Easy, Healthy Carrot Cake with Walnuts and Yogurt
This carrot cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s a delicious, guilt-free pleasure. It’s the perfect combination of flavor, texture, and a touch of healthy goodness!. Featuring a generous amount of carrots, crunchy walnuts, and the creaminess of non-fat yogurt, this cake offers a deliciously moist texture and a delightful flavor—all while remaining lower in fat!
Key Ingredients in this carrot cake:
- Carrots: These vibrant orange veggies are rich in vitamins A and K, and they add natural sweetness and moisture to the cake. The shredded carrots provide a lovely texture, making each slice hearty and filling.
- Walnuts: Walnuts are a great source of healthy fats, omega-3 fatty acids, and protein. Their nutty flavor and crunchy texture perfectly complement the soft cake, adding a delightful contrast.
- Non-Fat Yogurt: Using low-fat or non-fat yogurt for a frosting makes the cake healthier, adds moisture, and balances the sweetness with a delightful tanginess. The result is a light, satisfying treat
- Oil: A small amount of oil is incorporated to provide moisture to the cake. Opting for a heart-healthy oil like canola, or avocado oil offers beneficial fats while maintaining a light texture.
- Applesauce: adds moisture and extra flavor to the cakes, while reducing the need for added fats and sugars. It’s a great addition for a lighter, more enjoyable dessert!
Finding the perfect balance between indulgence and health can be tough, but this carrot cake is the perfect example of how it’s done!
Happy Baking!
Easy, Healthy Carrot Cake with Walnuts and Yogurt
This carrot cake isn't just a dessert; it's a delicious, guilt-free pleasure. It's the perfect combination of flavor, texture, and a touch of healthy goodness!
Ingredients
- Dry Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup walnuts
- ⅓ cup raisins
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground cloves
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp salt
- Wet Ingredients:
- ½ cup oil
- ½ cup applesauce
- 3 eggs
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 carrots
- Splash of vanilla extract
- For Topping:
- ½ cup Vanilla yogurt
- ¼ cup Chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9-inch round cake pan by lightly greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.
- Start by grating carrots and chopping walnuts.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, ground cloves, ginger, and salt. Fold in raisins and chopped walnuts. Set aside.
- In another bowl, combine the oil, applesauce, eggs, brown sugar, and a splash of vanilla extract until well mixed.
- Poor wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Do not overmix! Fold in grated carrots.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once done, remove the cake from the oven, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once your carrot cake is cool, top with a dollop of vanilla yogurt and a sprinkle of chopped walnuts on top for added crunch and flavor.
Video
Notes
Craving a treat that’s both delicious and good for you? This carrot cake nails it – it’s light, flavorful, and perfectly sweet.
HAPPY BAKING!
