Fat-Free Applesauce Cake
A moist, flavorful fat-free applesauce cake infused with warm spices and sweet raisins, perfect for healthy snacking or dessert options suitable for all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, combine raisins and boiling water. Let sit until raisins are plump, about 10 minutes, then drain.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together brown sugar and egg whites until well combined.
- Add applesauce to the sugar and egg whites mixture and stir until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, salt, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and baking soda.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Fold in the soaked raisins and nuts if using.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider sifting the flour before mixing it in. You can substitute half of the brown sugar with applesauce for extra moisture without added fat. If you prefer a spicier cake, increase the cinnamon to 1 teaspoon. You can also add chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor, similar to variations found in some American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This Fat-Free Applesauce Cake is delicious on its own, but you can serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence. It pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a festive touch, consider serving it alongside a fruit compote or alongside dishes like Blackberry Congealed Salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, simply place a slice in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or until warmed through, avoiding drying it out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fat-Free Applesauce Cake contains roughly 390 calories, with 8g protein, 81g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is a good source of protein (16% of the Daily Value), iron (11% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (10% 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 regular applesauce instead of thick applesauce?
Yes, you can use regular applesauce, but the cake may be slightly less dense. If using a thinner applesauce, consider reducing the amount of water used to soak the raisins or add a bit more flour to maintain the cake's structure.
Can I make this cake without eggs?
Absolutely! You can replace the egg whites with a flaxseed meal or a commercial egg replacer. For each egg white, mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water, let it sit until it thickens, and then add it to the mixture.
How can I make this cake gluten-free?
To make this cake gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum to help with the cake's structure. Adjust the baking time as needed, as gluten-free flour can bake differently.
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).