Low Fat Chocolate Birthday Cake Recipes

Not only is the following recipe low-fat, but it is also vegan; no eggs, butter, or milk is included. Instead, baking soda and vinegar create a similar reaction to eggs while baking. And its fun for kids to help and watch the vinegar and baking soda 'explode' in the batter!

Birthday Cake:

3 c. All-Purpose flour
2 c. Sugar
1 c. cocoa powder
2 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. salt
2/3 c. vegetable oil (the only source of fat!)
2-3 tsp. vanilla extract
2 tsp. white vinegar
2 c. water (room temperature)

1/2 c. chocolate chips (optional)
1 tsp. cinnamon (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Sift together flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Add oil, vanilla, vinegar, and water. Mix until smooth. Separate into two 8 or 9 inch round cake pans. Bake 30-45 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool completely before stacking and frosting.

*Frosting:

2/4 c. soft or melted margarine
2 tsp. vanilla, plus more 'to taste' (optional)
4 tsp. milk (or more/ less, depending on the thickness you want)
4 c. confectioners sugar
Food coloring of your choice

Combine all ingredients until well blended; about 2-3 minutes on a medium speed.

Preparation:

Spread frosting on the top of one of the cakes. Place the other cake on top. Frost liberally, either covering the whole cake, or just the top. Add sprinkles, writing, and candles, and you've got yourself a delicious low-fat birthday cake. If you're really going healthy, garnish with fresh strawberries or raspberries instead of sprinkles.

* Frosting is clearly not vegan, but its still pretty low-fat.