Skip the guilt and embrace the sweetness of nature with this incredibly moist and flavorful carrot oat cake that proves healthy desserts can be absolutely delicious. Made with wholesome oats instead of white flour and naturally sweetened without refined sugar, this cake delivers all the comfort of traditional baking with a nutritious twist. The combination of grated carrots, fresh apple, and warm cinnamon creates a perfectly spiced treat that’s ready to enjoy in under an hour from start to finish.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 heaping cup rolled oats (120g / 4.2 oz)
- 2 medium carrots, grated (approximately 200g / 7 oz)
- 1 apple, coarsely grated
- 3 tablespoons Greek yogurt or sour cream (45ml)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 tablespoon ground cinnamon (7.5ml)
- 1 tablespoon raisins (15g)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted (15ml)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda (5ml)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- A few drops of lemon juice
- Pinch of salt
- Natural sweetener to taste (stevia, monk fruit, or honey)
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped (60g / 2.1 oz)
For the Crispy Topping (Optional):
- 3 tablespoons oat flakes (45ml)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (5ml)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted (15ml)
- Natural sweetener to taste
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1 to 1.5 cups cream cheese or ricotta (250g / 8.8 oz)
- 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt or sour cream (30ml)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (1.25ml)
- A few drops of lemon juice
- Natural sweetener to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Cake Base
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a round cake pan with coconut oil.
- Grind the rolled oats in a food processor or blender until they form a fine flour consistency.
- Chop the walnuts into small pieces and set aside.
- Finely grate the carrots and coarsely grate the apple.
Make the Cake Batter
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs until foamy and light.
- Add the Greek yogurt, melted coconut oil, lemon zest, and natural sweetener. Mix well.
- Soak the raisins in a small amount of warm water for a few minutes to soften.
- In a separate bowl, combine the oat flour, ground cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
- Add the grated carrots, grated apple, drained raisins, and chopped walnuts. Mix until just combined.
- Add a few drops of lemon juice to activate the baking soda.
Prepare Optional Crispy Topping
- If using, mix oat flakes, cinnamon, melted coconut oil, and sweetener in a small bowl.
Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
- Sprinkle the crispy topping over the surface if desired.
- Bake for 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool completely in the pan before removing.
Make the Frosting
- In a bowl, combine cream cheese, Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and sweetener.
- Beat until smooth and creamy.
- Once the cake is completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top.
- Create decorative swirls with a fork or spatula.
- Garnish with additional chopped walnuts.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to set the frosting.
Time, Servings & Nutrition
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 40 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 8-10 slices
Nutrition (per slice): Approximately 195 calories, 7g protein, 18g carbohydrates, 11g fat, 4g fiber
Why This Cake is a Healthy Choice
This nutrient-dense cake transforms traditional dessert into a wholesome treat that actually nourishes your body. Oats provide beta-glucan fiber that helps stabilize blood sugar levels and supports heart health, while carrots contribute beta-carotene for eye health and natural sweetness without refined sugars. The addition of Greek yogurt adds probiotics for digestive health and extra protein.
Walnuts offer heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E, while eggs provide complete protein and essential amino acids. By eliminating white flour and refined sugar, this cake avoids blood sugar spikes and provides sustained energy. The natural sweeteners and whole food ingredients make this dessert suitable for those managing diabetes or following clean eating lifestyles, proving that healthy choices don’t require sacrificing flavor or satisfaction.