Indulge in the sweet tang of lemon and the burst of juicy blueberries with this guilt-free sugar-free lemon blueberry pudding cake. Made entirely from scratch, this recipe prioritizes wholesome ingredients while delivering a surprisingly decadent dessert experience. Forget artificial sweeteners and processed ingredients – this recipe focuses on the natural sweetness of fruit and a touch of alternative sweeteners for a healthier, equally delicious alternative to traditional pudding cake.
What Makes This Sugar-Free Lemon Blueberry Pudding Cake Special?
This recipe isn't just about omitting sugar; it's about enhancing the natural flavors. We'll use lemon zest and juice to brighten the cake, and fresh blueberries to add sweetness and juicy texture. The pudding layer, a key component of this delightful dessert, will be crafted with a clever combination of ingredients that deliver a creamy, satisfying texture without relying on refined sugar. This approach results in a cake that's both healthy and utterly delicious.
Ingredients You'll Need:
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups almond flour
- ½ cup coconut flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Zest of 2 lemons
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ¼ cup unsweetened almond milk (or other milk alternative)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons erythritol or stevia (or your preferred sugar substitute, adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
For the Pudding:
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon erythritol or stevia (or your preferred sugar substitute, adjust to taste)
- Zest of ½ lemon
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pudding:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the almond milk, chia seeds, lemon juice, and sweetener.
- Stir well and let it sit for at least 15 minutes, or until thickened to a pudding-like consistency. This allows the chia seeds to absorb the liquid and create a creamy texture. Refrigerate for an even firmer pudding.
2. Prepare the Cake Batter:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a small 8x8 inch baking pan (or a similar sized oven-safe dish).
- In a large bowl, whisk together the almond flour, coconut flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the applesauce, almond milk, eggs, lemon juice, sweetener, and vanilla extract.
- Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in the lemon zest and blueberries.
3. Assemble and Bake:
- Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan.
- Spread the prepared chia seed pudding evenly over the batter.
- Top with the remaining cake batter.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use different types of berries?
Absolutely! Raspberries, blackberries, or a mix of berries would all be delicious substitutes for blueberries. Just be mindful that the sweetness and moisture content may vary, so you might need to adjust the amount of sweetener in the cake and pudding accordingly.
What if I don't have almond flour?
You can substitute almond flour with oat flour, coconut flour (you might need to increase the amount slightly), or a blend of different flours. However, the texture might be slightly different.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! This cake tastes even better the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How can I make the pudding sweeter?
If you prefer a sweeter pudding, you can add a bit more sweetener. Start with an extra tablespoon and taste as you go. Remember, the sweetness of the berries will also contribute to the overall sweetness of the cake.
Are there any other sugar substitutes I can use?
Many sugar substitutes work well in baking, including monk fruit, stevia, and xylitol. However, be mindful of the different sweetness levels and adjust accordingly.
This sugar-free lemon blueberry pudding cake is a testament to the fact that healthy desserts can be incredibly delicious. Enjoy this guilt-free treat!
