- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup milk dairy or plant-based
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup applesauce
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ¼ cup hot water
- Powdered sugar for dusting optional
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line 8x8 inch pan with parchment.
Mix flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Combine oil, milk, vanilla, and applesauce in another bowl.
Pour wet ingredients into dry. Add hot water. Mix until just combined.
Fold in chocolate chips.
Pour into pan. Bake 30-35 minutes until set.
Cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
- Don't overmix batter
- Check doneness with toothpick
- Cool before cutting
- Store in airtight container up to 5 days
Calories: 225kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 125mg | Potassium: 120mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 20g | Calcium: 45mg | Iron: 1.8mg