Imagine a dessert that's so deliciously moist, incredibly wholesome, and surprisingly healthy that it'll make your taste buds dance with joy! This Honey Sweetened Applesauce Carrot Cake is not just another ordinary cake - it's a magical fusion of natural sweetness, nutritious ingredients, and pure comfort. Whether you're a health-conscious foodie or simply craving a delectable treat that won't derail your wellness goals, this recipe is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 60 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup grated carrots
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated carrots and unsweetened applesauce. Stir until well mixed.
- Add the honey and vegetable oil to the carrot and applesauce mixture. Whisk together until the ingredients are fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. This will help to aerate the flour and ensure an even distribution of the leavening agents and spices.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula or wooden spoon. Mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense.
- If using, fold in the chopped walnuts into the batter until evenly distributed.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure an even surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve the Honey Sweetened Applesauce Carrot Cake plain, or top with a light dusting of powdered sugar or your favorite cream cheese frosting if desired. Enjoy your delicious and healthy treat!
Tips
- Always use fresh, finely grated carrots for the best texture and moisture.
- Don't overmix the batter - mix just until ingredients are combined to keep the cake light and tender.
- For extra flavor, toast the walnuts before adding them to the batter.
- Check the cake's doneness by inserting a toothpick - it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs.
- Let the cake cool completely before adding any frosting to prevent melting.
- Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its moisture and freshness.
- For a dairy-free option, you can replace cream cheese frosting with a coconut whipped cream topping.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
