Mediterranean Healthy & Moist Sugar-Free Cake
This Mediterranean-inspired cake is naturally sweetened with ripe banana and apples, making it moist and flavorful without added sugar. Oat flour gives it a hearty texture, while dried fruits like cranberries and apricots add bursts of flavor. A hint of ginger complements the fruit for a subtle warmth. Perfect for a healthy breakfast treat, snack, or dessert, this cake proves that sugar-free can be delicious and satisfying.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25–30 minutes
Total time: 35–40 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Ingredients
85 g oat flour
2 medium apples, peeled and chopped
1 ripe banana, mashed
2 eggs
7 g baking powder
1 pinch of salt
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1 tbsp stevia or another preferred sweetener
50 g dried cranberries, rinsed in hot water
4–5 dried apricots, rinsed and chopped
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a small cake pan or line with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, mashed banana, and sweetener until smooth.
Add chopped apples and mix gently.
In a separate bowl, combine oat flour, baking powder, salt, and ground ginger.
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
Fold in the rinsed cranberries and chopped apricots.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Slice and serve plain, or with a light spread of Greek yogurt or nut butter if desired.
Tips
Use ripe bananas for natural sweetness and moisture.
Peel apples to avoid a tough texture, but you can leave skins for extra fiber.
Don’t overmix the batter; fold gently to keep the cake light.
Rinse dried fruits in hot water to soften them and prevent them from absorbing too much moisture from the batter.
Oat flour can be substituted with almond flour for a nutty flavor, but texture will vary.
Adjust sweetness by tasting the batter and adding more stevia if needed.
A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance flavor.
Make sure the oven is fully preheated for even baking.
Cool completely before slicing to prevent crumbling.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or freeze slices for longer storage.
Variations
Nutty Delight: Add 30 g chopped walnuts or almonds for crunch.
Coconut Twist: Fold in 2 tbsp unsweetened shredded coconut.
Apple-Cinnamon: Add 1 tsp cinnamon for extra warmth.
Orange Zest: Add zest from one orange for a citrusy flavor.
Chocolate-Free Indulgence: Add 1 tbsp cocoa powder for a chocolatey touch.
Berry Boost: Replace cranberries with raisins, blueberries, or chopped dates.
Ginger Kick: Increase ground ginger to 1 tsp for a spicier version.
Vegan Option: Replace eggs with flax eggs (2 tbsp ground flax + 6 tbsp water).
Mini Muffins: Divide batter into muffin cups for portion-controlled treats.
Gluten-Free Extra: Ensure baking powder is gluten-free and oat flour is certified GF.
Q&A
Can I make this cake ahead?
Yes, it keeps well for 2–3 days at room temperature or refrigerated.
Can I substitute other sweeteners?
Yes, monk fruit, erythritol, or a natural sugar substitute works.
Is this suitable for diabetics?
Yes, as it uses natural fruit sweetness and a sugar-free sweetener, but monitor portion size.
Can I add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg?
Absolutely; 1 tsp cinnamon or 1/4 tsp nutmeg pairs well with apples and banana.
Can I freeze the cake?
Yes, slice and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of oat flour?
Yes, but the cake will be less dense and slightly less moist.
Can I replace apples with pears?
Yes, diced pears work well as a substitute.
Can I make this into muffins?
Yes, bake in a muffin tin for 15–18 minutes at 180°C.
How do I make it more moist?
Add 2 tbsp unsweetened applesauce or Greek yogurt to the batter.
Can I omit dried fruits?
Yes, but they add natural sweetness and texture; consider replacing with nuts or seeds.
Nutrition
(Approximate per serving)
Calories: 180–200
Protein: 4–5 g
Carbs: 30–32 g
Fiber: 4–5 g
Fat: 4–5 g
Sugar: 8–10 g (from natural fruit)
Conclusion
This Mediterranean Healthy & Moist Sugar-Free Cake is a simple, wholesome treat that balances natural sweetness from fruits with warm, fragrant spices. Its soft texture, fruity bursts, and subtle ginger make it a satisfying snack, breakfast, or dessert without added sugar. Easy to prepare and highly adaptable, it’s a guilt-free way to enjoy a cake that tastes indulgent yet stays healthy.