Low Fat Applesauce Cake

This low fat applesauce cake is incredibly moist, warmly spiced, and wonderfully simple—with just 2 grams of fat per slice. It uses unsweetened applesauce as the main source of moisture, replacing the need for butter or oil. With cozy cinnamon flavor and a tender crumb, it’s the perfect cake for snacking, brunch, or a lighter dessert any time of year.

About This Recipe

This cake bakes up soft and dense, like a cross between banana bread and spice cake. The applesauce adds natural sweetness and keeps it super moist, while cinnamon and nutmeg bring that classic fall-inspired flavor.

It comes together in one bowl, bakes in under 35 minutes, and makes your kitchen smell like heaven. You can eat it plain, dust it with powdered sugar, or top it with a light glaze.

Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Diet

Unsweetened applesauce replaces oil, cutting the fat dramatically while keeping moisture and flavor. A small amount of fat-free Greek yogurt adds structure and protein, making this a satisfying yet lightened-up treat.

What You’ll Need (Ingredients)

These easy-to-find pantry staples come together to make a naturally sweet, lower-fat cake.

• All-Purpose Flour (1 1/2 cups): The structural base of the cake.
• Baking Soda (1 teaspoon): Helps it rise and stay fluffy.
• Baking Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Gives the cake a tender lift.
• Ground Cinnamon (1 1/2 teaspoons): Adds cozy spice.
• Ground Nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances the warm flavor.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
• Brown Sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Deep, molasses-y sweetness and moisture.
• Unsweetened Applesauce (1 cup): Keeps the cake moist and replaces fat.
• Fat-Free Greek Yogurt (1/4 cup): Adds protein and richness.
• Egg (1 large): Helps hold the cake together.
• Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavor beautifully.

How to Make Low Fat Applesauce Cake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment.
2. Whisk dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Mix wet ingredients: Add applesauce, brown sugar, yogurt, egg, and vanilla. Stir just until smooth.
4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients until fully incorporated.
5. Pour into pan and spread evenly.
6. Bake for 30–34 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool before slicing. Add a dusting of powdered sugar or light glaze if desired.

Recipe Tips and Variations

• Stir in 1/4 cup raisins or chopped walnuts (adds texture and sweetness but will raise fat slightly).
• Add a touch of clove or allspice for a spicier flavor.
• Make it into muffins: divide batter into a 12-cup muffin tin and bake for 18–20 minutes.
• Swap in whole wheat pastry flour for more fiber.

How to Store Leftovers

Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for 5 days. You can also freeze slices wrapped individually for up to 2 months.

Nutrition Facts

• Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
• Calories: 125 kcal
• Fat: 2 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Sodium: 140 mg