20 Healthy Birthday Cake Recipes You’ll Make Year After Year
Updated: Jul. 20, 2023
You don't have to drop your healthy eating habits at every celebration. These healthy birthday cake recipes will keep you feeling younger and fitter each year!
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Grapefruit Yogurt Cake
Nutrition Facts
1 piece: 187 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 159mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 fat.
1 piece: 187 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 159mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 fat.
Packed with fat-free plain yogurt and fresh fruit, this dazzling cake is perfect for anyone craving a nontraditional cake. Clocking in at under 200 calories a slice, you could even eat this masterpiece for your birthday breakfast!
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Lemon-Berry Shortcake
Nutrition Facts
1 slice: 252 calories, 9g fat (6g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 245mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
1 slice: 252 calories, 9g fat (6g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 245mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
Go ahead and skip the frosting. This tart-yet-sweet shortcake is topped with a light layer of reduced-fat whipped topping. Plus, the fresh berries on top add an extra pop of natural sweetness.
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Orange Dream Angel Food Cake
Nutrition Facts
1 slice: 130 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 116mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch.
1 slice: 130 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 116mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch.
Angel food is one of the best healthy birthday cake options. Loaded with a dozen egg whites, this recipe has no fat or cholesterol, yet features a bright orange flavor.
Find more drool-worthy inspiration in this 50th birthday recipe ideas list.
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Devil’s Food Snack Cake
Nutrition Facts
1 piece: 174 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 91mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1-1/2 starch.
1 piece: 174 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 91mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1-1/2 starch.
A healthy chocolate birthday cake? Sign us up! This light Devil’s Food bake relies on creative ingredients, like quick-cooking oats and whole wheat flour, to boost nutrition. And, since it’s made in a 13×9 pan, there will be plenty to go around!
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Chocolate Macaroon Cupcakes
Nutrition Facts
1 cupcake: 126 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 85mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch.
1 cupcake: 126 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 85mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch.
These beautiful cupcakes only look indulgent. They’re loaded with healthful ingredients, such as unsweetened applesauce and reduced-fat ricotta cheese, to slash calories and fat.
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Streuseled Zucchini Bundt Cake
Nutrition Facts
1 slice: 287 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 259mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (26g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
1 slice: 287 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 259mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (26g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
Who knew eating veggies could be so fun? This healthy birthday cake idea is loaded with two cups of shredded zucchini, giving the cake a delicious, moist texture.
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Pressure-Cooker Lava Cake
Nutrition Facts
1 serving: 208 calories, 4g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 208mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
1 serving: 208 calories, 4g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 208mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
Ooh la lava! Made in your trusty Instant Pot, this delightful dessert has only 4 grams of fat. For added indulgence, serve with a scoop of vanilla frozen yogurt and fresh berries.
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Picnic Berry Shortcakes
Nutrition Facts
1 serving: 124 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 67mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fruit.
1 serving: 124 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 67mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fruit.
We love a make-ahead dessert, and this option for just a few people couldn’t be easier! A bounty of fresh berries keeps this dessert low in calories, as does skipping the whipped topping.
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Yummy Chocolate Cake
Nutrition Facts
1 piece: 184 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 465mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
1 piece: 184 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 465mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
Convenience ingredients make this healthy cake option a cinch to prepare. And opting for sugar-free instant chocolate pudding mix and reduced-fat whipped topping keep the calorie and fat counts low.
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Orange Buttermilk Cupcakes
Nutrition Facts
1 cupcake: 201 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 208mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
1 cupcake: 201 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 208mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
Simple and delicious, this is our all-time favorite low-fat dessert. You'll be surprised how well the citrus flavor comes through in every bite.
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Glazed Chocolate Angel Food Cake
Nutrition Facts
1 slice: 235 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 102mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (37g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
1 slice: 235 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 102mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (37g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
A rich chocolate drizzle beautifully complements this light cake. And with just 3 grams of fat, it’s an airy treat to enjoy after even the biggest birthday meal.
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Mocha Nut Roll
Coffee and chocolate are a match made in dessert heaven, and this show-stopping cake roll is well worth the effort. While each slice is already suitable for some people with diabetes, cut even more calories by replacing the sugar with a substitute.
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Flourless Dark Chocolate Cake
Nutrition Facts
1 slice: 188 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 50mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
1 slice: 188 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 50mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
Gluten-free birthday people, this one’s for you. Here’s a simple cake that’s rich, elegant and completely flour-free. Your loved ones will never guess the healthy secret ingredient, either!
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Makeover Lemon Pound Cake
Nutrition Facts
1 slice: 145 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 253mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat.
1 slice: 145 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 253mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat.
A cup of fat-free Greek yogurt gives this lemon cake a moist, delicate crumb. Plus, it helps cut back on calories and fat!
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Grilled Angel Food Cake with Strawberries
Nutrition Facts
1 cake slice with 1/4 cup strawberries (calculated without ice cream and syrup): 132 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 247mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
1 cake slice with 1/4 cup strawberries (calculated without ice cream and syrup): 132 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 247mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
With only 4 grams of sugar per serving, we can enjoy this cake night after night. It’s perfect for summer birthdays!
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Banana Chocolate Cake
Nutrition Facts
1 piece: 169 calories, 6g fat (4g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 261mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
1 piece: 169 calories, 6g fat (4g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 261mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
Low in calories, fat and sugar, this light-as-air chocolate cake has a yummy banana flavor. It’s scrumptious as is, but you can also dress it up with nuts or a light frosting.
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Zucchini Cupcakes
Nutrition Facts
1 cupcake: 327 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 305mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (38g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
1 cupcake: 327 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 305mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (38g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
Cupcakes are a forgiving place to hide veggies, like zucchini or carrots. These delightful bites rely on cinnamon, cloves and almond extract for a sweet-spicy flavor. For an even lighter treat, go ahead and skip the frosting.
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Lemon Blueberry Cornmeal Cake
Nutrition Facts
1 slice: 250 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 156mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
1 slice: 250 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 156mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
This quick and easy dessert gets lighter with a few substitutions, including yogurt, honey and egg whites. It’s a delicious part of a birthday brunch, too!
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Gran’s Apple Cake
Nutrition Facts
1 piece: 181 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 213mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 fat.
1 piece: 181 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 213mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 fat.
Even with some swaps, like unsweetened applesauce and reduced-fat cream cheese, this cake tastes just as good as grandma’s version. Try it for a fall birthday celebration.
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Almond Fudge Cake
Nutrition Facts
1 slice: 240 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 344mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (32g sugars, 3g fiber), 5g protein.
1 slice: 240 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 344mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (32g sugars, 3g fiber), 5g protein.
Guests won’t believe that this fudgy cake is good for them. It packs in just 2 grams of fat, yet tons of rich, chocolaty flavor!
Originally Published: December 31, 1969
