Honey and Spice Snack Cake

Name: Honey and Spice Snack Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 12 servings.
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; Sugar substitute equivalent to 3/4 cup sugar; 2-1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/8 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup unsweetened applesauce; 2 eggs; 1/4 cup canola oil; 1/4 cup honey; 1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts, toasted; OPTIONAL GANACHE:; 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips; 3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream

The sweetness of honey, the bold flavors of nutmeg and cloves and the crunch of walnuts make for happy snacking. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Greendale, Wisconsin

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
Sugar substitute equivalent to 3/4 cup sugar
2-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/8 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
2 eggs
1/4 cup canola oil
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts, toasted
OPTIONAL GANACHE:
1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream

Directions

In a large bowl, combine the first eight ingredients. Whisk the applesauce, eggs, oil and honey. Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Fold in walnuts.
Pour into a 9-in. square baking pan coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350° for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire rack.
For optional ganache, place chocolate chips in a small bowl. In a microwave, heat cream for 20-30 seconds or just until bubbly. Pour over chocolate; whisk until smooth. Cool slightly; drizzle over cake.

Editor's Note

This recipe was tested with Splenda no-calorie sweetener.

Nutrition Facts

1 piece (calculated without ganache): 180 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 173mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.

Originally published as Honey Spice Bars in Taste of Home December/January 2012

Reviews

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Average Rating:

amethystaa

Sep 9, 2017

I don't think "vintage" recipes called for sugar substitute. Hahaha.
MrsKase

Feb 1, 2012

Regular sugar is fine, we do not eat artificial sweeteners. I also have sweetened appleasauce not unsweetened. very good cake!
Thaxter

Jan 31, 2012

I substituted gluten free all purpose flour, and used brown sugar as that was all I had on hand. It was still pretty good. A bit dry, but that was probably due to the fact that my honey had crystallized a bit. Am looking forward to experimenting with this basic recipe again!
joyjoy34

Jan 22, 2012

this was simple and delicious! everyone in my family ate it, which never happens. i will add this to my monthly menu.
SharonDetweiler

Jan 21, 2012

I made this without the chocolate topping. Was delicious! I baked it for 35-40 min.
sims21

Jan 20, 2012

It sounds very gooood!
tigercat2

Jan 16, 2012

Haven't made this yet but well it sounds good.