Grandma's Diabetic Spiced Apple Cake
Discover the delightful flavors of Grandma's Diabetic Spiced Apple Cake! This scrumptious cake, inspired by my grandmother's journey with diabetes, combines the natural sweetness of unsweetened applesauce with a rich spice blend, delivering a moist and indulgent dessert without the need for extra sugar. Packed with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and enriched with the crunch of walnuts, this cake is perfect for anyone looking for a healthier dessert option. Enjoy the taste of nostalgia with every bite - it's so delicious, you won't even realize it's diabetic-friendly!
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Unsweetened applesauce
1 1/2 cups (none)
Canola oil
1/2 cup (none)
Splenda sugar substitute
2 tablespoons (none)
Large egg
1 (beaten)
All-purpose flour
2 cups (none)
Baking powder
2 teaspoons (none)
Baking soda
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Unsweetened cocoa powder
2 teaspoons (none)
Cinnamon
1 teaspoon (none)
Nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Chopped walnuts
1/2 cup (roughly chopped)
Lemon zest
1 teaspoon (finely grated)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the unsweetened applesauce, canola oil, and beaten egg. Mix until well blended.
3
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cocoa powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and Splenda sugar substitute.
4
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the apple mixture, stirring until just combined. The batter will be thin.
5
Fold in the chopped walnuts and lemon zest.
6
Pour the batter into the greased cake pan and spread evenly.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Grandma's Diabetic Spiced Apple Cake?
It is a moist, spice-filled cake inspired by traditional recipes but modified to be diabetic-friendly by using unsweetened applesauce and sugar substitutes.
Is this recipe really sugar-free?
The recipe uses Splenda and unsweetened applesauce, meaning there is no added granulated sugar, making it suitable for many diabetic diets.
What makes this cake diabetic-friendly?
It replaces sugar with Splenda and unsweetened applesauce, reducing the glycemic impact while maintaining flavor and moisture.
What kind of applesauce should I use?
You must use unsweetened applesauce to ensure the cake remains diabetic-friendly and doesn't become overly sweet.
Can I use regular sugar instead of Splenda?
Yes, but the cake will no longer be diabetic-friendly or sugar-free.
What is the purpose of the cocoa powder?
The unsweetened cocoa powder is used primarily to add a rich color and depth of flavor to the spice blend rather than making it a chocolate cake.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield 8 servings.
At what temperature should I bake the cake?
The cake should be baked in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C).
What size pan is required?
A 9-inch round cake pan is recommended for this recipe.
How long does the cake need to bake?
The cake typically takes about 60 minutes to bake.
How do I check if the cake is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean, the cake is finished baking.
Can I substitute the canola oil?
Yes, you can use other neutral oils or melted coconut oil as a substitute for canola oil.
Are the walnuts mandatory?
No, the walnuts are optional. You can omit them if you have a nut allergy or simply prefer a smoother texture.
Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but it may result in a denser texture. You might try a 50/50 mix of all-purpose and whole wheat flour for better results.
What spices are used in this apple cake?
The recipe calls for a blend of cinnamon and nutmeg to create its signature spiced flavor.
Is lemon zest necessary for the recipe?
The lemon zest adds a bright citrus note that balances the spices, but the cake will still be delicious if you leave it out.
Can I use a different sugar substitute?
Yes, other heat-stable sweeteners like Stevia or Monk fruit can be used, but be sure to check the conversion ratio for the brand you choose.
How should I store the leftover cake?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Can this cake be frozen?
Yes, wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil; it can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Is the batter supposed to be thin?
Yes, the instructions note that the batter will be thin before baking, which is normal for this specific recipe.
Can I add fresh apples to this cake?
You can fold in half a cup of finely diced fresh apples for extra texture, though it may slightly increase the natural sugar content.
What can I serve with this cake?
It tastes great on its own, or you can serve it with a dollop of sugar-free whipped cream.
Is there an egg substitute I can use?
You can use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) if you need an egg-free option.
Does this cake contain dairy?
No, this recipe is naturally dairy-free as it uses oil instead of butter and contains no milk.
How long should I let the cake cool?
Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then move it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Can I make this as muffins?
Yes, but you will need to reduce the baking time to approximately 20-25 minutes.
Is this cake suitable for children?
Absolutely! It is a healthy, low-sugar alternative to traditional desserts that kids usually enjoy.
Can I use pecans instead of walnuts?
Yes, pecans are an excellent substitute for walnuts in this spiced apple cake.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
No, it uses all-purpose flour. To make it gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour replacement.
Why is it called Grandma's recipe?
It is inspired by the creator's grandmother and her journey with diabetes, focusing on nostalgic flavors without the health risks of sugar.