Sugar-Free Pineapple Cake

Looking for a delicious dessert that’s both sweet and guilt-free? This sugar-free pineapple cake is the perfect choice. With natural sweetness from pineapple and a moist, tender crumb, it’s a dessert that suits any occasion. Whether you’re cutting back on sugar for health reasons or just exploring new recipes, this cake will satisfy your sweet tooth without added sugar.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

2 cups all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour for added fiber)
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
½ cup unsweetened applesauce
½ cup plain Greek yogurt (or unsweetened plant-based yogurt)
2 large eggs
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 cup crushed pineapple in juice (drained lightly, reserve the juice)
¼ cup pineapple juice (from the can)

Optional Sweeteners:

2-3 tbsp granular sweetener of choice (like erythritol, stevia, or monk fruit, if a touch more sweetness is desired)

For the Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese (softened, or use a dairy-free version)
¼ cup unsweetened coconut cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
2-3 tbsp powdered sweetener (optional, like powdered erythritol or monk fruit)

For Topping:

Pineapple slices (fresh or canned, sugar-free)
Unsweetened shredded coconut

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and flour a 9-inch round or square cake pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Whisk well to ensure even distribution of the leavening agents.

Step 3: Blend the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the applesauce, Greek yogurt, eggs, and vanilla extract.
Add the crushed pineapple and pineapple juice, mixing until smooth.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the cake dense.
If using a sweetener, stir it in at this stage.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Frosting

In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and coconut cream until smooth and creamy.
Add vanilla extract and powdered sweetener (if using), and mix well.
Refrigerate the frosting for 10-15 minutes to firm up slightly before spreading.

Assemble the Cake

Once the cake is completely cool, spread the frosting evenly on top using an offset spatula.
Decorate with pineapple slices and a sprinkle of unsweetened shredded coconut for a tropical touch.

Tips for Success

Drain Pineapple Properly: Too much liquid can make the cake soggy. Reserve a small amount of juice for flavor but ensure the crushed pineapple is well-drained.
Adjust Sweetness: This recipe relies on natural sweetness, but feel free to add your preferred sugar-free sweetener to suit your taste.
Gluten-Free Option: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for a celiac-friendly dessert.
Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors deepen over time, making it even tastier!

Why Sugar-Free?

Choosing a sugar-free recipe doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor. With natural ingredients like pineapple and optional sugar substitutes, this cake delivers a satisfying sweetness while being mindful of your health goals. It’s ideal for diabetics, those on low-carb diets, or anyone trying to reduce their sugar intake.

Variations to Try

Add Nuts: Fold in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture.
Make It a Layer Cake: Double the recipe and divide it into two pans. Add a layer of frosting and pineapple slices between the layers for a show-stopping dessert.
Pineapple Upside-Down Cake: Pour the batter over a layer of pineapple rings at the bottom of the pan for a sugar-free twist on the classic.

Conclusion

This sugar-free pineapple cake is not just a healthier choice—it’s a celebration of flavor, texture, and tropical delight. Perfect for parties, family dinners, or a cozy weekend treat, it’s a cake you can feel good about enjoying. Try it today and savor the sweetness without the guilt!