Healthy Apple Cake

This healthy apple cake turns out light and fluffy with a warming apple flavor. It’s easy to make and one of my family’s favorite baked goods.

Making classic desserts healthier is one of my favorite things to do. With a few simple swaps, I transformed my family’s longtime favorite apple cake recipe into a healthier, lower-fat version that doesn’t compromise on flavor. 

It’s just as moist and fluffy as a classic apple cake and comes together in barely any time. It uses simple, pantry staple ingredients and is perfect for dessert or an afternoon snack.

Table of Contents

1. Why I love this recipe
2. Key Ingredients
3. How to make a healthy apple cake
4. Arman’s recipe tips
5. How to store leftovers
6. More healthy desserts
7. Healthy Apple Cake (Recipe Card)

Why I love this recipe

• Wholesome ingredients. I use just a touch of oil and sugar since the applesauce adds plenty of moisture and sweetness. 
• Made in one bowl. So clean-up and set-up are easy. 
• Perfect texture and taste. “Healthy” cakes tend to get a bad rap for being dry or crumbly, but not this one! I use simple baking staples to make a tender, surprisingly moist, and fluffy cake. 

If you want more healthy cake recipes, try my healthy carrot cake, healthy chocolate cake, and healthy banana cake next.

Key Ingredients

• Flour. I used white whole wheat flour, which has more fiber than regular all-purpose flour without affecting taste or texture. If you’d like this cake to be gluten-free, use gluten-free flour with xanthan gum added.  
• Sugar. I used a sugar-free brown sugar substitute to keep the calories low, but regular white or brown sugar can also work just as well. I’d avoid using honey or maple syrup, as they can change the cake’s texture. 
• Baking soda. Reacts with the vinegar to replicate eggs, giving the cake some rise and fluffiness. Don’t use baking powder since it will change the cake’s texture. 
• Cinnamon. A must for any apple-based dessert! 
• Salt. Just a pinch. 
• Unsweetened applesauce. The key ingredient! Not only does it add a subtle apple flavor, but it also reduces the fat required for the cake. 
• Oil. A little oil is needed to give the cake a tender crumb and fluffy texture. If you don’t need this cake to be vegan, you can use unsalted melted butter instead. 
• Vanilla extract. Essential for a good cake. 
• Vinegar. Use white vinegar or apple cider vinegar. If you don’t have vinegar on hand, lemon juice will work. 
• Milk of choice. I used unsweetened almond milk, but any milk works. 
• Frosting. Optional but highly recommended.

Find the printable recipe with measurements in the recipe card below.

How to make a healthy apple cake

Step 1- Combine ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients. Fold in the wet ingredients and whisk until a smooth batter forms. 

Step 2- Bake. Pour the cake batter into the pans and bake for 27-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out mostly clean. 

Step 3- Cool and frost. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool briefly, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting. 

Arman’s recipe tips

• Make a layered cake. This recipe makes a single 9-inch cake with frosting, but if you’d like to make a two or three-layered cake, simply double or triple the ingredients. 
• Use a springform pan. If I have one on hand, I like to use it for easier removal. 
• Add more apple flavor. I like this cake’s smooth texture, but when I really want to enhance the apple flavor, I’ll fold in 1 tablespoon of apple pie spices and ½-1 cup of cored, peeled, and chopped apples. For a sweet flavor, use Honeycrisp or Pink Lady apples. For a tart flavor, use Granny Smith apples.
• Change the flavor. Fold in 1-2 tablespoons of whiskey or espresso powder for a bold, richer flavor. Don’t worry; you won’t be able to taste either, but they’ll enhance the overall flavor of the cake. 

How to store leftovers

To store: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it fresher for longer, refrigerate it for up to 2 weeks. 

To freeze: Transfer cake slices to a freezer-safe container and freeze them for up to 3 months, then let them thaw overnight in the fridge.

More healthy desserts

• Healthy chocolate chip cookies
• Healthy brownies
• Healthy cupcakes

If you tried this Healthy Apple Cake recipe or any other recipe on The Big Man’s World, please rate the recipe and let me know how it went in the comments below. It really helps others thinking of making the recipe.