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Recipe for Carrot Cake with Applesauce (Healthy)

Enjoy a healthier twist on classic carrot cake with the addition of applesauce for moisture and sweetness. This recipe is perfect for a guilt-free treat!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.5 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 3 large eggs
  • 0.5 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Add-ins
  • 2 cups grated carrots
  • 0.5 cup crushed pineapple, drained
  • 0.5 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch pan.
  2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Beat together granulated sugar, brown sugar, and applesauce. Add eggs, then oil and vanilla.
  4. Fold in carrots and pineapple.
  5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, stirring until combined. Fold in nuts, if using.
  6. Pour batter into pan and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  7. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.

Notes

For a richer flavor, consider adding a cream cheese frosting after the cake has cooled completely.