Healthy Refined Sugar-Free Carrot Cake with Pineapple and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you are looking for a delicious and wholesome dessert that doesn’t compromise on flavor, this Healthy Refined Sugar-Free Carrot Cake with Pineapple and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Combining naturally sweet ingredients like pineapple, carrots, and pure maple syrup, this cake is moist, tender, and bursting with warm spices. The luscious cream cheese frosting made with a touch of Greek yogurt perfectly balances the cake’s vibrant flavors, making it a guilt-free treat you’ll want to share with everyone you love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple yet indispensable, each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in bringing out the perfect taste, texture, and color that make this cake unforgettable. From white whole wheat flour, which adds a nutty wholesome bite, to fresh grated carrots and pineapple for natural sweetness and moisture, get ready to gather some kitchen essentials that you’ll love working with.

• White whole wheat flour: Provides a hearty texture and wholesome base without the heaviness of traditional flour.
• Baking powder and baking soda: Responsible for that light, airy crumb we all crave in a carrot cake.
• Cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg: A warm and fragrant spice blend that perfectly complements the sweetness of the carrots and pineapple.
• Salt: Balances the flavors and enhances the spices.
• Coconut oil: Adds a subtle tropical note while keeping the cake moist and tender.
• Eggs: Essential for structure and richness.
• Crushed pineapple: Adds juicy sweetness and moisture that makes the cake irresistibly tender.
• Pure maple syrup and honey: Natural sweeteners that contribute depth without refined sugar.
• Unsweetened almond milk: Keeps the batter creamy but light; regular milk works just as well.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the flavor profile.
• Fresh grated carrots: The star ingredient – finely grated for tender texture and vibrant color.
• Unsweetened shredded coconut (optional): For a delightful texture contrast and additional flavor burst.
• Light cream cheese: Creates the luscious base of the frosting that ties everything together.
• Plain or vanilla Greek yogurt: Adds creaminess and a slight tang for balance in the frosting.

How to Make Healthy Refined Sugar-Free Carrot Cake with Pineapple and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Pan and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a 13″x9″ baking dish with parchment paper on the bottom and spray the sides lightly with cooking spray. If you don’t have parchment, spraying the entire pan generously works too. This step ensures your cake comes out cleanly and with a beautiful surface perfect for frosting.

Step 2: Mixing the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the white whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ground ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Making sure the spices and leavening agents are evenly mixed ensures every bite is perfectly spiced and the cake rises just right.

Step 3: Combining the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer on low speed to blend the melted coconut oil, eggs, drained crushed pineapple, pure maple syrup, honey, almond milk, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. This smooth mixture infuses the batter with natural sweetness and moisture, which keeps the cake tender without any refined sugars.

Step 4: Adding Carrots, Coconut, and Flour

Gently fold in the grated carrots and shredded coconut, then add half of the dry flour mixture. Mix until mostly combined before adding the remaining flour. Be careful not to overmix; the batter should be like a thick pancake batter. If it seems too thick, add almond milk a tablespoon at a time to reach the ideal consistency.

Step 5: Baking the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top evenly. Bake for 25 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Be sure not to overbake to keep the cake moist and tender. Let the cake cool on the countertop for about 30 minutes before frosting. After that, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for around 3 hours until very cold.

Step 6: Preparing the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cake cools, prepare the frosting by beating softened cream cheese until smooth. Mix in Greek yogurt, maple syrup, and vanilla extract, and beat until no lumps remain. Taste and adjust the sweetness with additional maple syrup if you want a sweeter finish. If you find any lumps, pressing the frosting through a fine mesh strainer will achieve a silky smooth texture. Chill until the cake is ready for frosting.

Step 7: Frosting and Finishing

Once the cake is completely cold, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. For a cleaner slice and presentation, some prefer to cut the cake before frosting the pieces individually. Store the finished cake in the fridge until you are ready to serve.

How to Serve Healthy Refined Sugar-Free Carrot Cake with Pineapple and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

Add a personal touch by garnishing with chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch, a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes, or even a few edible flowers to brighten up the look. These simple additions make your cake look as delightful as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This carrot cake pairs beautifully with a warm cup of chai tea, spiced coffee, or a light fruity tea. For brunches or special gatherings, serve alongside fresh berries or a citrus fruit salad to complement the cake’s natural sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try layering slices in pretty glass jars for a portable dessert, or use cookie cutters to create festive shapes for celebrations. You can also make cupcakes using the same batter and frosting for individual servings that are perfect for parties or gifting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover carrot cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The frosting helps keep the cake moist and delicious, but make sure it’s well-covered to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other fridge odors.

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze the carrot cake either frosted or unfrosted. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing its delightful texture and flavor.

Reheating

If you freeze the cake unfrosted, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then frost as usual before serving. For single slices, bring to room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to enjoy that freshly baked feeling all over again.

FAQs

Can I use regular sugar instead of maple syrup and honey?

While you can substitute with regular sugar, this recipe is designed to maximize natural sweetness and moisture from maple syrup, honey, carrots, and pineapple. Using refined sugar may affect the cake’s moistness and overall flavor balance.

Is this recipe suitable for people with nut allergies?

The recipe itself does not include nuts, but if you add garnishes like walnuts or pecans, be sure to avoid those. Also, check that your baking ingredients haven’t been processed near nuts if allergies are a concern.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

You could try substituting the white whole wheat flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend, but since the texture depends on gluten’s structure, the result might be less tender. You might want to experiment with xanthan gum or another binder to help.

How important is it to drain the pineapple?

Draining the crushed pineapple removes excess moisture that could make the batter too wet and affect baking. Using well-drained pineapple helps keep your cake perfectly moist but not soggy.

Can I use full-fat cream cheese for the frosting?

Yes! Full-fat cream cheese can be used and will result in an even richer and creamier frosting. Just ensure it is softened well before mixing for a smooth finish.

Final Thoughts

This Healthy Refined Sugar-Free Carrot Cake with Pineapple and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is such a joy to make and share. It proves that indulging in cake doesn’t mean sacrificing your health or natural goodness. Give it a try and watch how it becomes a beloved staple in your recipe collection—comforting, nourishing, and simply delicious.

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