Easy and quick healthy cakes

5 healthy cake recipes to try at home: tips, utensils and benefits

Baking cakes at home can be both delicious and healthy. By choosing nutritious ingredients and alternatives to traditional sugars and fats, you can create delectable desserts that are good for your health and energy levels. In this article, discover 5 healthy cake recipes , along with practical tips, nutritional advice, and essential utensils to ensure success with each recipe.

Each recipe includes the level of difficulty , preparation time , cooking and resting time , number of servings , calories per serving , as well as tips and substitutions to adapt each dessert to your needs.

Recipe 1: Banana & Oatcake

• Difficulty level: ⭐⭐☆☆☆
• Preparation time: 10 minutes
• Cooking time: 30 minutes
• Rest time: 5 minutes
• Number of servings: 6
• Calories per serving: 180 kcal

Ingredients

• 2 ripe bananas
• 100g of oat flakes
• 50g of unsweetened applesauce (butter substitute)
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• Optional: 30g of chopped walnuts or dark chocolate chips

Recommended utensils

• Stainless steel mixing bowl with lid – for easily mixing ingredients
• Hand whisk – to incorporate air and achieve a light texture
• Silicone spatula – for scraping the salad bowl without waste
• Cake tin – for even baking
• Smart scale – for precisely measuring your ingredients

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C.
2. Mash the bananas in the bowl until you obtain a smooth puree.
3. Add the eggs and the applesauce, mix with the whisk.
4. Stir in the oat flakes, yeast and vanilla extract.
5. Add the nuts or chocolate chips if desired.
6. Pour the mixture into the lightly greased cake tin or the tin lined with baking paper.
7. Bake for 30 minutes. Check for doneness with a knife: it should come out dry.
8. Let it rest for 5 minutes before unmolding.

Tips and substitutions

• For a sweeter taste, add 1 tablespoon of maple syrup or honey.
• You can replace the oat flakes with wholemeal flour for a more traditional texture.
• For an egg-free version, use 2 tablespoons of chia seeds soaked in 6 tablespoons of water (chia gel).
• Ripe bananas provide sweetness and softness, while also supplying fiber and potassium.
• Oat flakes are rich in soluble fiber, promoting satiety and digestion.

Nutritional benefits

This cake is an excellent source of fiber, potassium, and lean protein thanks to the oats and eggs. The applesauce replaces butter and reduces saturated fat intake, while also providing natural antioxidants and vitamins.

To deepen your knowledge of nutrition and the benefits of ingredients, consult: MangerBouger.fr , French Nutrition Society , Healthline Nutrition , BBC Good Food Healthy Recipes .

Recipe 2: Black Bean Brownies (Flourless)

• Difficulty level: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
• Preparation time: 15 minutes
• Cooking time: 25 minutes
• Rest time: 10 minutes
• Number of servings: 8
• Calories per serving: 200 kcal

Ingredients

• 1 can (400 g) of rinsed and drained black beans
• 2 eggs
• 50g of unsweetened cocoa powder
• 60 g of maple syrup or honey
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 30g of chopped walnuts or dark chocolate chips

Recommended utensils

• Stainless steel salad bowl – to mix the ingredients
• Smart scale – to precisely measure cocoa and syrup
• Silicone spatula – for scraping the salad bowl
• Brownie pan – for even baking

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C.
2. Blend the black beans in the bowl until you obtain a smooth puree.
3. Add the eggs, cocoa, maple syrup and vanilla, then mix.
4. Stir in the nuts or chocolate chips.
5. Pour the mixture into the cake tin lined with baking paper.
6. Bake for 25 minutes, check for doneness with a knife.
7. Let it rest for 10 minutes before cutting into squares.

Tips and substitutions

• Black beans replace flour and provide protein and fiber.
• For a vegan version, replace the eggs with 2 tablespoons of soaked flax seeds.
• You can add 1 teaspoon of instant coffee to intensify the chocolate flavor.
• Maple syrup provides sweetness and minerals such as zinc and manganese.

Nutritional benefits

These brownies are rich in fiber, plant-based protein, and antioxidants thanks to the cocoa and black beans. With less sugar and no refined flour, they're ideal for a healthy and satisfying dessert.

Recipe 3: Carrot & Walnut Cake

• Difficulty level: ⭐⭐☆☆☆
• Preparation time: 20 minutes
• Cooking time: 35 minutes
• Rest time: 10 minutes
• Number of servings: 8
• Calories per serving: 220 kcal

Ingredients

• 200g of grated carrots
• 100g of wholemeal flour
• 50g of crushed walnuts
• 2 eggs
• 50g of agave syrup or honey
• 50 ml of olive or coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder

Recommended utensils

• Stainless steel salad bowl
• Manual whisk
• Spatula
• Cake mold
• Balance

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C.
2. Mix the flour, yeast and cinnamon in the bowl.
3. Add the eggs, oil and agave syrup, then mix until you have a smooth batter.
4. Stir in the grated carrots and chopped walnuts.
5. Pour the mixture into the greased cake tin or the tin lined with baking paper.
6. Bake for 35 minutes. Check for doneness with a knife.
7. Let it rest for 10 minutes before unmolding.

Tips and substitutions

• To reduce sugar, slightly increase the amount of grated carrots which provide natural sweetness.
• For a more exotic taste, add 1 teaspoon of powdered ginger.
• You can replace wholemeal flour with oat flour for more fiber.
• Nuts provide essential fatty acids and protein, perfect for a nutritious dessert.

Nutritional benefits

Carrot and walnut cake is rich in fiber, beta-carotene, vitamins, and minerals. Olive or coconut oil provides healthy fats. Ideal for a satisfying and balanced dessert.

Recipe 4: Red Berry & Greek Yogurt Muffins

• Difficulty level: ⭐⭐☆☆☆
• Preparation time: 15 minutes
• Cooking time: 20 minutes
• Rest time: 5 minutes
• Number of servings: 6 muffins
• Calories per serving: 170 kcal

Ingredients

• 100g of wholemeal flour
• 50g of oat flakes
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder
• 1 egg
• 100g of plain Greek yogurt
• 50 ml of maple syrup or honey
• 100g of fresh or frozen red berries
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Recommended utensils

• Muffin tins
• Stainless steel salad bowl
• Manual whisk
• Silicone spatula
• Smart scale

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C.
2. In a bowl, mix the flour, oat flakes and yeast.
3. In another bowl, beat the egg with the yogurt, maple syrup and vanilla.
4. Incorporate the liquid mixture into the dry mixture.
5. Gently add the red berries so as not to crush them.
6. Pour the batter into greased muffin tins or those lined with paper cases.
7. Bake for 20 minutes. Check for doneness with a toothpick.
8. Let it rest for 5 minutes before unmolding.

Tips and substitutions

• For a more tangy taste, use a mixture of blueberries and raspberries.
• You can replace the Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt for a vegan version.
• Oat flakes provide fiber and sustained energy.
• Add 1 teaspoon of chia seeds to increase the intake of omega-3 and protein.

Nutritional benefits

These muffins are rich in fiber, protein, and antioxidants thanks to the berries and rolled oats. The Greek yogurt provides calcium and protein for a healthy and nutritious dessert.

Recipe 5: Lemon-coconut cake without butter

• Difficulty level: ⭐⭐☆☆☆
• Preparation time: 15 minutes
• Cooking time: 30 minutes
• Rest time: 5 minutes
• Number of servings: 6-8
• Calories per serving: 200 kcal

Ingredients

• 100g of wholemeal flour
• 50g of grated coconut
• 2 eggs
• 50 ml of melted coconut oil
• 50 ml of maple syrup or honey
• The juice and zest of one lemon
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C.
2. In a bowl, mix the flour, yeast and grated coconut.
3. In another bowl, beat the eggs with the coconut oil, maple syrup, lemon juice and zest.
4. Incorporate the liquid mixture into the dry mixture.
5. Pour the batter into the lightly greased cake tin or the tin lined with baking paper.
6. Bake for 30 minutes. Check for doneness with a knife.
7. Let it rest for 5 minutes before unmolding.

Tips and substitutions

• For a more intense flavor, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
• You can replace coconut oil with mild olive oil to reduce saturated fats.
• For a softer texture, add 50g of unsweetened applesauce.
• Lemon provides vitamin C and antioxidants, while coconut provides medium-chain fatty acids that are beneficial for energy.

Nutritional benefits

This lemon-coconut cake is rich in fiber and antioxidants, with healthy fats from coconut oil. It offers a light, fragrant, and nourishing dessert without butter.

Blog articles to discover:

• Easy and Delicious Zero-Waste Cakes | Chef's Utensil
• How to make the perfect homemade coffee at home | Chef's utensil
• How to choose your tea according to its properties and needs – Chef's utensil

FAQ - Everything you need to know about healthy cakes

1. What is a healthy cake?

A healthy cake is a dessert prepared with nutritious ingredients, less refined sugar and saturated fats, often enriched with fiber, protein or fruit, in order to offer a delicious treat while respecting health.

2. Can sugar be replaced with healthy alternatives?

Yes, maple syrup, honey, agave syrup or blended dates are excellent alternatives to reduce the glycemic index while providing sweetness and nutrients.

3. What type of flour should I use for a healthy cake?

Wholemeal flours, oat flour, almond flour or coconut flour are ideal for increasing fiber and protein while reducing gluten or refined sugars.

4. Are healthy cakes suitable for children?

Yes, most of the recipes are suitable for children because they are lighter in sugar and fat, while still being tasty and colorful.

5. How to replace eggs in vegan recipes?

You can use 2 tablespoons of chia or flax seeds soaked in 6 tablespoons of water to replace an egg, or silken tofu for moist cakes.

6. What is the shelf life of healthy cakes?

Most can be kept for 2 to 4 days at room temperature in an airtight container, or up to 7 days in the refrigerator depending on the ingredients (fresh fruit, yogurt).

7. Can these cakes be frozen?

Yes, most healthy cakes freeze very well. Cut them into portions, wrap them in cling film, and place them in a freezer bag. Defrost at room temperature.

8. What utensils are essential for successfully preparing these recipes?

Stainless steel mixing bowl, whisk, silicone spatula, cake or muffin tins, cake plate and connected scale are the essentials for making healthy desserts easily and precisely.

9. How can I prevent the cake from being too dry?

Stir in fruit purees (banana, apple, pumpkin), yogurt, or a little healthy oil. Do not overcook and check for doneness with a knife.

10. Are healthy cakes high in calories?

They contain less sugar and saturated fat than traditional cakes, but provide calories thanks to the fruit, nuts, and healthy oils. They are nutritious and filling.

11. Can frozen fruit be used?

Yes, berries or other frozen fruits are perfectly suitable. It is advisable to thaw them slightly and drain them well before adding them.

12. Why use oat flakes?

Oat flakes provide soluble fiber, improve satiety, regulate blood sugar and give cakes a soft texture.

13. Can butter be replaced with applesauce?

Yes, unsweetened applesauce replaces butter to reduce saturated fats while keeping the cake moist.

14. How to vary the recipes?

You can change the fruits, add nuts, seeds, dark chocolate, spices (cinnamon, ginger) or replace the flours according to your preferences to create delicious and healthy variations.

15. What type of chocolate should I use?

Choose dark chocolate with 70% cocoa or more for its antioxidants and intense flavor. It's healthier than milk or white chocolate.

16. How to measure ingredients accurately?

Use a smart scale to measure flours, dried fruits, nuts, and liquids. This ensures uniform cakes and reduces waste.

17. Why include nuts in cakes?

Nuts provide essential fatty acids, protein, and minerals. They improve texture and add crunch without added sugar.

18. Are healthy cakes suitable for specific diets?

Yes, depending on the substitutions, they can be suitable for vegan, gluten-free, low-carb or lactose-free diets.

19. Can the cakes be prepared in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and keep it in the refrigerator for 24 hours before baking, or bake and freeze the cakes for convenience.

20. What are the benefits of baking your own cakes?

Cooking at home allows you to control the ingredients, reduce sugar and saturated fats, discover new flavors, and share a delicious and healthy moment with family or friends.