Sugar free cakes have become increasingly popular for people looking to reduce their sugar intake. While traditional cakes are packed with sugar, sugar free cakes provide the sweet taste and texture without all the added sugar. But what exactly are sugar free cakes made of?
Sugar free cakes are made with sugar substitutes or natural sweeteners instead of regular granulated sugar. There are a variety of ingredients used to replace sugar and create the sweet flavor and tender crumb that we expect from cakes. Let’s take a look at the most common sugar free cake ingredients.
Sugar Substitutes
The most common sugar substitutes used in sugar free baking include:
Stevia
Stevia is a natural sweetener that is extracted from the leaves of the stevia plant. It contains no calories and does not raise blood sugar levels. Stevia can be purchased as a powder or liquid form. It is much sweeter than sugar so you only need a small amount. Stevia has a slight bitter aftertaste that is often masked when baking.
Erythritol
Erythritol is a sugar alcohol that tastes similar to sugar but contains only about 5% of the calories. It does not affect blood sugar levels. Erythritol has a cooling effect in the mouth when used in larger quantities. It works well in combination with other sweeteners.
Xylitol
Xylitol is another sugar alcohol derived from corn or birch trees. Like erythritol, it has a very low impact on blood sugar. Xylitol has 40% fewer calories than sugar and has anti-microbial properties that can help prevent tooth decay and ear infections. However, xylitol is toxic to dogs so should be avoided if baking treats for pets.
Monk Fruit Extract
Monk fruit extract is derived from an Asian fruit. The crushed fruit is used to collect the sweet juices, which are then concentrated. Monk fruit extract contains no calories or carbs and has no effect on blood glucose levels. It has a sweetness similar to sugar.
Aspartame
Aspartame is an artificial sweetener commonly sold under brand names like NutraSweet or Equal. It is about 200 times sweeter than sugar so only a tiny amount is needed. Aspartame contains 4 calories per gram. It should not be used in recipes exposed to heat because it can break down and lose its sweetness.
Natural Sweeteners
In addition to sugar substitutes, there are some naturally derived sweeteners that can be used in sugar free baking:
Honey
Though still containing sugars, raw honey has a lower glycemic index than table sugar so it impacts blood sugar levels less drastically. Its flavor works well in many cakes. Replace 1 cup sugar with about 3/4 cup honey and reduce liquid in the recipe by 2 tablespoons.
Pure Maple Syrup
Maple syrup can be substituted for up to half the sugar in a recipe, with the remainder replaced using a sugar substitute. Its flavor is delicious in spice, coffee, or walnut cakes. Reduce liquid by 3 tablespoons for each cup of maple syrup used.
Unsweetened Applesauce
Applesauce is naturally sweet so it can replace up to half the oil or butter in cake recipes. It also works to replace about a 1/4 of the sugar. Make sure to get unsweetened applesauce with no added sugar. Reduce liquid by 1-2 tablespoons for each 1/2 cup applesauce.
Banana Puree
Mashed ripe banana can impart sweetness, moisture, and structure to sugar free cakes. Replace up to 1/2 cup sugar with 1/2 cup mashed banana. Reduce liquid by 1-2 tablespoons for each 1/2 cup banana puree.
Dates
Dates are very sweet so they are useful for partially replacing sugar in recipes. Soak dates in hot water to soften then puree. Replace 1/4 cup sugar with 1/4 cup date puree. Reduce liquid by 1-2 tablespoons for every 1/4 cup date puree.
Sugar Free Cake Ingredients
In addition to sugar alternatives and natural sweeteners, sugar free cakes utilize many of the same basic ingredients as regular cakes:
Flour
The flour provides structure and texture in cakes. All-purpose flour or cake flour are most commonly used. For a lower carb cake, you can use nut flours like almond flour or coconut flour. These may require additional eggs or binders.
Eggs and Egg Replacers
Eggs help cakes rise and create a tender crumb. Egg replacers like flax eggs or aquafaba (chickpea liquid) allow vegan sugar free cakes.
Butter or Oil
Butter or oil helps keep cakes moist and tender. Sugar free cakes often use oil rather than butter since it has less influence on flavor.
Milk
Milk adds moisture and enhances flavor. Sugar free cake recipes often use almond milk or coconut milk.
Leaveners
Baking powder, baking soda, yeast, etc help cakes rise properly. These are still required in sugar free recipes.
Emulsifiers
Emulsifiers like soy lecithin help create an even crumb and keep texture smooth.
Flavorings
Vanilla, cocoa powder, spices, extracts, etc boost flavor since less sweetness is present.
Salt
A small amount of salt balances sweet and enhances other ingredients.
Tips for Sugar Free Cakes
Succeeding with sugar free cakes requires a few adjustments:
– Use blends of sugar substitutes rather than just one. Combinations like erythritol and stevia or monk fruit and allulose work well.
– Increase leaveners like baking powder slightly to account for missing sugar reactions.
– Up the flavor with extracts, nuts, chocolate, coconut, spices, etc.
– Include a binder like xanthan gum to maintain moisture and texture.
– Opt for oil over butter, and milk substitutes like almond milk.
– Bake at a slightly lower temperature and test doneness early to prevent drying out.
– Store in the refrigerator or freezer since sugar free cakes stale faster.
Sugar Free Cake Recipes
There are endless recipe options when it comes to sugar free cakes. Here are some of the most popular recipes:
Sugar Free Vanilla Cake
This basic vanilla cake uses almond flour for a low carb base sweetened with erythritol and stevia. A hint of almond extract boosts the flavor.
Sugar Free Chocolate Cake
Cocoa powder and dairy free chocolate chips make this fudgy chocolate cake sing. It relies on banana puree and maple syrup for natural sweetness.
Sugar Free Carrot Cake
Shredded carrots, walnuts, raisins, and spice make this a tasty and moist sugar free cake. Sweetening comes from date puree and monk fruit extract.
Sugar Free Lemon Cake
Zesty lemon cake gets its sweet tang from lemon juice and stevia. A nice light dessert without all the added sugar.
Sugar Free Red Velvet Cake
Beet puree helps give this classic red velvet its color and moisture. A sugar free cream cheese frosting tops it off.
Sugar Free Cupcakes
Whip up a batch of fun sugar free cupcakes like pecan banana, pumpkin spice, blueberry lemon, or chocolate mint.
Sugar Free Birthday Cake
Any sugar free cake recipe can be made into a birthday cake with festive sprinkles or frosting. Surprise your loved ones with a healthy treat.
Buying Sugar Free Cake Mix
For convenience, there are many brands producing sugar free cake mixes these days. Some popular options include:
| Brand | Details |
|---|---|
| Swerve | Mixes use erythritol and oligosaccharides |
| Pyure Organic | Stevia-sweetened mixes in flavors like chocolate, vanilla, lemon |
| Birch Benders | Keto-friendly mixes made with monk fruit and allulose |
| Diet Doctor | Almond and coconut flour mixes sweetened with erythritol |
Be sure to check the nutrition labels when purchasing sugar free cake mixes. Some may contain more net carbs or unwanted ingredients than others. You can always make healthy substitutions when preparing the mixes as well.
Ready-to-Eat Sugar Free Cakes
For the ultimate convenience, there are pre-made sugar free cakes you can purchase ready to eat. Many grocery stores now carry sugar free bakery items. Popular prepared options include:
- Sugar free sheet cakes
- Sugar free cupcakes
- Mini sugar free cakes
- Sugar free cheesecakes
- Sugar free angel food cakes
- Sugar free coffee cakes or muffins
You can also find sugar free cakes at many bakeries that offer keto-friendly or diabetic-appropriate desserts. Ordering online is an easy way to enjoy sugar free baked goods without any of the work.
Just be vigilant about reading labels since many products that claim to be sugar free actually contain other sweeteners that spike blood sugar. Seek out truly natural sugar free cakes without artificial or highly processed ingredients.
Should You Consume Sugar Free Cakes?
Sugar free cakes can be a better option than their full sugar counterparts, but are they healthy? Here are some pros and cons to consider:
Potential Benefits
- Lower in sugar and calories
- Less impact on blood glucose levels
- Can be part of diabetic, low carb, and keto diets
- Reduce risk of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease
- Help meet sweet cravings in a healthier way
Potential Drawbacks
- Sugar substitutes may cause GI issues like gas or bloating
- Frequent sweets of any kind can perpetuate cravings
- Highly processed ingredients in some products
- Higher cost than regular baking ingredients
- Easy to overeat smaller sugar free servings
Healthiest Consumption Tips
- Eat in moderation as an occasional treat
- Focus on recipes with natural ingredients
- Pair with protein, fat, and fiber for satiety
- Drink plenty of water
- Pay attention to how your body responds
Conclusion
Sugar free cakes utilize a combination of sugar substitutes, natural sweeteners, and traditional cake ingredients to create sweet baked goods without all the added sugar. Popular options include stevia, erythritol, monk fruit, applesauce, banana puree, or date paste to replace sugar. With some adjustments to recipes and techniques, you can create moist and delicious sugar free cakes in endless flavors. Moderating portion sizes and ingredients is key to healthily enjoying the occasional sugar free cake.