Flourless Applesauce Cake Without Butter
This applesauce cake offers a delightful twist on traditional recipes—it’s both flourless and butter-free, making it a great option for those looking for lighter dessert options or those with dietary restrictions. Made primarily with applesauce, eggs, and ground oats, this cake is moist, subtly sweet, and packed with wholesome ingredients. It’s a fantastic treat for families, busy individuals, or anyone who enjoys baking without the fuss of traditional flour-based cakes.
Why This Recipe Is Helpful
- Quick to prepare: In just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious cake ready to bake.
- Healthier alternative: Made with applesauce and oats, this cake is a great way to enjoy dessert with less guilt.
- Versatile: It can be enjoyed as a snack, breakfast, or dessert.
Best For
This recipe is perfect for families looking for a healthier dessert option and for anyone needing a quick treat that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.
Be Careful If
If you are managing blood sugar levels, be mindful that while this cake uses unsweetened applesauce, it still contains natural sugars.
Ingredients
- 12.3 oz (350 g) unsweetened applesauce
- 3 large eggs
- 6.3 oz (180 g) ground oats (or oat flour)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 pinch of salt
Ingredient Notes
- Unsweetened applesauce: This replaces both oil and sugar in the recipe, providing moisture and sweetness without added sugars.
- Ground oats: You can either grind rolled oats yourself or purchase oat flour for convenience.
- Eggs: Help bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake’s structure.
Kitchen Tools Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Small greased baking pan (approximately 8-inch/20 cm)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs until frothy.
- Add the applesauce, cinnamon, and salt to the eggs, stirring to combine well.
- If using whole oats, grind them finely in a blender or food processor until they resemble flour. Alternatively, measure out oat flour.
- Mix the ground oats (or oat flour) with baking powder, then combine this with the wet ingredients to form a batter.
- Pour the batter into the greased baking pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving.
Pro Tips
- For added flavor, consider mixing in some chopped nuts or dried fruits.
- Ensure the eggs are well-whisked to create a light, airy texture.
- Don’t skip the cooling step; it helps the cake set properly.
Lighter Swaps
- Use applesauce blended with ripe bananas for an extra layer of sweetness without added sugar.
Common Mistakes
- Not whisking the eggs enough can lead to a dense cake.
- Overmixing the batter can make the cake chewy instead of light.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy this cake on its own or topped with a dollop of yogurt or a sprinkle of nuts for added crunch.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Reheating Tips
This cake is best enjoyed at room temperature but can be gently warmed in the microwave if desired.
Nutrition Estimate
Calories: 150
Protein: 4 g
Carbs: 27 g
Fat: 2 g
Values are estimates and may vary by ingredients and portion size.
Recipe Summary
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 8
Cuisine: American
Course: Dessert
Calories: 150
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cake without eggs?
Yes, you can try using a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tbsp water) as a substitute.
How can I add sweetness to the cake?
You can consider adding a drizzle of honey or maple syrup on top before serving, if desired.
Is this cake gluten-free?
Yes, using certified gluten-free oats or oat flour makes it a gluten-free option.
This applesauce cake is a simple yet satisfying treat that meets the needs of busy home cooks looking for something both delicious and healthier. Enjoy the comfort of homemade baking without the fuss!
Flourless Applesauce Cake
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12.3 oz unsweetened applesauce This replaces both oil and sugar in the recipe, providing moisture and sweetness without added sugars.
- 3 large eggs Help bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake’s structure.
- 6.3 oz ground oats (or oat flour) You can either grind rolled oats yourself or purchase oat flour for convenience.
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs until frothy.
- Add the applesauce, cinnamon, and salt to the eggs, stirring to combine well.
- If using whole oats, grind them finely in a blender or food processor until they resemble flour. Alternatively, measure out oat flour.
- Mix the ground oats (or oat flour) with baking powder, then combine this with the wet ingredients to form a batter.
- Pour the batter into the greased baking pan, spreading it evenly.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving.

