This Healthy Carrot Cake recipe offers a delicious and nutritious twist on a classic dessert. It features whole wheat or spelt flour, natural sweeteners like maple syrup, and a Greek yogurt frosting for a lighter, protein-rich treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Healthier Ingredients: Uses whole wheat or spelt flour, natural sweeteners, and Greek yogurt for a more nutritious cake.
  • Moist and Flavorful: The combination of Greek yogurt, oil, and grated carrots creates a moist and flavorful cake.
  • Protein-Rich: Greek yogurt adds a significant protein boost to both the cake and frosting.
  • Naturally Sweetened: Maple syrup or honey provides a natural sweetness.

Ingredients

Cake

  • Eggs: Binds the ingredients and adds richness.
  • Plain Greek yogurt: Adds moisture and protein.
  • Mild oil: Adds moisture and tenderness.
  • Maple syrup or honey: Natural sweetener.
  • Milk: Adds moisture.
  • Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor.
  • Whole wheat or spelt flour: Provides a healthier base.
  • Cinnamon: Adds warm spice.
  • Baking powder and baking soda: Helps the cake rise.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness.
  • Walnuts: Adds crunch and flavor.
  • Coconut flakes: Adds texture and flavor.
  • Carrots: Provides sweetness and moisture.

Greek Yogurt Icing

  • Plain Greek yogurt: Forms the base of the frosting.
  • Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting.
  • Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor.
  • Coconut flakes or chips: For garnish.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Healthy Carrot Cake

  • Strain Greek Yogurt:
    • Line a colander with a coffee filter or paper towels and place it over a bowl.
    • Add Greek yogurt and let it strain in the refrigerator for a few hours.
  • Prepare Wet Ingredients:
    • In a large bowl, whisk the eggs.
    • Add Greek yogurt, oil, maple syrup, milk, and vanilla extract; whisk well.
  • Prepare Dry Ingredients:
    • In another large bowl, whisk flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  • Prepare Add-ins:
    • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
    • Toast walnuts and coconut flakes in a skillet.
    • Grate carrots.
  • Combine Ingredients:
    • Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir gently.
    • Add carrots, walnuts, and coconut flakes; stir to combine.
  • Bake the Cake:
    • Pour batter into a prepared baking dish.
    • Bake until a toothpick comes out clean.
  • Cool the Cake:
    • Remove from oven and let cool completely.
  • Prepare Frosting:
    • Discard whey from strained Greek yogurt.
    • Combine Greek yogurt, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.
    • Whisk well.
  • Assemble and Serve:
    • Frost the cake and garnish with toasted coconut flakes.
    • Slice and serve.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

  • Strain Greek Yogurt: Straining the Greek yogurt is essential for a thick frosting.
  • Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can result in a tough cake.
  • Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting for best results.
  • Adjust Sweetness: Adjust the amount of maple syrup or honey to your preference.
  • Use High Quality Spices: Fresh spices will provide the best flavor.

How to Serve

  • Dessert: Serve as a delicious and healthy dessert.
  • Snack: Enjoy a slice as a mid-day snack.
  • Celebrations: Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or other special occasions.

Make Ahead and Storage

  • Storage: Store assembled cake covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • Flour: Whole wheat or spelt flour is recommended.
  • Sweetener: Liquid sweeteners like maple syrup or honey are recommended.
  • Greek Yogurt: Plain Greek yogurt is essential for the recipe.
  • Frosting: A healthy cream cheese frosting can also be used.

FAQs

  • Can I use regular flour?
    • Whole wheat or spelt flour is recommended for this recipe.
  • Can I use a different sweetener?
    • Liquid sweeteners like maple syrup or honey are recommended.
  • Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?
    • Greek yogurt is essential for this recipe.
  • Can I use a different frosting?
    • A healthy cream cheese frosting can be used.
Print
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Healthy Carrot Cake

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  • Author: Evelyn
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Coll time: 2 hour
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 16 slices 1x
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
Print Recipe

Description

This Healthy Carrot Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert that’s packed with wholesome ingredients. Made with whole wheat or spelt flour, Greek yogurt, and naturally sweetened with maple syrup or honey, it’s a guilt-free treat perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (2% fat or higher)
  • 1/3 cup mild oil (avocado oil used)
  • 2/3 cup maple syrup or honey
  • 1/2 cup milk (almond milk used)
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 cups whole wheat or spelt flour
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup walnuts, chopped
  • 1/2 cup coconut flakes
  • 2 cups carrots, finely grated
  • Cooking spray

Greek Yogurt Icing:

  • 2 cups plain Greek yogurt (2% fat or higher)
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Long coconut flakes or chips, toasted (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Strain Greek Yogurt: Line a colander with a coffee filter or paper towels and place it over a bowl. Add Greek yogurt and let it strain in the refrigerator for a few hours.
  2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk eggs for 10 seconds. Add Greek yogurt, oil, maple syrup, milk, and vanilla extract; whisk well and set aside.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In another large bowl, whisk flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  4. Prepare Add-ins: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. Toast walnuts and coconut flakes in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently. Grate carrots.
  5. Combine All Ingredients: Add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients bowl and stir gently until combined. Add carrots, walnuts, and coconut flakes; stir just enough to combine.
  6. Bake Cake: Pour batter into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 40 minutes (9×13 inch dish), 25-30 minutes (6 inch cake pans), or 35-40 minutes (8 inch cake pans).
  7. Cool Cake: Remove from the oven and let cool completely (4-5 hours).
  8. Make Icing: Discard whey from strained Greek yogurt. In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk well.
  9. Assemble Cake: Spread icing over the cooled cake. Garnish with toasted coconut flakes. Slice into 16 pieces and serve.

Notes

  • Recipe re-tested in March 2024. Amount of baking powder and baking soda were reduced for better results.
  • Store: Store assembled cake covered tightly for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
  • Flour: No other flour can be substituted.
  • Sweetener: Do not use dry sweeteners.
  • Greek Yogurt: Do not use regular yogurt or applesauce.
  • Frosting: You can also use a healthy cream cheese frosting.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 244 kcal
  • Sugar: 11g
  • Sodium: 234 mg
  • Fat: 13g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0.004 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 26mg
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Hey, I'm Evelyn! I'm a home cook with a passion for fun, real recipes that make my kitchen my happy place. Dive in and share the flavor of my everyday foodie adventures!

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