Description
A moist and flavorful carrot cake made with healthy ingredients, perfect for a guilt-free treat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/4 cup raisins (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the unsweetened applesauce, olive oil, honey, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Gently fold in the grated carrots, chopped nuts, and raisins (if using).
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Frost with your favorite healthy frosting, if desired.
Notes
- For a sugar-free option, you can substitute the honey with a sugar-free sweetener equivalent.
- Add shredded zucchini for extra moisture and nutrients.
- Ensure carrots are finely grated for better texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: approximately 250-300
- Sugar: approximately 20-25g
- Sodium: approximately 150-200mg
- Fat: approximately 10-15g
- Saturated Fat: approximately 2-3g
- Unsaturated Fat: approximately 8-12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: approximately 35-40g
- Fiber: approximately 3-4g
- Protein: approximately 4-5g
- Cholesterol: approximately 40-50mg
Keywords: carrot cake, healthy dessert, whole wheat, applesauce, spice cake, moist cake, easy baking