Apple Cocoa Cake (No Added Sugar)
A soft, chocolatey apple cake made with just a few wholesome ingredients. The natural sweetness from apples pairs beautifully with rich cocoa for a satisfying dessert or snack.
Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
4 medium sweet apples (Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala work best)
4 large eggs, room temperature
5 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
Olive oil, for greasing the pan
Optional (still no sugar, but enhances flavor):
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon cinnamon
Pinch of salt
Equipment
Blender or food processor
Mixing bowl
8-inch (20 cm) round cake pan or loaf pan
Parchment paper (optional)
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Apples
Wash, peel, and core the apples.
Cut into chunks.
Place apples in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth (applesauce-like).
2️⃣ Make the Batter
Add eggs to the apple purée.
Blend again until fully combined and slightly frothy.
Pour mixture into a bowl.
Sift in cocoa powder and baking powder.
Add any optional flavorings if using.
Mix gently until smooth and lump-free.
3️⃣ Prepare the Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
Lightly grease the pan with olive oil.
Line the bottom with parchment paper if desired.
Pour batter evenly into the pan.
4️⃣ Bake
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until:
A toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean
The top is set and slightly springy
Remove from oven and let cool 10–15 minutes before unmolding.
Serving Ideas
Enjoy warm or chilled
Serve with:
Plain yogurt
Fresh apple slices
A dusting of cocoa powder
Texture & Flavor Notes
Moist and fudgy inside
Naturally sweet from apples
Rich cocoa taste without bitterness
Variations
Extra chocolate flavor: add 1 more tablespoon cocoa
Spiced version: add cinnamon or nutmeg
Muffins: bake in muffin tin for 18–22 minutes
Apple-chocolate loaf: bake in loaf pan for 45–50 minutes
Storage
Room temperature: 1 day
Refrigerator: up to 4 days
Freezer: slices freeze well up to 1 month
