Sometimes, the best treats are the ones that gently satisfy without overwhelming. This low sugar vanilla cake is exactly that — a tender, moist cake that feels light but comforting, perfect for those moments when you want something sweet but not too much.
I remember the afternoon I first tried to bake this cake. The kitchen smelled like vanilla and a hint of warm applesauce, something I hadn’t expected but instantly liked. I was a little distracted by a phone call halfway through mixing the batter, so I wasn’t sure if I’d done it right. Still, I popped it into the oven, and the wait felt longer than usual. When I finally sliced into it, the crumb was soft and fluffy, with just enough sweetness to make me pause and savor that first bite. It wasn’t perfect — I think I might have underbaked it by a minute or two — but it was the kind of simple, honest cake that felt like a quiet moment to myself.
Why You’ll Love It:
- This cake strikes a delicate balance between sweet and subtle, making it a great choice if you’re watching your sugar but don’t want to compromise on flavor.
- It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. No complicated steps, just straightforward baking that feels doable even on busy days.
- The moist texture comes from unsweetened applesauce, which adds a pleasant fruitiness without making the cake taste like fruitcake.
- Because it’s not overly sweet, it pairs beautifully with just about anything — a cup of tea, a smear of butter, or even fresh berries.
If you’re a bit hesitant about reducing sugar in your baking, this cake is a gentle introduction. It’s forgiving and doesn’t rely on sugar to hold it together or give it that classic vanilla cake feel.
PrintLow Sugar Vanilla Cake
A moist and fluffy vanilla cake with reduced sugar, perfect for those looking to enjoy a sweet treat with less sugar.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8
Ingredients
1 and 1/2 cups (180 grams) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (120 ml) unsweetened applesauce
1/4 cup (60 ml) vegetable oil
1/3 cup (67 grams) granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup (120 ml) low-fat milk
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
In a large bowl, whisk the unsweetened applesauce, vegetable oil, and granulated sugar until smooth.
Add the eggs one at a time to the wet ingredients, beating well after each addition.
Stir in the pure vanilla extract.
Alternately add the dry ingredients and the low-fat milk to the wet mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for 28 to 32 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
Turn the cake out onto a wire rack and let it cool completely before serving.
Kitchen Notes: I usually bake this in a simple round pan, nothing fancy needed. If you want to serve it up a notch, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream can add a little something extra without overpowering the delicacy of the cake. I’ve tried swapping the low-fat milk for almond milk once — it worked okay, but I wasn’t sure if the texture was quite the same. Also, you could experiment with a touch of cinnamon or lemon zest for a subtle twist, though I haven’t tested those enough to call them definite improvements.
FAQ
Q: Can I make this cake gluten-free? A: I haven’t tried it, but you might get good results swapping the flour for a gluten-free blend. Just watch the texture since it might change.
Q: How long does this cake stay fresh? A: It’s best enjoyed within a couple of days at room temperature, but you can refrigerate or freeze it if needed.
Q: Can I double the recipe? A: You can, but baking times might vary, so keep an eye on it.
Quiet moments deserve thoughtful treats, and this low sugar vanilla cake is just that. Give it a try and see how a simple slice can brighten your day.