Diet Applesauce Coffee Cake
A moist, flavorful applesauce coffee cake perfect for breakfast or dessert, combining cinnamon, vanilla, and a hint of sweetness in a light, healthy treat.
Ingredients
- 2 cups unsweetened applesauce ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar replacement ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon ⓘ
- 2 cups flour ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons baking powder ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons soda
- 1 1/3 cups instant non-fat dry milk ⓘ
- 4 medium eggs ⓘ
- 1/2 cup apple juice ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine the first six ingredients (applesauce, brown sugar replacement, cinnamon, eggs, apple juice, vanilla extract, vegetable oil) in a large mixer bowl and beat for 3 minutes.
- Sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, soda, and dry milk in a separate bowl.
- Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
- Add half of the applesauce mixture to the batter and mix well.
- Pour half of the batter into a 8x8-inch baking dish sprayed with cooking spray.
- Dot the batter with half of the remaining applesauce mixture.
- Pour the remaining batter over the first layer.
- Dot with the last half of the applesauce mixture.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 35 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle with 6 packets of Equal sweetener.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure your eggs are at room temperature before mixing. You can substitute the brown sugar replacement with coconut sugar if desired, but be aware of the difference in sweetness. If you're looking to add a twist, consider mixing in chopped nuts or dried fruits, similar to what's found in Crazy Cinnamon Rolls.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this coffee cake warm, dusted with powdered sugar or topped with a dollop of Greek yogurt for added creaminess. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee and can be enjoyed as a breakfast item or a snack. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a fresh fruit salad.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, keep the cooled cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a toaster oven for a slightly crispy texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Diet Applesauce Coffee Cake contains roughly 651 calories, with 8g protein, 127g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1462mg per serving (64% 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 make this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just make sure to also check that your baking powder and any other ingredients are gluten-free.
How can I make this cake sweeter?
If you prefer a sweeter cake, you can increase the amount of brown sugar replacement or add a couple of tablespoons of honey or maple syrup. Just be mindful of the additional moisture this may add to the batter.
Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, this coffee cake freezes well! Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.
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).