Healthy Carrot Oat Cake (No Sugar, No Flour)
Description
This wholesome dessert combines the natural sweetness of carrots with the hearty texture of oats. It’s a guilt-free treat perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Naturally sweetened with dates or bananas, this cake stays moist and flavorful without refined sugar or flour.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
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2 cups rolled oats (or oat flour)
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2 medium carrots (finely grated)
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2 ripe bananas (or ½ cup pitted dates, blended)
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2 eggs (or flax eggs for vegan version)
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1 tsp baking powder
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1 tsp cinnamon
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½ tsp nutmeg (optional)
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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¼ cup olive oil or melted coconut oil
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¼ cup milk (any plant-based or dairy milk)
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Pinch of salt
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¼ cup chopped walnuts or raisins (optional)
For Frosting (Optional but Healthy):
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½ cup Greek yogurt (or vegan yogurt)
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2 tbsp honey, date syrup, or maple syrup (optional)
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½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
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Preheat oven: 350°F (175°C). Line a small baking pan with parchment paper.
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Prepare oats: Blend oats into fine oat flour or keep them whole for a rustic texture.
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Mix wet ingredients: In a bowl, mash bananas (or blend dates), then add eggs, oil, milk, and vanilla.
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Add dry ingredients: Combine oats, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix into the wet mixture.
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Fold in carrots: Stir in grated carrots (and nuts or raisins if using).
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Bake: Pour into the pan, smooth top, and bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
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Cool: Let it cool before frosting.
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Frost: Mix Greek yogurt with sweetener and vanilla, then spread over the cooled cake.
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Chill & Serve: Cut into squares and refrigerate for at least 1 hour for best texture.
Tips
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Use steel-cut oats for a chewier texture, rolled oats for soft, cake-like texture.
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Add shredded coconut or crushed pineapple for extra moisture.
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For a vegan version, replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water = 1 egg).
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Keep refrigerated; stays fresh for up to 4 days.
Nutritional Info (per serving, ~1 square out of 9)
(approximate values)
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Calories: 160 kcal
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Protein: 5 g
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Carbs: 22 g
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Fat: 6 g
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Fiber: 4 g
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Sugar: 6 g (natural from fruits and carrots)
Health Benefits
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Carrots: High in beta-carotene, supports vision and skin health.
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Oats: Great source of fiber, stabilizes blood sugar.
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Bananas/Dates: Natural sweetness, packed with potassium and energy.
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Greek yogurt: Adds protein and probiotics (if used).
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No sugar, no flour: Low glycemic, suitable for diabetic-friendly diets.
Q&A
Q: Can I make it without eggs and dairy?
A: Yes, use flax eggs and plant-based yogurt for a vegan version.
Q: Can I freeze the cake?
A: Absolutely. Freeze in slices and thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Q: Is it good for kids?
A: Yes! It’s naturally sweet and full of nutrients — a great healthy snack.
Q: Can I use applesauce instead of bananas?
A: Yes, ½ cup of unsweetened applesauce works perfectly.