Healthier Carrot Cake
A moist carrot cake, naturally sweetened with dates and maple syrup, topped with a light citrus-flavored labneh frosting. A healthier version of this classic American dessert, without sacrificing taste or indulgence.
How to make this classic American diner dessert a little healthier!
I skip the refined sugars and buttercream frosting. I use olive oil, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, and Medjool dates to make the cake ultra-delicious. Labneh replaces cream cheese to create an ultra-easy frosting. I highly recommend adding mandarin zest to the frosting! The citrus flavor pairs beautifully with the richness of the carrot cake.
Why make this recipe?
- Less refined sugar: replaced by dates and maple syrup, naturally sweetened.
- Less fat but ultra-moist thanks to Greek yogurt and olive oil.
- Light and creamy frosting: labneh replaces buttercream for a fresher twist.
- Warm and spicy flavors: cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg… perfect with carrots.
- Perfect for brunch or a light dessert.
- Lactose-free option: use lactose-free labneh or a plant-based substitute.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan with a little olive oil and line the bottom with parchment paper. In a bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ground ginger, and salt. Set aside.
In another large bowl, mix all the wet ingredients. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently with a spatula or whisk. Add the nuts and mix until the dough is smooth (avoid overmixing, otherwise too much gluten will form).
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle with chopped walnuts. Bake for 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then unmold it and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
In a bowl, mix the labneh (or cream cheese) with the maple syrup and vanilla extract until smooth. Once the cake has cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Zest a clementine or mandarin orange directly onto the frosting. So good!
Bon appetit and enjoy!
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