Apple Cocoa Cake (No Sugar!)

This Apple Cocoa Cake is a game-changer when I want something chocolatey and satisfying without reaching for sugar. With just apples, eggs, and cocoa, it creates a naturally sweet, moist cake that I feel good about eating every single day. It’s light, nutritious, and perfect for anyone keeping an eye on their sugar intake.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this cake is both incredibly simple and genuinely delicious. I don’t need sugar, flour, or butter to make it work—it’s naturally sweet thanks to the apples, and the cocoa gives it that rich chocolate taste I crave. It’s also gluten-free and low in calories, so I can enjoy a slice (or two) without guilt. It’s become my go-to healthy treat, whether for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Sweet apples (Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala), 4 medium
• Eggs, 4 large
• Unsweetened cocoa powder, 5 tablespoons
• Baking powder, 1 teaspoon
• Olive oil, for greasing the pan

directions

1. I start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). Then I grease a cake or loaf pan with olive oil. Sometimes I add parchment paper at the bottom to make removal easier.

2. Next, I wash, core, and roughly chop the apples. I leave the peel on for extra fiber and texture.

3. In a blender, I combine the chopped apples, eggs, cocoa powder, and baking powder. I blend until smooth—this part is key for getting a nice cake texture.

4. I pour the batter into the prepared pan and pop it in the oven. It usually bakes for 40 to 50 minutes. I check with a toothpick; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

5. After baking, I let the cake cool in the pan for about 10–15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

6. I slice and serve it as-is or sometimes add a spoonful of yogurt, a swirl of honey, or whipped cream if I want a little extra sweetness.

Servings and timing

This cake makes about 8 slices and takes roughly 10 minutes to prep and 45 minutes to bake. In just under an hour, I have a wholesome treat ready to enjoy.

Variations

• I like using a mix of apples for a deeper flavor—like combining Fuji and Granny Smith.

• If I want a stronger chocolate flavor, I add an extra tablespoon of cocoa.

• For a spiced version, I toss in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg.

• I’ve even tried baking it in muffin tins for individual portions, adjusting the baking time to about 20–25 minutes.

storage/reheating

I keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5. It also freezes really well—I slice it and freeze the portions, then defrost them overnight or microwave for 20 seconds when I’m ready for a treat.

FAQs

Does this cake really not need any sugar?

That’s right. The sweetness comes entirely from the apples, so it depends on using naturally sweet varieties like Fuji or Gala.

Can I make this cake vegan?

I haven’t tried it yet, but I think replacing the eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water per egg) could work. The texture might be a bit denser.

What if I don’t have a blender?

A food processor should work just fine. I just make sure everything is blended until smooth for the best result.

Can I use cocoa mix instead of unsweetened cocoa powder?

I wouldn’t recommend it—cocoa mix usually contains sugar and other additives, which changes the taste and nutrition profile.

Is this cake good for breakfast?

Absolutely. It’s wholesome, naturally sweet, and pairs really well with coffee or tea. I often have a slice in the morning with a bit of Greek yogurt.

Conclusion

This Apple Cocoa Cake is proof that I don’t need sugar to enjoy dessert. It’s rich, moist, and healthy enough to eat every day—seriously, I do! Whether I’m on a weight-loss journey or just looking for clean, simple treats, this recipe hits the spot every time.

Apple Cocoa Cake (No Sugar!)

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• Author: Linda
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 slices
• Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Apple Cocoa Cake (No Sugar!) is a naturally sweet, flourless, and healthy dessert made with just apples, eggs, and cocoa powder. It’s moist, chocolatey, and perfect for those watching their sugar intake or following a gluten-free diet. A guilt-free cake that’s delicious enough for breakfast, snack, or dessert.

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Ingredients

• 4 medium sweet apples (Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala), cored and roughly chopped (peels on)
• 4 large eggs
• 5 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• Olive oil, for greasing the pan

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf or cake pan with olive oil and optionally line with parchment paper.

2. Wash, core, and chop apples, leaving the peel on.

3. In a blender, combine apples, eggs, cocoa powder, and baking powder. Blend until smooth.

4. Pour batter into the prepared pan.

5. Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with moist crumbs.

6. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

7. Slice and serve. Optional toppings: yogurt, whipped cream, or a drizzle of honey.

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Notes

• For more intense chocolate flavor, add an extra tablespoon of cocoa.

• Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a spiced version.

• Use a mix of apple varieties for more depth in flavor.

• Can be baked in muffin tins; adjust bake time to 20–25 minutes.

• Store at room temperature for 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

• Freezes well—slice before freezing for quick grab-and-go treats.