How to Make the Perfect Cinnamon Apple Cake

If you’re looking for a cozy, guilt-free dessert that celebrates the flavors of fall, this Cinnamon Apple Cake is the perfect choice. Made with fresh apples, warm spices, and a light, tender crumb, this cake is a delightful treat that fits seamlessly into your Weight Watchers plan. Whether you enjoy it with a cup of coffee for breakfast or serve it as a dessert, this cinnamon-spiced apple cake is sure to impress!

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, peeled, cored, and diced)
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
• ¼ cup vegetable oil (or light olive oil)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar (packed)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup low-fat buttermilk

Optional Topping:

• A light dusting of powdered sugar
• A drizzle of sugar-free caramel sauce

Instructions

Prepare the Apples

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round or square cake pan.
2. Toss the diced apples with a sprinkle of cinnamon (optional) and set aside.

Mix Dry Ingredients

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Combine Wet Ingredients

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the applesauce, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
2. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until fully incorporated.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined (avoid overmixing).

Fold in Apples

1. Gently fold the diced apples into the batter.

Bake the Cake

1. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
2. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

1. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with caramel sauce before serving, if desired.

Nutritional Information

(Per Serving)

• Calories: ~140
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fat: 4g
• Fiber: 2g
• WW Points: ~3 (may vary based on ingredient brands)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Low in Points, Big on Flavor: This cake offers the comforting flavors of cinnamon and apples while staying low in points.
2. Simple Ingredients: Most ingredients are pantry staples, making this cake easy to whip up anytime.
3. Moist and Tender: The combination of applesauce, buttermilk, and fresh apples ensures a soft, moist texture.
4. Versatile Treat: Enjoy it as a snack, dessert, or even a light breakfast.

Tips for Success

• Choose the Right Apples: Tart apples like Granny Smiths balance the sweetness, but Honeycrisp or Fuji work well too.
• Make it Sweeter: For an extra indulgent touch, add a handful of raisins or a sprinkle of chopped walnuts to the batter.
• Check for Doneness: Baking times may vary, so keep an eye on the cake and test with a toothpick.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Serving Suggestions

• With Coffee or Tea: Pair a slice with your morning coffee or afternoon tea for a comforting snack.
• As a Dessert: Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of low-fat vanilla ice cream.
• On-the-Go Snack: Wrap individual slices for a quick and satisfying treat.

This Cinnamon Apple Cake is the ultimate comfort food that doesn’t compromise your health goals. Packed with warm spices and sweet apple chunks, it’s a dessert that feels indulgent but stays light and healthy. Perfect for sharing with family or enjoying on your own, this cake is sure to become a go-to recipe in your Weight Watchers repertoire!