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Beginnerbakes
Easy Whole-Grain Spiced Apple Cake with Low-Calorie Cinnamon Cream Frosting Recipe
By Beginnerbakes Test KitchenReviewed by Beginnerbakes Editorial TeamPublished May 2, 2026 · Updated May 12, 2026
American
60 mins
beginner-friendlyeasystep-by-stepwhole-grainspicedlow-caloriecinnamon cream frostingpartyminimal-ingredientscomfort-food
Delicious and easy whole-grain apple cake infused with warm cinnamon and spices, topped with a low-calorie cinnamon cream frosting. Perfect for beginner bakers and those seeking a wholesome, minimal-ingredient comfort cake for parties or everyday enjoyment.
Prep
20 min
Cook
40 min
Total
60 min
Servings
10
Difficulty
easy
Cuisine
American
Ingredients
Servings
10
- 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and finely chopped
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (or dairy-free yogurt for vegan option)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup low-fat cream cheese, softened (or dairy-free cream cheese)
- 1/4 cup powdered erythritol or confectioners' sugar substitute
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt (or dairy-free yogurt)
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper for easy release.
-
In a medium bowl, whisk whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt until evenly combined.
-
Add the finely chopped apples to the dry mix and gently toss to coat, preventing them from sinking during baking.
-
In a large bowl, beat eggs and brown sugar until smooth and light. Stir in applesauce, Greek yogurt, and vanilla until fully incorporated.
-
Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, folding gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing for a tender cake.
-
Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
-
Bake for 38–42 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
-
Cool the cake in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
-
Prepare frosting by beating softened cream cheese, powdered erythritol, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and Greek yogurt until smooth and creamy.
-
Spread the cinnamon cream frosting evenly over the cooled cake with a spatula or knife.
-
Slice and serve immediately or refrigerate. Bring to room temperature before serving. Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Reader questions and answers for this recipe will appear here.
Adapt the Whole-Grain Spiced Apple Cake to dietary needs and ingredient availability with these substitutions while maintaining flavor and texture:
- Whole Wheat Flour: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour blends with xanthan gum for gluten-free baking.
- Brown Sugar: Substitute with coconut sugar, date sugar, or erythritol blends for lower glycemic or calorie content.
- Applesauce: Replace with mashed banana or pumpkin puree for moisture and unique taste variations.
- Greek Yogurt: Use dairy-free alternatives like almond, coconut, or soy yogurt for vegan/dairy-free options.
- Eggs: Replace each egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) or egg replacer for vegan baking.
- Low-Fat Cream Cheese (Frosting): Use plant-based cream cheese for dairy-free creamy frosting.
- Powdered Erythritol/Sugar Substitute: Powdered maple sugar or stevia blends are good alternatives.
These substitutions keep this wholesome cake versatile and accessible for many dietary preferences and ensure it remains a delicious party-ready treat.
Equipment Needed
Essential tools to successfully bake and frost the Whole-Grain Spiced Apple Cake with ease, designed for beginner bakers:
- 8-inch Round Cake Pan: For baking; grease or line with parchment for effortless removal.
- Mixing Bowls: One medium for dry ingredients, one large for wet ingredients and batter mixing.
- Whisk: For combining dry ingredients thoroughly and beating eggs and sugar efficiently.
- Spoon or Spatula: To fold apples into dry mix, combine wet and dry ingredients gently, and smooth batter in pan.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons: Accurate measurement is key for flour, spices, sugar, and liquids.
- Electric Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer (optional): Makes frosting preparation quick and creamy.
- Cooling Rack: Ensures even cooling of cake before frosting.
- Small Spatula or Butter Knife: For spreading cinnamon cream frosting evenly on the cake surface.
- Toothpick: Used to test cake doneness during baking.
These common kitchen tools simplify the baking process, helping you create a delicious, wholesome cake with confidence.
Ingredient Prep Notes
Whole Wheat Flour: Lightly spoon into measuring cup and level for accurate measure and lighter texture. Substitute up to half with all-purpose flour if preferred.
Apples: Use firm and sweet varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp. Peel, core, and finely chop. Toss in dry ingredients to prevent sinking.
Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and caramel flavor. Coconut sugar or granulated sugar are viable alternatives with flavor differences.
Applesauce: Keeps cake moist and lowers fat content. Alternatives like mashed banana or pumpkin puree modify flavor and texture.
Greek Yogurt: Boosts moisture and tenderness. For dairy-free, use plain unsweetened coconut or almond yogurt.
Frosting Ingredients: Soften cream cheese beforehand for smooth frosting. Plant-based cream cheese and erythritol maintain texture and low-calorie sweetness.
Oven Note
Beginner tips to bake your Whole-Grain Spiced Apple Cake perfectly every time:
- Preheat Oven Fully: Always set oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking for even temperature and proper rise.
- Position on Middle Rack: Ensures balanced heat and prevents over-browning.
- Minimize Oven Door Opening: Keep door closed during baking to avoid heat loss that can cause sinking.
- Check Doneness Properly: Insert toothpick into center after 38 minutes. Clean or few moist crumbs indicate completion.
- Use an Oven Thermometer: Verify actual oven temperature for consistent results.
- Rotate Cake if Needed: If your oven has hotspots, rotate halfway through baking carefully.
- Cool Gradually: Let cake cool in pan 10 minutes before removing to wire rack to set and avoid breakage.
Follow these steps to bake with confidence and enjoy a moist, flavorful spiced apple cake.
Easy Upgrade Ideas
Enhance your beginner-friendly whole-grain spiced apple cake with these simple, tasty upgrades:
- Add Texture: Toss chopped walnuts or pecans on top before baking for added crunch.
- Extra Fruity Bursts: Stir in 1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins for tart, chewy notes.
- Jam Swirl: Gently fold a tablespoon of apple or apricot jam into batter for marbled fruity surprise.
- Cinnamon-Orange Soak: Soak apple pieces lightly in orange juice with cinnamon to brighten flavor.
- Fancy Frosting: Sprinkle frosting with nutmeg or decorate with thin apple slices for appealing presentation.
- Vegan Variation: Replace yogurt and cream cheese with plant-based versions and use flax eggs for 100% plant-based cake.
- Extra Spice Kick: Increase cinnamon by 1/2 teaspoon in both cake and frosting for warmth.
- Mini Treats: Bake in muffin tins for individual portions, perfect for snacks or gifts.
These enhancements keep the recipe beginner-friendly while adding flavor and appeal.
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