Name: Healthy Carrot Cake Recipe
Prep time: 12 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 37 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups grated carrots (about 2-3 large carrots, lightly packed); 3 large eggs; ½ cup maple syrup; ½ cup coconut oil (melted); ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (any %); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups oat flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon ground ginger; ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg; ¼ teaspoon sea salt; 8 oz Neufchatel cheese (softened); ¼ cup Greek yogurt; ¼ cup maple syrup; Pinch sea salt

Ingredients

2 cups grated carrots (about 2-3 large carrots, do not pack)

3 large eggs

½ cup maple syrup

½ cup coconut oil (melted)

½ cup plain Greek yogurt (any %)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups oat flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground ginger

½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

¼ teaspoon sea salt

8 oz. Neufchatel cheese (softened)

¼ cup Greek yogurt

¼ cup maple syrup

Pinch sea salt

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease the sides and bottom of an 8×8 baking pan with coconut oil or cooking spray. Line the bottom with parchment paper to help remove the cake easily. Set aside.

Step 2: Grate 2-3 large carrots to measure approximately 2 cups lightly packed. Place grated carrots in a large mixing bowl.

Step 3: Add the eggs, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract to the carrots. Mix with a handheld mixer until well combined.

Step 4: In a separate bowl, combine oat flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and sea salt. Stir to blend evenly without lumps.

Step 5: Pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix gently with the handheld mixer until fully incorporated; avoid overmixing.

Step 6: Transfer the batter to the prepared pan, scraping the bowl sides with a rubber spatula. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cake rises and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Remove from oven and let the cake cool for about 30 minutes.

Step 8: While the cake cools, prepare the frosting. Beat together softened Neufchatel cheese, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy. Keep at room temperature until ready to frost.

Step 9: Frost the cooled cake generously or to your liking. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator until serving.

Tips & Variations

Use finely grated carrots for a smoother texture or coarser for more bite.

Swap oat flour with whole wheat or almond flour for different flavors and textures.

Add chopped walnuts or raisins to the batter for extra crunch and sweetness.

For a vegan version, replace eggs with flax eggs and use dairy-free yogurt and cream cheese alternatives.

FAQs

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, using certified gluten-free oat flour ensures the cake remains gluten-free. Double-check all ingredients to avoid cross-contamination.

How do I know when the cake is done?

The cake is done when it has risen evenly and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean without wet batter. The edges should start pulling slightly away from the pan.