Description
A delightful twist on classic carrot cake, combining sweetness with nutritious ingredients for a healthier indulgence.
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 (frosting)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (frosting)
- Sweetener to taste (frosting)
- A splash of lemon juice (frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your 9-inch round cake pan by greasing it and then flouring it or lining it with parchment paper.
- Whisk together the dry ingredients: whole wheat or almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
- Whisk the wet ingredients: Combine the eggs, unsweetened applesauce, sweetener of choice, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined.
- Fold in the grated carrots and optional nuts or raisins.
- Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan and spread it out evenly.
- Bake in your preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes.
- Cool the cake in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Beat together frosting ingredients if using, then spread over the cooled cake.
- Slice the cake and serve. Enjoy!
Notes
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. Can freeze for up to three months.
- 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: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: carrot cake, healthy dessert, baking, vegetarian