Chocolate Layer Cake

Name: Chocolate Layer Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 12 servings.
Cuisine: Comfort Food Desserts, Comfort Food Recipes
Ingredients: 1 package chocolate cake mix (regular size); 1-1/4 cups buttermilk; 1 large egg; 4 large egg whites; ORANGE FILLING:; 1 cup cold fat-free milk; 1 package (3.3 ounces) instant white chocolate pudding mix or 1 package (3.4 ounces) instant vanilla pudding mix; 1/4 teaspoon grated orange zest; 1/8 teaspoon orange extract; 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped; CHOCOLATE GLAZE:; 3 squares (1 ounce each) semisweet chocolate, chopped; 1 tablespoon fat-free milk; 1-1/2 teaspoons butter

No one will suspect this decadent layered chocolate cake is light! Our Test Kitchen staff concocted the eye-catching dessert.

Ingredients

1 package chocolate cake mix (regular size)
1-1/4 cups buttermilk
1 large egg
4 large egg whites
ORANGE FILLING:
1 cup cold fat-free milk
1 package (3.3 ounces) instant white chocolate pudding mix or 1 package (3.4 ounces) instant vanilla pudding mix
1/4 teaspoon grated orange zest
1/8 teaspoon orange extract
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped
CHOCOLATE GLAZE:
3 squares (1 ounce each) semisweet chocolate, chopped
1 tablespoon fat-free milk
1-1/2 teaspoons butter

Directions

Coat three 9-in. round baking pans with cooking spray and line with waxed paper. Coat waxed paper with cooking spray and dust with flour; set aside.
In a large bowl, beat the first four ingredients on low speed for 30 seconds. Beat on medium for 2 minutes. Pour into prepared pans.
Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing to wire racks to cool. Gently peel off waxed paper.
In a large bowl, whisk first four filling ingredients for 2 minutes (mixture will be thick). Fold in whipped cream.
Place one cake layer on a serving plate; top with half of the filling. Repeat layers. Top with the third cake layer. In a microwave-safe bowl, microwave the glaze ingredients, uncovered, at 30% power for 45 seconds; stir until smooth. Spread over top of cake.

Nutrition Facts

1 slice: 316 calories, 13g fat (6g saturated fat), 66mg cholesterol, 559mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 8g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 2 fat.

Originally published as Chocolate Layer Cake in Light & Tasty October/November 2003