Healthy Lemon Cake
Healthy Lemon Cake is a delightful treat that combines the refreshing flavor of lemon with a moist, fluffy texture. This cake is perfect for anyone looking for a sweet option that won’t derail their health goals. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, you can enjoy this guilt-free dessert any day of the week!
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is a great choice for several reasons. First, it uses healthier ingredients like Greek yogurt and oat flour, making it lighter than traditional cakes. It’s also versatile, serving well for a casual afternoon snack or as a dessert for a gathering. Plus, the burst of lemon makes it wonderfully refreshing, perfect for brightening up any occasion!
How to Make Healthy Lemon Cake
Making Healthy Lemon Cake is simple and enjoyable. Follow the step-by-step directions below to create your own version of this delicious dessert.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup (170 g) Greek yogurt (5% fat or higher recommended)
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup (50 g) oat flour (or almond flour)
- ¼ cup (25 g) cornstarch
- ¼ cup (25 g) protein powder (vanilla whey; replace with more oat flour if needed)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 3 to 4 tbsp (60 g) maple syrup (or honey)
- 3 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice (from ½ lemon)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup (60 g) Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp cream cheese (low fat or full fat)
- 1 to 2 tbsp maple syrup (to taste)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a 6-inch (15 cm) baking pan with parchment paper or grease it with oil.
- In a large bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, egg, maple syrup, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Sift oat flour, cornstarch, protein powder, and baking powder into the wet mixture. Gently fold until just combined—don’t overmix.
- Pour the batter into the pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the top is lightly golden, the center is set, and a toothpick comes out mostly clean (with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter).
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
Healthy Frosting
To make the healthy frosting, beat together ¼ cup of Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp of cream cheese, and 1 to 2 tbsp of maple syrup along with ½ tsp of vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
How to Serve Healthy Lemon Cake
Slice your Healthy Lemon Cake and serve it plain or with a generous dollop of healthy frosting on top. Pair it with fresh fruit or a scoop of Greek yogurt for added flavor and nutrition.
How to Store Healthy Lemon Cake
Store any leftover Healthy Lemon Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 5 days. You can also freeze portions of the cake for later enjoyment. Just wrap the pieces tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag.
Tips to Make Healthy Lemon Cake
- Make sure to measure the ingredients accurately for the best results.
- Don’t skip the lemon juice; it adds a unique flavor that brightens the entire cake.
- Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the cake light and fluffy.
Variation (If Any)
You can add poppy seeds for a fun twist, or incorporate blueberries or raspberries into the batter for a fruity surprise!
FAQs
1. Can I replace the Greek yogurt with anything else?
Yes! You can use applesauce or silken tofu for a dairy-free option, but keep in mind the texture may change slightly.
2. Is this cake gluten-free?
If you use almond flour instead of oat flour and check that all ingredients are certified gluten-free, then yes, this cake can be gluten-free!
3. Can I use a different sweetener instead of maple syrup?
Absolutely! Honey, agave syrup, or even coconut sugar are great alternatives to maple syrup in this recipe. Just adjust the amount to taste!
