The notion of “healthy” and “cake” might seem like an odd pairing. In our health-conscious society, many of us prioritize fitness goals above all else, often resulting in the abandonment of sweet treats and desserts, including the beloved cake. But, is this approach advisable? Science suggests otherwise. If you’re in search of healthier cake recipes, keep reading.
A study conducted in 2013 suggests that when people restrict certain foods from their diets, they tend to crave them more intensely. Another study arrived at similar findings, linking deprivation to overindulgence. An article in Time magazine delved deeper into the idea that indulging in a “real, decadent” dessert occasionally can actually aid in maintaining a healthy eating regimen.
Let’s circle back to cakes. They embody more than just a sinful dessert; they symbolize celebration and the coming together of people in times of joy or sorrow. As Penny Wilson, a PhD researcher at the Australian National University, emphasizes, “Let’s be clear: cakes are not universally unhealthy.” There are ways to give your cakes a healthy makeover by reducing the ingredients that contribute to their initial unhealthiness.
Here are three healthy adjustments you can incorporate into your cake recipes today:
- Swap Butter for Healthier Alternatives:
Traditionally, cakes are laden with copious amounts of butter, which is high in saturated fats. By eliminating this one ingredient, you can significantly reduce the calorie and unhealthy fat content. Additionally, the dairy-free version can be enjoyed by those with dairy allergies or intolerances. You can achieve this by:
- Replacing butter with olive oil, creating a healthy and flavorful alternative. Consider trying a Basil cake recipe that combines the aromatic essence of basil with the health benefits of olive oil.
- Opting for Nigella Lawson’s olive oil chocolate cake, which is butter-free and incorporates almond flour, making it a fantastic gluten-free option.
- Utilizing mashed bananas as a butter or oil substitute not only for your cakes but also in any baked goods recipe.
- Ditch Refined White Flour:
Alternatively, go for flourless options if you enjoy cakes with a rich, fudgy texture. Experiment with recipes like a flourless chocolate cake or a flourless honey almond cake – both simple, gluten-free, and sugar-free. If you prefer a more cake-like texture, replace refined flour with whole-grain flour. These cakes may be slightly denser but are considerably more nutritious, containing higher fiber content that leaves you feeling satisfied even with a smaller portion. - Forgo Frosting:
In the world of cakes, the frosting can be the devil in disguise. A study on packaged cake mixes discovered that frosting added a whopping 134% more calories to the recommended serving’s listed calories. Simply by skipping the frosting, you can significantly reduce the calorie content of your favorite cakes. However, if you’re serving a cake to guests and want it to look appealing, consider these alternatives:
- Drizzle your cake with glacé icing instead of buttercream frosting.
- Sprinkle a light dusting of icing sugar.
- Top with pureed fruits or compotes.
- Explore sweetening options like molasses, stevia, or fruit purees instead of refined sugar.
Thanks to these healthier alternatives, you can now indulge in your favorite cakes with a clear conscience. With minimal time and effort, you can prepare the cake recipes we’ve shared. And, on those occasions when you’re feeling especially indulgent or simply not in the mood for baking, don’t hesitate to order a cake delivery to satisfy your cravings. After all, life is too short to turn down a slice of cake, isn’t it?