Sugar-Free Applesauce, Date, Nut Cake
A moist, flavorful sugar-free applesauce cake packed with raisins, dates, and nuts, perfect for those seeking a healthier dessert option without sacrificing taste.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups self-rising flour ⓘ
- 2 cups Splenda sugar substitute
- 1 cup Crisco oil
- 3 eggs ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can no sugar applesauce ⓘ
- 1 cup golden raisins ⓘ
- 1 (2 1/2 oz.) package black walnuts, chopped ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) package chopped dates, soaked in water and drained ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon vanilla flavoring
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
Instructions
- Spray a 9 x 13 inch pan with cooking spray.
- Mix the self-rising flour, Splenda sugar substitute, nutmeg, cinnamon, and soda in a bowl.
- Add the oil and eggs, and mix well.
- Stir in the vanilla flavoring, applesauce, golden raisins, chopped nuts, and soaked, drained chopped dates.
- Sprinkle a little flour over the raisins, dates, and nuts to prevent them from sinking to the bottom during baking.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a touch more vanilla or experimenting with different spices such as allspice or cloves. If you prefer a different sweetener, erythritol can be a good substitute for Splenda. Ensure the dates are well-soaked to maintain moisture in the cake. If you're short on self-rising flour, you can make your own by combining all-purpose flour with baking powder and salt.
Serving Suggestions
This cake is delightful as a stand-alone dessert, but it also pairs beautifully with a dollop of sugar-free whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside a fresh fruit salad or a cup of tea. Consider serving with slices of the Walnut Log for a festive dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Once completely cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or warm the entire cake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sugar-Free Applesauce, Date, Nut Cake contains roughly 569 calories, with 8g protein, 99g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. It also contributes 11g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 sugar instead of Splenda?
Yes, you can substitute regular sugar for Splenda in a 1:1 ratio. However, keep in mind that this will increase the sugar content of the cake. Adjust the amount of applesauce slightly if you find the batter too thick, as sugar adds moisture.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! To create a gluten-free version, substitute the self-rising flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure that the blend contains a leavening agent or add baking powder to maintain the cake's texture.
Can I add other fruits to this recipe?
Yes, feel free to incorporate other fruits like chopped apples or pears for added moisture and flavor. Just make sure to adjust the amount of applesauce accordingly to avoid a batter that's too wet. Dried cranberries or other dried fruits could also work well.
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).