Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar (use a sugar substitute for reduced calories)
  • ¾ cup (180ml) unsweetened applesauce
  • ½ cup (120ml) almond milk (or low-sodium cow
  • s milk)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ¼ tsp salt (optional or to taste)
  • 1 cup (120g) low-fat cream cheese (for frosting)
  • ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar (or sugar substitute)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
  3. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  4. In a separate bowl, beat together the sugar, applesauce, eggs, almond milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  5. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined.
  6. Transfer the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
  7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in 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.
  9. In a bowl, mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Frost the cooled cake as desired.