Name: Healthy Carrot Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 54 min
Total time: 1 h 19 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup white whole wheat flour; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 2 teaspoons cinnamon; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ¾ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg; ¼ teaspoon ground cloves; 3 eggs; 1 ½ cups pure maple syrup, dark or amber; 1 cup avocado oil or organic canola oil; 2 tablespoons maple liquor or dark rum (optional); 2 cups shredded carrots (about 3 medium peeled carrots); 8-ounce can crushed pineapple, drained through a fine mesh sieve; ½ cup raisins; ½ cup chopped walnuts; 8 ounces whipped cream cheese; 3 tablespoons granulated maple sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3 tablespoons coconut oil, melted; 2 tablespoons toasted unsweetened coconut for garnish (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 50 reviews

If you’re craving a dessert that’s both indulgent and guilt-free, this Healthy Carrot Cake Recipe is just the thing to brighten your day. It’s a perfect harmony of wholesome ingredients and comforting flavors—moist shredded carrots, warm spices, a hint of pineapple sweetness, and a luscious maple-infused cream cheese frosting. This cake isn’t just a treat; it’s a celebration of health and flavor coming together in one delightful bite. Trust me, once you try this version, you’ll never want the old heavy carrot cakes again!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Several square pieces of cake are shown on a dark textured baking tray. Each piece has two visible layers: a thick, moist golden brown base with bits of carrot and a smooth, thick white frosting layer spread evenly on top. Toasted coconut flakes are lightly sprinkled over the frosting, giving a slightly rough texture with small crumbs scattered around. One piece is slightly pulled apart, revealing the moist, crumbly inside. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Healthy Carrot Cake Recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role, whether providing moisture, texture, or that cozy spice profile we all adore in carrot cake.

White whole wheat flour: Adds wholesome fiber without sacrificing lightness or texture.
All-purpose flour: Balances structure and tenderness in the crumb.
Baking powder and baking soda: These leavening agents ensure a perfect rise and soft crumb.
Spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves): Create that unmistakable warm and inviting aroma.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients and add richness.
Pure maple syrup: A natural sweetener that infuses flavor and moistness.
Avocado or organic canola oil: Healthy fats that keep the cake tender and moist.
Maple liquor or dark rum (optional): Adds a subtle complexity and depth.
Shredded carrots: The star ingredient, providing moisture, sweetness, and earthiness.
Crushed pineapple: Enhances the cake’s natural sweetness while adding a tender crumb.
Raisins: Bursts of chewy sweetness throughout.
Chopped walnuts: Adds crunch and a toasty contrast.
Whipped cream cheese: The creamy base of the luscious frosting.
Maple sugar: Sweetens the frosting naturally with a rich maple note.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the frosting with warm, fragrant depth.
Coconut oil: Blends the frosting to a smooth, silky finish.
Toasted unsweetened coconut (optional): Adds a beautiful garnish and a touch of tropical crunch.

How to Make Healthy Carrot Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 350ºF. Take a 9X13-inch baking pan, and give it a thorough coating with cooking spray—this keeps your cake from sticking and ensures those perfect clean slices.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together your white whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and cloves. This step lets the spices and leavening blend evenly, setting a flavorful foundation for your cake.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the pure maple syrup and chosen oil—avocado or organic canola—until the mixture is well combined and smooth. If you’re feeling adventurous, stir in the maple liquor or dark rum for an extra depth of flavor. Next, fold in the shredded carrots, drained crushed pineapple, raisins, and walnuts. These add body, sweetness, and texture to your batter.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring carefully just until all the flour is moistened. Avoid overmixing, as you want a tender cake, not a tough one. Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top evenly.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 48 to 54 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cake turns a deep brown and is set in the center—gently press with your fingertip; it should spring back. For absolute certainty, stick a toothpick in the middle: some moist crumbs attached means it’s perfectly baked, not dry. Let it cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.

Step 6: Create the Frosting

While the cake cools, whip together the cream cheese, maple sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl using a silicone spatula until the sugar dissolves completely. Then, beat in the melted coconut oil vigorously until the frosting is smooth, thick, and luxurious—ready to scoop onto your cake.

Step 7: Frost and Garnish

Spread that heavenly frosting evenly over the cooled cake. If you love texture and a touch of extra sweetness, sprinkle the toasted unsweetened coconut on top. This adds a delicate crunch and visual appeal that makes the cake irresistible.

How to Serve Healthy Carrot Cake Recipe

Garnishes

To make your Healthy Carrot Cake Recipe truly pop, consider a few extra touches beyond the coconut. A handful of chopped walnuts sprinkled on top offers a satisfying crunch contrast to the creamy frosting. For an inviting look, a light dusting of cinnamon or freshly grated nutmeg can amplify the cozy aroma with every bite.

Side Dishes

Pair your carrot cake with fresh berries or a light fruit compote to balance the rich sweetness with a burst of tangy freshness. A cup of spiced chai tea or a robust coffee also complements the cake’s warm spices beautifully, transforming an everyday dessert into a special moment.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress at a gathering? Cut the cake into charming little squares and serve on a rustic wooden board adorned with edible flowers or fresh mint leaves for a pop of color. Or, scoop a dollop of plain Greek yogurt alongside each slice to add a creamy, tangy contrast that feels both decadent and wholesome.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Healthy Carrot Cake Recipe stays wonderfully moist and flavorful when stored properly. Cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep at its best for up to 5 days, making it a fantastic option to bake ahead for busy weeks.

Freezing

If you want to save the cake for longer, slice it into portions before frosting, then freeze the unfrosted pieces wrapped well in plastic and foil. When ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator, then apply the cream cheese frosting fresh for a just-baked taste experience.

Reheating

When you’re ready for a slice, warm it gently in the microwave for about 15 seconds to reawaken those spicy, comforting flavors. If you’ve refrigerated the frosted cake, let it sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before serving to soften the frosting and make each bite a blissful experience.

FAQs

Can I substitute the flours in this cake?

Absolutely! The combination of white whole wheat and all-purpose flour balances nutrition and texture. If you prefer, you can experiment with gluten-free blends or almond flour, but keep in mind this may alter the cake’s density and moisture.

Is it necessary to use avocado or canola oil?

Using avocado or organic canola oil keeps this carrot cake moist and adds healthy fats. You could substitute with light olive oil or melted coconut oil for a slightly different flavor profile, just avoid butter to keep the recipe lighter.

What’s the role of pineapple in the recipe?

The crushed pineapple contributes natural sweetness and moisture, ensuring the cake stays tender and not dry. It also adds a subtle fruity note that complements the spices and carrots beautifully.

Can I make this cake vegan?

For a vegan version, swap the eggs with flax or chia seeds mixed with water, and choose a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for the frosting. Keep the oils and sweeteners the same to maintain that lovely moist texture and rich flavor.

How do I know when the cake is perfectly baked?

The best way is to test with a toothpick inserted into the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs clinging, your cake is done. It should also have a deep golden-brown color and feel springy to the touch, indicating a tender, fully cooked crumb.

Final Thoughts

You’re going to love how this Healthy Carrot Cake Recipe combines the richness of a traditional carrot cake with lighter, wholesome ingredients that feel good for your body and soul. It’s a joy to bake, and even more rewarding to share with loved ones. Give it a try—your kitchen will smell divine, and your taste buds will thank you for every luscious bite!