No Oil Spice Cake

Prep: 10 min Cook: 35 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

A moist, flavorful spice cake made with applesauce and cinnamon, perfect for a healthier dessert option suitable for any occasion or family gathering.

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Ingredients

  • 1 (18 1/2 oz.) yellow or lemon cake mix
  • 1 1/4 cups water
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/3 cup applesauce
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Grease and flour a 9 x 13-inch pan.
  3. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl; beat until smooth, using medium speed.
  4. Pour batter into the prepared pan.
  5. Bake according to cake mix package directions, approximately 30-35 minutes.
  6. When cool, sprinkle with powdered sugar.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter cake, consider substituting egg whites for whole eggs. If you want a deeper flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or nutmeg. You can also use a gluten-free cake mix to make this a gluten-free dessert. Don't skip the greasing and flouring of the pan to prevent sticking, especially since this recipe uses no oil.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this no oil spice cake with a light dusting of powdered sugar for a simple presentation. It pairs beautifully with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. Consider serving it alongside a cup of chai tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat. You can also enjoy it as a sweet breakfast option with fresh fruit.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. When ready to enjoy, let it come to room temperature or warm individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds for a freshly baked taste.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of No Oil Spice Cake contains roughly 155 calories, with 2g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 7g fat.

155 kcal 8% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.7g 3% DV
Total Fat 7.2g 9% DV
Carbs 21g 8% DV
Fiber 0.4g 1% DV
Sugar 6.4g 13% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 103.2mg 4% DV
Potassium 76.2mg 2% DV
Cholesterol 22.8mg 8% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 5.3mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 0.3mg
Calcium 65.9mg 5% DV
Iron 0.5mg 3% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal
Contains Egg

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 use a chocolate or spice cake mix if you prefer a different flavor. Just ensure the mix is a similar size to the one specified in the recipe, and adjust baking times if needed based on the package instructions.

How can I make this cake more moist?

To enhance moisture, you could add an extra 1/4 cup of applesauce or substitute the water with milk. Another option is to incorporate mashed bananas which not only adds moisture but also a delicious flavor.

Can I freeze the cake?

Absolutely! You can freeze the cake for up to 3 months. Make sure it is completely cooled, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

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).

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