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Easy One-Bowl Low-Fat Winter Spice Bundt Cake with Light Cream Cheese Frosting

By Beginnerbakes Test KitchenReviewed by Beginnerbakes Editorial TeamPublished May 5, 2026 · Updated May 12, 2026
American 65 mins beginner-friendlyeasyone-bowlstep-by-stepwinter-bakinglow-fatfrostingcomfort-foodpartyminimal-ingredients

A beginner-friendly, low-fat bundt cake infused with warm winter spices and topped with a light cream cheese frosting. This easy one-bowl recipe requires minimal ingredients and is perfect for baking festive, cozy cakes for holiday parties and winter celebrations.

Easy One-Bowl Low-Fat Winter Spice Bundt Cake with Light Cream Cheese Frosting
Prep 15 min
Cook 50 min
Total 65 min
Servings 10
Difficulty easy
Cuisine American

Recipe Details

Prep15 min
Cook50 min
Total65 min
Servings10
Difficultyeasy
CuisineAmerican
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Ingredients

Servings 10
  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground nutmeg
  • ¼ tsp ground cloves
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup low-fat plain yogurt
  • ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Non-stick cooking spray or butter for greasing the pan
  • 4 oz reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1-2 tbsp skim milk (optional, to adjust consistency)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 10-inch bundt pan with non-stick spray or butter and set aside.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, salt, and sugar. Stir these dry ingredients until evenly mixed.
  3. Add the eggs, low-fat yogurt, unsweetened applesauce, and vanilla extract directly to the dry ingredients.
  4. Using a hand mixer or a sturdy whisk, mix everything together just until combined and the batter is smooth. Avoid overmixing.
  5. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared bundt pan and smooth the top lightly with a spatula.
  6. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes once baked.
  8. Invert the bundt pan carefully onto a wire rack and let the cake cool completely before frosting.
  9. To make the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter in a medium bowl until smooth and creamy.
  10. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract and beat until combined. Add skim milk 1 tablespoon at a time if the frosting is too thick.
  11. Once the cake is fully cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top of the bundt cake.
  12. Slice and serve at room temperature. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Reader questions and answers for this recipe will appear here.

Adapt this Easy One-Bowl Low-Fat Winter Spice Bundt Cake to suit your dietary needs with these ingredient swaps:

  • Flour: Substitute with gluten-free cake flour blends for gluten-free baking or whole wheat pastry flour for a denser texture.
  • Low-Fat Yogurt: Use plant-based yogurts like coconut or almond to make the recipe dairy-free or vegan.
  • Cream Cheese: Swap reduced-fat cream cheese with vegan cream cheese alternatives (soy or cashew-based) or use a light coconut cream frosting.
  • Applesauce: Replace with mashed ripe banana to maintain moisture and add natural sweetness.
  • Sugar: Use low-glycemic sweeteners like erythritol or coconut sugar to reduce sugar content while maintaining sweetness.
  • Butter (Frosting): Use vegan margarine or coconut oil to make the frosting dairy-free or vegan-friendly.

These substitutions help accommodate various dietary preferences without compromising taste or texture.

Equipment Needed

To bake this Easy One-Bowl Low-Fat Winter Spice Bundt Cake with Light Cream Cheese Frosting, gather the following beginner-friendly baking equipment:

  • 10-Inch Bundt Pan: The key to shaping the cake and ensuring even baking. Grease thoroughly with non-stick spray or butter.
  • Large Mixing Bowl: Used to mix all ingredients easily in one bowl.
  • Hand Mixer or Sturdy Whisk: Helps create a smooth, lump-free batter quickly.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measuring is crucial for best baking results.
  • Rubber or Silicone Spatula: Ideal for scraping the bowl and spreading batter evenly in the pan.
  • Wire Cooling Rack: Enables proper cake cooling to maintain texture and prevent sogginess.
  • Medium Mixing Bowl: Needed for preparing the light cream cheese frosting separately.
  • Spoon or Offset Spreader: Useful for an even, smooth frosting application.
  • Toothpick or Cake Tester: Helps check cake doneness during baking.

Having these tools ready will streamline the baking process and make this recipe approachable for beginners.

Ingredient Prep Notes

Flour: Use all-purpose flour for a tender crumb. For gluten-free baking, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend containing xanthan gum. Sift flour with baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices for even mixing.

Winter Spices: Freshly ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves add warm, festive flavor. Substitute cloves with allspice if preferred.

Sugar: Granulated sugar balances sweetness perfectly; to reduce sugar, try coconut sugar or low-calorie sweeteners adjusted to taste.

Eggs: Large eggs bind ingredients. For a vegan option, use flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg, set 5 minutes).

Low-Fat Yogurt: Adds moisture and a subtle tang. Use dairy-free yogurt (coconut or almond-based) for vegan variations.

Unsweetened Applesauce: Replaces oil and adds moisture to keep the cake tender. Mashed banana can be used but adds a slight banana flavor.

Vanilla Extract: Enhances flavor depth. Pure vanilla extract is recommended, but vanilla bean paste or powder also work well.

Pan Greasing: Apply non-stick spray or softened butter and dust lightly with flour to prevent sticking.

Frosting: Use softened reduced-fat cream cheese and unsalted butter for a smooth finish. Sift powdered sugar to prevent lumps. Adjust frosting thickness with skim or plant-based milk gradually.

Following these tips ensures a smooth process and a delicious, well-textured bundt cake.

Oven Note

Fully preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure consistent baking temperature. Use an oven thermometer for accuracy.

Position your bundt pan on the center rack for even heat distribution. Avoid opening the oven door during the first 30 minutes to prevent the cake from sinking.

Choose a light-colored metal or ceramic bundt pan and grease it properly for easy release.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the thickest part; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Cool the cake in the pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes before carefully inverting it to avoid breakage.

Ensure the cake is completely cooled before applying the frosting for the best texture and appearance.

These oven tips will help you bake a moist, tender, and visually appealing bundt cake every time.

Easy Upgrade Ideas

Make this beginner-friendly bundt cake even more special with these simple upgrades:

  • Add Citrus Zest: Stir in 1 tablespoon orange or lemon zest for a fresh, bright flavor contrast.
  • Toasted Nuts: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the frosting for crunch and aroma. Toast nuts lightly beforehand for enhanced flavor.
  • Dried Fruits: Fold in ½ cup raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped dates to add texture and natural sweetness.
  • Cinnamon Glaze: Drizzle a glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and a pinch of cinnamon over the frosting for a decorative touch.
  • Vegan Versions: Use plant-based yogurt, flax eggs, and vegan cream cheese and butter substitutes to create a fully vegan cake.
  • Spice Variations: Add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom alongside the winter spices for unique flavor notes.
  • Powdered Sugar Dusting: Lightly dust the finished cake with cinnamon sugar or powdered sugar for added texture and festive appearance.
  • Flavorful Syrup: Brush the cooled cake with spiced apple cider or tea syrup before frosting to keep it moist and flavorful.

These tips allow easy personalization while keeping the recipe simple and enjoyable.

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