How do I know when it is done?

Use the timing as a guide, then check the center with the recipe's doneness cue, such as a clean toothpick, set edges, bubbling filling, or a gently springy top.

Can I change the flavor?

Yes. Keep changes small the first time, such as adding citrus zest, spice, chocolate, nuts, or a simple glaze that matches the recipe.

What should beginners watch most closely?

Measure carefully, avoid overmixing batters or doughs, and let the bake cool long enough before slicing, glazing, or storing.

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

Name: Easy One-Bowl Low-Fat Winter Spice Bundt Cake with Light Cream Cheese Frosting
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 65 min
Yield: 10 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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)

By Beginnerbakes Test KitchenReviewed by Beginnerbakes Editorial TeamPublished May 5, 2026 · Updated Jul 11, 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

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)

BeginnerBakes winter spice Bundt cake ingredients

Instructions

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

Tips

Equipment Needed

Use the pan or baking dish listed in the recipe, plus mixing bowls, measuring tools, a spatula, and a cooling rack if the recipe bakes in the oven. Line pans with parchment or liners when the batter is delicate so beginners can release the bake cleanly.

Ingredient Prep Notes

Measure the dry and wet ingredients before mixing so the batter or dough comes together smoothly. Keep butter, eggs, dairy, fruit, or chocolate at the temperature described in the recipe because small prep details affect rise and texture.

Oven Note

Preheat fully before baking and use the center rack unless the recipe says otherwise. Start checking near the low end of the baking time and rely on the listed doneness cues instead of color alone.

Easy Upgrade Ideas

Keep upgrades simple: add a light glaze, a sprinkle of spice, citrus zest, chopped nuts, chocolate, or a beginner-friendly topping that matches the base flavor. Add decorative finishes only after the bake cools when frosting, glaze, or drizzle needs to set neatly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Easy One-Bowl Low-Fat Winter Spice Bundt Cake with Light Cream Cheese Frosting ahead?: Yes. Bake it ahead, cool it fully, and store it as directed so the texture stays as close to fresh as possible.
How do I know when it is done?: Use the timing as a guide, then check the center with the recipe's doneness cue, such as a clean toothpick, set edges, bubbling filling, or a gently springy top.
Can I change the flavor?: Yes. Keep changes small the first time, such as adding citrus zest, spice, chocolate, nuts, or a simple glaze that matches the recipe.
What should beginners watch most closely?: Measure carefully, avoid overmixing batters or doughs, and let the bake cool long enough before slicing, glazing, or storing.

Ingredient Replacements

¾ cups all-purpose flour: Use whole wheat pastry flour for a nuttier bake or a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend if needed, checking texture before baking.
tsp baking powder: Use a similar baking ingredient and adjust moisture gradually so the batter or dough keeps the same texture.
½ tsp baking soda: Use a similar baking ingredient and adjust moisture gradually so the batter or dough keeps the same texture.
tsp ground cinnamon: Use a similar baking ingredient and adjust moisture gradually so the batter or dough keeps the same texture.
½ tsp ground nutmeg: Use a similar baking ingredient and adjust moisture gradually so the batter or dough keeps the same texture.

Storage and Reheating

Cool leftovers before storing. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze when the ingredients are freezer-friendly.

Read related air fryer guides and cooking tips.

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

Recipe Details

Ingredients

Instructions