Better-For-You Pound Cake
A moist, flavorful pound cake made with lighter ingredients like applesauce and buttermilk, perfect for a health-conscious dessert that’s rich in almonds and subtle sweetness.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place the cake mix, buttermilk, applesauce, egg whites, and flour in a bowl.
- Blend with a mixer on low speed for 1 minute.
- Increase the speed to medium and beat for 2 minutes more.
- Pour the batter into a 12-cup bundt pan that has been sprayed with non-stick spray.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cake, then invert onto a serving platter.
- Poke holes in the top and sides of the cake.
- Brush the cake generously all over with the sweetened condensed milk.
- Sprinkle toasted sliced almonds over the top.
- Lightly cover with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator overnight.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure you don't overmix the batter once the flour is added. You can substitute the sweetened applesauce with unsweetened for a less sweet cake or use Greek yogurt for added moisture. To enhance flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or almond extract. If you want a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free cake mix.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this pound cake as a delightful dessert or a sweet breakfast treat. It pairs beautifully with fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream. For a fun twist, try serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside a slice of Strawberry Bavarian Crown Angel Cake for a dessert spread that impresses.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pound cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. It can last up to a week. For longer storage, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze them. To reheat, simply microwave for 15-20 seconds or let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Better-For-You Pound Cake contains roughly 127 calories, with 6g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is a good source of protein (12% of the Daily Value).
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 use a different type of cake mix?
Yes, you can experiment with different flavors of cake mix, such as chocolate or lemon. Just keep in mind that it will alter the flavor profile of the pound cake. If using a chocolate mix, consider adding some espresso powder for depth.
How can I make this pound cake even healthier?
To make the pound cake healthier, you can replace some of the nonfat sweetened condensed milk with a homemade syrup made from stevia or other natural sweeteners. Additionally, using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour can boost the fiber content.
What should I do if my cake is too dry?
If the cake turns out dry, it might be due to overbaking. To remedy this, consider brushing on more sweetened condensed milk or a simple syrup made from equal parts sugar and water. This will help to add moisture and flavor back into the cake.
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).