A rich pool of fudge sauce works its way to the bottom of this decadent-tasting cake as it bakes. This dessert is best when served warm but is excellent even at room temperature.

　　

Ingredients

serves 24, 1 square per serving

　　Cooking spray

　　

Cake

2 cups all-purpose flour

　　1 1/2 cups sugar

　　1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

　　1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon baking powder

　　1/4 teaspoon salt

　　1 cup fat-free milk

　　1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce

　　2 teaspoons vanilla extract

　　

Pudding

2 cups boiling water

　　1 1/2 cups firmly packed light brown sugar

　　1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

　　

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 13 x 9 x 2-inch metal baking pan with cooking spray. Set aside.

　　

Step 2

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Whisk in the milk, applesauce, and vanilla, blending thoroughly. Pour into the baking pan, spreading evenly.

　　

Step 3

In a large bowl, whisk together the pudding ingredients until the brown sugar and cocoa powder are dissolved. Pour carefully over the batter. (The pudding layer will be thin and runny.)

　　

Step 4

Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is firm to the touch. (A toothpick inserted in the center of the cake won’t be an accurate test for doneness.) Let the cake stand for 15 minutes before cutting. Serve the cake topped with the sauce, or pool the sauce on plates and top with the cake. Cover and refrigerate any leftovers for up to seven days, or wrap tightly and freeze for up to two months.

　　

nutrition information

Step 5

(Per Serving)

　　

Step 6

Calories: 160

　　

Step 7

Total Fat: 0.5g

　　

Step 8

Saturated: 0.0g

　　

Step 9

Trans: 0.0g

　　

Step 10

Polyunsaturated: 0.0g

　　

Step 11

Monounsaturated: 0.0g

　　

Step 12

Cholesterol: 0mg

　　

Step 13

Sodium: 100mg

　　

Step 14

Carbohydrates: 37g

　　

Step 15

Fiber: 1g

　　

Step 16

Sugars: 27g

　　

Step 17

Protein: 2g

　　

Step 18

Dietary Exchanges

　　

Step 19

2 1/2 carbohydrate

　　American Heart Association Quick & Easy Meals