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Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

moist carrot cake with grated carrots, pineapple, coconut flakes and walnuts.
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Course Dessert
Cuisine American

Equipment

  • 9x13 cooking pan
  • 9x13 cake storage container

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups whole wheat flour for a healthier option
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened applesauce to replace some of the fat
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil or you can use a lighter oil like canola
  • 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup to replace sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups finely grated carrots about 3 medium carrots
  • 1/2 cup crushed pineapple drained well to reduce excess liquid
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut optional
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans optional

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 8 oz low-fat or fat-free cream cheese
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1/4 cup powdered erythritol or your preferred sweetener adjust to taste
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract powder or a pinch of lemon zest

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 8-inch round cake pans or one 9x13 cake pan (or line them with parchment paper).
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  • In another bowl, whisk together the applesauce, vegetable oil, honey/maple syrup, and eggs until smooth and combined.
  • Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
  • Fold in the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, coconut (if using), and nuts (if using).
  • Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pan(s).
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Cool the cakes in the pan(s) for 10 minutes, then remove them from the pan(s) and let them cool completely on a wire rack.

Cream Cheese Frosting Instructions

  • Beat the cream cheese (and applesauce, if using) in a bowl until
  • smooth and creamy.
  • Add the sweetener and vanilla extract/flavoring, and continue to beat until
  • combined and fluffy.
  • Frost the cooled cakes with the cream cheese frosting.

Notes

This recipe uses whole wheat flour, applesauce, and honey/maple syrup to keep things a bit healthier, while still delivering that classic carrot cake flavor. The frosting is lightened up with reduced sugar options.
Enjoy your special treat!
Keyword carrot cake, cream cheese frosting