Sugar-Free Apple Cake Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 eggs
• 3 large Golden apples
• 1 lemon
• 50 g sunflower oil
• 150 g Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 90 g whole wheat flour (Type 2)
• 8 g baking powder
• 80 g raisins
• 8 almonds, chopped

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Mixture

The key to this cake’s natural sweetness comes from the apples themselves. Start by selecting Golden apples or any other sweet variety like Gala or Fuji. These types of apples have a higher natural sugar content, which will make the cake taste sweet without the need for refined sugars.

1. Peel and slice the apples: Begin by peeling the three large apples and cutting them into thin slices. Set them aside in a bowl.
2. Add lemon juice: To prevent the apple slices from browning, squeeze the juice of one lemon over the slices. The lemon juice not only helps preserve the color of the apples but also adds a subtle tartness to balance out their sweetness.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Now, it’s time to prepare the wet ingredients, which form the base of your cake batter.

1. Whisk the eggs: In a large mixing bowl, crack two eggs and whisk them until they are frothy. This will help make the cake light and fluffy.
2. Add lemon zest: Using a fine grater, zest the lemon you used for the apples into the egg mixture. The lemon zest will add a bright citrus flavor that complements the apples beautifully.
3. Incorporate the Greek yogurt: Add 150 g of Greek yogurt to the egg mixture. Greek yogurt helps keep the cake moist and adds a slight tanginess that pairs well with the apples. Choose full-fat yogurt for a richer flavor, or opt for low-fat if you’re watching your calorie intake.
4. Add the honey: Stir in 1 tablespoon of honey. Honey acts as a natural sweetener, offering a rich, deep sweetness without the need for refined sugars. If you prefer a slightly sweeter cake, you can add an extra half tablespoon.
5. Pour in the oil: Next, add 50 g of sunflower oil to the mix. Sunflower oil has a neutral flavor and provides moisture, making your cake soft and tender. If you don’t have sunflower oil, you can substitute with other light oils like vegetable or canola oil.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

With the wet ingredients ready, it’s time to incorporate the dry ingredients.

1. Sift the flour and baking powder: In a separate bowl, sift together 90 g of whole wheat flour (Type 2) and 8 g of baking powder. Whole wheat flour gives the cake a slightly denser texture and a boost of fiber, making it more nutritious. Sifting the flour will help prevent lumps in the batter and ensure a smooth texture.
2. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture: Gradually add the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring constantly to combine. You want to avoid over-mixing at this stage to keep the cake light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add the Raisins and Almonds

For added texture and natural sweetness, you’ll be incorporating raisins and almonds into the batter.

1. Soak the raisins: Before adding the 80 g of raisins to the batter, soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes. This will cause them to swell and become more succulent. After soaking, drain the raisins and pat them dry with a paper towel.
2. Chop the almonds: Roughly chop 8 almonds and set them aside. These will be used as a topping for the cake, adding a crunchy texture that contrasts with the soft cake.

Step 5: Fold in the Apples and Raisins

Now that your batter is ready, it’s time to incorporate the apples and raisins.

1. Fold in the apple slices: Gently fold the apple slices into the cake batter. Be careful not to over-mix, as you want the apple slices to remain intact.
2. Add the raisins: Fold in the soaked raisins. These will add little bursts of sweetness throughout the cake.

Step 6: Prepare the Cake for Baking

Now, it’s time to get the cake ready for the oven.

1. Grease the baking pan: Grease a round cake pan (approximately 9 inches in diameter) with a small amount of sunflower oil or line it with parchment paper to prevent the cake from sticking.
2. Pour the batter into the pan: Pour the prepared batter into the cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
3. Sprinkle with almonds: Finally, sprinkle the chopped almonds over the top of the batter. This will give your cake a nice crunchy topping when baked.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). It’s essential to let the oven come to the correct temperature before putting the cake in to ensure even baking.
2. Bake the cake: Place the cake in the oven and bake for 50 minutes. To check if the cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center. If the toothpick comes out without any batter, the cake is fully baked.
3. Cool the cake: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving Suggestions

This sugar-free apple cake is delicious on its own, but you can serve it with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of honey for extra indulgence. It’s perfect for breakfast. Keep any remaining cake in a sealed container at room temperature for up to three days.