Easy Skinny Carrot Cake
Welcome to my kitchen, where we're about to embark on a delightful culinary journey. In this blog post, I'll be sharing with you a mouthwatering recipe for a Skinny Carrot Cake. If you're someone who's passionate about savoring sweet treats while also being mindful of your health, this recipe is tailored just for you. We'll dive into the details, ingredients, and step-by-step instructions for creating this delectable, guilt-free delight. But before we get into the nitty-gritty, let's explore what makes this carrot cake so special.
Equipment
- Two 9-inch round cake pans
- Mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer
- Grater
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Parchment paper
- Wire racks
Ingredients
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 8 oz low-fat cream cheese
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line the bottoms of two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper. This prevents your cake from sticking and ensures an easy release.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, baking soda, and salt. Set this aside.
- In another bowl, beat together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, applesauce, Greek yogurt, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture and stir until just combined. Carefully fold in the grated carrots and walnuts (if using).
- Divide the cake batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
- While the cakes are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until you have a creamy, luxurious frosting.
- Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on top of one of the cakes. Place the second cake on top and frost the top and sides generously.
Notes
In conclusion, this Skinny Carrot Cake is the perfect blend of health-conscious and indulgent. It's a guilt-free way to satisfy your sweet tooth and share a delicious treat with your loved ones. Don't hesitate to whip up this incredible cake for your next celebration or as a special weekday treat. With the step-by-step instructions and variations, you can make it your own. So, put on your apron and get baking!