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Low-Cal Vanilla Strawberry Cake (Perfect Spring Birthday Dessert) - Light, Fresh, and Festive

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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 12 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 cups (180 g) white whole wheat flour or all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (60 g) cornstarch (for a softer, lighter crumb)
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp fine salt
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar or 1/3 cup granulated sugar + 1/4 cup zero-calorie sweetener blend
  • 2 large egg whites (or 1 whole egg + 1 egg white)
  • 1 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 3 tbsp light neutral oil (canola or avocado)
  • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp almond extract (optional but recommended)
  • 1 cup finely chopped fresh strawberries (patted dry)
  • 1 tsp lemon zest (optional, brightens flavor)
  • 1 cup nonfat Greek yogurt
  • 1 cup light whipped topping (or use whipped aquafaba for dairy-free)
  • 2–3 tbsp powdered sugar or powdered sweetener
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • Extra sliced strawberries for topping

Instructions
 

  • Prep the pans: Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch round pan with parchment and lightly grease the sides. You can also use a square 8-inch pan.
  • Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  • Whisk wet ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk sugar, egg whites, yogurt, applesauce, oil, vanilla, and almond extract until smooth.
  • Combine: Add dry ingredients to wet and stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix. Fold in chopped strawberries and lemon zest.
  • Bake: Pour batter into the pan and smooth the top. Bake 24–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean and the top springs back.
  • Cool completely: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool fully before frosting.
  • Make the frosting: Stir yogurt, whipped topping, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until fluffy and smooth. Chill for 15 minutes to set.
  • Frost and decorate: Spread frosting over the cooled cake. Top with sliced strawberries. For a layered look, slice the cake horizontally and add a thin layer of frosting and berries in the middle.
  • Chill briefly (optional): Refrigerate for 20–30 minutes to help the frosting set for cleaner slices.