Healthy Cocoa Slim Cake (No Sugar, Just Apples and Cocoa!)
Ingredients:
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4 medium sweet apples (peeled and grated)
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4 large eggs
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5 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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Olive oil (for greasing the mold)
Instructions:
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking mold with a little olive oil or line it with parchment paper.
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Prepare the Apples: Peel and grate the apples using a fine grater or food processor. Once grated, set them aside. You’ll notice that the apples will release some juice, which is natural.
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Prepare the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them well until they become light and frothy. You can use a hand whisk or an electric mixer for faster results.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the unsweetened cocoa powder and baking powder. Stir to ensure the dry ingredients are well mixed.
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Combine Apples and Dry Ingredients: Add the grated apples into the egg mixture and gently stir to combine. Then, gradually add the cocoa powder and baking powder mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix until everything is well incorporated.
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Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared mold. Smooth the top with a spatula to even it out. Place the cake into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool and Serve: Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Description:
This Healthy Cocoa Slim Cake is a guilt-free dessert made without sugar! It’s sweetened naturally by the apples, which gives it a moist, fluffy texture. With the rich taste of cocoa and the nutrition-packed apples, this cake is a delicious and healthy option that can be enjoyed every day. It’s perfect for anyone looking to satisfy their sweet tooth while maintaining a balanced, low-sugar diet.
Notes:
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Storage: Store this cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer shelf life (up to 5 days).
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Apples: Choose sweet apples like Fuji or Gala, as they naturally sweeten the cake without needing added sugar.
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Baking Tips: If the cake is browning too quickly on top but not fully baked inside, cover it loosely with aluminum foil and continue baking until done.
Tips:
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Flavor Variations: Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract for a richer flavor, or sprinkle some cinnamon into the mix for a warm spice that complements the cocoa.
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Texture Adjustment: If you want a denser cake, reduce the number of eggs slightly or add a tablespoon of flour for additional structure.
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Serving: Serve it as is, or top with a light dusting of cocoa powder or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate for an extra touch.
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For a Moist Cake: Ensure your apples are grated finely to release more moisture, which helps keep the cake soft and tender.
Servings:
This recipe makes approximately 8 servings, depending on how large you cut the slices.
Nutritional Info (per serving):
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Calories: 120-140 kcal
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Protein: 3g
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Carbohydrates: 25g
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Fiber: 4g
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Fat: 3g
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Sugar: 15g (natural sugar from apples)
Health Benefits:
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Low in Sugar: This cake is naturally sweetened with apples, making it a great choice for those watching their sugar intake.
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Rich in Fiber: Apples are high in fiber, which aids digestion and helps you feel full longer.
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Antioxidants: Cocoa powder is loaded with antioxidants, which help protect the body from oxidative stress and promote heart health.
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No Added Sugars: With no added sugar or artificial sweeteners, this cake is a clean option for satisfying your cravings in a healthier way.
Q&A:
Q: Can I make this cake gluten-free? A: Yes! To make it gluten-free, simply substitute the regular baking powder with a gluten-free version, and you can also replace any flour with almond flour or coconut flour for a 100% gluten-free option.
Q: Can I add nuts to this cake? A: Absolutely! Feel free to add walnuts, almonds, or any other nuts for some extra crunch and protein. Just fold them into the batter before pouring it into the mold.
Q: Is this cake suitable for a keto diet? A: This recipe contains apples, which are relatively high in natural sugars and carbs. If you’re strictly following a keto diet, you may need to substitute the apples with a lower-carb fruit like zucchini or pumpkin.
Q: How do I make the cake more decadent? A: You can top the cake with a little bit of sugar-free chocolate ganache or a dollop of whipped cream to make it feel even more indulgent while keeping it healthy!