Decadent Sugar-Free Carrot Cake Delight
Indulge in this moist and flavorful Sugar-Free Carrot Cake, perfect for those looking to enjoy a delicious dessert without added sugars. This recipe was inspired by A Better Jennifer from Obesity Help and yields a delightful cake that is sure to impress both family and friends. With natural sweetness from apple juice concentrate and carrots, it provides a guilt-free treat that pairs wonderfully with a smooth, creamy sugar-free cream cheese frosting. Ideal for category-conscious eaters, this cake is a wholesome dessert option that doesn't compromise on flavor.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
Egg whites or egg substitute
6 or 1 cup (If using egg whites, separate and beat slightly.)
Apple juice concentrate
1 cup (Thaw if frozen.)
Canola oil or safflower oil
2/3 cup (No preparation needed.)
Water
1/4 cup (No preparation needed.)
Unbleached white flour
3 cups (Sift before measuring.)
Baking powder
1 tablespoon (No preparation needed.)
Baking soda
1 teaspoon (No preparation needed.)
Salt
1 teaspoon (No preparation needed.)
Cinnamon
2 teaspoons (No preparation needed.)
Nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon (No preparation needed.)
Raisins
2 cups (Soak in warm water for 10 minutes.)
Carrots
2 cups (Peel and grate approximately 4-6 medium carrots.)
Light cream cheese
1 1/2 cups (Let it soften to room temperature.)
Margarine
1 1/2 tablespoons (Soften at room temperature.)
Equal sugar substitute
16 teaspoons (16 packets) (No preparation needed.)
Vanilla extract
2 teaspoons (No preparation needed.)
1% low-fat milk
2 tablespoons (No preparation needed.)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the egg whites (or egg substitute), apple juice concentrate, canola oil, and water. Mix well and set aside.
3
In another bowl, sift together the dry ingredients: unbleached white flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
4
To plump the raisins, soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes. Meanwhile, peel and grate the carrots until you have 2 cups.
5
Spray two 9-inch round cake pans with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
6
Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing just until moistened. Be careful not to overmix.
7
Drain the raisins and fold them along with the grated carrots into the batter until evenly distributed.
8
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. After that, reduce the heat to 325°F (160°C) and bake for an additional 8 to 12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
10
Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
11
For the sugar-free cream cheese frosting, beat together the light cream cheese and softened margarine until smooth.
12
Gradually mix in the Equal sugar substitute, then add vanilla and 0-2 tablespoons of 1% milk to reach your desired frosting consistency.
13
Once the cakes are completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting generously on top of one layer, place the second layer on top, and frost the top and sides as desired. Enjoy your delightful dessert!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Decadent Sugar-Free Carrot Cake Delight?
It is a moist and flavorful carrot cake made without added sugars, utilizing apple juice concentrate and carrots for natural sweetness.
Is this carrot cake suitable for a sugar-free diet?
Yes, this recipe is specifically designed to be sugar-free, making it a great dessert option for those avoiding added sugars.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
There are 17 ingredients required to make both the cake and the frosting.
What provides the sweetness in the cake if there is no sugar?
The sweetness comes from 1 cup of apple juice concentrate and the natural sugars found in the 2 cups of grated carrots.
What is the first step in preparing the oven?
You should preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before you begin mixing the ingredients.
How should the egg whites be prepared?
If you are using egg whites instead of a substitute, they should be separated and beaten slightly.
What types of oil can be used in this carrot cake?
You can use either canola oil or safflower oil for this recipe.
How do I plump the raisins before adding them to the batter?
Soak the raisins in warm water for about 10 minutes, then drain them before folding into the batter.
How many carrots do I need to grate?
You will need approximately 4-6 medium carrots to yield the required 2 cups of grated carrots.
What size cake pans should I use?
The recipe calls for two 9-inch round cake pans.
How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pans?
Spray the cake pans with non-stick cooking spray before pouring in the batter.
What dry ingredients are sifted together?
Sift together unbleached white flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Is there a specific way to mix the wet and dry ingredients?
Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing only until they are moistened to avoid overmixing.
How long does the cake bake at the initial temperature?
The cake bakes at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes.
At what point should I reduce the oven temperature?
After the initial 25 to 30 minutes, reduce the heat to 325°F (160°C) for the final stage of baking.
How long is the final baking time at the lower temperature?
Bake for an additional 8 to 12 minutes at 325°F.
How can I tell if the carrot cake is fully cooked?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
How long should the cakes cool in the pans?
Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before moving them to a wire rack.
What are the main components of the sugar-free frosting?
The frosting consists of light cream cheese, softened margarine, Equal sugar substitute, vanilla extract, and 1% milk.
How much sugar substitute is used in the frosting?
The recipe uses 16 teaspoons (or 16 packets) of Equal sugar substitute.
How do I achieve the desired frosting consistency?
Gradually mix in 0-2 tablespoons of 1% milk until you reach your preferred thickness.
Should the cream cheese be cold when making the frosting?
No, the light cream cheese should be softened to room temperature for a smooth consistency.
Can I use egg substitute instead of fresh egg whites?
Yes, 1 cup of egg substitute can be used as an alternative to 6 egg whites.
What spices give this cake its flavor?
The cake is flavored with 2 teaspoons of cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg.
Is the flour used in this recipe bleached or unbleached?
The recipe specifies using 3 cups of unbleached white flour.
Who inspired this sugar-free carrot cake recipe?
This recipe was inspired by A Better Jennifer from the Obesity Help community.
What kind of milk is recommended for the frosting?
The recipe suggests using 1% low-fat milk.
How is the cake assembled?
Spread frosting on top of the first cooled layer, place the second layer on top, and then frost the top and sides.
Is this recipe considered a healthy treat?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy treat and a low-calorie option due to its sugar-free nature and use of light ingredients.
Can I use frozen apple juice concentrate?
Yes, but you must thaw the apple juice concentrate before adding it to the mixture.