Sugar-Free Teddy Cake with Nutty Cakepop Surprise

Here’s a recipe for a Sugar-Free Teddy Cake with a Nutty Cakepop Surprise that’s sure to impress! This cake combines the natural sweetness of wholesome ingredients, cake pops dipped in a nutty chocolate coating, and a charming teddy bear made from a light homemade dough.

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 1 ½ cups almond flour (or whole wheat flour)
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
• ½ cup mashed banana (for natural sweetness)
• ⅓ cup melted coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 large eggs

For the Cakepops:

• Cake crumbs from the cake (about 2 cups)
• ½ cup natural peanut butter (or nut butter of choice)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup melted dark chocolate (sugar-free or 70% cocoa)

For the Nut Chocolate Coating:

• 1 cup dark chocolate (sugar-free or 70% cocoa), melted
• ½ cup chopped hazelnuts, almonds, or walnuts
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional for thinning)

For the Teddy Bear Dough:

• 1 cup almond flour (or oat flour)
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional for a hint of sweetness)
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-2 tablespoons water (to adjust consistency)

For Decorating:

• Sugar-free sprinkles or shredded coconut (optional)
• Small pieces of sugar-free chocolate for teddy bear eyes and mouth

Instructions:

1. Make the Cake:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8-inch round cake pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the applesauce, mashed banana, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and eggs. Whisk until smooth.
4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Let the cake cool completely. Once cooled, crumble about 2 cups worth of cake for the cakepops and set aside the rest for assembly.

2. Prepare the Cakepops:

1. In a bowl, mix the crumbled cake, peanut butter, and vanilla extract until well combined. The mixture should hold together when pressed.
2. Roll the mixture into small balls (about the size of a walnut).
3. Melt the dark chocolate and dip each cakepop into the melted chocolate, ensuring they are fully coated.
4. While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle the chopped nuts over the cakepops.
5. Set the cakepops on a lined tray and let them chill in the fridge until the coating hardens.

3. Make the Teddy Bear Dough:

1. In a bowl, mix together the almond flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and honey/maple syrup (if using).
2. Add water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together and is easy to shape.
3. Roll the dough into a teddy bear shape. You can make one large teddy bear or several small ones to decorate the cake.
4. For the bear’s eyes, use small pieces of sugar-free chocolate. For the mouth and nose, you can use chocolate, nuts, or other creative ingredients.
5. Set the teddy bear(s) aside to firm up while you assemble the cake.

4. Assemble the Cake:

1. Take the remaining cake and place it on a serving plate.
2. Arrange the nut-covered cakepops around the cake as a fun surprise element.
3. Gently place the teddy bear(s) on top of the cake for decoration.
4. Optional: Sprinkle some sugar-free sprinkles or shredded coconut around the cake and teddy bear for added texture and color.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

Your Sugar-Free Teddy Cake with Nutty Cakepop Surprise is ready to serve! The cake is naturally sweetened with applesauce and banana, while the nutty cakepops add a crunchy surprise. The teddy bear, made from a light cocoa dough, is the perfect touch to make this dessert fun and adorable.

This cake is great for parties, family gatherings, or any time you want to serve a unique, wholesome treat. Plus, it’s free from sugar, making it a healthier option without sacrificing flavor. The combination of cake, nutty cakepops, and a cute teddy bear makes this dessert a hit with both kids and adults.

Tips:

• You can customize the cakepops by adding different nuts or seeds to the coating.
• If you prefer, you can swap the peanut butter in the cakepops for another nut butter like almond or cashew.
• Feel free to experiment with the dough by adjusting the cocoa content to make the teddy bear darker or lighter.
• For an extra fun element, add a surprise filling like a sugar-free jam or nut butter inside the cake.

Enjoy your creation, and don’t forget to share it with your loved ones!