Making a homemade birthday cake for someone who doesn't like sweets or sugar requires a bit of creativity, as traditional cakes are usually sweet. However, there are plenty of alternatives and options you can explore to create a delightful and satisfying cake that suits their taste preferences. Here's a recipe for a sugar-free and less sweet birthday cake:
Sugar-Free Carrot and Zucchini Cake:
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups grated carrots
- 1 ½ cups grated zucchini
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- Cream cheese frosting (optional, for a non-sugar-free version)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a cake pan.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and ginger.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the applesauce, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
Fold in the grated carrots, grated zucchini, and chopped nuts (if using).
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly.
Bake the cake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
For a frosting option, you can consider using a thin layer of cream cheese frosting. Cream cheese frosting has a tangy flavor that complements the carrot and zucchini cake well. To make a simple sugar-free cream cheese frosting, beat together softened cream cheese, a small amount of vanilla extract, and a sugar substitute (e.g., erythritol or stevia) to taste. Spread a thin layer of this frosting on top of the cooled cake.
Alternatively, if the person doesn't like frosting either, you can serve the cake as it is or with a dollop of unsweetened whipped cream or Greek yogurt on the side.
Remember to consider any dietary restrictions the person may have and adjust the recipe accordingly. This carrot and zucchini cake is a delicious and less sweet option that still feels celebratory without being overly sugary.