Cakes That Aren't Too Sweet: Our Top 10 Picks

Last Updated on April 21, 2024 by Lori Walker

When the topic of cakes comes up, most people might instantly envision overly sweet and sugary treats that are nearly too rich to be entirely savored.

But did you know that plenty of cakes out there are not overly sweet and can still be just as delicious?

Here we will explore some of the tastiest cakes that aren’t too sweet, from carrot cakes to a combination of flavors such as Ginger-Lemon Cakes.

Each of these cakes offers a unique flavor and texture that will satisfy any sweet tooth.

Table of Contents

10 Cakes That Are Not Too Sweet

1. Ginger-Lemon Cake

If you’re looking for a cake that isn’t too sweet, try one with a unique flavor combination. A good example of this is a ginger-lemon cake.

The combination of tart and sweet is perfect for those who don’t like overly sweet cakes.

The lemon zest adds a subtle tartness, while the ginger adds a bit of spice that helps to balance out the sweetness.

The cake is light and fluffy, making it perfect for any occasion. But what frostings pair well with lemon cake?

2. Carrot Cake

Another option is a carrot cake. Carrot cake is a classic favorite, but it’s not overly sweet. The addition of carrots and spices gives it a unique flavor that is both sweet and savory.

The cream cheese frosting adds a bit of sweetness to the cake without overpowering the flavor. Carrot cake is a great choice for those who don’t like overly sweet cakes.

But how long does carrot cake last in the refrigerator?

3. Banana Cake

The third option for those who don’t like overly sweet cakes is a banana cake [1]. This type of cake is light and fluffy and has a subtle sweetness from the ripe bananas.

The flavor of the bananas is enhanced with the addition of brown sugar and spices.

The cake is not overly sweet and is perfect for those who don’t like too sweet cakes. Banana cake is also great for special occasions or as an everyday treat. But how to know if your banana bread is done?

4. Pumpkin Cake

For a unique flavor combination, try a pumpkin cake. Pumpkin cakes have a subtle sweetness from the combination of spices and pumpkin puree.

The cake is light and fluffy and can be topped with cream cheese frosting or a simple glaze. Pumpkin cakes are perfect for those who don’t like overly sweet cakes.

You might also like to read about do pumpkin and chocolate go together here.

5. Apple Cake

Apple cake is another great choice for those who don’t like overly sweet cakes. Apples are naturally sweet, and when combined with the right spices and sugar, they create a delicious cake that isn’t too sweet.

The apples provide a subtle tartness that helps balance out the cake’s sweetness. Apple cake is a great option for any occasion. But why is your apple pie soggy?

6. Banana-Coconut Cake

A banana-coconut cake is another delicious cake that is not too sweet. The combination of banana and coconut creates a unique, sweet, and savory flavor.

The cake is light and fluffy and can be topped with a simple glaze or a cream cheese frosting. Banana-coconut cake is perfect for those who don’t like overly sweet cakes.

Also Read: 4 Simple Ways To Enjoy Sweet Treats & Not Gain Weight

7. Honey-Lavender Cake

Try a honey-lavender cake if you’re looking for a unique flavor combination. The combination of sweet honey and fragrant lavender creates a sweet and savory cake.

The cake is light and fluffy and can be topped with a simple glaze or a cream cheese frosting. The honey-lavender cake is perfect for those who don’t like overly sweet cakes.

8. Lemon-Blueberry Cake

A lemon-blueberry cake is another great choice for those who don’t like overly sweet cakes. The combination of tart lemon and sweet blueberries creates a sweet and tart cake.

The cake is light and fluffy and can be topped with a simple glaze or a cream cheese frosting. The lemon-blueberry cake is perfect for any occasion.

9. Simple Chocolate Cake

A classic favorite that is not too sweet is a chocolate cake. Chocolate cakes are light and fluffy and can be topped with a simple glaze or cream cheese frosting.

“I’m not saying I don’t enjoy the days that I’m not eating chocolate cake. But I do particularly like those days when I am eating chocolate cake.”
— Trisha Yearwood, Singer

The flavor of the chocolate is subtle and not overly sweet. Chocolate cakes are perfect for those who don’t like overly sweet cakes. But how long does it take for chocolate cake to last in the fridge?

10. Pear-Almond Cake

A pear-almond cake is another great option for those who don’t like overly sweet cakes. The combination of sweet pears and fragrant almonds creates a unique flavor that is both sweet and savory.

The cake is light and fluffy and can be topped with a simple glaze or a cream cheese frosting. The pear-almond cake is perfect for any occasion.

Read:

FAQs

Is it possible to make cakes that are not too sweet?

Yes, it is possible to make cakes that are not too sweet. You can decrease the amount of sugar in a recipe or use an artificial sweetener to reduce the sweetness.

You can also add sour cream, yogurt, or unsweetened applesauce to the cake batter to give it a more balanced flavor.

Find out if you can fix a messed-up icing on your cake here.

Can you reduce the amount of sugar in a cake?

Yes, you can reduce the amount of sugar in a cake by using a combination of alternative sweeteners, such as honey, maple syrup, or molasses [2].

You can also reduce the amount of sugar by replacing some of the sugar with applesauce or other fruit purees.

How do you counter sweetness in a cake?

The simplest way to counter sweetness in a cake is to reduce the sugar used in the recipe.

You can also reduce the number of sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or molasses, or you can add spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to balance out the sweetness.

You can also add a bit of acidity to the cake by adding a small amount of lemon juice or vinegar. Finally, add ingredients that absorb sweetness, like flour, nuts, and oats.

What can replace sugar in baking?

Some possible replacements for sugar in baking include honey, stevia, agave nectar, maple syrup, and fruit purees.

Find out what angel food cake tastes like here.

Final Thoughts

Cakes that aren’t too sweet are the perfect way to satisfy a sweet tooth without feeling overwhelmed.

They allow you to enjoy the flavors of the cake without feeling like you’re overindulging in sweetness.

Whether you want a subtle hint of sweetness or a more pronounced flavor, there are plenty of cakes that are not too sweet that can fit your needs.

Experiment with different recipes and flavors to find the perfect cake for you.

References:

https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/7754/a-number-1-banana-cake/
https://www.southernliving.com/food/sweeteners/molasses/what-is-molasses

Author
Recent Posts

Lori Walker

Lori is a self-taught baker and former owner of a successful bakery. She shares her love for baking through her blog, featuring delicious recipes, baking tips, and a behind-the-scenes look at running a bakery. You can speak with her directly at [email protected].

Cakes That Aren’t Too Sweet: Our Top 10 Picks