Light Applesauce Coffee Cake Recipes

Coffee cake is a delightful treat that pairs perfectly with a warm cup of coffee or tea. If you’re looking for a lighter version of this classic dessert, look no further! In this article, we will explore some delicious applesauce coffee cake recipes that are sure to satisfy your cravings without adding excessive calories or fat. So grab your apron and let’s get baking!

Benefits of Using Applesauce in Coffee Cake

Before we dive into the recipes, let’s take a moment to appreciate the benefits of using applesauce as a key ingredient in our coffee cake. Applesauce serves as a healthy alternative to traditional fat sources like butter or oil, making our cake lighter and more heart-friendly. It also adds natural sweetness and moisture, ensuring a tender and flavorful end result.

Recipe 1: Classic Applesauce Coffee Cake

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
• ½ cup low-fat Greek yogurt
• ¹⁄₃ cup honey
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup diced apples
• ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate large bowl, combine the applesauce, Greek yogurt, honey, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Gently fold in the diced apples and chopped walnuts, if desired.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Recipe 2: Cinnamon Streusel Applesauce Coffee Cake

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup unsweetened applesauce
• ½ cup low-fat sour cream
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Streusel Topping:

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch square baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate large bowl, combine the applesauce, sour cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Mix until well combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
5. In a small bowl, mix together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon for the streusel topping. Cut in the cold butter using a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
6. Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle half of the streusel topping over the batter. Repeat this process with the remaining batter and streusel topping.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the streusel is golden brown.
8. Allow the cake to cool in the baking dish for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Recipe 3: Gluten-Free Applesauce Coffee Cake

Ingredients:

• 2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
• ½ cup almond milk (or any non-dairy milk)
• ½ cup maple syrup
• ¼ cup coconut oil, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup diced apples

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt.
3. In a separate large bowl, combine the applesauce, almond milk, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
5. Gently fold in the diced apples.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Conclusion

These light applesauce coffee cake recipes offer a healthier twist on a beloved dessert. By incorporating applesauce into the batter, you can enjoy a moist and flavorful cake without the guilt. Whether you prefer a classic version, a cinnamon streusel variation, or a gluten-free option, these recipes are sure to impress your taste buds. So go ahead, indulge in a slice of light applesauce coffee cake and savor every bite!

FAQ

1. What are the benefits of using applesauce in coffee cake?

Using applesauce in coffee cake provides a healthier alternative to traditional fat sources like butter or oil. It makes the cake lighter and more heart-friendly while adding natural sweetness and moisture.

2. What are the ingredients for the Classic Applesauce Coffee Cake recipe?

The ingredients for the Classic Applesauce Coffee Cake recipe are:
– 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– ½ teaspoon baking soda
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
– ½ cup low-fat Greek yogurt
– ¹⁄₃ cup honey
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup diced apples
– ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)

3. How do you make the Classic Applesauce Coffee Cake?

To make the Classic Applesauce Coffee Cake:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. In a separate large bowl, combine the applesauce, Greek yogurt, honey, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
5. Gently fold in the diced apples and chopped walnuts, if desired.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

4. What are the ingredients for the Cinnamon Streusel Applesauce Coffee Cake recipe?

The ingredients for the Cinnamon Streusel Applesauce Coffee Cake recipe are:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ¾ cup unsweetened applesauce
– ½ cup low-fat sour cream
– ½ cup granulated sugar
– ½ cup packed brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Streusel Topping:
– ½ cup all-purpose flour
– ¼ cup granulated sugar
– ¼ cup packed brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– ¼ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed