Few things bring as much comfort as a slice of moist, spiced cake made with love and wholesome ingredients. This healthy twist on Grandma’s Applesauce Spice Cake is a delightful blend of warm spices, tender applesauce, and nutritious swaps that keep it light without sacrificing flavor. Perfect for post-workout snacks, cozy weekends, or even meal-prepped breakfasts!
Grandma’s Healthy Applesauce Spice Cake
8-10
servings10
minutes30
minutes160
kcalIngredients
- Dry Ingredients:
1 ½ cups whole wheat flour 🌾 – Adds fiber and a nutty flavor.
1 tsp baking soda ⚡ – For a nice rise.
½ tsp salt 🧂
1 tsp ground cinnamon 🌟 – The heart of spice cakes.
½ tsp ground nutmeg 🥄 – For that warm, earthy aroma.
¼ tsp ground cloves 🍂 – A pinch goes a long way!
- Wet Ingredients:
1 cup unsweetened applesauce 🍏 – Adds natural sweetness and moisture.
⅓ cup honey or maple syrup 🍯 – Natural sweetener for that perfect balance.
¼ cup coconut oil 🥥 (melted) – Keeps it tender without excess fat.
2 large eggs 🥚 – Helps bind and adds fluffiness.
1 tsp vanilla extract 🌼 – Brings out the warm spices.
- Add-ins (Optional but Amazing):
½ cup raisins or dried cranberries 🍇 – A sweet and chewy surprise.
½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans 🥜 – Adds crunch and healthy fats.
🥣 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. - Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Set aside. - Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix the applesauce, honey, melted coconut oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
🌀 Pro Tip: Make sure your eggs are at room temperature to prevent the coconut oil from solidifying. - Bring it Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—do not overmix. Fold in any optional add-ins like nuts or dried fruits. - Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. - Cool & Serve
Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy! 🍰✨
🔖 Notes
- Make it Sweeter: If you prefer a sweeter cake, use sweetened applesauce or add 2-3 tbsp of coconut sugar to the batter.
- Texture Tip: Chopped nuts and dried fruits not only add flavor but also give the cake a delightful crunch and chewiness.
- Spice it Up: For a bolder spice profile, increase the cinnamon to 1 ½ tsp or add a pinch of ground ginger.
- Batch Tip: This recipe doubles easily—use a 9×13-inch pan for a larger cake! Adjust baking time to 35-40 minutes.
- Serving Size Flexibility: Want smaller portions? Slice into 12 pieces for 135 calories per slice instead.
- 🥗 Nutrition Facts:
- Calories: 160
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Sugars: 12g
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Wholesome Ingredients: Naturally sweetened with applesauce and honey. 🍯
- Moist and Delicious: Applesauce keeps it soft and tender while reducing the need for oil.
- Nostalgic Flavors: The perfect balance of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves for a classic spice cake taste.
- Quick & Easy: Minimal prep with everyday ingredients.
💡 Tips
- Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or 5 days in the fridge.
- Freezing: This cake freezes beautifully! Wrap slices individually and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the whole wheat flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
- Vegan Variation: Replace eggs with 2 flax eggs (2 tbsp flaxseed meal + 5 tbsp water).
🍴 Serving Suggestions
- Post-Workout Snack: Pair with Greek yogurt for extra protein.
- Breakfast Boost: Spread with almond butter for a satisfying morning treat. 🥜
- Dessert Delight: Top with a dollop of whipped coconut cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
🤔 FAQs
Q: Can I use sweetened applesauce?
A: Yes, but reduce the honey/maple syrup slightly to prevent the cake from becoming too sweet.
Q: Can I add fresh apples?
A: Absolutely! Fold in 1 cup of finely chopped apples for added texture and flavor. 🍎
Q: How can I make it lower in sugar?
A: Use unsweetened applesauce and swap honey for a sugar-free sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit syrup.
Q: Can I make this recipe oil-free?
A: Yes! Substitute the coconut oil with an equal amount of unsweetened applesauce or Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
Q: What can I use instead of eggs?
A: Replace each egg with ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce, mashed banana, or use flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water per egg).
Q: Can I turn this into muffins?
A: Definitely! Pour the batter into a lined muffin tin and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Save this recipe for your next cozy baking day, and don’t forget to share your delicious creations! Tag us on Instagram with your slice of healthy spice cake heaven. 🍎✨
