Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Cake Pan

1 Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2 Prepare the Cake Pan: Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan. To do this, you can use a bit of coconut oil or butter to coat the sides and bottom of the pan, then sprinkle a little flour over it. Tap the pan to remove excess flour.

Step 2: Grate the Carrots

3 Grate the Carrots: Peel and grate the carrots using a box grater or a food processor until you have about 2 cups of grated carrots. Set aside.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

4 Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, almond flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Whisk together until well mixed.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

5 Mix Wet Ingredients: In another mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, unsweetened applesauce, honey (or maple syrup), melted coconut oil (or butter), and vanilla extract until thoroughly combined.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

6 Combine Mixtures: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredient mixture, stirring gently to combine. It’s important not to overmix; mix just until combined.

Step 6: Add Carrots and Optional Ingredients

7 Fold in Additional Ingredients: Gently fold in the grated carrots, crushed pineapple (if using), chopped pecans, and raisins (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

8 Pour Batter into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.

9 Bake: Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool the Cake

10 Let it Cool: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

11 Prepare the Frosting: In a medium mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.

12 Add Greek Yogurt and Sweetener: Add the Greek yogurt, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture is creamy and well combined. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.

Step 10: Frost the Cake

13 Frost the Cake: Once the cake is completely cooled, place it on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top of the cake using a spatula.

14 Garnish: If desired, sprinkle additional chopped pecans on top of the frosting for decoration.

Step 11: Serve and Enjoy

15 Slice and Serve: Slice the cake into pieces and serve. Enjoy your healthy carrot cake!

Storage

• Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. The flavors may improve as it sits!

This healthy carrot cake is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients.