Delicious Carrot-Walnut Cake

delicious carrot-walnut cake

My hubby, Jason, LOVES carrot cake so much… so much that we always ordered the three-tier slice at our favorite restaurant (Great Sage) back in Maryland. I also love carrot cake, but not the traditional version. Most carrot cake recipes have dairy, eggs, and LOADS of sugar in them… NOT THIS ONE!!

This Ayurvedic version is rich in flavor, soft in texture, and most delectable! It makes a delicious dessert or can even be added to a brunch menu. Try enjoying a slice with an oat milk chai or herbal tea. However you decide to try it, enjoy!

Prep: 10 Mins. | Bake: About 30 Mins.

Serves 8

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 3/4 cups whole Einkorn or 1 1/2 cups sifted spelt flour

  • 1/4 cup arrowroot powder (can sub cornstarch)

  • 2 Tbsp ground cinnamon

  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

  • 1 tsp baking powder

  • 1/4 tsp baking soda

  • 1/4 tsp salt

  • 1 cup grated carrots

  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (or pecans)

  • 1/4 cup maple syrup

  • 1/4 coconut sugar

  • 1/2 cup raw applesauce (or unsweetened)

  • 2 Tbsp fresh orange or lime juice

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1/2 raisins

  • 1/2 melted coconut oil

DECORATION

  • Chopped toasted walnuts

  • fresh orange zest

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°. Grease a 9-inch cake pan or a 7 x 12 x 3/4-inch jelly roll pan and dust with flour.

  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, arrowroot, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Fold in the carrots and walnuts.

  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, coconut sugar, applesauce, orange juice, vanilla, raisins, and coconut oil.

  4. Fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients; stir only as much as needed to combine all ingredients (overmixing will make our cake stiff).

  5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick or skewer inserted into the middle of the cake comes out clean.

  6. Let the cake cool in the pan before cutting. Top with toasted walnuts and fresh orange zest.

NOTE: To make raw applesauce, peel and chop an apple and puree it in a small food processor or blender until smooth.

* Recipe adapted from Divya Alter The New Ayurvedic Kitchen: What to Eat for How You Feel.

RecipesKristin Lindedessert, brunch, cake, plant-based, vegan