Discover a guilt-free chocolate cake that’s naturally sweetened with apples and rich in cocoa flavor. This innovative recipe proves that healthy desserts can be both delicious and satisfying. Perfect for those watching their sugar intake or looking to make healthier food choices without sacrificing the joy of dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This remarkable cake combines the natural sweetness of apples with rich cocoa powder to create a moist, flavorful dessert without added sugar. It’s perfect for health-conscious individuals, diabetics, or anyone looking to reduce their sugar intake while still enjoying a delicious treat. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make with just a few simple ingredients!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- Sweet apples: 4 medium (about 600g | 21oz)
- Eggs: 4 large
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: 5 tablespoons (35g | 1.2oz)
- Baking powder: 1 teaspoon
- Olive oil: for greasing the mold
For the Accompanying Mango Tea:
- Lemon: 2 wedges
- Freeze-dried mango: 1 tablespoon
- Black loose-leaf tea: 2 tablespoons
- Water: 1 liter (4 cups), boiling
Instructions
Cake Preparation:
- Preheat oven to 180°C (360°F)
- Prepare the apples:
- Remove cores
- Peel completely
- Cut into medium-sized pieces
- Make the batter:
- Place apple pieces in a blender
- Blend until smooth
- Add eggs
- Add cocoa powder
- Add baking powder
- Blend until completely combined
- Baking:
- Grease a silicone loaf pan with olive oil
- Pour batter into prepared pan
- Bake for 45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean
- Let cool in pan for 10 minutes
Mango Tea Preparation:
- In a teapot or large heat-safe container:
- Add lemon wedges
- Add freeze-dried mango
- Add loose-leaf black tea
- Pour boiling water over ingredients
- Steep for 4-5 minutes
- Strain and serve
Nutritional Information (per slice, 8 slices per cake)
- Calories: 95
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Fat: 3g
- Sugar: 10g (all from natural sources)
Time Requirements:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Pro Tips and Tricks
- Apple Selection:
- Choose naturally sweet apple varieties like Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp
- Riper apples will provide more natural sweetness
- Use red apples for maximum sweetness
- Texture Perfect:
- Blend apples until completely smooth for best texture
- Don’t overmix after adding eggs
- Test doneness with a toothpick in the center
- Moisture Control:
- If apples are very juicy, drain excess liquid after blending
- Let cake cool completely before slicing
- Store in an airtight container
- Tea Enhancement:
- Adjust steeping time based on desired strength
- Use room temperature lemon for better flavor release
- Don’t over-steep to avoid bitterness
Variations and Substitutions
- Fruit Options:
- Replace some apples with pears
- Add mashed banana for extra sweetness
- Include grated zucchini for more moisture
- Flavor Enhancements:
- Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Include cinnamon or nutmeg
- Add orange zest for citrus notes
- Tea Variations:
- Use green tea instead of black
- Try different dried fruits
- Add fresh ginger for extra warmth
- Special Dietary Needs:
- Use carob powder instead of cocoa
- Add ground flaxseed for extra nutrition
- Include protein powder for protein boost
Common FAQs
Q: Why doesn’t this cake need sugar?
A: The natural sugars from the apples provide enough sweetness, especially when combined with the rich cocoa flavor.
Q: How do I know if my cake is done?
A: A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean, and the cake should spring back when lightly pressed.
Q: Can I freeze this cake?
A: Yes, wrap individual slices well and freeze for up to 3 months.
Q: Will this really help with weight loss?
A: As part of a balanced diet, this low-calorie, no-added-sugar dessert can support weight loss goals.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Room Temperature:
- Store in airtight container for 2 days
- Keep away from direct sunlight
- Refrigeration:
- Keeps fresh for up to 5 days
- Wrap well to prevent drying
- Bring to room temperature before serving
- Freezing:
- Freeze individual slices
- Wrap in plastic wrap and foil
- Store up to 3 months
- Thaw overnight in refrigerator
- Tea Storage:
- Keep dried ingredients separately
- Make fresh tea daily for best results
- Store unused tea in refrigerator up to 24 hours
Perfect for:
- Healthy dessert options
- Sugar-free diets
- Weight loss programs
- Diabetic-friendly treats
- Afternoon tea time
- Healthy snacking
Serve with:
- Sugar-free whipped cream
- Fresh berries
- The accompanying mango tea
- A sprinkle of cocoa powder
