Description
A nutritious twist on the classic dessert that combines the sweetness of carrots with warm spices for a healthier treat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour or almond flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp salt
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ¼ cup maple syrup, honey, or stevia
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or raisins (optional)
- 2 cups grated carrots (about 3–4 medium carrots)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened (optional frosting)
- 2 tbsp unsweetened applesauce (for frosting)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
- Sweetener to taste (for frosting)
- A splash of lemon juice (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9-inch round cake pan.
- Mix the dry ingredients in a large bowl.
- Combine the wet ingredients in a separate bowl.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently.
- Fold in the grated carrots and any optional ingredients.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick.
- Cool the cake for about 10 minutes in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack.
- Prepare the frosting by mixing all ingredients for it until smooth.
- Frost the cooled cake as desired.
- Slice and serve the cake, optionally garnishing with cinnamon or walnuts.
Notes
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: carrot cake, healthy dessert, nutritious baking, vegetarian recipe