ve had this recipe for over 10 years and it has become our family’s favorite cake, but I would love to see it get a light makeover.

  • Total Time
    Prep: 20 min. Bake: 15 min. + cooling
  • Makes

    16 servings

    Ingredients

    • 1/4 cup butter, softened
    • 1 cup sugar
    • 2 large eggs
    • 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
    • 1 bottle (1 ounce) red food coloring
    • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 2-1/4 cups cake flour
    • 2 teaspoons baking cocoa
    • 1 teaspoon baking soda
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1 cup buttermilk
    • FROSTING:
    • 4-1/2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
    • 1/2 cup fat-free milk
    • 1/2 cup butter, softened
    • 1/2 cup sugar
    • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

    Directions

    • Line two 9-in. round baking pans with parchment paper; coat paper with cooking spray and sprinkle with flour. Set aside. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until well blended. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the applesauce, food coloring, vinegar and vanilla.
    • Combine the flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt. Add to butter mixture alternately with buttermilk. Pour into prepared pans. Bake at 350° for 14-18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.
    • For frosting, in a small saucepan, whisk flour and milk until smooth. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes. Cool to room temperature. In a small bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in flour mixture and vanilla. Spread between layers and over top of cake.

    Nutrition Facts

    1 slice: 241 calories, 9g fat (6g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 315mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.