THE BEST Carrot Cake - Lightened Up & Full of Flavor!
This is THE BEST carrot cake, and no one will ever know that it's gluten-free or that it contains healthy ingredients! Made over by a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, this cake has removed some fat and calories, leaving more room for FLAVOR - not to mention beta-carotene, omega-3's, and fiber!
2cupsall-purpose, gluten-free flourMake sure your flour contains xanthan gum. If not, you will need to add a total of 1 tsp of xanthan gum.
2tspbaking soda
2tspgluten-free baking powder
2tspcinnamon
1tspsalt
3cupsgrated carrotsGrate them easily by adding baby carrots to a food chopper or pulsing in a food processor!
1/2cupwalnuts, choppedOptional
1/2cupraisins
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
4tbspunsalted butter, softened
3ozreduced-fat cream cheeseNeufchatel cheese works well
1tspvanilla
2.5cupspowdered sugar
Instructions
Heat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
Set aside two round 9-inch cake pans, one 13x9-inch pan, or 24 muffin cups. If using round cake pans, lightly grease and place a circle of parchment paper (cut to the size of the bottom of the pan) and place inside. Line inside of muffin cups with cupcake papers.
In a small bowl, combine 2 Tbsp flax seed with 3 Tbsp water. Mix together and set aside for 5 minutes.
In a large bowl, cream together eggs and sugar with an electric beater or stand mixer. Add mashed bananas and flaxseed mixture and mix. Add oil, applesauce, and 2 tsp vanilla and beat just until smooth.
In a separate mixing bowl, combine gluten-free flour mix, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk to combine. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and beat just until blended, taking caution not to overmix.
Stir in grated carrots, walnuts, and raisins. Pour the batter into your designated pans.
For a cake, bake for 45-55 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean. For muffins, bake for 30-35 minutes or until the toothpick is clean. Cool on a wire rack.
Frosting Recipe
Place butter, cream cheese, and 1 tsp vanilla in a large mixing bowl and beat on high until smooth