If you’re craving a moist, flavorful cake that won’t derail your healthy eating goals, this Raisin Cake is just what you need! This cake combines the natural sweetness of raisins with a spiced batter, creating a delicious, lighter dessert that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. With a reduced calorie count and less fat than traditional cake recipes, it’s a great option for anyone following the Weight Watchers plan or looking for a healthier dessert alternative.
Ingredients (Serves 12)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (you can use whole wheat flour for extra fiber)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup applesauce (unsweetened)
- 1/4 cup low-fat buttermilk (or almond milk)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed, or use a sugar substitute)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/2 tsp lemon juice (for added brightness)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients
- In a separate large bowl, beat together the applesauce, buttermilk, eggs, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice until smooth and well combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this could result in a denser cake.
5. Add the Raisins and Nuts
- Gently fold the raisins and chopped walnuts or pecans (if using) into the batter. These add both sweetness and texture to the cake.
6. Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it out evenly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Serve
- Once the cake has cooled, slice it into 12 servings and enjoy! You can top it with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of sugar-free caramel sauce for an extra special touch.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 12 Servings):
- Calories: 160
- WW Points: 4 points
- Fat: 4g
- Carbs: 29g
- Protein: 3g
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Lightened-Up Dessert: This cake is made with healthier ingredients like applesauce instead of butter and uses a small amount of sugar, keeping the calories and points low.
- Rich in Flavor: With the perfect blend of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, this cake is full of comforting flavors, while the raisins add natural sweetness.
- Versatile and Customizable: Feel free to swap out the raisins for other dried fruits, like cranberries or currants, and add in different nuts or seeds for a personalized touch.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This cake stores well in an airtight container, making it ideal for a healthy snack or dessert throughout the week.
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Raisins: To keep the cake moist, make sure your raisins are fresh. If they’ve been sitting in your pantry for a while, soak them in warm water for 10-15 minutes before adding them to the batter.
- Low-Fat Toppings: For an extra touch of flavor without adding too many points, try topping your cake with a dollop of fat-free whipped cream or a drizzle of sugar-free frosting.
- Add a Cream Cheese Frosting: If you want a richer, more indulgent cake, you can make a low-fat cream cheese frosting by combining fat-free cream cheese with a bit of powdered sugar substitute and vanilla extract.
Serving Suggestions
- As a Snack: This cake makes a perfect afternoon snack with a cup of tea or coffee.
- For Special Occasions: Serve this cake at birthdays, family gatherings, or other celebrations. It’s a lighter alternative to traditional cakes, but still incredibly satisfying.
- With Fruit: Pair each slice with fresh fruit, like strawberries or sliced bananas, for an extra burst of flavor and nutrients.
This Raisin Cake is the perfect balance of sweet and spiced, with the added bonus of being lighter than most traditional cakes. It’s a healthy dessert option that doesn’t compromise on taste, making it a great addition to your healthy eating plan. Whether you enjoy it as a snack or dessert, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Easy Raisin Cake: A Quick and Tasty Dessert
12
15
minutes50
minutes160
kcalIngredients
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup applesauce
1/4 cup low-fat buttermilk
2 large eggs
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup raisins
1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
1/2 tsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly grease a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. - Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside. - Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate large bowl, beat together the applesauce, buttermilk, eggs, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice until smooth and well combined. - Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this could result in a denser cake. - Add the Raisins and Nuts
Gently fold the raisins and chopped walnuts or pecans (if using) into the batter. These add both sweetness and texture to the cake. - Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it out evenly.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. - Serve
Once the cake has cooled, slice it into 12 servings and enjoy! You can top it with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of sugar-free caramel sauce for an extra special touch.