This Low-Calorie Apple Peanut Butter Cake is a delightful and healthy treat that’s easy to make. With the natural sweetness of apples and the richness of peanut butter, this cake is perfect for dessert or as a nutritious snack.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 6
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 finely slice them 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 bowl, whisk together the eggs, a pinch of salt, and stevia until the mixture is frothy.
- Add peanut butter to the egg mixture and whisk until smooth.
- Stir in baking powder.
- 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 on top of the cake for added richness.
- Bake the Cake:
- Preheat the oven to 160°C (325°F).
- Bake 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 with a dollop of Greek yogurt for added creaminess.
- Pair with a warm cup of tea or coffee for a cozy treat.
- Add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness.
- Serve chilled as a refreshing dessert on a warm day.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a touch of elegance.
Cooking Tips:
- Use a mandoline slicer for thin, even apple slices.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less stevia to suit your preference.
- Ensure the apples are tightly packed in the mold for a uniform structure.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before removing it from the mold to avoid breaking.
- Experiment with different spices, like nutmeg or cardamom, for added depth of flavor.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Apples: High in fiber and antioxidants, promoting gut health and overall wellness.
- Peanut Butter: Provides healthy fats and protein for sustained energy.
- Eggs: Rich in protein and essential nutrients.
- Stevia: A natural low-calorie sweetener.
Dietary Information:
- Gluten-free (if baking powder and peanut butter are gluten-free).
- Low-calorie and low-sugar option.
- Contains dairy (butter) and eggs.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving):
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 5 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fat: 7 g
- Fiber: 3 g
Storage:
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Simple and quick to prepare with minimal ingredients.
- Healthy and low-calorie, perfect for guilt-free indulgence.
- Naturally sweetened with apples and stevia.
- A unique combination of apples and peanut butter for a delightful flavor.
- Versatile for dessert, breakfast, or a snack.
Conclusion:
This Low-Calorie Apple Peanut Butter Cake is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a healthier dessert option without sacrificing flavor. The natural sweetness of apples and the richness of peanut butter make it both satisfying and nutritious. Try this recipe and enjoy a guilt-free treat that’s perfect for any time of day!
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use a different sweetener? Yes, you can use honey, maple syrup, or any sweetener of your choice.
- Can I substitute peanut butter? Yes, almond butter or sunflower seed butter works as a great alternative.
- What if I don’t have stevia? You can use sugar, coconut sugar, or another preferred sweetener.
- Can I add nuts or raisins? Absolutely! Add chopped walnuts, almonds, or raisins for extra texture and flavor.
- Can I make this vegan? Replace eggs with flaxseed eggs and butter with coconut oil or plant-based alternatives.
- What type of apples work best? Tart apples like Granny Smith or sweet ones like Honeycrisp work well.
- Can I add spices to the batter? Yes, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for more depth of flavor.
- How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan? Grease the pan well with butter or line it with parchment paper.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, bake and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before serving.
- Can I reheat the cake? Yes, gently warm it in the oven or microwave before serving.