Introduction
This Low-Calorie Apple and Peanut Butter Cake is a light, nutritious dessert that highlights the natural sweetness of apples and the creamy richness of peanut butter. With minimal added sugar and a simple preparation process, this cake is perfect for those who want a healthy treat without sacrificing flavor. It’s also gluten-free and low in carbs, making it suitable for various dietary needs.
Preparation Time:
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 40 minutes
- Total time: 55 minutes
Ingredients:
- Apples – 4 medium-sized (about 700 g)
- Juice of half a lemon
- Eggs – 4 large
- Salt – a pinch
- Stevia – 1 teaspoon (or another low-calorie sweetener of choice)
- Peanut butter – 2 tablespoons
- Baking powder – 1 teaspoon
- Butter – 20 g (for topping and greasing the pan)
- Ground cinnamon – for sprinkling
Directions:
- Prepare the Apples:
- Peel the apples and cut them finely using a knife or mandoline for thin, even slices.
- Toss the apple slices in the juice of half a lemon to prevent browning and enhance the flavor. Mix well and set aside.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the 4 eggs, a pinch of salt, and 1 teaspoon of stevia. Whisk until the mixture is frothy.
- Add 2 tablespoons of peanut butter to the egg mixture and whisk until smooth.
- Stir in 1 teaspoon of baking powder to the mixture.
- Assemble the Cake:
- Grease an 18 cm (7-inch) round cake mold with butter.
- Layer the thinly sliced apples into the mold, flattening the top for a smooth finish.
- Pour the egg and peanut butter mixture evenly over the apples.
- Add small pieces of butter (20g total) on top of the cake for added richness.
- Bake the Cake:
- Preheat the oven to 160°C (325°F).
- Bake the cake for about 40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the apples are soft and tender.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the cake cool completely in the mold before removing it.
- Once cooled, sprinkle generously with ground cinnamon for a warm, aromatic finish.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the cake warm or cold, as a dessert or a healthy snack.
- Add a dollop of Greek yogurt or a scoop of sugar-free vanilla ice cream for a more indulgent treat.
- Drizzle with a bit of honey or maple syrup if you prefer extra sweetness.
Cooking Tips:
- For an even softer texture, you can cook the apple slices in a pan with a little water for a few minutes before assembling the cake.
- Use natural peanut butter for a cleaner flavor, avoiding added sugars or oils.
- If you want a richer flavor, you can substitute the stevia with honey or maple syrup.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Apples are high in fiber, helping with digestion and keeping you full.
- Peanut butter provides healthy fats and protein, adding a creamy richness to the cake.
- Eggs are a great source of protein and help bind the ingredients together.
- Stevia is a low-calorie sweetener, making this cake perfect for those watching their sugar intake.
Dietary Information:
- Low-carb and low-calorie
- Gluten-free
- Vegetarian-friendly
- No refined sugar (sweetened with stevia)
Nutritional Facts (per serving, based on 8 servings):
- Calories: ~120
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g (naturally occurring from apples)
Storage:
- Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigeration: Refrigerate for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving or lightly warm it in the oven.
- Freezing: You can freeze the cake for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- It’s a light and healthy dessert option that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
- The cake is easy to make, requiring only a few simple ingredients.
- It’s low in calories and carbs, making it perfect for anyone on a weight loss journey or watching their sugar intake.
- The combination of apples, peanut butter, and cinnamon is comforting and satisfying, perfect for a guilt-free treat.
Conclusion
This Low-Calorie Apple and Peanut Butter Cake is a simple, nutritious dessert that’s big on flavor but light on calories. The natural sweetness of the apples pairs beautifully with the creamy peanut butter and aromatic cinnamon, making it the perfect treat for any time of day. With minimal effort and wholesome ingredients, this cake is a wonderful option for those looking to indulge without guilt.
10 Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use a different sweetener?
Yes, you can use honey, maple syrup, or another sweetener like monk fruit or erythritol instead of stevia. - Can I substitute the peanut butter?
Yes, you can use almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter for a different flavor. - Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, substitute the eggs with flax or chia eggs (1 tablespoon of flax/chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg). - Do I need to cook the apples beforehand?
No, but cooking the apples briefly in a pan before assembling the cake can give them an even softer texture. - What other spices can I add?
You can add nutmeg, allspice, or cardamom to enhance the flavor profile. - Can I use a different type of flour?
This recipe is naturally flourless, but if you want more structure, you can add 2 tablespoons of almond or coconut flour. - How can I make this cake sweeter?
If you prefer a sweeter cake, increase the amount of stevia or use a natural sweetener like honey or agave syrup. - Can I use different fruits?
Yes, pears or peaches can work as a substitute for apples in this recipe. - How long does the cake last?
It can last up to 5 days in the fridge or 1 month in the freezer when stored properly. - Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, it stores well and can be made a day in advance. Just refrigerate and serve when ready.