Fat Free Carrot Cake Recipe
This post may contain affiliate links (disclosure).
If you’re looking for a dessert that satisfies your sweet tooth without the guilt, this fat-free carrot cake is the perfect choice! It’s packed with wholesome ingredients like shredded carrots, applesauce, and raisins, making it both healthy and delicious. Best of all, this easy-to-make recipe requires just one bowl and minimal prep time, so you can enjoy a moist, flavorful carrot cake that’s low in calories and full of nutrients!
If you are watching your weight but still want to enjoy your cake, you must make this fat free carrot cake! This fat free carrot cake recipe makes a very tasty and moist carrot cake – nobody will believe it’s fat free and low in calories!
Why You’ll Love Fat-Free Carrot Cake
- Healthy yet indulgent: This carrot cake is completely fat-free, but you’d never guess it! It’s rich in flavor and has a moist texture, giving you the indulgence of dessert without the extra calories.
- Packed with nutrients: The shredded carrots and applesauce not only keep this cake moist but also add essential vitamins and minerals. It’s a dessert that you can feel good about eating!
- Easy one-bowl recipe: With minimal prep time and only one bowl needed, this recipe makes cleanup a breeze. You’ll have your cake in the oven in no time!
- Perfect for dieters: Whether you’re watching your weight or just looking for a lighter dessert, this cake fits into various diets while still offering great taste.
- Customizable sweetness: You can easily turn this into a sugar-free dessert by swapping out the sugar for a sweetener like Splenda, making it even more diet-friendly.
This yummy fat free carrot cake is the healthiest cake ever – in addition to being low calorie cake, it actually has vitamins from carrots, apple sauce and raisins!
Ingredients For Fat-Free Carrot Cake
- Egg whites – Adds structure and moisture without the fat of egg yolks.
- Sugar – Provides sweetness; you can swap for a sugar substitute to make it even healthier.
- Applesauce – Acts as a fat substitute, keeping the cake moist and adding natural sweetness.
- Vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor and adds a touch of sweetness.
- Flour – The base of the cake, giving it structure.
- Baking soda & baking powder – Help the cake rise, giving it a light, fluffy texture.
- Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- Ground cinnamon – Adds warm, spicy notes that pair perfectly with the carrots.
- Shredded carrots – The star of the show, adding moisture, sweetness, and nutrients.
- Raisins – Provide a chewy texture and natural sweetness throughout the cake.
For exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.
Making fat free carrot cake is really easy – it’s a one-step one-bowl recipe where you just mix all ingredients and bake. Use the food processor fitted with a round shredding disk to shred the carrots – it will take less than a minute to shred all the carrots!
Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Fat-Free Carrot Cake
- Mixing bowls – You’ll need separate bowls for the wet and dry ingredients.
- Whisk – Perfect for combining the egg whites and sugar.
- Food processor (optional) – For quickly shredding the carrots, though you can use a box grater if preferred.
- Measuring cups and spoons – To ensure you get the right quantities of each ingredient.
- 9-inch round baking pan – This is the ideal size for the cake.
- Cooking spray – To prevent the cake from sticking to the pan.
How To Make Fat-Free Carrot Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- In a large bowl, whisk the egg whites and sugar until the mixture is smooth.
- Stir in the applesauce and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until everything is fully combined.
- Fold in the shredded carrots and raisins until evenly distributed.
- Spray a 9-inch round baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for about 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the fat-free carrot cake with a dollop of fat-free Greek yogurt for added creaminess and a tangy contrast.
- Dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar for a light and elegant finish.
- Pair it with a cup of hot chocolate or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.
- Top slices with fresh berries or a drizzle of honey for added sweetness and a pop of color.
- This cake is also delicious and served warm with keto whipped cream on top.
Tips For Success
- Shredding the carrots: Use a food processor to shred your carrots quickly and easily. This will save you time and ensure even shredding. If you don’t have a food processor, a box grater will work too.
- Don’t overmix: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix just until they are incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
- Egg whites: Make sure your egg whites are at room temperature before whisking. This will help them blend more smoothly with the sugar and other ingredients.
- Prevent sticking: Be sure to spray your baking pan with nonstick cooking spray or line it with parchment paper. This will ensure the cake comes out easily without sticking to the pan.
- Checking for doneness: Insert a toothpick or skewer into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your cake is done. Avoid overbaking, as this can dry out the cake.
- Let it cool: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before removing it. This will help the cake firm up and make slicing easier.
- Custom sweetness: If you’re watching your sugar intake, you can easily substitute sugar with a sweetener like Splenda. The texture and flavor will still be fantastic without the extra calories.
Variations And Substitutions
- Sugar-free option: To make this cake even healthier, you can substitute the sugar with a sugar-free sweetener like Splenda or Stevia. This is a great way to reduce the calorie count while still enjoying the sweet flavor.
- Add nuts: For extra texture and flavor, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter. They add a bit of crunch and are full of healthy fats. If you’re trying to keep the cake fat-free, you can skip this addition.
- Make it gluten-free: Substitute the regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it’s a 1:1 replacement blend so the cake’s texture stays intact.
- Spices: Feel free to experiment with the spices in this cake. You can add nutmeg, ginger, or even a pinch of ground cloves to enhance the warm flavors.
- Fruit additions: If you like a burst of fruity flavor, you can add pineapple chunks or apples to the batter. These fruits complement the carrot and raisin combo beautifully and keep the cake moist.
- Frosting: While this is a fat-free cake, you can add a light cream cheese frosting or a drizzle of honey on top if you’re not strictly counting calories. This adds a creamy, tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the cake.
- Vegan option: To make the cake vegan, you can substitute the egg whites with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg white) and ensure the sweetener and other ingredients are vegan-friendly.
- Mini muffins: If you want to switch up the presentation, you can bake the batter in a muffin tin instead of a cake pan. This is perfect for portion control and great for grab-and-go treats.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Once your fat-free carrot cake has cooled completely, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer to keep it longer, place it in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to a week.
- Freezing: To freeze the cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let the cake thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Reheating: If you’d like to serve your carrot cake warm, reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. This will bring back the softness and make it taste freshly baked. Avoid reheating the entire cake at once, as it can dry out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use whole eggs instead of egg whites in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute whole eggs for egg whites, but keep in mind that this will add some fat to the recipe. If you’re not strictly avoiding fat, using two whole eggs instead of four egg whites will work perfectly and give the cake a slightly richer texture.
How can I make this cake sugar-free?
To make the cake sugar-free, simply swap out the sugar for a sweetener like Splenda or Stevia. Just be sure to follow the conversion guidelines provided on the sweetener packaging to ensure the proper sweetness level.
Can I add other fruits or vegetables to the cake batter?
Absolutely! You can add other fruits like crushed pineapple or finely chopped apples to the batter for extra moisture and flavor. Just be mindful not to add too much as it could affect the cake’s texture. Additionally, some people like to add zucchini for a boost in nutrients.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make this carrot cake gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it’s a 1:1 replacement so the texture of the cake remains light and fluffy.
What should I do if my cake turns out too dry?
If your cake turns out dry, it’s possible that it was overbaked. Be sure to check the cake a few minutes before the recommended bake time by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, it’s done. You can also add a bit more applesauce next time to increase moisture.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, to make this cake vegan, replace the egg whites with flax eggs. For each egg white, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes to thicken. Be sure to use a vegan-friendly sweetener and check that other ingredients, like the applesauce, don’t contain any animal products.
Other Easy Carrot Recipes
Roasted Carrots: These oven-roasted carrots are caramelized to perfection, bringing out their natural sweetness and flavor.
Creamy Mashed Carrots: This creamy mashed carrot recipe makes a smooth, flavorful side dish that’s both healthy and comforting.
Carrot Soufflé Recipe: A light and fluffy carrot soufflé that’s subtly sweet and perfect for any holiday meal.
Sauteed Carrots Side Dish: These sautéed carrots are tender, and flavorful, and make a quick and easy side dish for any meal.
Fresh Carrot Apple Radish Slaw: A refreshing and crunchy slaw made with carrots, apples, and radishes, perfect for a light side dish or topping.
Healthy Carrot Apple Raisin Salad: This vibrant salad combines carrots, apples, and raisins for a sweet and healthy side or snack.
Crunchy Carrots With Hummus Snack: Fresh, crunchy carrots paired with creamy hummus make a nutritious and satisfying snack.
Fat Free Carrot Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 egg whites
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 cup apple sauce
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup raisins
Recommended Kitchen Tools (click the links below to see the items used to make this recipe)
- Food Processor optional for shredding carrots
- Mixing bowls
- 9-inch round baking pan
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350F.
- In a large bowl, whisk the egg whites with sugar.
- Add apple sauce and vanilla and mix until combined.
- In another bowl, mix the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and cinnamon.
- Add dry ingredients to the liquid ingredients (the apple sauce mixture) and mix until combined.
- Add the carrots and raisins and mix.
- Spray the non-stick round 9-inch baking pan with a cooking spray.
- Pour the carrot cake mixture into the baking pan.
- Put in the oven and bake for 40 minutes.
You can also turn this fat free carrot cake into a sugar-free carrot cake – just use Splenda instead of sugar :)
Here’s the picture of this yummy easy fat free carrot cake right out of the oven:
This recipe was based on my regular best carrot cake recipe – I just slimmed down the regular carrot cake to turn it into a fat free carrot cake, and it stayed super yummy!
Delicious! Will make it again.
A healthy twist on a classic cake so easy and yummy ๐
Who knew fat free could taste this good? Love it!