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Healthy Applesauce Cake 1

Healthy Applesauce Cake

This Healthy Applesauce Cake transforms a classic comfort dessert into a nutritious treat without sacrificing flavor or texture. Perfect for breakfast, snack time, or a guilt-free dessert, it delivers warm spices and natural sweetness while keeping unnecessary sugars and fats to a minimum.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 12 slices
Calories 185 kcal

Equipment

  • 8x8-inch square baking pan
  • Parchment Paper
  • Mixing Bowls
  • Wire Rack

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups whole wheat flour or 1 cup whole wheat + 1 cup all-purpose for a lighter texture
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce preferably homemade or organic
  • 1/3 cup maple syrup or honey adjust to taste
  • 1/4 cup olive oil or melted coconut oil
  • 2 large eggs at room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Optional Add-ins

  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
  • 1/2 cup raisins or cranberries
  • 1 medium apple peeled and diced (for extra texture)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal, or lightly grease with oil.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the applesauce, maple syrup or honey, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well incorporated.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Avoid over-mixing (aim for about 12-15 strokes).
  • If using any of the optional add-ins like nuts, dried fruits, or fresh apple pieces, fold them in gently now.
  • Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs.
  • Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Substitution Tips:
  • For a vegan version, replace eggs with 2 flax eggs (2 Tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 6 Tbsp water)
  • For gluten-free needs, substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend
  • Replace the oil with unsweetened applesauce for an even lower-fat option
Storing Tips:
  • Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
  • Refrigerator: Up to 1 week in an airtight container
  • Freezer: Up to 3 months when tightly wrapped

Nutrition

Calories: 185kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 4gFat: 7gSodium: 165mgFiber: 3gSugar: 12g
Keyword Applesauce Cake, Healthy Cake, Sugar-Free Dessert, Whole Wheat Cake
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