Low-fat cakes like angel food and sponge cakes are healthier options than traditional cakes, which are high in sugar, calories, and fat. Angel food cake has only 0.8% fat but is high in carbs, while sponge cake is made with eggs, flour, cornstarch, and sugar. Adding fruit or using unsweetened applesauce as a fat substitute can add flavor and nutrition.
In the diet world, cheaters never thrive, except when they cheat on low-fat cakes. Most cakes are a health nightmare, packed with sugar, calories and, of course, fat in the form of butter or oil. Luckily, there are low-fat options like angel food or sponge cakes, as well as cut-fat versions of carrots and spice cakes or other teatime favorites.
Angel food cake indeed appears to be what angels eat, at least those who diet and resist more sinful distractions. There is only 0.8% fat in angel food cake, which also goes a long way in reducing your calorie count. Since this otherwise heavenly treat contains a lot of carbs, however, it’s best for those watching their fat intakes to stick to a slice now and then.
Lots of beaten egg whites give wings to angel food cake. Cake flour, sugar or another sweetener, and a little cream of tartar are the only other ingredients in the classic recipe, plus a few drops of vanilla extract. There are many fruity variations on the theme, so no one will ever get bored.
Adding some diced fresh peaches to the batter is a sweet treat. Pineapples, strawberries or raspberries, individually or in combinations, are also options. Some cooks indulge in a little sweet tooth by adding some chocolate to the batter. For those determined to avoid fat, another way to create high-flavor low-fat cakes is by using pure extracts like coconut or almond.
A list of low-fat cakes wouldn’t be complete without mention of a low-fat sponge cake. Sponge cakes are related to their very fattening cousins, the pound biscuits, so called because some recipes call for a whole pound of butter. A lighter treat made with eggs, some flour and cornstarch plus baking powder and, of course, sugar or other sweeteners will hit the spot. Neither low-fat cakes nor sponges nor angels require frosting. A few berries or a few sliced fruits are usually enough to have a completely satisfying taste. For those craving something creamy, a dollop of nonfat Greek yogurt along with fruit should make these low-fat tunes sing.
A smart way to cut the fat out of recipes is to replace it with unsweetened applesauce. The applesauce does it twice by adding some sweetness and nutrition while helping the pie stay moist. This little trick works with all kinds of low-fat homemade cakes.
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