Healthy carrot cake

The moist, spiced carrot cake in a healthier version: less sugar, no butter, and the natural sweetness of carrot. Rich in fibre and delicately flavoured with cinnamon, it is a comforting snack that hides a portion of vegetables, perfect for children and adults alike.

Preparation: 20 min  |  Cooking: 40 min  |  Servings: 10  |  Difficulty: Easy

Calculated per serving from Anses Ciqual 2025 values for each ingredient, based on the quantities in the list. Household measures (spoonfuls, pieces) use average weights. 224 kcal · 5 g protein · 20 g carbohydrate · 13 g fat

Ingredients

• 3 carrots
• 3 eggs
• 180 g wholemeal flour
• 70 g light brown sugar
• 60 g walnuts
• 5 tbsp neutral oil
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp baking powder

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan). Grate the carrots finely.
2. Whisk the eggs with the sugar and oil, then add the cinnamon.
3. Fold in the flour and baking powder, then the grated carrots and roughly chopped walnuts.
4. Pour into a tin and bake for 35 to 40 minutes (check with a skewer).

Nutritional benefits

This lighter carrot cake leaves out the butter (replaced by a little oil) and cuts the sugar thanks to coconut sugar and the natural sweetness of the carrots, which are rich in fibre and beta-carotene. The wholemeal flour provides fibre that white flour lacks, and the walnuts add healthy fats (plant-based omega-3s) and crunch. It is a homemade snack that is indulgent yet far better balanced than a classic cake, and a clever way to get children to eat vegetables.

Variations and substitutions

• Light icing: soft cheese with a little honey (a lightened version of the traditional topping).
• Gluten-free: a gluten-free flour blend plus ground almonds.
• Vegan: replace the eggs with flaxseed or apple purée.
• With raisins or pineapple for extra moistness.

Storage and making ahead

The carrot cake keeps for 3 to 4 days wrapped and improves with time (it is even better the next day). It freezes well sliced. Perfect for homemade snacks all week.

💡 Good to know

Grate the carrots finely so they blend into the batter and keep the cake moist. Cinnamon (and a little ginger or nutmeg) is the soul of a carrot cake, so do not be timid with it.

See also

Discover more healthy & balanced recipes · vegetarian recipes · children’s recipes.

Ingredients in this recipe: carrots · eggs · wholemeal flour · light brown sugar · walnuts.

You might also like these recipes: Green smoothie with spinach, banana and mango · Healthy banana bread (no refined sugar) · Light rice pudding.