Forget everything you thought you knew about carrot cake! Today, we’re ditching the nuts and diving into a world of pure, delicious carrot cake bliss.
This recipe is dedicated to all my nut-free baking buddies out there who crave that classic carrot cake flavour without the worry of allergies or simply a preference for a nut-less experience.
This nut-free carrot cake is moist, bursting with warm spices, and topped with a dreamy cream cheese frosting (of course!).
It’s perfect for any celebration, afternoon tea party, or just a satisfying sweet treat. It’s surprisingly easy to make. So, preheat your oven, grab your mixing bowls, and let’s bake up a nut-free carrot cake masterpiece!
What Does Carrot Cake Taste Like?
Carrot cake boasts a unique and delightful flavour profile. It offers a harmonious blend of sweet and slightly earthy notes, with a hint of warmth from spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
The carrots add a subtle sweetness and moistness to the cake, while the spices impart a comforting and aromatic quality.
Additionally, the texture of carrot cake is soft and tender, with a slight crunch from the grated carrots. Overall, carrot cake is a deliciously satisfying treat that is both comforting and indulgent, perfect for any occasion.
How To Prepare Carrot Cake Recipe Without Nuts?
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Yield: 8 servings
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Two 9-inch round cake pans
- Grater
- Spatula
Ingredients For Carrot Cake Recipe Without Nuts
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups grated carrots
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How To Make Carrot Cake Recipe Without Nuts
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to over mix.
5. Fold in the Carrots
Gently fold in the grated carrots until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. Bake the Cake
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.
7. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cakes are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
8. Frost the Cake
Once the cakes have cooled completely, remove them from the pans. Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of frosting on top. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
Nutrition Facts Carrot Cake Recipe Without Nuts
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 |
| Total Fat | 25g |
| Cholesterol | 85mg |
| Sodium | 300mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 55g |
| Sugars | 40g |
| Protein | 5g |
How To Make Healthier Carrot Cake Recipe Without Nuts
1. Reduce Sugar: Cut back on the amount of granulated sugar used in the recipe. You can typically reduce the sugar content by up to half without sacrificing too much sweetness.
Alternatively, use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup for a healthier option.
2. Use Whole Wheat Flour: Swap out some or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber and nutrients.
Whole wheat flour adds a nuttier flavour and denser texture to the cake, making it more filling and nutritious.
3. Add Nutritious Mix-Ins: Incorporate nutritious mix-ins like shredded zucchini or mashed bananas to boost the fiber and vitamin content of the cake.
These additions also contribute moisture to the cake, reducing the need for excess oil or butter.
4. Choose Healthier Frosting Options: Opt for a lighter frosting option such as a Greek yogurt or whipped coconut cream frosting instead of traditional cream cheese frosting.
These alternatives are lower in fat and calories while still providing a creamy texture and delicious flavour.
5. Reduce Oil Content: Cut back on the amount of vegetable oil used in the recipe by substituting some of it with unsweetened applesauce or mashed avocado.
These alternatives add moisture to the cake while reducing the overall fat content, making for a healthier dessert option.
Conclusion
A delicious, carrot cake recipe without nuts that’s sure to become a new favourite. This recipe is not only perfect for those with nut allergies, but it also offers a delightful twist on the classic for anyone who simply prefers a nut-less experience.
The moist cake, packed with warm spices and flecks of carrot, is the perfect base for the creamy, dreamy cream cheese frosting. It’s a flavour combination that’s guaranteed to tantalise your taste buds.
So, what are you waiting for? Bake up a batch of this nut-free carrot cake and share it with loved ones. It’s the perfect way to spread a little sunshine and deliciousness!