Moist, Light, and Naturally Sweetened

Carrot cake has a reputation for being indulgent — rich frosting, heavy oils, and loads of sugar. This guilt-free version proves you can enjoy everything you love about carrot cake without the sugar crash or heaviness.

By using naturally sweet ingredients, reduced fat, and moisture-boosting yogurt, this cake stays incredibly soft and flavorful. Cinnamon and warm spices bring depth, while carrots add natural sweetness and texture. The result? A cake that feels like a treat but fits beautifully into a balanced lifestyle.

It’s perfect for:

Health-conscious dessert lovers
Brunch tables
Afternoon tea
Anytime cravings strike

Why This Healthy Carrot Cake Works

This recipe doesn’t rely on extreme substitutions. Instead, it uses smart swaps:

Yogurt instead of excess oil
Honey or maple syrup instead of refined sugar
Plenty of carrots for moisture

The texture stays fluffy, not dense — and the flavor never feels “diet.”

Ingredients

1¾ cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
¼ teaspoon salt
3 large eggs
½ cup honey or maple syrup
½ cup plain Greek yogurt
⅓ cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups finely grated carrots
¼ cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Light Frosting (Optional):

170 g light cream cheese
¼ cup powdered sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8-inch round cake pan.
In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
In another bowl, beat eggs with honey until slightly thickened.
Whisk in yogurt, oil, and vanilla until smooth.
Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing gently.
Fold in grated carrots and walnuts if using.
Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 35–40 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cool completely before frosting.
Beat frosting ingredients until smooth and spread lightly over cake.

Texture & Flavor Notes

Moist but airy crumb
Warm spice without overpowering sweetness
Light frosting that complements rather than dominates

Storage Tips

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This cake also freezes well unfrosted for up to 2 months.