This cake is enough on it’s own, so moist and delicious with the buttermilk and applesauce – with a little chocolate butter cream icing on top, but if you are feeling fancy, go ahead and dress it up!  I have photos of this cake a couple of ways – always a hit!

2 cups butter milk (If you don’t have any buttermilk use regular milk, adding 2 tsp vinegar per cup)

1 cup apple sauce

2/3 cup oil

2 eggs

2 tsp vanilla

Blend well and set aside

In a separate bowl sift together:

2 cups flour

2 cups sugar

1 cup cocoa powder

2 tsp baking soda

Gently stir dry ingredients into wet, do not overmix.  When combined, pour into prepared (greased and floured)  baking dish –  9 x 13 baking pan, or 2 layer cake rounds.

Bake at 350 for 35 minutes – check to make sure it is well set before removing from oven.

When I want to fancy this up and make a special occasion cake, I like to use a vanilla cream in between the layers, and also pipe it on top with fruit and a dusting of icing sugar. (Vanilla cream is featured on my Boston Cream Pie recipe) 

I was really fortunate to get this recipe from Gayle – our office works closely with hers, and as a treat, she dropped off this cake to us one day … we were all hooked!