Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
moist carrot cake with grated carrots, pineapple, coconut flakes and walnuts.
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!
