Irresistible Low-Fat Spiced Carrot Cake
Indulge in this Irresistible Low-Fat Spiced Carrot Cake that delivers all the flavors of a classic carrot cake without the heavy calories. Moist and packed with wholesome ingredients like fresh carrots and crushed pineapple, this cake is sweetened with light brown sugar and flavored with aromatic spices. Perfect for dessert lovers who are health-conscious, this cake serves beautifully at gatherings, birthdays, or a cozy family dinner. Enjoy it plain, or top it off with a light cream cheese frosting for an extra touch of sweetness!
16
Servings
200
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
cake flour
2 1/2 cups (sifted)
baking soda
2 teaspoons (none)
cinnamon
1 teaspoon (ground)
allspice
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
clove
1/4 teaspoon (ground)
light brown sugar
2 cups (packed)
vegetable oil
2 tablespoons (none)
egg
1 (large)
egg whites
2 (large)
low-fat buttermilk
1/2 cup (none)
vanilla extract
2 teaspoons (pure)
freshly grated carrots
3 cups (peeled and grated)
crushed pineapple
1 (8 ounce) can (well-drained)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
2
In a medium bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking soda, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and clove. Set aside.
3
In a separate large mixing bowl, beat together the egg, egg whites, and light brown sugar with vegetable oil until the mixture is light and fluffy, roughly 3 minutes.
4
Stir in the low-fat buttermilk and vanilla extract until well combined.
5
Gradually incorporate the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients at low speed or gently with a wooden spoon until just combined.
6
Fold in the grated carrots and well-drained crushed pineapple, mixing until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9
Allow the cake to cool completely before serving, or top with a low-fat cream cheese frosting if desired.
Nutrition Information
0.6g
Fat
39.4g
Carbs
1.9g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary flavor profile of the Irresistible Low-Fat Spiced Carrot Cake?
This cake features a classic carrot cake flavor enhanced with aromatic spices like cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and cloves, complemented by sweet crushed pineapple.
How many calories are in one serving of this carrot cake?
Each serving of this low-fat spiced carrot cake contains approximately 200 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
This recipe is designed to be very low-fat, containing only 0.6g of fat per serving.
What size baking dish is required for this recipe?
You should use a 13 x 9-inch baking dish that has been properly greased.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking the cake.
How long does the cake need to bake?
The cake typically takes between 35 to 40 minutes to bake, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 16 individual servings.
What spices are included in the dry ingredients?
The recipe uses a blend of ground cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and cloves for a rich, spiced flavor.
Does this recipe use whole eggs or egg whites?
It uses a combination of 1 large whole egg and 2 large egg whites to keep the fat content low.
Is pineapple used in this carrot cake?
Yes, it includes one 8-ounce can of well-drained crushed pineapple to add moisture and sweetness.
What type of flour is best for this cake?
The recipe specifies 2 1/2 cups of sifted cake flour for a light and tender texture.
How much carrot is required for the recipe?
You will need 3 cups of freshly grated carrots, which should be peeled before grating.
What kind of sugar is used to sweeten the cake?
The cake is sweetened with 2 cups of packed light brown sugar.
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
The recipe specifically calls for 1/2 cup of low-fat buttermilk to maintain the moist texture and low-fat profile.
How do I know when the cake is finished baking?
The cake is done when it is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides approximately 1.9g of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in a slice?
There are approximately 39.4g of carbohydrates per serving.
Should the pineapple be drained?
Yes, it is very important that the crushed pineapple is well-drained before being folded into the batter.
Do I need to sift the dry ingredients?
Yes, you should sift together the cake flour, baking soda, and spices to ensure even distribution and a smooth batter.
What type of oil is used?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
Can I add frosting to this cake?
While the cake is delicious plain, it is recommended to top it with a low-fat cream cheese frosting if desired.
How long should I beat the egg and sugar mixture?
Beat the egg, egg whites, and light brown sugar with vegetable oil for roughly 3 minutes until light and fluffy.
Should I use a mixer for the entire process?
You can use a mixer for the wet ingredients, but it is recommended to incorporate the dry ingredients at low speed or with a wooden spoon to avoid overmixing.
What is the best way to incorporate the carrots and pineapple?
Gently fold the grated carrots and drained pineapple into the batter until they are evenly distributed.
Is this cake suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly dessert as it contains no meat products, though it does contain eggs and dairy.
What kind of vanilla extract should I use?
The recipe recommends using 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
Is this recipe considered a healthy option?
Yes, it is tagged as a 'healthy baking' and 'lightened recipe' due to its low fat content and inclusion of fresh vegetables and fruit.
Should the cake be served warm?
It is recommended to allow the cake to cool completely before serving, especially if you plan to add frosting.
How much baking soda is required?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of baking soda.
Can I use this recipe for a birthday?
Absolutely! It serves beautifully at gatherings, birthdays, or family dinners.