- Preheat the oven and prep the pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with coconut oil or non-stick spray.
- Prepare the apples:
- In a small saucepan, combine the chopped apples and 1/4 cup of water. Cook over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until the apples soften slightly but are still intact. Drain any excess water and set the apples aside to cool. Alternatively, you can microwave the apples in a covered bowl for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Mix the wet ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, applesauce, almond butter, vanilla extract, and lemon juice (if using). Stir until well combined and smooth.
- Add the dry ingredients:
- To the same bowl, sift in the cocoa powder, cinnamon, salt, and baking soda. Stir in the sweetener of your choice and mix everything together until fully incorporated. If the batter seems a little too thick, add almond milk a tablespoon at a time until you reach a smooth, slightly pourable consistency.
- Add the apples:
- Gently fold in the softened apples, mixing just until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Bake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (it may have a few moist crumbs but not wet batter).
- Cool and serve:
- Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. This cake is best served at room temperature or slightly chilled.
Optional Toppings:
- A light dusting of cocoa powder or powdered stevia for sweetness.
- A dollop of Greek yogurt or whipped coconut cream for extra creaminess.
- Fresh berries or a drizzle of unsweetened almond butter for added texture and flavor.
Why This Recipe Works:
- No Flour, No Sugar:
- The cake uses applesauce and almond butter as the base, providing natural sweetness and moisture without the need for any flour or refined sugar. The apples offer fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins, while the cocoa powder adds richness without extra calories.
- High in Protein & Healthy Fats:
- Almond butter is a great source of healthy fats and protein, helping to keep you satisfied. The eggs also contribute to the cake’s structure, adding protein and essential nutrients.
- Naturally Sweetened:
- Instead of refined sugar, this recipe uses stevia or monk fruit sweetener to sweeten the cake, making it perfect for those following a low-sugar or keto diet. You can adjust the sweetness level to your preference.
- Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free:
- This cake is naturally gluten-free (since there’s no flour) and dairy-free (if you use a non-dairy milk and skip the Greek yogurt topping), making it suitable for a variety of dietary restrictions.
- Rich in Antioxidants:
- Cocoa is loaded with antioxidants, which are beneficial for heart health, reducing inflammation, and improving mood. It also gives this cake a rich, indulgent flavor.
Conclusion:
This Flourless and Sugar-Free Apple and Cocoa Cake is a perfect example of how you can enjoy a delicious dessert without compromising on your health goals. Whether you’re cutting out gluten, refined sugar, or just looking for a wholesome treat to satisfy your sweet tooth, this cake offers a nutritious alternative that won’t derail your diet.
It’s moist, chocolatey, subtly sweet, and packed with nutrients from real food ingredients. Try it as a mid-day snack, a healthy dessert after dinner, or even a guilt-free breakfast option.
Happy baking—and enjoy
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