Sugar Free Carrot Cake

This delightful Sugar Free Carrot Cake combines the warm, comforting flavors of traditional carrot cake with a modern twist by eliminating sugar. Packed with grated carrots, warm spices, and a hint of natural sweetness from applesauce and spices, this cake is moist and flavorful. It's perfect for those seeking a delicious dessert that is both satisfying and mindful of dietary needs.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups finely grated carrots
• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• 1/2 cup raisins or currants (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated carrots, applesauce, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix well until smooth.
3. In another bowl, whisk together whole wheat flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and ground ginger.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. If using, fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans and raisins or currants.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Serve plain or with a light cream cheese frosting made with sugar-free sweetener, if desired.