Sunday, April 29, 2012

Guilt Free Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Nap-Time Creations



Who doesn't want better for you, yummy desserts?  I know I have a horrible sweet tooth and it is kept at bay by eating fruits and dried fruits most of the time, but sometimes you just want cake.  This is a great way to enjoy a classic dessert in a healthier way.  It is almost guilt proof!

I made mine with Stevia, but you could use other sugar substitutes or plain ole' sugar if you prefer.  I also decided to add half wheat flour instead of using only all purpose flour.  This is probably the best way for my taste buds, but I suppose you could use all wheat flour it just may be more dense and dry.  After I use up the rest of my white flour I will start finding other options.  No sense in tossing good food especially when I am only using a small amount.



Carrot Cake adapted from AllRecipes
6 egg whites
1-1/2 tsp Stevia Powder (or 1-1/3 cup sugar or equivalent substitute)
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup Greek yogurt (omit if using sugar or an equivalent substitute this is to make up for the bulk when using stevia)
1/2 cup skim milk
1-1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1 TBS ground cinnamon
2 tsp baking soda
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 cup all purpose flour
8 oz crushed pineapple with juice
2 cups shredded carrots
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup raisins

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9x13 cake pan
  • In a large bowl beat egg whites
  • Add stevia and mix well
  • Then add applesauce, yogurt, milk, and vanilla and combine
  • Add cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, baking soda, and flour and combine well
  • Stir in the remaining ingredients one at a time, mixing well between each addition
  • Pour into prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes until done and toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean
  • Cool completely
Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting adapted from Quick Weight Loss Solutions
1 package fat free cream cheese, softened
1/4 tsp stevia (again use about 1/4 cup powdered sugar or substitute equivalent to sugar)
1 tsp vanilla
  • In a medium bowl beat cream cheese on medium speed until fluffy
  • Add stevia powder and mix well with a rubber spatula making sure to scrape sides and fully combine
  • Add vanilla and beat until combined
Spread over carrot cake and serve.  I had about 1/4 cup chopped walnuts that I also sprinkled on top.  Yum! Store in the refrigerator.



This cake makes 18 servings.  The nutritional value is for 1 serving.


Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 95 g
Amount Per Serving
Calories
133
Calories from Fat
36
% Daily Value*
Total Fat
4.0g
6%
Saturated Fat
1.2g
6%
Trans Fat
0.0g
Cholesterol
6mg
2%
Sodium
191mg
8%
Total Carbohydrates
20.2g
7%
Dietary Fiber
1.7g
7%
Sugars
6.9g
Protein
4.8g
Vitamin A 43%Vitamin C 2%
Calcium 5%Iron 6%
Nutrition Grade C
* Based on a 2000 calorie diet

Nutritional Analysis

Good points


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    16 comments:

    1. That's great! I'm always looking for good sugar free dessert recipes, and this looks like a wonderful one. Thanks so much for sharing!

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      1. This is fabulous! I love carrot cake and have been craving it like crazy :) But so many cakes have way too much sugar and wild ingredients in them so this is perfect for me without sacrificing taste :)

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    2. Yum, yum, yum! It's been so long since I've had carrot cake.
      Thank you for sharing with See Ya In the Gumbo!

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      1. Me too! I love carrot cake and was really craving it :)

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    3. I love that this is healthy, it looks amazing! Thanks so much for sharing at Mix it up Monday :)

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      1. Thank yo so much! I am slowly getting better at this baking thing ;)

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    4. Gotta try this!! I'm a carrot cake FREAK!!!

      Thanks for sharing at The DIY Dreamer.. From Dream To Reality!! :)

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      1. I love carrot cake too! It is amazing :) Hope you get to try it soon!

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    5. I'm curious what the pineapple juice does to the taste... probably makes the carrots even sweeter. Very interesting recipe. Thanks for sharing it on foodie friday.

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      1. It's very good and really does bring a natural sweetness to the cake. We really liked it :)

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    6. This carrot cake looks good and I love how it is healthier! Thanks for sharing at Showcase Your Talent Thursday. I hope to see you there next week!

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      1. Thank you :) I love that they are healthier and you can't even tell!

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    7. Thanks for linking up to Tasty Tuesday at Nap-Time Creations. Just wanted to let you know I will be featuring you at tomorrow party! Come by and grab a *new* featured button! http://nap-timecreations.blogspot.com/

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      Replies
      1. Thanks so much! I will definitely drop by as soon as I can :)

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    8. I love carrot cake with cream cheese icing - oh yum!

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    What do you think? I'd love to hear from you!