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Home » Desserts

Healthier Carrot Cake

Published: Feb 14, 2024 · Modified: Feb 14, 2024 by Amira · This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

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A delicious carrot cake made with whole wheat and with amazing healthy frosting. It is the best healthy carrot cake to celebrate birthdays or springtime.

Next time, try this easy orange loaf cake.

Carrot cake on a cake plate with a piece pulled out of it.
Healthy carrot cake recipe with delicious cream cheese frosting.

Carrot cakes are most popular around Easter and spring time in the United States. The best carrot cakes are delicate moist and rich. This healthier take on carrot cake is as delicious, you'll never miss the extra sugar, fat or the white flour!

Jump to:
  • ❤️ Why You'll Love It
  • 📝 Ingredients
  • 🥄 Instructions
  • 💡Tips
  • 🥣 Equipment
  • 💬 FAQs
  • 🍽️ Serve With
  • 🧺 Storage
  • 📣 Related Recipes
  • 🥕Carrot Recipes
  • Healthy Carrot Cake Recipe

❤️ Why You'll Love It

  • A lighter version of the traditional carrot cake so everyone can come for seconds without the guilt.
  • This is a lovely and relatively uncomplicated recipe for carrot cake.
  • The best way to make a healthy carrot cake to satisfy carrot cake lovers.
  • Can be made in a 13x9 casserole or birthday layer cake.

Perfect sweetness, moist with a little molasses flavor. This healthy carrot cake has the most amazing yogurt frosting with cream cheese and honey. I promise you, you will never miss the extra sugars.

📝 Ingredients

Note: This is an overview of the ingredients. You'll find the full measurements and instructions in the recipe card (printable) at the bottom of the page.

Healthy carrot cake ingredients on a marble table top.
Best carrot cake wholesome ingredients.

🥄 Instructions

Note: This is an overview of the instructions. The detailed instructions are in the recipe card below.

A collage of three images showing how to prepare carrot cake batter.
  1. In a large bowl, beat eggs and vanilla then add both brown and white sugar and continue beating. Add oil then applesauce and mix well.
  2. In a separate bowl mix together the dry ingredients. Whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon.
  3. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix.
A collage of two images showing how to make healthy carrot cake recipe.
  1. Fold in grated carrots and walnuts if using.
  2. Grease and dust two 8 inch round cake pans or 9x13 inch pan. Divide cake batter into the pans and bake until done when a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely on a cooling rack.
A collage of two images showing how to make healthy frosting for carrot cake.
  1. In a small bowl, combine frosting ingredients well.
  2. Place the first baked round cake on a circular plate, top with some of the frosting then top that with the other baked cake. Decorate according to your liking or just dump the frosting on top. Double the frosting if you feel the need to, the best part is it is not that super sweet and it is actually healthier.

💡Tips

  • The frosting is a little bit soft, If you need a more stiff frosting to make flowers and more decorative shapes, you'll need to add some powdered sugar. I've used a lot of icing as I've made a two tier birthday cake.
  • You can use maple syrup instead of honey as well in the frosting.
  • You can bake in a 13x9 pan and only use half of the icing or just dust the top with some powdered sugar instead of frosting, or maybe even healthier and skip the frosting all together.
  • Cake and frosting are not too sweet like the ones we usually get at the stores. For us it was just right and we did not even miss the extra sugar. I had a little bit of leftover frosting which my kids put to a good use . They scooped more on their cake pieces, but guess what? I was not freaking out and yelling at them to stop.

🥣 Equipment

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  • 8-inch round cake pans.
  • Food processor or box grater, to shred carrots.

💬 FAQs

Does carrot cake have carrot in?

Yes, carrot cake is a cake that actually has carrot in the batter. Sometimes people add raisins, pineapples and nuts along with carrots.

Can I substitute applesauce for oil in carrot cake?

Actually in this recipe I did. While developing this recipe to be lighter some of the fats were substituted by apple sauce but still you'll find

Can you use extra virgin olive oil in carrot cake?

You can definitely do that if this is your thing. You see, I've made cakes before with olive oil but it just did not suite my taste , I felt EVOO was so overwhelming and really overpowered all other flavors.

Carrot cake on a serving plate with a piece taken from it and placed on a white dessert plate on the back.

🍽️ Serve With

  • I love to serve this sweet treat with a hearty meal like this Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole. It's comforting, filling and full of flavor.
  • This Butternut Squash Ravioli Sauce goes pretty well for a delicious side to any meal and it complements the carrot cake color so well.

🧺 Storage

Refrigerate- Store leftover healthy carrot cake in a cake box or cut into pieces and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freeze - Wrap portions of the cake with plastic wrap and place in a freezer safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw in the fridge overnight.

📣 Related Recipes

  • This date cake is very easy, needs only a blender, a bowl and a whisk.
  • The best marble loaf recipe coming to you right from my mama's kitchen.
  • Here is a moist pecan pumpkin cake with a delicious buttery sauce.
  • Best fluffy marshmallow frosting recipe, easy to make with a handful of ingredients. This is the perfect frosting for cakes and cupcakes.
  • These Carrot Cake Mix Cookies are a great treat for any time of day. They have plenty of flavor without being overly sweet, and they're soft and moist.

🥕Carrot Recipes

  • This Beet and Carrot Salad is one of my favorites. It's earthy and nutritious, and the color is incredibly appealing.
  • Carrot Cake Mix Cookies are a great treat for any time of day. They have plenty of flavor without being overly sweet, and they're soft and moist.
  • Aromatic, sweet Carrot Jam will change the way you enjoy breakfast in the morning. Spread it over pancakes, bagels, toast, and waffles. Or do as I do and eat it straight out of the jar, by the spoonful.
  • Carrot Lentil Soup is a nourishing, soul-warming soup that is ready in less than 30 minutes. With just a few pantry staples, this will be your go-to option for a quick, wholesome meal.

If you love this recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating! Thank you.

Carrot cake on a cake plate with a piece pulled out of it.

Healthy Carrot Cake Recipe

A delicious and moist cake, a healthy alternative to the classic carrot cake. This healthy carrot cake recipe can be made in a 13x9 or as a layered birthday cake so you can celebrate and stay in shape.
4.78 from 9 votes
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Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Diet: Halal
Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes minutes
Total Time: 1 hour hour
Servings: 16 servings
Calories: 328kcal
Author: Amira

Ingredients

For the cake:

  • 4 eggs.
  • ½ cup brown sugar.
  • ½ cup granulated white sugar.
  • ¾ cup apple sauce.
  • ¼ cup oil
  • 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups whole wheat pastry flour
  • 2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 3 cups grated carrots
  • ½ cup walnuts chopped (optional).

For the cream cheese frosting and filling**

  • ½ cup raw honey.
  • 2 8oz cream cheese, room temperature.
  • 2 (5oz) vanilla Greek yogurt cups.

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350F. Grease and dust two 8 inch round cake pans or 9x13 inch pan.
  • In a deep bowl, beat eggs and vanilla then add both brown and white sugar and continue beating.
  • Add oil then apple sauce and mix well.
  • In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon.
  • Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix.
  • Finally fold in the carrots and pecan if using.
  • Bake in the prepared pan(s) until done.*
  • Meanwhile, prepare the frosting. In a bowl beat cream cheese, yogurt and honey until well combined. Refrigerate until the cake is done and cooled.
  • If you are making a two tier cake, add half the filling over one cake and cover with the other one.
  • Decorate with the rest of the frosting.
  • Refrigerate to set for a couple of hours before serving.

Video

Notes

  • If you will not make a two tier cake and then use only half of the icing recipe.
  • The frosting is a little bit soft, If you need a more stiff frosting to make flowers and more decorative shapes, you'll need to add some powdered sugar. I've used a lot of icing as I've made a two tier birthday cake.
  • You can use chopped pecans instead of walnuts as well.
  • You can bake in a 13x9 pan and only use half of the icing or just dust the top with some powdered sugar instead of frosting, or maybe even healthier and skip the frosting all together.
  • Cake and frosting are not too sweet like the ones we usually get at the stores. For us it was just right and we did not even miss the extra sugar. I had a little bit of leftover frosting which my kids put to a good use . They scooped more on their cake pieces, but guess what? I was not freaking out and yelling at them to stop.
  • Please check the nutrition disclaimer policy.

Nutrition

Calories: 328kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 73mg | Sodium: 395mg | Potassium: 252mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 26g | Vitamin A: 4456IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 108mg | Iron: 1mg
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First published March 29, 2017 . Last updated February 14, 2024 with important tips, clear step by step instructions and readability.

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About Amira

I’m overjoyed that you have stopped by! My hope is to introduce you to new flavors, creative ways and fresh takes on favorites. To help you create food with style that will bring everyone around your kitchen table. From weeknight dinners for crazy busy days to desserts with the “wow” factor, and classic comforts from the Mediterranean. One thing in common, they are all recipes that have been tried and tested by family and friends.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. John / Kitchen Riffs

    February 24, 2021 at 7:39 am

    You're reminding me that it's been a couple of years at least since I've had carrot cake. Gotta make some, and soon -- using your terrific recipe! Thanks.

    Reply
  2. Ghislaine Connell

    February 23, 2021 at 2:40 pm

    Thank you, Amira, for giving us a recipe with less sugar. I am a diabetic that loves sugar but I find most recipes are so overloaded with sugar, they are not even enjoyable to eat. When I bake, even to give or sell, I always cut back on the amount of sugar in most recipes. I have not tried this recipe yet but will now. Thank you once again.

    Reply
    • Amira

      February 26, 2021 at 8:11 am

      Gald you find it useful Ghislaine.

      Reply
  3. Elaine

    February 23, 2021 at 10:43 am

    For how long do you bake the cake(s)?

    Reply
    • Amira

      February 26, 2021 at 8:10 am

      Elaine about 35 to 40 minutes.

      Reply
  4. Leslie h

    January 16, 2020 at 10:26 am

    What is whole wheat pastry flour compared to regular whole wheat flour?

    Reply
  5. Leslie h

    January 16, 2020 at 10:26 am

    What is whole wheat pastry flour? I have a basic whole wheat flour, but not sure if that’s the same.

    Reply
    • Amira

      January 20, 2020 at 8:57 am

      Leslie, whole wheat pastry is finely ground and has less gluten. As far as I know, it produces a softer baked cakes.

      Reply
  6. Lindsey M

    March 18, 2019 at 10:05 am

    5 stars
    Can't wait to try this again, made it in many occasions already and it never failed me. Thank you for such a great recipe.

    Reply
    • Amira

      March 19, 2019 at 9:29 am

      Wahoo! I’m chuffed you love it Lindsey. Thank you for the feedback

      Reply
  7. Connie

    March 29, 2018 at 10:59 am

    5 stars
    A delicious cake with sensible ingredients and a frosting that is actually good for you!
    We all loved it. It also came out well gluten-free (using Bob's one to one baking flour flour) Thank you for posting.

    Reply
    • Amira

      March 29, 2018 at 3:56 pm

      Connie, thank you so much for trying this recipe and I am glade you all liked it. I've no experience with gluten free flour but I am happy it turned out good though :).

      Reply
  8. mae

    February 28, 2018 at 2:43 pm

    This recipe looks more like the old classics from the past, not like the supermarket versions which are pretty much like all mass market cakes -- very bland and ultrasweet!

    best... mae at maefood.blogspot.com

    Reply
  9. thatskinnychickcanbake

    March 30, 2017 at 6:21 pm

    Wow, your carrot cake is stunning! One of my favorite desserts, so I appreciate the lightened up version!!!

    Reply
  10. Evelyne CulturEatz

    March 30, 2017 at 1:12 pm

    But it has carrots, not healthy by default lol? I do like carrot cake but a light version is welcomed. Really nice icing recipe and the cake looks really beaitifull Amira. More coincidences between us, starting this Sat we have 5 cake occasions in my family till early June!

    Reply
  11. Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella

    March 29, 2017 at 5:25 pm

    This cake looks like it has a great texture to it! And it doesn't look too healthy (which is a compliment), it looks like a regular full fat, full sugar cake!

    Reply
  12. kitchenriffs

    March 29, 2017 at 8:25 am

    Carrot cakes are good, aren't they? Love their flavor! Yours looks especially nice -- moist and flavorful, and good for you (as well as being good IN you!). Super recipe -- thanks.

    Reply

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Hey Y'all, I'm Amira.
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I send warm greetings from sunny Colorado. This blog combines weeknight dinners for crazy busy days to desserts with the “wow” factor, and classic comforts from the Mediterranean.
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