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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 Jul 11, 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 the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease an 8-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper for easy release.
-
In a medium bowl, whisk the whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt until evenly combined.
-
Add the finely chopped apples to the dry ingredients and toss gently to coat them so they stay evenly distributed in the cake.
-
In a large bowl, beat the eggs and brown sugar until smooth and slightly lightened.
-
Stir the applesauce, Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract into the egg mixture until combined.
-
Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients just until no dry flour pockets remain. Avoid overmixing so the cake stays tender.
-
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
-
Bake for 38 to 42 minutes, 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 it to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
-
For the frosting, beat the softened low-fat cream cheese, powdered erythritol or sugar substitute, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and Greek yogurt until smooth and creamy.
-
Spread the cinnamon cream frosting over the cooled cake with a small spatula or butter knife.
-
Slice and serve, or refrigerate the frosted cake and bring slices to room temperature before serving.
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 Whole-Grain Spiced Apple Cake with Low-Calorie Cinnamon Cream Frosting Recipe 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
- whole wheat flour: Use whole wheat pastry flour for a nuttier bake or a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend if needed, checking texture before baking.
- baking powder: Use a similar baking ingredient and adjust moisture gradually so the batter or dough keeps the same texture.
- baking soda: Use a similar baking ingredient and adjust moisture gradually so the batter or dough keeps the same texture.
- ground cinnamon: Use a similar baking ingredient and adjust moisture gradually so the batter or dough keeps the same texture.
- 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.
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