This Healthier Carrot Cake is amazing and made with wholesome ingredients. It is moist, fluffy and so delicious!
Gather all Ingredients
To get started, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- White whole wheat flour. My favorite white whole wheat flour is the King Arthur, 100% Organic White Whole Wheat Flour.
- Baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, sea salt, vanilla extract.
- Eggs provide a valuable source of quality protein, while also containing 13 essential vitamins and minerals, alongside necessary omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. Health Benefits of Eggs.
- Maple syrup (pure) is not only high in antioxidants, but every spoonful offers nutrients like riboflavin, zinc, magnesium, calcium and potassium.
- Applesauce, milk and light olive oil.
- Raisins are dried grapes. The drying process concentrates both the nutrients and sugars in grapes, making raisins nutrient-dense and calorie-dense. Raisins: Are They Good for You?
- Carrots are root vegetables often claimed to be the perfect health food. It is crunchy, tasty, and highly nutritious. Carrots: Nutrition, Benefits, Risks, & Preparation.
- Cream cheese is a soft, usually mild-tasting fresh cheese made from milk and cream.
- Greek yogurt is regular yogurt that has a thicker, more dense consistency.
- Optional: chopped pecans
How to make this Recipe:
- Preheat the oven and prepare pans
Preheat the oven to 350°F and line the bottom with parchment paper two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Prepare dry ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt.
- Prepare wet ingredients
In another bowl, whisk the eggs and then whisk in the applesauce, maple syrup, milk, oil, and vanilla. Stir in the carrots.
- Mix all ingredients
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Stir in the raisins.
- Bake
Pour the batter into the pans and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Frost and enjoy
Let the cake cool completely before frosting and decorating with pecans. Making the frosting: Place all ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Use a hand mixer beat on medium speed for a few minutes, or until it’s smooth and fluffy, scraping down the edges as needed.
Healthier Carrot Cake: Frequently Asked Questions
Refrigerate the cake to keep the frosting firm and prevent spoilage. You can also freeze carrot cake for longer storage by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
Healthy toppings for carrot cake include chopped nuts or seeds, shredded coconut, fresh berries or sliced fruit, or a drizzle of honey or maple syrup. These toppings add texture and flavor without adding excessive sugar or calories.
Yes, carrot cake can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free flour blends or almond flour. Ensure that all other ingredients, such as baking powder and spices, are also gluten-free.
More Desserts Recipes you will Enjoy!
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Healthier Carrot Cake
Ingredients
- 2 cups white whole wheat flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup applesauce (unsweetened)
- ½ cup maple syrup
- ½ cup milk (room temperature)
- ½ cup light olive oil
- ⅓ cup raisins
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups carrots (finely grated)
Frosting
- 8 oz block of full fat cream cheese (room temperature)
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line the bottom with parchment paper two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk the eggs and then whisk in the applesauce, maple syrup, milk, oil, and vanilla. Stir in the carrots.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Stir in the raisins.
- Pour the batter into the pans and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely before frosting and decorating with pecans.
- Make the frosting: Place all ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Use a hand mixer beat on medium speed for a few minutes, or until it’s smooth and fluffy, scraping down the edges as needed.
Hi! I’m Irina. Here you’ll find healthy and healthy-ish recipes.
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