Moosewood Restaurant's Fat Free Carrot Cake

Indulge guilt-free with Moosewood Restaurant's Fat-Free Carrot Cake, a wholesome dessert that’s as delightful as it is nutritious. This moist and flavorful cake swaps butter and oil for unsweetened applesauce, making it entirely fat-free without sacrificing texture or taste. Finely grated carrots lend natural sweetness and a pop of color, while a splash of orange juice and vanilla extract elevate the flavor profile. Lightly spiced with cinnamon and optionally studded with plump raisins and crunchy walnuts, this healthier take on carrot cake is perfect for any occasion. Quick to prep and baked in just 35 minutes, it’s an easy treat to share with friends and family. Serve it plain or topped with a dollop of fat-free yogurt for a deliciously satisfying finish. Perfect for health-conscious bakers, this carrot cake is a must-try recipe for lighter dessert options.

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 2 cups carrots, finely grated
• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1.25 cups sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 0.5 cup orange juice
• 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 0.25 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup raisins (optional)
• 0.5 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan or an 8x8-inch square baking dish (or line it with parchment paper for easier removal).

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated carrots, unsweetened applesauce, sugar, vanilla extract, and orange juice. Mix well until fully incorporated.

Step 3

In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the unbleached all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt.

Step 4

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Do not overmix.

Step 5

If desired, fold in the raisins and chopped walnuts for added texture and flavor.

Step 6

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.

Step 7

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 8

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Step 9

Serve as is or with a dollop of fat-free yogurt or a light dusting of powdered sugar for decoration.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1601.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3221.8

Total Fat 45.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 5.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3494.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 674.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 36.3g	0%
Total Sugars 410.4g
Protein 47.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 419.4mg	0%
Iron 10.8mg	0%
Potassium 3774.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 12.5%

Protein: 5.7%

Carbs: 81.8%