Are you craving a mouthwatering dessert that won't derail your healthy eating goals? Look no further! This Diet Mandarin Orange Cake is about to revolutionize your dessert game, proving that low-calorie treats can be incredibly delicious. Imagine a light, fluffy cake bursting with citrusy sweetness, packed with nutrition, and so easy to make that even beginner bakers will feel like culinary champions!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 box sugar-free cake mix
- 1 can mandarin oranges in juice, undrained
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar-free cake mix and the undrained can of mandarin oranges. Use a spatula or a wooden spoon to mix them together until well combined. The mandarin oranges will break down a bit during mixing, which is perfectly fine.
- Add the large eggs, unsweetened applesauce, and vanilla extract to the mixture. Beat the ingredients together using an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes, or until the batter is smooth and well blended.
- If you are using walnuts, fold them into the batter gently with a spatula until evenly distributed.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once the cake is completely cooled, you can serve it as is or frost it with a light whipped topping for added flavor, if desired.
- Cut the cake into 8 equal servings and enjoy your delicious Diet Mandarin Orange Cake!
Tips
- Use room temperature eggs for a smoother batter and more even baking
- Don't overmix the batter - mix just until ingredients are combined to keep the cake tender
- Check the cake a few minutes before the recommended baking time to prevent overcooking
- For extra moisture, ensure you use the mandarin oranges with their juice
- Let the cake cool completely before cutting to maintain its structure
- Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days
- For added protein and crunch, the optional walnuts are a great way to enhance nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 108kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 70mg
