Indulge in a Sugar-Free Slice of Heavenly Peachy Keen Cake

The Importance of Diet-Friendly Desserts

Maintaining a healthy diet doesn't mean you have to forgo desserts entirely. Traditional desserts are often laden with fats, sugars, and calories, making them unsuitable for a balanced diet. However, diet-friendly dessert recipes can help you enjoy sweet treats without derailing your weight loss goals. By opting for healthier alternatives, you can indulge in delicious desserts while staying on track.

Peachy Keen Cake: A Guilt-Free Delight

Peachy Keen Cake is a moist, flavorful dessert that uses fresh peaches and artificial sweeteners to keep the calorie count low. This cake is not only delicious but also significantly lower in fat, calories, and sugar compared to traditional cakes.

Ingredients

• 6 large fresh peaches
• 2/3 cup sucralose (brand name Splenda)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 egg OR 1 ripe banana, mashed with 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/2 cup low-fat buttermilk OR 1/2 cup milk (any lower-calorie variety, including soymilk and almond milk), mixed with 1 teaspoon white vinegar

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Peaches: Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Make cross-cuts on the stem end of each peach and place them in the boiling water for about 1 minute, or until the skins start to soften. Drain the boiling water and transfer the peaches to a bowl of cold water to cool. Peel, halve, and pit the peaches, then set them aside.
3. Caramelize the Peaches: In a medium skillet, combine 1/3 cup of sucralose and one tablespoon of butter. Cook over medium-low heat for three to five minutes, or until the sugar begins to melt. Coat an 8x8 square baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Arrange the peaches inside, cut side up, and pour the melted sugar over them. Set aside.
4. Prepare the Batter: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. In a large bowl, beat the remaining 1/3 cup sucralose, 1 tablespoon butter, and oil with an electric mixer until combined. Add the egg or egg replacer, beating until smooth, then beat in the vanilla and almond extract. With the mixer on low speed, add the buttermilk or buttermilk replacement and the flour mixture, beating until just combined. Do not overbeat.
5. Bake the Cake: Spoon the batter evenly over the peaches in the pan. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
6. Cool and Serve: Transfer the pan to a wire rack to cool for a few minutes. Loosen the edges of the cake with a knife, and invert the cake onto a serving plate. If any peaches stick to the pan, remove them with a knife and replace them on the cake.

Nutritional Information

Interesting Facts About Peaches

• Nutrient-Rich: Peaches are a great source of vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber. They are also low in calories, making them an excellent choice for a healthy diet (source).
• Antioxidant Powerhouse: Peaches contain antioxidants like chlorogenic acid, which can help combat oxidative stress and inflammation in the body (source).
• Hydration: With a water content of about 89%, peaches can help keep you hydrated, especially during hot summer months (source).

Conclusion

This sugar-free Peachy Keen Cake is a delightful way to enjoy a sweet treat without compromising your diet. With its low-calorie count and delicious flavor, it’s a dessert you can feel good about indulging in. So go ahead, have your cake and eat it too!

For more healthy dessert recipes, check out EatingWell and Healthline.