Caramel-Pecan Chocolate Cake
Light & Tasty
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No one will believe that Ruth Lee’s ooey-gooey chocolate cake is actually light. The Ontario, Canada reader’s decadent treat features two chocolate cake layers with creamy caramel between.
SERVINGS: 24
CATEGORY: Dessert
METHOD: Baked
TIME: Prep: 35 min. Bake: 35 min. + cooling
Ingredients:
- 1 package (14 ounces) caramels
- 1 can (14 ounces) fat-free sweetened condensed milk
- 1/3 cup butter
- 4 squares (1 ounce each) unsweetened chocolate, melted
- 1/3 cup canola oil
- 1-1/2 cups water
- 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 egg whites
- 1 egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1-1/3 cups sugar
- 1/3 cup sugar blend
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup chopped pecans, toasted
- 1 teaspoon confectioners' sugar
Directions:
In a small heavy saucepan, heat the caramels, milk and butter over low heat until caramels are melted and mixture is smooth, stirring frequently; set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine chocolate and oil. Stir in the water, applesauce, egg whites, egg and vanilla. Combine the flour, sugar, sugar blend, baking soda and salt; gradually add to chocolate mixture until blended.
Pour half of the batter into a 13-in. x 9-in. baking pan well coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350° for 14-18 minutes or until center is set. Spread caramel mixture evenly over cake; top with remaining batter. Sprinkle with pecans.
Bake 18-23 minutes longer or until a toothpick inserted near the center of the top layer comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack. Sprinkle with confectioners' sugar. Yield: 24 servings.