18 September 2026
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THE UNIVERSAL GASTRONOMY AUTHORITY
World Kitchen Journal
Sugar-free apple cake
Muhammad Mahdi Karim / GFDL 1.2
Technique
By Jean-Luc Moreau, the Technique desk · 23h ago · Latin America · 4 min ·

Sugar-free apple cake

Sugar-free apple cake is a homemade, soft, and aromatic option for enjoying a simple dessert without added refined sugar.

Ingredients · Servings 2
  • 1 manzana mediana, aproximadamente 150 g
  • 1 huevo
  • 1/2 taza de harina de avena (50 g)
  • 2 cdas de yogur natural sin azúcar (30 g)
  • 1 cda de aceite vegetal suave (15 ml)
  • 1/2 cdita de canela en polvo
  • 1/2 cdita de esencia de vainilla
  • 1/2 cdita de polvo de hornear
  • 1 pizca de sal
  • 1 cda de nueces picadas (opcional)
  • 1 cdita de jugo de limón
Method · 35 min
  1. Precalienta el horno a 180 °C. Engrasa un molde pequeño de aproximadamente 12 cm de diámetro o cúbrelo con papel para hornear.
  2. Pela la manzana y reserva unas láminas finas para decorar. Ralla el resto y mézclalo con el jugo de limón.
  3. En un recipiente, bate el huevo con el yogur, el aceite y la vainilla hasta integrar.
  4. Incorpora la manzana rallada y mezcla suavemente.
  5. Agrega la harina de avena, la canela, el polvo de hornear y la sal. Remueve solo hasta obtener una mezcla homogénea.
  6. Añade las nueces si las vas a utilizar.
  7. Vierte la preparación en el molde y coloca encima las láminas de manzana reservadas.
  8. Hornea durante 25-30 minutos, hasta que el bizcocho esté ligeramente dorado y al introducir un palillo en el centro salga con algunas migas húmedas, pero sin masa líquida.
  9. Déjalo reposar 10 minutos antes de desmoldarlo.
  10. Sirve tibio o a temperatura ambiente.

For 2 people you will need an apple, egg, oat flour, plain yogurt, oil, cinnamon, vanilla, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. You can also add some chopped walnuts for a crunchy texture to each serving.

Prepare a sugar-free apple cake

  • 2 people
  • 300 Kcal
  • 1 medium apple, approximately 150 g
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup oat flour (50 g)
  • 2 tbsp of plain, unsweetened yogurt (30g)
  • 1 tbsp mild vegetable oil (15 ml)
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 pinch of salt
  • 1 tbsp chopped walnuts (optional)
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease a small cake tin approximately 12 cm in diameter or line it with baking paper.
  • Peel the apple and set aside a few thin slices for decoration. Grate the rest and mix it with the lemon juice.
  • In a bowl, beat the egg with the yogurt, oil and vanilla until combined.
  • Add the grated apple and mix gently.
  • Add the oat flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Stir only until you have a smooth mixture.
  • Add the nuts if you are going to use them.
  • Pour the mixture into the mold and place the reserved apple slices on top.
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the cake is lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with some moist crumbs, but no liquid batter.
  • Let it rest for 10 minutes before unmolding it.
  • Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips for making a delicious sugar-free apple cake

  • Use a ripe apple to achieve greater natural sweetness without adding sugar.
  • Don't squeeze the grated apple too much; its juice helps keep the cake moist.
  • If the apple is very acidic, you can use a sweeter variety such as Gala, Fuji or Golden.
  • Do not overmix the batter after adding the flour to avoid a dense cake.
  • Oat flour can be substituted with wheat flour if you're looking for a more traditional crumb.
  • Use a small mold so that the mixture has enough height and is not too thin.
  • Do not open the oven during the first 20 minutes of baking to prevent the cake from losing volume.
  • The toothpick doesn't have to come out completely dry: a few damp crumbs indicate that the cake retains a pleasant texture.
  • Wait a few minutes before unmolding, as it will be more delicate when fresh out of the oven.
  • If you want to intensify the flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or a few extra drops of vanilla.

Does the sugar-free apple cake contain added sugar?

No. This recipe does not include refined sugar or other sweeteners. The sweetness comes primarily from the apples used.

Which apple is best for making a sugar-free cake?

Naturally sweet varieties, such as Gala, Fuji, or Golden, work especially well because they add more sweetness and moisture to the preparation.

How to preserve sugar-free apple cake?

Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume it preferably within the next 2 or 3 days. Before serving, you can let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes.

Why was my apple cake soggy in the center?

Apples contain a fair amount of water, so excess moisture can prolong baking time. This can also happen if the pan is too small or if the cake is removed from the oven too soon.

Can you make sugar-free apple cake in an air fryer?

Yes. You can use a small mold that fits in the basket and cook it at around 160°C for 18-25 minutes, keeping an eye on it during the last few minutes.

Can I make this recipe without yogurt?

Yes. You can substitute the two tablespoons of yogurt with one tablespoon of milk and an additional tablespoon of grated apple to retain some of the moisture.

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