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Healthy Carrot Cake

This healthy carrot cake recipe offers a delicious twist on the classic dessert. With whole wheat flour, natural sweeteners, and the vibrant flavor of fresh carrots, this recipe delivers a moist, flavorful cake with warm spices. It’s a healthier way to enjoy this beloved treat.

  • Total Time: 45-50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings

Ingredients

  • Dry:
    • 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour
    • 1 tsp baking soda
    • ½ tsp baking powder
    • 1 tsp cinnamon
    • ½ tsp ginger
    • ¼ tsp nutmeg
    • ½ tsp salt
  • Wet:
    • ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
    • ½ cup maple syrup
    • ¼ cup melted coconut oil
    • 2 eggs
    • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Mix-ins:
    • 2 cups grated carrots
    • ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
    • ½ cup raisins (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans.
  2. Dry: Whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, spices, and salt.
  3. Wet: Whisk applesauce, syrup, oil, eggs, and vanilla.
  4. Combine: Add wet ingredients to dry, mix until just combined.
  5. Mix-Ins: Fold in carrots, nuts (if using), and raisins (if using).
  6. Bake: Divide batter between pans. Bake 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  7. Cool: Let cool in pans 10 minutes, then invert onto racks to cool completely.
  8. Frost: Frost with your favorite healthy frosting!

Notes

  • For a nut-free version, simply omit the walnuts or pecans.
  • Feel free to add your favorite dried fruits like cranberries or chopped dates.
  • This recipe can easily be made gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
  • Get creative with frostings: try a lightened cream cheese frosting, Greek yogurt frosting, or a dairy-free alternative.
  • Author: Juana M. Benedict
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 20g
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg