Introduction
Carrot cake often evokes nostalgia with its warm spices and sweet flavor, but the traditional version can be quite indulgent. This healthy carrot cake recipe from Love and Lemons offers a delightful twist, incorporating whole ingredients that not only taste great but also provide nutritional benefits. Perfect for any occasion, this cake will satisfy your sweet tooth while keeping your health in mind.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Cake:
– 2¼ cups whole wheat pastry flour (or half white, half wheat)
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 3 teaspoons cinnamon
– ½ teaspoon nutmeg
– 1 teaspoon sea salt
– 2 large eggs
– ½ cup applesauce
– ½ cup maple syrup
– ½ cup almond milk, at room temperature
– ½ cup melted coconut oil
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 2 cups finely grated carrots
Frosting:
– 4 ounces cream cheese
– 1½ tablespoons butter, slightly softened
– 2 cups powdered sugar, more if a stiffer frosting is desired
– ⅛ teaspoon vanilla extract
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
35 to 38 minutes
Total Time
Approx. 1 hour (including cooling time)
Yield
Serves 8 to 10 people
Enjoy your homemade healthy carrot cake!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
1. Preheat the oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round baking pan, an 8×8-inch square pan, or two 6-inch round cake pans.
2. Mix dry ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the whole wheat pastry flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sea salt.
3. Prepare wet ingredients
In a medium bowl, beat the eggs. Then, whisk in the applesauce, maple syrup, almond milk, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Stir in the finely grated carrots.
4. Combine mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir until just combined; avoid overmixing to ensure a tender cake.
5. Bake the cake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 35 to 38 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool the cake
Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely before applying the frosting.
7. Prepare the frosting
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter with an electric mixer until smooth. Add the vanilla extract and powdered sugar, mixing until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
8. Frost the cake
Once the cake has cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top.
Notes
– Layer cake tips
If you’re making a layer cake, consider chilling the frosting and the cake layers to ensure the frosting stays firm during assembly.
– Non-dairy alternatives
To make this cake non-dairy, substitute the cream cheese and butter with vegan alternatives like Kite Hill vegan cream cheese and vegan butter.
Cook techniques
Mixing Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution of the baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt. This step is crucial for achieving a well-risen cake.
Preparing Wet Ingredients
Beat the eggs until well blended before adding the other wet ingredients. Combining these ingredients ensures that the cakes rise properly and have a uniform texture.
Combining Mixtures
When combining the wet and dry mixtures, stir gently until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake texture instead of a light and tender crumb.
Baking the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake at the proper temperature. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean when the cake is properly baked.
Cooling the Cake
Allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and ensures a smooth application.
Preparing the Frosting
Beat the cream cheese and butter until creamy and smooth before adding powdered sugar. This creates a fluffy and spreadable frosting that complements the cake.
Frosting the Cake
Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake using an offset spatula or knife for a polished finish. If making a layer cake, ensure each layer is chilled to maintain stability.
FAQ
Can I use regular all-purpose flour instead of whole wheat pastry flour?
Yes, you can substitute regular all-purpose flour, but the texture and flavor may slightly differ.
What can I use as a substitute for eggs in this cake?
You can use flaxseed meal or chia seeds mixed with water to create a vegan egg substitute, or use applesauce as an additional ingredient.
How can I make this cake vegan?
Substitute the cream cheese and butter with vegan alternatives, and use a plant-based milk option along with a vegan egg replacer.
How should I store the leftover cake?
Store leftover carrot cake in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to one week.
Can I freeze the carrot cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and it can last in the freezer for up to three months.
Conclusion
This healthy carrot cake is a delightful blend of wholesome ingredients that not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also provides nutritional benefits. The use of whole wheat pastry flour and natural sweeteners ensures that you can enjoy a treat without the guilt, making it a perfect addition to any occasion. With its moist texture and creamy frosting, this cake is sure to impress family and friends while keeping health in mind.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Spiced Apple Cake
Combine grated apples with similar spices as the carrot cake for a seasonal twist, adding pecans for crunch.
Pineapple Coconut Cake
Incorporate crushed pineapple and shredded coconut into the batter for a tropical flavor, and top with coconut cream frosting.
Zucchini Bread
Replace carrots with finely grated zucchini for a moist, veggie-packed dessert. Add walnuts or chocolate chips for extra texture.
Chocolate Beet Cake
Use pureed beets in place of half the carrots for a naturally sweet and moist chocolate cake, serving with a light cream cheese frosting.
Banana Walnut Cake
Mash ripe bananas into the batter and add chopped walnuts for a deliciously nutty twist on cake. Pair with a cinnamon cream cheese frosting.
Pumpkin Spice Cake
Substitute pumpkin puree for the applesauce and enhance the spices for a cozy fall treat, using a ginger cream cheese frosting for extra flavor.
