01 -
Preheat the oven to 350 F. Grease two 8-inch pans. Set aside.
02 -
In a bowl, stir together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, optional chocolate chips, and sweetener.
03 -
In a separate bowl, whisk together the oil or nut butter, applesauce or yogurt, water, and vanilla. If using almond butter, gently warm it until soft and easily stir-able.
04 -
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined, being careful not to over-mix.
05 -
Pour the batter evenly into the greased pans.
06 -
Bake on the center rack for 25 minutes or until the batter has risen and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.
07 -
Allow the cakes to cool slightly, then transfer to the refrigerator overnight to set and firm up.
08 -
Loosen the cakes by running a knife along the sides, then invert them onto plates. Frost individually. Stack one cake on top of the other if making a double-layer cake, and frost the sides if desired.