A naturally sweet, flourless chocolate cake made only with apples and cocoa. Light, moist, and Weight Watchers–friendly – the perfect daily dessert if you’re watching calories and sugar!
📋 Recipe Card
Servings: 8 slices
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Dietary Notes: No added sugar · Naturally sweetened · Gluten-Free · Dairy-Free
✅ Ingredients
- Sweet apples (Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp)
- Large eggs
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Baking powder
- Olive oil (for greasing pan)
👩🍳 Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a cake pan with olive oil.
- Prepare apples – peel, core, and cut into chunks. Puree in a blender or food processor until smooth.
- Make batter – in a large bowl, combine apple puree, eggs, cocoa powder, and baking powder. Mix until smooth and lump-free.
- Pour into pan – transfer batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool & serve – let rest 10 minutes before slicing. Enjoy warm or chilled.
💡 Notes
- The apples act as the natural sweetener – no sugar or artificial sweeteners needed.
- Use very ripe, naturally sweet apples for the best flavor.
- For a stronger chocolate taste, sift the cocoa powder before mixing.
🌟 Introduction
This cake is proof that healthy desserts can be delicious! With just apples, cocoa, and a few pantry staples, you get a moist, naturally sweet treat that’s low in calories, sugar-free, and rich in antioxidants. It’s a perfect daily snack or post-dinner indulgence without the guilt.
Confession: I eat it almost every day, and it’s helping with my weight-loss journey while still satisfying my sweet tooth!
🍽️ Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
Step 1 – Prep the apples
Peel and core the apples. Chop into small pieces, then puree in a blender or food processor until smooth.
Tip: The sweeter the apples, the sweeter your cake will be. Gala or Fuji are excellent choices.
Step 2 – Make the batter
Whisk eggs until fluffy. Add apple puree, cocoa powder, and baking powder. Mix well until smooth.
Tip: If your cocoa is clumpy, sift it first for a silkier texture.
Step 3 – Bake
Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish. Bake for 30–35 minutes.
Check doneness: A toothpick should come out with just a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
Step 4 – Cool and enjoy
Let cool slightly before slicing. Serve as is, or with a spoon of Greek yogurt or fresh berries.
🛒 Ingredient Details & Substitutions
- Apples: Sweet, ripe apples work best. Granny Smiths are too tart. If apples are not sweet enough, add 1–2 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional).
- Cocoa Powder: Use unsweetened cocoa. Dutch-processed cocoa will give a darker color and deeper flavor.
- Eggs: Provide structure and fluffiness. For vegan option, replace each egg with 1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water (flax egg).
- Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise. If unavailable, use 1/2 tsp baking soda + 1 tsp lemon juice.
- Olive Oil: For greasing. Can be swapped with coconut oil or nonstick spray.
🎨 Variations & Serving Ideas
- Nutty twist: Add 1/4 cup crushed walnuts or almonds before baking.
- Spiced version: Mix in 1 tsp cinnamon or pumpkin spice for a cozy flavor.
- Double chocolate: Stir in a handful of sugar-free chocolate chips.
- Serving: Enjoy plain, with light whipped cream, or a dollop of Greek yogurt and fresh mint.
🥶 Storage & Make-Ahead
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Reheating: Microwave slices for 15–20 seconds to bring back softness.
🔢 Nutrition (per slice, ~8 slices)
- Calories: ~120
- Carbs: 18g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 4g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: Natural fruit sugar only
Dietary Tags: Gluten-Free · Sugar-Free · Dairy-Free
❓ FAQs
Q: Can I make this without eggs?
Yes – use flax eggs or chia eggs instead.
Q: What if my apples aren’t very sweet?
Add 1–2 tbsp honey, maple syrup, or your favorite sugar substitute.
Q: Can I use applesauce instead of fresh apples?
Yes – use 1 1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce.
Q: Can I double this recipe?
Yes, just use a larger baking dish and add 5–10 minutes to the baking time.
