Sugar-Free Chocolate Apple Cake Recipe
If you’re looking for a delicious yet healthy dessert that satisfies your chocolate cravings without any added sugar, this Sugar-Free Chocolate Apple Cake is the perfect option. It combines the natural sweetness of apples with the rich, decadent flavor of cocoa, all while keeping the sugar content to a minimum. Here’s how to make it!
Ingredients:
- 2 large apples (peeled, cored, and finely grated)
- 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour (or almond flour for a gluten-free version)
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (high-quality cocoa is best)
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce (adds moisture and sweetness)
- 1/4 cup olive oil (or coconut oil for a slightly richer taste)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup stevia or monk fruit sweetener (or another preferred sugar substitute, adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of your choice)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a round cake pan (9-inch) with parchment paper or lightly spray it with oil.
Step 2: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, applesauce, olive oil, vanilla extract, and your chosen sweetener (stevia or monk fruit). Whisk until everything is well combined and the mixture is smooth.
Step 3: Add the Grated Apples
Add the grated apples into the wet mixture and stir well. The apples will provide moisture and natural sweetness, so they’re key to the cake’s flavor.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Make sure the dry ingredients are well mixed.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing gently as you go. Add the almond milk gradually to achieve the desired batter consistency. The batter should be thick but spreadable.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
Step 7: Let It Cool
Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Serve
Once the cake has cooled, it’s ready to serve. You can enjoy it as-is or sprinkle with a bit of powdered stevia for an extra touch of sweetness.
Optional Toppings:
- Sugar-free whipped cream or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.
- A light drizzle of unsweetened cocoa powder mixed with a bit of almond milk for a ganache-like effect.
- A handful of chopped nuts (like walnuts or almonds) for crunch.
Why This Cake is Great for Weight Loss:
- Apples provide natural sweetness and are high in fiber, which can help you feel full longer.
- Cocoa powder adds a rich flavor without sugar and is full of antioxidants that may support weight loss and overall health.
- Stevia or Monk Fruit sweeteners are natural, zero-calorie alternatives to sugar, making this cake diabetic-friendly and low in calories.
- Whole wheat flour offers fiber, while the olive oil provides healthy fats, ensuring you get all the nutrients you need without the added sugars and empty calories.
This Sugar-Free Chocolate Apple Cake is not only a guilt-free treat but also a great way to enjoy dessert while maintaining a healthy lifestyle! Enjoy it as an afternoon snack or as a healthy dessert after meals.