Can you really make a decadent, velvety chocolate mousse cake with just two ingredients? The answer is a resounding yes! This viral 2-ingredient chocolate cake is taking the internet by storm because it is naturally dairy-free, egg-free, gluten-free, and contains no added flour or refined sugars. Watch my friend try and guess what this cake is make with. You really can't tell it's apple!
If you’re looking for a healthy dessert recipe that feels like a cheat meal but nourishes your body, this is it.
Why This Apple and Chocolate Cake Works
You might be skeptical that a cake made of red apples and dark chocolate can actually taste like a gourmet dessert. However, when boiled and blended, apples create a pectin-rich base that mimics the creamy texture of a traditional mousse. This is also true for my 2 ingredient no bake chocolate papaya cake. Watch my viral TikTok video to see my friend try and guess what fruit this cake is made with!
Benefits of This Recipe:
- Allergen-Friendly: Perfect for vegan, paleo, and gluten-free diets.
- Kid-Approved: A great way to sneak fruit into a dessert that kids actually love.
- Low Calorie: At only 128 kcal per serving, it's a guilt-free way to satisfy a chocolate craving.
- Simple Prep: No complicated baking techniques or expensive equipment required.
- High in Fiber: Boiled apples are well known to get things moving!
Watch a Step by Step Video
Watch my viral TikTok video to see how to make this cake with just red apples and dark chocolate!
You can also watch my viral instagram step by step video to learn how to make this cake.
What You’ll Need
This recipe relies on the natural sweetness of fruit and the richness of cocoa. For the best results, use high-quality ingredients:
- 4 Medium Red Apples: Choose sweet varieties like Gala, Fuji, or Pink Lady.
- 1 Cup to 1.5 Cups Dark Chocolate Chips (200g to 250g): Use at least 70% cocoa for a deep, rich flavor. The more dark chocolate chips you use the firmer the cake will be.
How to Make a 2-Ingredient Chocolate Mousse Cake
Follow these simple steps to achieve that perfect, sliceable mousse consistency.
1. Prep the Apples
Peel and core your apples, then chop them into small, uniform cubes.
2. Boil Until Tender
Place the apple pieces in a pot and cover with water. Boil for approximately 20 minutes. You want them to be "fork-tender"—so soft they almost fall apart.
3. Melt the Chocolate
While the apples boil, melt your dark chocolate chips. You can use a double boiler or the microwave (heating in 30-second intervals and stirring in between) until the texture is silky smooth.
4. Blend to Perfection
Drain the apples thoroughly. Transfer the hot apples and melted chocolate into a blender or food processor. Blend on high until the mixture is completely smooth.
Pro Tip: The mixture should look like a thick chocolate smoothie before it sets.
5. Chill and Set
Line a cake tin with parchment paper and pour the mixture in. Smooth the top with a spatula. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours, though overnight is best for a firmer, "cake-like" texture.
Expert Tips for the Best Results
To make sure your cake sets perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Drain the Water: Ensure the apples are well-drained after boiling. Excess water can lead to a "wet" or "pudding-like" texture rather than a firm mousse.
- Chocolate Ratio: If you want a denser cake, increase the chocolate to 1.5 cups (300 grams)
- Texture Variations: For a festive touch, top your cake with fresh raspberries or blueberries.
- Serving Suggestions and Garnishes: To make the cake look pro, finish with a dusting of cocoa powder or icing sugar.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes! You can skip the boiling step by using applesauce. Use approximately 1.5 to 2 cups of unsweetened applesauce for every cup of dark chocolate chips.
No. Because of the high fruit content, this cake should be kept in the refrigerator and served chilled. It also tastes way better chilled because it solidifies more.
Surprisingly, no! The dark chocolate masks the apple flavor, leaving you with a rich, fruity undertone that tastes more like a sophisticated ganache.
More Healthy Dessert Ideas
If you loved this simple recipe, check out these other plant-based treats from Simple Green Soul:
- 3-Ingredient Purple Sweet Potato Mousse Cake
- 3-Ingredient High-Protein Tofu Chocolate Mousse
- 2-ingredient Chocolate Papaya Cake
- Sugar-Free Banana Bread
2 Ingredient Cake Made With Apples and Chocolate
Ingredients
- 4 medium red apples
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips 200 grams
Instructions
- Prep the Apples: Peel and core your apples, then chop them into small, uniform cubes.
- Boil Until Tender: Place the apple pieces in a pot and cover with water. Boil for approximately 20 minutes. You want them to be "fork-tender"—so soft they almost fall apart.
- Melt The Chocolate: While the apples boil, melt your dark chocolate chips. You can use a double boiler or the microwave (heating in 30-second intervals and stirring in between) until the texture is silky smooth.
- Blend To Perfection: Drain the apples thoroughly. Transfer the hot apples and melted chocolate into a blender or food processor. Blend on high until the mixture is completely smooth.
- Chill and Set: Line a cake tin with parchment paper and pour the mixture in. Smooth the top with a spatula. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours, though overnight is best for a firmer, "cake-like" texture.
Christiane K. says
I made this but it seems like it’s a little wet. It would be good if you could put approximately how many cups six apples come to. Because I think it’s going to be more of a pudding like texture rather than a Mousse like texture. I will let you know after it has cooled in the fridge for a few hours. Hopefully it turned out. Please put an approximate amount in cups concerning how many apples.
Georgia Papas says
Hey! I think it should firm up in the fridge. The longer the better (overnight is best). If you check out the video in the blog post you can see that when I pour it in the spring pan its like a smoothie. Please do comment back and let me know though! I think adding the weight of the peeled apples before boiling them would be beneficial for sure.
Thanks!! Georgia
Magnolia says
I got the same recipe from another site, which stated:
300gr apples + 250 gr dark chocolate + refrigerate for 4 hours.
Good luck
Rachel says
I made this and it turned out great. I used 4 apples and 1.5 cups of dark chocolate chips so it was really firm. I love that this can be a healthy recipe for the whole family even the kids!
Georgia Papas says
Sounds delicious! Yes it's easy to customise to add more or less dark chocolate chips depending on your taste preference. Different types of chocolate will also change the texture. More dark chocolate is great if you want a more dense cake texture. I'm glad you liked it! Thank you!!
JJ says
Looks yummy! Is there a reason you can't just use applesauce? Thanks!
Georgia Papas says
I personally haven't tried making it with store bought apple sauce but yes this will work! By cooking the apples we are making homemade applesauce so a store bought option will work too. The reason the cake solidifies in the fridge is because the melted dark chocolate hardens. You can adjust the hardness and gooeyness of the cake by adding more dark chocolate (for a harder mousse cake consistency) or more apple sauce (for a more gooey / runny mousse cake consistency)
I hope you enjoy the recipe!
Georgia 🙂