Best 4 Heart Healthy Carrot Cake Recipes

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Carrot cake is a beloved dessert enjoyed by people of all ages. However, traditional carrot cake recipes are often loaded with sugar, butter, and cream cheese, making them unhealthy for the heart. If you're looking for a way to indulge in your carrot cake cravings without sacrificing your health, you're in luck. We're sharing our top pick for the best heart-healthy carrot cake recipe. This recipe uses whole wheat flour, applesauce, and yogurt to create a moist and flavorful cake that's lower in calories, fat, and sugar than traditional recipes. Plus, it's packed with heart-healthy ingredients like carrots, walnuts, and raisins.

Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!

HEALTHY CARROT CAKE



Healthy Carrot Cake image

The best healthy carrot cake recipe with pineapple, whole wheat flour, and skinny cream cheese frosting made with Greek yogurt! So Moist!

Provided by Erin Clarke / Well Plated

Categories     Dessert

Time 1h30m

Number Of Ingredients 25

1 2/3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
3/4 cup whole wheat pastry flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 large egg (at room temperature)
2 large egg whites (at room temperature)
1 1/4 cups light brown sugar (lightly packed)
1/4 cup canola oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups grated carrots ((about 3 large or 4 small/medium))
1 cup crushed pineapple (drained)
1/2 cup shredded sweetened coconut
2/3 cup buttermilk (at room temperature)
1/2 cup walnuts (or pecans, toasted and roughly chopped )
1/4 cup raisins, (golden raisins, or dried cranberries (optional))
3 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese
2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
toasted chopped pecans (or walnuts)

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly spray a 10-inch springform pan with nonstick spray.
  • In a medium bowl, stir together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
  • In the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or a large mixing bowl, beat together the egg, egg whites, brown sugar, canola oil, and vanilla extract on medium speed until well combined. Add the grated carrots and beat for 1 minute. Add the pineapple and shredded coconut and beat just until incorporated.
  • With a wooden spoon, stir in half of the flour mixture, just until the flour almost disappears. Stir in the buttermilk. Add the remaining flour mixture, continuing to stir in by hand, just until combined. Gently fold in the walnuts and raisins.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. (Check at the 30-minute mark-if the edges of the cake are browning too quickly, tent with foil, then return to the oven to finish baking.) Remove the cake from the oven and let cool completely in the pan. Run a dull knife, such as a butter knife, along the edge of the cake to loosen, then unmold it. Carefully transfer the cake to a serving plate.
  • Meanwhile, prepare the frosting: In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese, Greek yogurt, butter, vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), and salt at medium speed for 2 minutes, until fluffy and well combined. Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the powdered sugar, increasing the speed to medium as you go. Beat for 1 to 2 minutes until well combined.
  • Spread the frosting evenly over top of the cooled cake. Sprinkle with toasted nuts and serve.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 (of 10), Calories 460 kcal, Carbohydrate 71 g, Protein 9 g, Fat 16 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, Cholesterol 30 mg, Fiber 4 g, Sugar 45 g

HEART HEALTHY CARROT CAKE



Heart Healthy Carrot Cake image

EXTRA moist carrot. very dense mixture does not raise much but is absoultly FAB. I prepare in mini loafs and sharing with friend(I am the only one in the house who like Carrot cake)but everyone else is gradually trying this recipe and liking it. I omit the raisins and nuts and does great(if you ever wonder. Cuts very easily due to its denseness. Unfrosted "bars" Great for breakfast, no crumbs travels well in the car for on the go mornings.

Provided by h jones

Categories     Breakfast

Time 50m

Yield 15 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
2 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
6 egg whites (best if room temp)
1 1/3 cups sugar
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
1 (8 ounce) can crushed pineapple, undrained
2 cups shredded carrots
2/3 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup raisins

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 13" X 9" baking pan with non-stick spray. Set aside.
  • In a large bowl, stir together the flours, cinnamon, baking soda, nutmeg and cloves, set aside.
  • In another large bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Slowly beat in the sugar. Then slowly beat in the applesauce, buttermilk and vanilla.
  • Using a spoon, stir in the flour mixture just until combined. Then stir in, one ingredient at a time, the crushed pineapple, carrots, walnuts and raisins.
  • Spread mixture in prepared pan. Bake for approximately 40 minutes, or until toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
  • Cool completely. Frost with Cream Cheese Frosting.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 209.8, Fat 3.9, SaturatedFat 0.4, Cholesterol 0.3, Sodium 210.4, Carbohydrate 41, Fiber 2.7, Sugar 24.2, Protein 4.9

HEALTHIER CARROT CAKE III



Healthier Carrot Cake III image

We made it with a little less oil and a little less sugar, so this carrot cake recipe is now healthier but still sure to be a favorite.

Provided by MakeItHealthy

Categories     Desserts     Cakes     Carrot Cake Recipes

Time 2h30m

Yield 18

Number Of Ingredients 16

4 eggs
¾ cup vegetable oil
1 ½ cups white sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups whole wheat pastry flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
3 cups grated carrots
1 cup chopped pecans
¼ cup butter, softened
1 (8 ounce) package Neufchatel cheese, softened
2 cups confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup chopped pecans

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch pan.
  • Beat together eggs, oil, white sugar, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract in a large bowl. Mix in flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Stir in carrots. Fold in pecans. Pour into prepared pan.
  • Bake in preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into center of cake comes out clean, 40 to 50 minutes. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack and cool completely.
  • To make frosting: Combine butter, Neufchatel cheese, confectioner's sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Beat until mixture is smooth and creamy. Stir in chopped pecans. Spread frosting over completely cooled cake.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 399.5 calories, Carbohydrate 42 g, Cholesterol 57.6 mg, Fat 24.7 g, Fiber 2.8 g, Protein 5.3 g, SaturatedFat 5.8 g, Sodium 354.9 mg, Sugar 31.4 g

DELICIOUSLY HEALTHY CARROT CAKE



Deliciously Healthy Carrot Cake image

Healthy alternative to a delicious carrot cake! Moist and full of flavor... Best of all, it's good for you!

Provided by TORI4

Categories     Desserts     Fruit Dessert Recipes     Apple Dessert Recipes

Time 45m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 13

cooking spray
2 cups whole wheat flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
1 ½ cups plain yogurt
1 ½ cups carrot pulp from juiced carrots
1 cup skim milk
1 cup maple syrup
½ cup apple pulp from juiced apple
½ cup chopped pitted dates
1 egg

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with cooking spray.
  • Combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl. Add yogurt, carrot pulp, milk, maple syrup, apple pulp, dates, and egg. Mix with a wooden spoon until batter is blended and thick.
  • Spread batter in the prepared baking pan.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 30 to 35 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 195.7 calories, Carbohydrate 42.5 g, Cholesterol 17.7 mg, Fat 1.4 g, Fiber 3.6 g, Protein 5.9 g, SaturatedFat 0.5 g, Sodium 533.7 mg, Sugar 24 g

Tips:

  • Use whole wheat flour or oat flour instead of all-purpose flour: This will increase the fiber content of the cake and make it more nutritious.
  • Use less sugar: The original recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of sugar, but you can easily reduce this to 1 cup or even 3/4 cup without sacrificing flavor.
  • Use Greek yogurt or applesauce instead of oil: This will reduce the fat content of the cake and make it more moist.
  • Add some chopped carrots to the batter: This will add extra flavor and nutrients to the cake.
  • Use a bundt pan instead of a round cake pan: This will give the cake a more festive look.
  • Serve the cake with a dollop of Greek yogurt or whipped cream: This will add extra flavor and creaminess.

Conclusion:

This heart-healthy carrot cake is a delicious and nutritious treat that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth without sacrificing your health. With its moist texture, sweet flavor, and crunchy carrots, this cake is sure to be a hit at your next party or gathering. So next time you're looking for a healthy dessert, give this carrot cake a try. You won't be disappointed!

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