Anna's Pound Cake substitution question

[VAcooker]

I have a question...has anyone tried to lighten Anna's Chocolate Chip Irish Cream pound cake? I would like to sub applesauce or something for much of the 10 tbs of butter but I am worried that it will not come out right (I was thinking of subbing 1/2 cup applesauce for 8 tbs butter)...I keep on telling myself that it is dessert and I will not be eating it all the time so that I should just go ahead and make it as written, but I do have a health-nut husband whom I would like to accomodate. I really would like to make this b/c of all of the wonderful reviews...

Typically I lighten desserts successfully but I have never tried to lighten a pound cake before...any thoughts or advice? Should I just make it as written?

Thanks in advance...

[rlrobb]

Isn't this cake is already pretty light for a pound cake? After all, for 16 servings each person is getting less than 1 tbsp of butter each! Butter is a pretty essential ingredient in pound cake and I think if you took out much more butter you might compromise the pound cake texture and taste. I've had trouble with some baked goods being too sticky when I used applesauce in place of too much of the fat. Maybe replacing some of the egg with egg substitute or egg whites might lighten more without changing the flavor much?

Maybe Anna could enlighten us as to how she tested this recipe as I'm sure she tried lots of variations to get the taste and texture right! I haven't tried the cake yet, but it's on my list of desserts to try.

[valchemist]

I have to agree. it is already lightened, so I wouldn't fiddle with it any more.

[VAcooker]

Thank you both for your advice...perhaps taking most of the butter out of a pound cake is kind of like taking the strawberries out of a strawberry shortcake...:)

I am going to leave in the butter and try the recipe "as is" first and then maybe the next time I will fiddle around with using egg whites instead of whole eggs...considering that I am making this for company on Mother's Day, I do not want it to come out poorly...