Name: Healthy Carrot Cake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups grated carrots (about 2-3 large carrots, do not pack); 3 large eggs; ½ cup maple syrup; ½ cup coconut oil (melted); ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (any %); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups oat flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon ground ginger; ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg; ¼ teaspoon sea salt; 8 oz. Neufchatel cheese (softened); ¼ cup Greek yogurt; ¼ cup maple syrup; Pinch sea salt

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 41 reviews

If you’re craving a wholesome treat that satisfies your sweet tooth without the guilt, this Healthy Carrot Cake Recipe is the absolute answer. Bursting with freshly grated carrots and warm spices, it combines the natural sweetness of maple syrup with the rich creaminess of Greek yogurt and Neufchatel cheese frosting. Each bite offers a moist, tender texture and a symphony of flavors that feel indulgent yet nourishing. Whether you’re serving it to family, friends, or simply enjoying it as a snack, this carrot cake will quickly become your new favorite dessert to make and share.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl holds a smooth, pale orange mixture with a slightly thick texture and small lumps, with a silver whisk resting inside. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface surrounded by a white egg tray with empty slots, a white bowl filled with light brown flour, a whole white egg, and a white cloth napkin. The scene is bright and clean, with soft shadows and no extra decorations. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are simple staples that come together to create a cake that is both flavorful and nutritious. Each one plays a critical role in the wonderful taste, texture, and color of this Healthy Carrot Cake Recipe.

2 cups grated carrots (about 2-3 large carrots): Provides natural sweetness, moisture, and vibrant color.
3 large eggs: Acts as a binder, giving structure and richness.
½ cup maple syrup: Adds a gentle, natural sweetness with depth and complexity.
½ cup coconut oil (melted): Contributes moisture and a subtle tropical note, keeping the cake tender.
½ cup plain Greek yogurt (any %): Enhances moisture and adds a slight tang while boosting protein.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Lifts the flavors with its warm, comforting aroma.
2 cups oat flour: Offers a gluten-free-friendly base with a mild, nutty flavor.
1 tsp baking powder: Helps the cake rise and become fluffy.
½ teaspoon baking soda: Works with the yogurt to lighten the batter.
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: Brings that classic spicy warmth essential to carrot cake.
1 teaspoon ground ginger: Adds a gentle zing that complements the carrots beautifully.
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Provides a subtle earthy note for depth.
¼ teaspoon sea salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
8 oz. Neufchatel cheese (softened): Creates a creamy, lighter frosting that pairs perfectly with the cake.
¼ cup Greek yogurt: Adds tanginess and smooth texture to the frosting.
¼ cup maple syrup: Sweetens the frosting naturally without overpowering.
Pinch sea salt: Elevates the frosting’s flavor complexity.

How to Make Healthy Carrot Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking pan with coconut oil or cooking spray, and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy clean removal. This little prep step ensures your cake will come out perfectly intact every time.

Step 2: Grate and Measure Carrots

Grate 2 to 3 large carrots until you reach about 2 cups. Don’t pack them down tightly; a loose measurement keeps moisture balance right. Place them in a large mixing bowl and get ready for the wet ingredients.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

Add the eggs, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract right into the bowl with your grated carrots. Use a handheld mixer to blend everything until fully incorporated—this creates a smooth, luscious base for your cake.

Step 4: Mix Together the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the oat flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and sea salt until evenly combined. This ensures your spices and leavening are distributed perfectly, so each slice has balanced flavor and fluffiness.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the dry mixture into the wet carrot base and mix gently with your handheld mixer. Stop mixing as soon as there are no flour streaks or lumps to avoid overworking the batter, which keeps your cake tender.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Firm

Scrape the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cake has risen and a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean. The aroma of warm spices and baked carrots in your kitchen will be impossible to ignore!

Step 7: Cool Completely

Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 30 minutes. Cooling is crucial so your cake sets properly and doesn’t crumble when frosting is applied.

Step 8: Prepare the Frosting

While the cake cools, whisk together the softened Neufchatel cheese, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt until the frosting is creamy and smooth. This luscious frosting is lighter than traditional cream cheese frosting, keeping this Healthy Carrot Cake Recipe delightfully fresh.

Step 9: Frost and Serve

Spread your frosting generously over the cooled cake. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor, or refrigerate until you’re ready to enjoy this moist, flavorful treat.

How to Serve Healthy Carrot Cake Recipe

A square cake is cut into twelve pieces on parchment paper, placed on a white marbled surface. The cake has one layer of light brown texture, topped with a thick layer of creamy off-white frosting, sprinkled with small chopped nuts. One piece is missing near the top right, with a matching piece on a small white plate above the cake. The piece on the plate shows the brown cake layer inside and is partly eaten with a silver fork resting on the plate. To the left, a clear jar filled with brown rolled sticks sits on the white marbled surface. A silver cake server with a patterned center lies at the bottom right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate presentation and add some texture, sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the frosting. A light dusting of cinnamon or freshly grated orange zest also brings wonderful fragrance and a beautiful pop of color.

Side Dishes

This carrot cake is flexible enough to pair with a cup of your favorite tea or coffee for a perfect afternoon snack. You could also serve it alongside fresh fruit salad or a dollop of whipped coconut cream to keep things light and refreshing.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the cake into small squares and serve as bite-sized treats at a gathering, or layer it with extra frosting and chopped nuts for a mini carrot cake parfait. Wrapping single servings as gifts in parchment and twine can make a charming homemade present too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover carrot cake tightly wrapped in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keeping it cold preserves the freshness of the frosting and maintains the cake’s moist texture.

Freezing

You can freeze this Healthy Carrot Cake Recipe by wrapping slices individually in plastic wrap and placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Frozen cake will keep well for up to 3 months and is great for quick desserts whenever you want.

Reheating

If you prefer your cake a little warmer, bring slices to room temperature or microwave briefly (about 15 seconds) before serving. Avoid heating too long to prevent the frosting from melting excessively.

FAQs

Is this carrot cake recipe gluten-free?

Since this cake uses oat flour, it’s gluten-free as long as you use certified gluten-free oats to avoid cross-contamination. This makes it a fantastic option for those managing gluten sensitivity.

Can I substitute the coconut oil with another fat?

Yes! You can replace coconut oil with melted butter or a neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil, but coconut oil adds a nice subtle flavor and helps keep the cake moist.

How sweet is this cake compared to traditional carrot cakes?

This recipe uses maple syrup instead of refined sugar, providing a gentler, more natural sweetness. The overall sweetness is moderate, allowing the spices and carrot flavors to shine through.

Can I make this carrot cake vegan?

While this recipe calls for eggs and dairy, you can experiment with egg substitutes like flax eggs and non-dairy yogurt and cream cheese alternatives to create a vegan version, though texture and flavor may vary slightly.

Why use Neufchatel cheese instead of cream cheese in the frosting?

Neufchatel cheese has a slightly lower fat content than traditional cream cheese, which makes the frosting lighter but still wonderfully creamy and tangy, perfectly complementing the cake.

Final Thoughts

You really can’t go wrong with this delightful Healthy Carrot Cake Recipe. It’s a cozy and satisfying baked good that manages to feel indulgent and nourishing all at once. I encourage you to give it a try—you might just find yourself baking it on repeat for family, friends, or your own sweet moments. Enjoy every bite of this uplifting, warmly spiced, and perfectly moist carrot cake goodness.