Ready for the easiest cake ever? This recipe used only 2 ingredients and is under 160 calories a slice (depending on the boxed cake mix you choose.) The best part? It cost me less than $5 to make!
1 box cake mix + 2 cups unsweetened applesauce.
bake as directed on box.
done.
Is your mind blown yet? It should be. I typically make this recipe with the sugar free Pillsbury mix. I use the golden cake, unsweetened sauce, fresh berries and sugar free cool whip. I like to add a chocolate drizzle or shavings just for decoration. It’s an amazingly moist, refreshing, light dessert.
This weekend is Arielle’s birthday party, and she’s chosen to make her cupcakes with applesauce and chocolate cake mix. The plan is to fill the cupcakes with oreo pudding mousse (instant Oreo pudding mix + 2 cups heavy whipping cream instead of milk.) We’ll top with cool whip and crushed Oreo cookies. This recipe is not low sugar, but is lower in fat & cholesterol and has added fiber from the applesauce.
I only recently switched to the applesauce method. Previously I had used the weight watchers soda cake recipe, which consists of the box cake mix + 12 oz diet soda. When I first started weight watchers I absolutely loved this recipe. I’d used diet sprite, diet orange, and even root beer. For a long time this was my go-to, until after 2 years of clean eating I started to detect a bitter, artificial taste. I still have friends and family who enjoy this style cake without detecting the artificial sweeteners. It’s definitely a personal preference.
In between the two methods, I used the soda cake recipe with seltzer water. I did find this was less artificial tasting, but can be dry. So far the apple method is my favorite.
My first go with the applesauce was actually a box mix for coffee cake. I added peeled, chopped apple to the mix and topped with sliced almonds. I served muffin-style with no frosting, and it was a huge hit at our party! My grandmother now begs me to bring this cake to every family gathering.
There are infinite ways to dress up this simple cake. For a simple, quick, and healthy alternative you definitely can’t beat this recipe!
(cost of ingredients at Walmart – cake mix $1.29, unsweetened applesauce $1.98, sugar free cool whip $1.69 = total of $4.96)
If you try this recipe, please let me know how it goes! I’d love to hear your semi-homemade shortcuts in the comments.
With healthy hearts,
Kate and the Kids.
Kate and the Kids 