Light & Luscious Harvest Pumpkin Cake
This Light & Luscious Harvest Pumpkin Cake is a delightful dessert that celebrates the flavors of autumn while keeping your health in mind. Made with whole wheat flour, pure pumpkin, and sweetened with Splenda, this cake is completely sugar-free and virtually fat-free. It's an ideal treat for anyone looking to enjoy a satisfying dessert without the guilt, whether you're on a weight loss journey or simply seeking a healthier option. This recipe, concocted during my post-baby weight loss phase, is soft, moist, and packed with the seasonal spice you crave. Serve it warm topped with a dollop of fat-free whipped topping or a light sprinkle of Splenda for an extra touch of sweetness.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Whole Wheat Flour
2 cups (sifted)
Splenda Sugar Substitute
2 cups (or to taste)
Pumpkin Puree
12 ounces (canned or freshly cooked)
Baking Soda
2 teaspoons (sifted)
Applesauce
1 1/2 cups (unsweetened)
Cinnamon
1 teaspoon
Pumpkin Pie Spice
2 teaspoons
Egg Whites
5 (beaten)
Vanilla Extract
2 teaspoons
Fat-Free Whipped Topping or Splenda
to taste (for garnish (optional))
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a deep 8-inch round pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2
In a mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, Splenda, pumpkin puree, baking soda, applesauce, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice. Use a wooden spoon instead of a mixer to blend these ingredients until just combined. The mixture will be somewhat lumpy, and that’s okay!
3
Carefully fold in the beaten egg whites, mixing thoroughly after each addition to ensure everything is well incorporated.
4
Add the vanilla extract and stir for an additional minute or two; the batter should remain lumpy and not overly smooth.
5
Pour the batter into the greased pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-35 minutes or until the top is set and golden brown. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
6
Once done, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. While still warm, serve it with a dollop of fat-free whipped topping or a sprinkle of Splenda for an extra touch of sweetness.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Light & Luscious Harvest Pumpkin Cake?
It is a sugar-free and virtually fat-free dessert made with whole wheat flour and pumpkin puree, ideal for those seeking a healthy autumn treat.
Is this pumpkin cake suitable for a sugar-free diet?
Yes, the recipe uses Splenda Sugar Substitute instead of traditional sugar to make it completely sugar-free.
Is this recipe fat-free?
The cake is virtually fat-free because it uses unsweetened applesauce as a moisture substitute instead of oil or butter.
What type of flour is recommended for this cake?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of sifted whole wheat flour to provide a healthier nutritional profile.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) before baking.
What size pan is needed for the Harvest Pumpkin Cake?
A deep 8-inch round pan is required for this recipe.
Should I use an electric mixer for the batter?
No, it is recommended to use a wooden spoon to blend the ingredients to ensure the cake retains its desired texture.
How many egg whites are required?
The recipe uses 5 beaten egg whites to keep the cake light and fat-free.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, you can use either 12 ounces of canned pumpkin puree or freshly cooked pumpkin.
How long does it take to bake?
The cake should bake for 25 to 35 minutes until the top is set and golden brown.
How do I know when the cake is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Is it okay if the batter is lumpy?
Yes, the mixture is expected to be somewhat lumpy after blending and should not be overly smooth.
What spices give the cake its harvest flavor?
A combination of 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and 2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice provides the seasonal flavor.
How should the egg whites be added?
Carefully fold in the beaten egg whites, mixing thoroughly after each addition to ensure they are well incorporated.
What is the best way to serve this cake?
It is best served while still warm, optionally topped with fat-free whipped topping or a sprinkle of Splenda.
Is this cake good for weight loss?
Yes, this recipe was specifically created to be a satisfying dessert option during a weight loss journey.
How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?
Grease the pan thoroughly or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
When should I add the vanilla extract?
Add the vanilla extract after folding in the egg whites and stir for an additional minute or two.
Can I adjust the amount of sweetener?
Yes, while the recipe suggests 2 cups of Splenda, you can adjust the amount to your personal taste.
How much baking soda is used?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of sifted baking soda.
Why is applesauce used in this recipe?
Unsweetened applesauce provides the necessary moisture for the cake without adding the fat found in oils.
What is the texture of the finished cake?
The cake is soft, moist, and packed with seasonal spices.
Should the flour be sifted?
Yes, the 2 cups of whole wheat flour should be sifted before being added to the mixing bowl.
Is this a good recipe for fall?
Absolutely, the pumpkin and harvest spices make it a perfect dessert for the autumn season.
Can I use whole eggs instead of egg whites?
The recipe specifically calls for egg whites to maintain its fat-free and light nutritional profile.
What can I use for garnish?
You can use fat-free whipped topping or a light sprinkle of Splenda for extra sweetness.
Do I need to let the cake cool completely?
The instructions recommend allowing it to cool slightly but serving it while still warm.
Does the recipe require any oil?
No, this cake recipe contains no oil, making it virtually fat-free.
How much pumpkin puree is needed?
The recipe requires 12 ounces of pumpkin puree.
What is the primary benefit of this cake?
It provides a guilt-free way to enjoy traditional pumpkin cake flavors while being sugar-free and fat-free.