Dive into the wholesome goodness of this Carrot Cake, a delightful dessert that marries the natural sweetness of carrots with the nutty depth of almond meal and walnuts. Enhanced with a touch of cinnamon and honey, this cake offers a healthier alternative to traditional recipes while maintaining the moist, dense texture carrot cake lovers cherish. Topped with a light, honey-sweetened cream cheese frosting, it’s a treat that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth without the guilt.
Why You’ll Love This:
This Carrot Cake is perfect for those who appreciate desserts that are not overly sweet. The use of honey as a natural sweetener in both the cake and the frosting provides a mild, pleasing sweetness that complements the flavors of the ingredients rather than overpowering them. Additionally, the inclusion of whole almonds and sultanas adds delightful texture and flavor bursts, making every bite a delicious surprise.
Perfect Occasion:
This cake is ideal for gatherings that call for a lighter, healthier dessert option, such as brunches, tea parties, or family dinners. It’s also perfect for celebrations where guests might appreciate a nutritious alternative, like baby showers or health-focused events.
Decoration Tips:
For an elegant finish, sprinkle the top of the frosting with finely chopped walnuts or a light dusting of cinnamon. Adding a few decorative carrot shreds or zest of orange can enhance the visual appeal and add a burst of color. Serve each slice with a small dollop of additional cream cheese frosting on the side for those who enjoy extra creaminess.
Ingredients:
- Cake:
- 3 grated carrots
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup of honey
- 1 cup of almond meal
- 1 cup of self-raising flour
- 1 teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda (baking soda)
- 2 teaspoons of cinnamon
- 1/2 cup of oil
- 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup of sultanas
- Frosting:
- 1 block of light cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons of honey or sweetener
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
Instructions:
- Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F).
- Grease a cake tin.
- Make the Cake Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine grated carrots, eggs, honey, almond meal, self-raising flour, bicarbonate of soda, cinnamon, oil, chopped walnuts, and sultanas. Stir until the mixture is well-blended.
- Bake:
- Pour the cake batter into the prepared tin.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a tester inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Frost:
- Allow the cake to cool completely.
- In a separate bowl, mix the cream cheese, honey, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
Enjoy this delightful Carrot Cake with its naturally sweet and spicy flavors, a perfect treat that combines healthfulness with decadence!
