The cake is a classic dessert much loved and appreciated for its special taste. But how many calories does it contain? Is cake a healthy dessert? In this article, we will show you how caloric the cake is and analyze whether it can be considered a healthy option for dessert.
Calories in Sugar vs. Calories in Natural Sweeteners
One of the main factors that determine the calorie content of cookies is the presence of sugar. Traditional cake recipes often contain a significant amount of sugar, which contributes to its calorie density.
However, there are alternative recipes that use natural sweeteners such as honey, maple syrup or stevia, carob powder or even blended fruit (which completes the liquid phase of the cookie recipe). These alternatives can significantly reduce the calorie content of the cake, while providing a sweet taste and bringing a higher intake of fiber, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients.
In order to compare the calorie content of the sugar cookie vs. other cookie recipes with natural sweeteners, we need to consider the nutritional values. Typically, the cake contains around 300-350 calories for a 100g portion, depending on the recipe and portion size. Sugar content also plays a role in the calorie count, as sugar adds calories without providing nutritional value.
On the other hand, natural sweeteners may have slightly fewer calories but may provide additional nutrients. Here are some natural sweetener ideas:
You can use sweet vegetables/fruits for sweetening, put them in the blender together with water or milk: beetroot, banana, apple or even fruit that you have left and you are afraid of spoiling, pitted dates; Natural sweetener powders: e.g. carob powder Other natural sweeteners: stevia, honey, maple syrup, etc.
Photo: Elena Shashkina/ shutterstock.com
Is cake a healthy dessert?
To answer this question, we need to consider several factors.
For example, we can consume it occasionally, in moderation, because its ingredients are quite healthy, especially if we replace sugar.
In addition, the overall nutritional profile of the check is important. Traditional recipes often include ingredients like butter and refined flour, which can contribute unhealthy fats and refined carbohydrates. However, there are ways to make the cake healthier by substituting ingredients.
Using wholemeal flour instead of refined flour (or even mixed flours that you can make at home from buckwheat, millet, arrowroot, wholemeal rice, wholewheat, wholemeal oats, almonds, etc.) and using healthier fats like olive oil or Greek yogurt instead of butter can greatly improve the nutritional value of the cake.
Regarding the flours, if you want that perfect taste and you are not used to wholemeal flour, you can use 2 thirds 000 flour and 1 third wholemeal or mixed flour.
Festive and healthier cake recipe
If you want to make the check healthier, you can make some changes to the traditional recipe. Consider using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup instead of sugar, or the sweeteners we talked about above.
These alternatives provide the desired sweet taste and additional nutrients. You can also introduce healthier ingredients such as whole grains, nuts or fruit to add nutritional value to the cake.
Portion control is another important aspect of enjoying your check in a healthier way. Instead of large slices, opt for smaller portions to reduce calorie intake. In addition, serving the cake with fresh fruit or a spoonful of Greek yogurt can add nutritional benefits and balance blood sugar.
Festive Check Recipe:
To add a festive touch to your cake, try this delicious recipe that integrates irresistible flavors for even the pickiest of eaters:
Check recipe: Ingredients
2 cups white flour 1 1/2 cups natural sweetener 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature ½ cup olive oil 4 large eggs 1 teaspoon ORGANIC vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon ORGANIC almond extract 1/ 2 cups Greek yogurt 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt Zest from 1 lemon 1 cup fresh fruit (such as blueberries or raspberries – keep in mind that berries have perhaps the lowest carbohydrate content of all fruits)
Check recipe: Preparation step
Preheat the oven to 175 degrees Celsius. Oil and lightly flour a medium cake pan
In a large bowl, mix together the softened butter and sweetener until fluffy.
Continue adding the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and almond extract.
In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking powder and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the Greek yogurt. Mix until you get a homogeneous dough and as foamy as possible.
Add the lemon zest and fresh fruit, being careful not to over mix so as not to break the bubbles that have formed so far.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface.
Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean and dry.
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Optional: For a festive touch, you can dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar and decorate with additional fresh fruit.
Save this check for every special occasion or…whenever you feel like it!
Article photo source: Elena Shashkina/ shutterstock.com
2023-12-03 21:01:10
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