MAKEOVER CRUMB-TOPPED CHOCOLATE CAKE

Makeover Crumb-Topped Chocolate Cake image

This chocolate cake is very sweet, chocolaty, and definitely a special dessert. -Sharon Anderson, Lyons, Illinois

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 55m

Yield 16 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 15

Ingredients

1/4 cup plus 5 tablespoons butter, softened, divided
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup cake flour
1/3 cup baking cocoa
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1-1/4 cups buttermilk
1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
1/3 cup chopped walnuts
1/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips
2 cups reduced-fat whipped topping

Steps:

In a large bowl, beat 1/4 cup butter and sugar until crumbly, about 2 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in applesauce and vanilla. Combine the flours, cocoa, baking soda and salt; add to butter mixture alternately with buttermilk, beating well after each addition. Transfer to two 9-in. round baking pans coated with cooking spray., Combine the graham cracker crumbs, walnuts, chocolate chips and remaining butter. Break into small pieces; sprinkle evenly over batter., Bake at 375° for 18-22 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., Spread whipped topping between layers and over sides of cake, leaving the crumb top exposed. Refrigerate leftovers.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 253 calories, Fat 11g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 45mg cholesterol, Sodium 336mg sodium, Carbohydrate 34g carbohydrate (17g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 4g protein.