Moist, chocolate cake... mmmmmmmmm... my favorite! However, when you're looking after your waistline, overindulgence in such goodies can be a detriment. So, what do you do when your hosting a birthday party and cake is expected? Or, more importantly, what do you do when your sweet tooth is craving a tasty dessert? It's easy, try a diet coke (or diet soda cake). Below are a few easy steps to follow.

By substituting diet soda for eggs and oil, you are omitting a large portion of the fat and calories. To determine the calories, fat, and fiber content, just look at the nutritional facts on the box. Diet soda is zero calories, fat free, and fiber free.

There are a few variations I've tried. All have been amazing. I've served it to picky audiences and no one has noticed the cake being different. In fact, the cake is usually more moist than when I use egg and oil, as directed from the box. Better for you and better tasting?!

My most recent cake was a plain chocolate cake that I cooked in a Bundt pan. When it was cool and right before serving, I sprinkled thawed frozen raspberries and topped with equal dollops of cool whip on each peak of the cake. Since it was a birthday party for my mom, I then added long candles. It was a hit! Not only was it moist and tasty, the fruit really added something special. No one believed it when I told them (after the cake was gone) that it was made with a diet coke!

I have also made vanilla cupcakes for a potluck at work. I used a can of diet cream soda with a vanilla cake mix. I then frosted with a regular store bought tub of chocolate frosting. This is an easy fix. You can keep all the ingredients on hand for when you have a "cupcake emergency." While the frosting adds calories and fat, it's still better than pre-made cupcakes from the store.

How to Make the Diet Soda Cake/Cupcakes

Ingredients: Store-bought cake mix and one can diet soda*.

*For chocolate cakes, use diet coke or diet pepsi. For lighter colored cakes, such as a vanilla or lemon, use diet 7 Up, diet Sprite, or, for a twist to a vanilla, diet cream soda (such as A&W).

Tools: Bowl, whisk, pan, nonstick cooking spray, oven.

(1) Pick up a regular box cake mix. Most flavors will work. Ones with sprinkles or confetti may turn our a little weird, so stick with basic flavors (chocolate, vanilla, lemon, pineapple, etc.).

(2) Preheat your oven according to the cake box.

(3) Put the cake mix in a large bowl.

(4) Add a full can of diet soda.

(5) Mix well.

(6) Pour into a lightly greased (I use a cooking spray like Pam) cake pan or cupcake pan (with liners).

(7) Bake according to cake box directions.

(8) Stick a toothpick to test. If toothpick is clean (no batter stuck on it), then it is done.

(9) Decorate, serve, and enjoy!