Fluffy apricot cake (sugar-free, gluten-free, low-fat)

Fluffy Apricot Cake - A Healthy and Delicious Treat

Who said desserts can't be healthy? With this fluffy apricot cake recipe, sugar-free and gluten-free, you'll discover that sweets can be both tasty and friendly to your diet. This cake is not only a delight for your taste buds but also a nutritious choice, with low fat content. Moreover, dried apricots bring a touch of freshness and a natural sweet flavor, eliminating the need for added sugars.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 35-40 minutes
Total: 50-55 minutes
Servings: 10

The History of Cake:
Cake is a classic recipe, appreciated worldwide for its versatility. Its origins are hard to pinpoint, but it has been prepared for centuries, evolving in various cultures. Today, cake is often associated with celebrations or gatherings with friends, being a dessert that brings joy and flavor.

Ingredients:
- 100 g oat flour
- 120 g rice flour
- 20 g corn starch
- 100 g erythritol (a natural calorie-free sweetener)
- 100 g dried apricots
- 1 packet baking powder
- 10 drops liquid stevia sweetener
- 2 eggs
- 150 g quark 0.2% (or low-fat Greek yogurt)
- 200 ml coconut milk (recommended Coconut Original from Alpro)
- 1 teaspoon peach flavoring
- 1/2 teaspoon rum essence
- 5 g oat flakes for decoration

Step-by-Step Preparation:

1. Preparing the Ingredients:
Start by gathering all the ingredients you will use. Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature, especially the eggs and yogurt. This will help achieve a more homogeneous texture.

2. Mixing Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine oat flour, rice flour, corn starch, erythritol, and baking powder. Mix well with a whisk to avoid lumps. This is an important step as it ensures an even distribution of ingredients.

3. Adding Wet Ingredients:
In the same bowl, add the eggs, quark, coconut milk, peach flavoring, rum essence, and liquid stevia sweetener. Use an electric mixer to combine all ingredients for 2-3 minutes until you achieve a smooth and fluffy mixture. If you don't have an electric mixer, you can use a whisk, but it will require more effort.

4. Incorporating Apricots:
Cut the dried apricots into small cubes so they distribute evenly in the cake. Add them to the previous mixture and stir with a spoon, being careful not to crush them.

5. Preparing the Baking Pan:
Use a silicone loaf pan (recommended dimensions: 27x10x6 cm) to achieve an even and easy-to-remove cake. If you don’t have a silicone pan, make sure to grease the pan well with oil or butter and sprinkle flour to prevent sticking.

6. Pouring the Mixture:
Pour the mixture into the loaf pan and sprinkle oat flakes on top for a crispy appearance. They will not only add a pleasant texture but also a boost of fiber.

7. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the loaf pan in the oven and let it bake for 35-40 minutes. It is important to check if the cake is baked using the toothpick test: insert a toothpick in the middle of the cake; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.

8. Cooling:
After removing the cake from the oven, turn it upside down and let it cool in the pan for 15 minutes. This will help the cake maintain its shape and fluffy texture. After 15 minutes, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

9. Serving:
Wait for it to cool completely before slicing. Serve it as is or with a spoonful of Greek yogurt on top for extra freshness. This fluffy apricot cake is perfect for breakfast, a healthy snack, or even as a dessert.

Practical Tips:
- *For an even more intense flavor*, you can add some chopped nuts or seeds to the mixture.
- *If you want a vegan version*, replace the eggs with a mixture of flaxseeds and water (1 tablespoon of flaxseeds + 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg).
- *Store the cake in an airtight container*, at room temperature, to maintain its freshness.

Nutritional Benefits:
This fluffy apricot cake is high in fiber due to the oat flour and dried apricots, while the quark provides a significant amount of protein. Erythritol is a low-calorie sweetener, ideal for those looking to avoid sugar.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I replace dried apricots with another fruit?
Yes, you can use raisins, cranberries, or even dark chocolate pieces for a different flavor.

2. What should I do if I don’t have oat flour?
You can use only rice flour, but the texture of the cake will be different. Alternatively, you can try grinding oats to make fresh oat flour.

3. How can I enhance the flavor?
Adding natural flavors, such as cinnamon or nutmeg, can bring an extra touch of flavor.

This fluffy apricot cake recipe is not only a healthy choice but also an excellent way to enjoy a delicious dessert without guilt. Experiment with the ingredients and adapt the recipe to your preferences. Enjoy every slice!