Low-Calorie Apple and Peanut Butter Cake
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:
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- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 40 minutes
- Total time: 55 minutes
Ingredients:
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- Apples – 4 medium-sized (about 700 g)
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- Juice of half a lemon
- Eggs – 4 large
- Salt – a pinch
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- 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:
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- Prepare the Apples:
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- 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.
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- Prepare the Egg Mixture:
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- 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.
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- Prepare the Apples:
- Assemble the Cake:
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- 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.
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- Preheat the oven to 160°C (325°F).
- Bake the Cake:
- Bake the cake for about 40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the apples are soft and tender.
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- Cool and Serve:
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- Let the cake cool completely in the mold before removing it.
- Once cooled, sprinkle generously with ground cinnamon for a warm, aromatic finish.
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Serving Suggestions:
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- 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:
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- 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:
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- Apples are high in fiber, helping with digestion and keeping you full.
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- 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:
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- Low-carb and low-calorie
- Gluten-free
- Vegetarian-friendly
- No refined sugar (sweetened with stevia)
Nutritional Facts (per serving, based on 8 servings):
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- Calories: ~120
- Protein: 4g
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- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g (naturally occurring from apples)
Storage:
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- 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:
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- 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.