Fluffy, Light, Moist, Easy…What more could you ask for in a cake???

Yes, I used those four words together to describe a cake.  A delightfully delicious cake that is a HEALTHY version!  Yes, cake and healthy were just in the same sentence.  Exciting, eh???  So, in my effort to lead a healthier life, I have been exploring different cookbooks and healthier versions of tried and true southern recipes. 

This particular one comes from Quick and Healthy Recipes and Ideas, for people who say they don’t have time to cook healthy meals.  Wait, what was that last part?  Are they talking to you and I?  You know you have used that excuse.  We all have!  “I don’t have time.”  “I can’t afford to cook healthy.”  “The coupons aren’t for the healthy stuff.”  (Ok, so the coupons are for the healthy stuff sometimes…if you have an undying unbridled addiction to yogurt that makes your bowels work properly…….give me some fresh produce coupons, and I am all yours.) 

Who knows?  You might actually have all of this stuff in your pantry and refrigerator right now…Have a look!  You can be eating yummy cake for dessert tonight and not feel an ounce of guilt.  Well, maybe a little guilt when you think about the friend you know that would enjoy a piece of it, but you know good and well you are going to eat it all before you think about sharing again.

Mandarin Orange Cake

• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1 cup flour
• 1/4 cup egg substitute or one egg (using a shell egg alters the calories of course)
• 1 can (11 ounces) mandarin oranges, drained
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1/2 tsp. salt (optional: I don’t use this, and it still tastes great.)
• 1 tablespoon of oil (canola or vegetable: I personally wouldn’t use EVOO in this recipe)
• 1 tsp. vanilla flavoring

Preheat oven to 350°.  Mix all ingredients, mashing the oranges as you go, and pour into a 9×9 pan that has been sprayed with non-stick coating (or any pan your heart desires depending on the thickness you wish for).  Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.

The recipe yields 9 servings which means 141 calories per serving.

Now wasn’t that easy???

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