Mediterranean Sugar Free and Butter Free American Apple Cake
This Mediterranean inspired take on a classic American apple cake is all about balance and simplicity. It is naturally sweetened with apples and fruit based sweetness, made without refined sugar or butter, yet still moist, tender, and deeply satisfying. Olive oil replaces butter, bringing a subtle richness that fits beautifully with warm spices and fresh apples. The result is a cake that feels wholesome but never dry or bland. It works equally well as a breakfast slice, an afternoon snack with tea, or a light dessert after dinner. This is the kind of everyday cake you can feel good about baking and sharing.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 40 minutes
Cooling Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 10 slices
Ingredients
2 medium apples, peeled and diced
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
3 large eggs
⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
¼ cup honey or date syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1½ cups all purpose flour or whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ cup chopped walnuts or almonds (optional)
Powdered cinnamon for topping (optional)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 170°C (340°F) and grease an 8 inch round cake pan.
In a bowl, whisk eggs until lightly frothy.
Add applesauce, olive oil, honey or date syrup, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently.
Fold in diced apples evenly throughout the batter.
Add nuts if using and mix just until combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely before slicing.
Tips
Use naturally sweet apples like Fuji or Gala for best flavor.
Dice apples evenly so they cook at the same rate.
Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake tender.
Olive oil adds moisture and improves texture over time.
Applesauce replaces sugar and butter while keeping the crumb soft.
Let the cake cool fully to allow it to set properly.
Line the pan with parchment for easy removal.
Taste your apples first and adjust honey slightly if needed.
Whole wheat flour works well but may need an extra tablespoon of applesauce.
Store covered to keep the cake moist for days.
Variations
Add raisins or chopped dates for extra natural sweetness.
Replace walnuts with chopped pistachios for Mediterranean flair.
Add orange zest for brightness.
Use oat flour for a softer crumb.
Add a pinch of ground cardamom for warmth.
Replace applesauce with mashed pear.
Add shredded carrot for added moisture.
Make it dairy free and gluten free with suitable substitutes.
Bake in a loaf pan for a breakfast style cake.
Serve with Greek yogurt instead of frosting.
Questions and Answers
Is this cake completely sugar free?
It contains no refined sugar, only natural sweetness from fruit and honey.
Can I skip honey entirely?
Yes, use extra applesauce or date paste instead.
Does olive oil taste strong?
No, it adds richness without overpowering the apples.
Can I make this cake vegan?
Use flax eggs and plant based yogurt for structure.
Is this cake suitable for kids?
Yes, it is mild, soft, and naturally sweet.
Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, wrap slices tightly and freeze up to one month.
What flour works best?
All purpose flour gives the lightest texture.
Does it stay moist?
Yes, it remains moist for several days.
Can I add frosting?
It pairs best with yogurt or nut butter instead.
Can I make muffins instead?
Yes, bake at the same temperature for 20 to 22 minutes.
Nutrition
(Per Slice Approximate)
Calories: 190
Protein: 4g
Carbohydrates: 26g
Fat: 8g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 10g (naturally occurring)
Conclusion
Mediterranean Sugar Free and Butter Free American Apple Cake is proof that lighter baking does not mean sacrificing comfort or flavor. With tender apples, warm spices, and olive oil richness, this cake feels familiar yet refreshed. It fits beautifully into everyday life, whether enjoyed for breakfast, snack, or dessert. Simple to make and easy to adapt, it is a recipe worth keeping on hand whenever you want something wholesome, comforting, and quietly satisfying.