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Healthy Carrot Cake with Greek Yogurt Frosting Recipe

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4.2 from 9 reviews

This Healthy Carrot Cake is a moist, tall, and fluffy dessert made with whole wheat flour, finely grated carrots, toasted walnuts, and coconut flakes. It is naturally sweetened with maple syrup or honey and topped with a creamy Greek yogurt frosting, making it a nutritious and delicious choice for celebrations or everyday treats.

  • Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 16 slices

Ingredients

Cake:

  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, 2% and higher fat
  • 1/3 cup mild oil (avocado oil recommended)
  • 2/3 cup maple syrup or honey
  • 1/2 cup milk (almond milk used)
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 cups whole wheat or spelt flour
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup walnuts, chopped
  • 1/2 cup coconut flakes
  • 2 cups carrots, finely grated
  • Cooking spray (Misto recommended)

Greek Yogurt Icing:

  • 2 cups plain Greek yogurt, 2% and higher fat
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Long coconut flakes or chips, toasted, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Greek Yogurt Icing: Line a small colander with a coffee filter or paper towels and place it over a small bowl. Add the Greek yogurt and let it strain in the refrigerator for a few hours to remove excess whey.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the eggs for about 10 seconds. Add the Greek yogurt, oil, maple syrup or honey, milk, and vanilla extract; whisk together thoroughly and set aside.
  3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In another large bowl, whisk together whole wheat flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, breaking up any lumps to ensure even distribution. Set aside.
  4. Toast Walnuts and Coconut Flakes: Preheat a large skillet over low heat. Add the chopped walnuts and toast for a few minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid burning. Add the coconut flakes and toast for an additional minute, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and set aside.
  5. Grate Carrots: Finely grate 2 cups of carrots using a box grater.
  6. Combine Ingredients: Add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients bowl and stir gently until just combined; avoid over mixing to keep the cake fluffy. Fold in the grated carrots, toasted walnuts, and coconut flakes gently just to combine.
  7. Prepare for Baking: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a large 9 x 13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared dish.
  8. Bake the Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 40 minutes. Insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is done. Alternative baking pans and times: 6-inch cake pans for 25-30 minutes or 8-inch cake pans for 35-40 minutes.
  9. Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely, which will take about 4 to 5 hours.
  10. Prepare the Frosting: When the cake is cooled, discard the leftover whey from the strained Greek yogurt. Transfer the thickened yogurt to a medium bowl, add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and whisk until smooth and creamy.
  11. Assemble the Cake: Spread the Greek yogurt frosting evenly over the top of the cooled cake using a spatula. Garnish with toasted long coconut flakes or chips for added texture and flavor.
  12. Serve: Cut the cake into 16 slices and serve fresh. Enjoy this healthy and delicious carrot cake as a perfect treat for celebrations or everyday indulgence.

Notes

  • Straining the Greek yogurt for the frosting removes excess liquid and results in a thicker, creamier texture.
  • Do not overmix the batter after combining wet and dry ingredients to maintain a light and fluffy cake.
  • To toast walnuts and coconut flakes, use low heat and stir frequently to prevent burning.
  • Whole wheat or spelt flour adds heartiness and nutrition compared to all-purpose flour.
  • Maple syrup or honey can be used interchangeably for natural sweetness.
  • Ensure the cake has completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting or sliding of the icing.
  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat

Find it online: https://cozykitchenbymaya.com/healthy-carrot-cake-with-greek-yogurt-frosting-recipe/