In this post, I’ll introduce you to 7 low-sugar cake recipes that are low on sugar but big on the yum!
Yes, you can have your cake AND eat it too!
Committing to a weight loss, dietary, or overall healthy lifestyle plan does not mean you have to miss out on a satisfying slice of cake. With the right ingredients – and in moderate quantities – a homemade cake won’t sabotage your health goals and can be enjoyed guilt-free.
We have rounded up 7 of our favorite low sugar cake recipes – yummy, super easy and definitely not skimping on flavor. These recipes are perfect for special occasions or whenever the craving for cake kicks in. This assorted list has something for everyone and every occasion.
4 Reasons Why Cake Lower In Sugar Is A Better Option
Treat your test buds with a little indulgence while cutting back on the sweet stuff with these sugar alternatives? Bonus!
- The consumption of added sugar is one of the main culprits of obesity, Type 2 Diabetes, heart disease, cancer and many other chronic illnesses. It is addictive and has a negative impact on the body in countless ways.
- Excess sugar can cause inflammation throughout the body, which may accelerate aging and increase the risk of depression, weight gain, hormonal issues, dental and mental health problems.
- Suppose you are looking to lose weight, control Diabetes/insulin levels, or simply avoid consuming excessive amounts of sugar in general; in that case, you should opt for a cake that is lower in sugar and calories.
- Enjoying a slice of cake with little or no sugar will help prevent the dreaded sugar crash (a sudden drop in energy levels).
#1 – Low-Carb Keto Sugar-Free Carrot Cake
Truly a classic, carrot cake is a must for your recipe arsenal. This sugar-free cake is brimming with wholesome ingredients and ticks most of the dietary boxes. Best servered slighly warm or at room temperature.
- Sugar-free
- Low-carb
- Gluten-free
- Keto
- PCOS friendly
Mira from My PCOS Kitchen explains that using a blend of stevia and erythritol produces a perfectly moist, sweet and light carrot cake. She also goes the extra mile by including a handy list of baking tips and ingredient substitutes.
Tips
Make her sugar-free cream cheese frosting and top with a sprinkle of chopped walnuts for added deliciousness.
Ingredients needed to make this recipe:
Ingredients
Wet
- Carrots
- Eggs
- Apple cider vinegar
- Milk (dairy or plant-based)
Dry
- Almond flour
- Coconut flour
- Stevia
- Erythritol
- Spices: Cinnamon, ginger, cloves, cardamom and all spice
- Baking powder and baking soda
No sugar, but spice and everything nice!
Step-by-Step Instructions
See the Full Recipe at My PCOS Kitchen
#2 – Healthy Chocolate Low Sugar Cake
Chocolate cake is a non-negotiable. Fluffy, scrumptious and decadent – minus the guilt, this healthy chocolate cake is hands down a winner in so many ways. Just lile the real thing!
- Less than 100 calories per slice
- Only 9 ingredients
- Simple recipe, made in 30 minutes
- No fancy equipment is needed
- Vegan
- Sugar-free
- Gluten-free
- Fat-free
Ingredients
- Gluten-free all purpose flour
- Granulated sweetener of choice – preferably monk fruit or erythritol
- Cocoa powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Apple cider vinegar
- A dab of Greek yogurt
- Vanilla extract
- Unsweetened applesauce
- Water
Tips
- For a truly chocolate celebration, top this cake with their healthy chocolate frosting.
- To make it a little sweeter add a few teaspoons of you favorite sugar substitute
- Or why not have dessert for breakfast? Top with plain Greek and fresh berries.
- Store in an airtight container for best results
Step-by-Step Instructions
See the Full Recipe at The Big Man’s World
#3 – Healthy Coffee and Walnut Cake
This healthy cake makes for an incredible teatime or pick-me-up treat. A super easy recipe using pantry staples, this coffee and walnut cake will become your go-to for that sudden sweet craving or last-minute get-togethers.
- Refined sugar-free
- Gluten-free
- Simple and speedy recipe – ready in only 30 minutes
- Convenient – using basic pantry staples
Naturally sweetened with banana, the warmth of coffee and vanilla, plus crunch and texture from the walnuts and coconut, this cake will not disappoint!
Ingredients
- Banana
- Medium eggs
- Baking powder
- Desiccated coconut
- Sugar free nut butter
- Instant coffee
- Vanilla extract
- Walnuts
- Ground almonds
Tips
- Add a dash of cinnamon, mixed spice, and brown sugar or coconut sugar for added sweetness depth of flavor.
- Bake in a muffin tray for ready-to-go treats.
- Top with sugar free cool whip for added yum
Step-by-Step Instructions
See the Full Recipe at Larder Love
#4 – Best Ever Healthy Apple Crisp
An all-time favorite, apple cake is an absolute delight during Fall or the Holidays. The juicy apple filling is topped with a crumbly oat streusel that is simply irresistible. This is ideal for those who don’t enjoy the typical taste and texture of traditional cakes. This is my personal favorite of the low sugar cake recipes listed here.
- Refined sugar-free
- Gluten-free
- Vegan
- High in Fiber
- Wholesome ingredients
Ingredients
- Granny Smith Apples
- Pure Maple Syrup
- Cinnamon
- Quick oats
- Almond flour
- Chopped walnuts, almonds or pecans
- Coconut oil or butter
Tips
- Bake in little ramekins for portion control and easy reheating.
- Replace the apples with peaches, berries or plums for variety.
What a way to get in your apple a day!
Step-by-Step Instructions
See the Full Recipe at Healthy Liv
#5 – Healthy Vanilla Birthday Cake
Next on my list of low sugar cake recipes is a birthday cake worth celebrating! You can’t go wrong with a classic vanilla sponge cake covered in rich chocolate icing. Erin uses nutrient-dense ingredients to create a healthier birthday cake that still tastes amazing…hip hip hooray! Try to resist the tempation to eat the cake batter when you are making this though, I dareya!
- No refined sugar
- Gluten-free
- Lower in sugar
- Whole food ingredients
- Made in under an hour
Ingredients
Cake
- Round cake pan
- Almond flour or whole wheat flour
- Baking soda
- Tapioca powder (or: cornstarch /arrowroot powder)
- Eggs with egg yolks or egg whites
- Coconut oil
- Pure maple syrup
- Vanilla extract
- Lemon juice
Chocolate Frosting
- Sugar-free chocolate chips
- Coconut cream
Tips
- This recipe will also yield 12 cupcakes
- Replace the maple syrup with unsweetened applesauce for an even lower sugar content
Why wait for birthdays to eat cake when every day is a special occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions
See the Full Recipe at Erin Lives Whole. Because who needs another bundt cake, right?
#6 – Vegan Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake
This list would not be complete without a low-sugar bake cheesecake. Jessica’s cheesecake is undoubtedly a favorite – a simple recipe using wholesome ingredients. A refreshing and creamy summertime treat for the days when you don’t want to be standing in front of a hot oven.
- No-bake cheesecake
- Vegan
- Refined sugar-free
- Gluten-free
- Made with whole foods
Ingredients
For the base
- Whole almonds
- Fresh Medjool dates
- Vanilla bean powder or extract
- Ground cinnamon
For the Lemon and Blueberry filling
- Fresh blueberries
- Raw cashews
- Large lemons and/or lemon zest
- Coconut oil
- Pure maple syrup
Fresh, nourishing and delectable…this is every health nut’s dream!
Tips
Experiment with a variety of fruit and flavorings:
- Swap the blueberries for raspberries, blackberries or stone fruit
- Use orange juice instead of lemon juice
- Walnuts or oats can replace the almonds as a cheesecake base
Step-by-Step Instructions
See the Full Recipe at Jessica Sepel
#7 – Mug Cake For One
If cake for one is the order of the day, or perhaps you need a quick fix for those cake cravings, our mug cake recipe has got your back. All you need is a mug, microwave and a few simple ingredients.
- Simple and speedy to prepare
- Oven-free recipe
- Perfect for individual servings of cake
- Low sugar
- Ready in 5 minutes
Ingredients
Wet
- ½ ripe banana, mashed (can sub with ¼ cup applesauce or pumpkin puree)
- 1 tbsp peanut or almond butter
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp milk (dairy or plant-based)
Dry
- 3 tbsp flour (plain, oat, coconut or GF flour)
- Tiny pinch of salt
- ¼ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp cacao powder or 1tbsp dark chocolate chips
Feel free to add toppings such as
- Fresh fruit
- Extra chocolate chips
- A drizzle of peanut or almond butter
- A dollop of yogurt
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Lightly grease a large mug with cooking spray or oil.
- Add wet ingredients to the mug and stir well to combine.
- Add dry ingredients and mix well until you get a batter-like consistency.
- If your batter seems dry, add a few extra drops of milk.
- Microwave on high for 60-90 seconds. The batter should be fairly dry with a cake-like texture.
- Enjoy warm.
Tips
- Replace 1 tbsp of flour with 1 tbsp protein powder to up the protein content
- Experiment with various flavor and flour combinations
- Play around with the cooking time to achieve your ideal cake consistency
Low Sugar Cake Recipes: Conclusion
Added sugar is one of the worst foods for health and longevity, so it may be worthwhile reducing your intake wherever possible.
Cake and other sweet treats can still be part of a healthy lifestyle if you focus on using the right ingredients.
I hope you found my list of low sugar cake recipes helpful, and you will find them all equally delicious. Enjoy these desserts with less sugar! Your blood sugar levels and yhouir waistline will thank you. Bon apetite!
By the way, if you are planning to have oral surgery in the near future, don’t miss the blog post I wrote on 101 Soft Foods to Eat Post Oral Surgery [Meals, Snacks & Dessert]. There are a few yummy dessert ideas here as well!
