Applesauce Snacking Cake(Low-Fat)
A moist, flavorful applesauce snacking cake with warm cinnamon and chewy raisins, perfect for a quick treat or healthy snack option for all ages.
Ingredients
- 1 cup bran cereal ⓘ
- 1 1/4 cups sweetened applesauce ⓘ
- 1/2 cup liquid egg substitute ⓘ
- 1/2 cup light molasses ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon ⓘ
- 1 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 cup margarine softened ⓘ
- 1/2 cup seedless raisins ⓘ
- confectioners sugar (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix bran cereal, applesauce, egg substitute, and molasses; let stand for 5 minutes.
- Blend all-purpose flour, baking soda, and ground cinnamon; set aside.
- In a mixer, beat brown sugar and margarine until creamy.
- Beat in the bran mixture until smooth.
- Gradually blend in the flour mixture; stir in raisins.
- Spread batter evenly in an ungreased 15 x 10 x 1-inch baking pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan on a wire rack.
- Sprinkle with confectioners sugar if desired and cut into 48 (2 x 1-inch) bars.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter cake, consider using unsweetened applesauce instead of sweetened. You can also substitute the margarine with unsweetened applesauce for a lower fat version, or use coconut oil for a different flavor. Ensure the bran cereal is finely crushed for better texture. Additionally, adding chopped nuts could enhance flavor and nutrition, similar to Bran Raisin Muffins.
Serving Suggestions
These bars are perfect as a snack or a light dessert. Serve them with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. They also pair well with a cup of tea or coffee. For a delightful twist, consider serving alongside a slice of Rachel Angel'S Grated Apple Pie for a unique dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, warm individual bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or until just warm, ensuring they retain their moist texture. You can also enjoy them cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Applesauce Snacking Cake(Low-Fat) contains roughly 96 calories, with 2g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 4g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the blend has a binding agent like xanthan gum to maintain the cake's structure. The texture may vary slightly, but it will still be delicious and suitable for those avoiding gluten.
How can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
To reduce sugar, you can cut the brown sugar by half and use a sugar substitute that measures cup-for-cup, such as stevia or erythritol. Alternatively, you can add spices like vanilla or almond extract to enhance sweetness without adding more sugar.
Can I add other fruits to this recipe?
Absolutely! You can mix in diced apples, chopped pears, or even crushed pineapple for added moisture and flavor. Just be cautious not to overload the batter with too much fruit to ensure it bakes properly. This flexibility allows you to customize the cake to your taste.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).