My Favorite Cooking Light Carrot Cake

Moist, wholesome, and irresistibly spiced, "My Favorite Cooking Light Carrot Cake" is the perfect guilt-free indulgence for dessert lovers. This healthier twist on the classic carrot cake uses nutrient-rich whole wheat flour, naturally sweet grated carrots, and crushed pineapple for a tender texture and natural sweetness. The use of unsweetened applesauce and a touch of brown sugar keeps it light without sacrificing flavor. Chopped walnuts or pecans add a satisfying crunch, while warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg infuse every bite with comforting aromas. Ready in just under an hour, this easy-to-make cake is perfect for sharing at gatherings, offering a delightful balance of indulgence and nutrition. Serve as is or pair with a light cream cheese frosting for the ultimate treat. Keywords: light carrot cake recipe, healthy carrot cake, whole wheat carrot cake, easy carrot cake recipe, moist carrot cake.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups whole wheat flour
• 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoons baking soda
• 1.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 0.25 teaspoons ground nutmeg
• 0.25 teaspoons salt
• 2 large eggs
• 0.5 cups unsweetened applesauce
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 0.5 cups granulated sugar
• 0.25 cups brown sugar (packed)
• 2 cups grated carrots
• 0.5 cups crushed pineapple (well-drained)
• 0.5 cups chopped walnuts or pecans

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x9-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well-combined.

Step 3

In a medium mixing bowl, beat the eggs until frothy, then add the applesauce, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix until smooth.

Step 4

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 5

Fold in the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and chopped walnuts or pecans until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 6

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

Step 7

Bake in the preheated oven for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 8

Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting or serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1011.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2205.3

Total Fat 79.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 11.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 16.8g
Cholesterol 372mg	0%
Sodium 2232.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 352.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 39.2g	0%
Total Sugars 196.8g
Protein 50.1g	0%

Vitamin D 82IU	0%
Calcium 343.9mg	0%
Iron 14.1mg	0%
Potassium 1944.8mg	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: 30.7%

Protein: 8.6%

Carbs: 60.6%