Sugar-Free Chocolate Carrot Cake Recipe
Ingredients (for a 15-16 cm cake mold)
For the Cake:
- 3 eggs
- Sweetener to taste (approximately 2-3 tbsp or 30-40g of erythritol, stevia, or your preferred sugar substitute)
- 20g (about 2 tbsp) cocoa powder
- 200g (about 1¾ cup) carrots, finely grated
- 90g (about 1 cup) oat flakes
- 4g (1 tsp) baking powder
For the Glaze:
- 30g (about 1 oz) sugar-free chocolate
- 30g (about 2 tbsp) milk (or plant-based milk if preferred)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). This ensures your oven will be at the correct temperature when the cake batter is ready.
- Prepare the cake mold: Line a 15-16 cm (6-inch) cake mold with parchment paper, or lightly grease it with a bit of butter or oil. This prevents the cake from sticking and makes for easy removal later.
2. Prepare the Cake Batter
- Whisk the Eggs and Sweetener: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 3 eggs and your chosen sweetener (about 2-3 tablespoons of erythritol or another sugar substitute). Whisk until the mixture becomes light, airy, and slightly frothy. This step is key for a fluffy cake texture.
- Add the Cocoa Powder: Once the eggs and sweetener are well combined, sift in 20g of cocoa powder. Mix thoroughly until the cocoa is fully incorporated, resulting in a chocolatey batter.
- Incorporate the Carrots and Oats: Gently fold in the finely grated carrots (200g) and oat flakes (90g). The carrots will add moisture to the cake, while the oats contribute to its structure, ensuring a hearty texture.
- Add the Baking Powder: Finally, fold in 4g (1 tsp) of baking powder to give the cake its rise. Make sure the baking powder is evenly distributed throughout the batter.
3. Bake the Cake
- Transfer the Batter: Pour the prepared cake batter into the lined or greased cake mold, ensuring it is evenly spread out.
- Bake: Place the mold in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The cake should be firm to the touch but still moist.
- Cool: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the mold for a few minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack.
4. Prepare the Glaze
- Melt the Chocolate: While the cake is cooling, melt 30g of sugar-free chocolate. You can do this in a microwave by heating it in short intervals, stirring after each, or by using a double boiler (placing a heatproof bowl over a simmering pot of water).
- Add the Milk: Once the chocolate is fully melted, stir in 30g (2 tablespoons) of milk. The milk will create a smooth, pourable glaze that’s perfect for coating the cake.
5. Assemble the Cake
- Glaze the Cake: Once the cake has cooled down slightly, pour the warm chocolate glaze over the top. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the glaze evenly across the surface.
- Let the Glaze Set: Allow the cake to sit at room temperature or in the refrigerator for a few minutes until the glaze firms up slightly.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Once the chocolate glaze has set, slice the cake and enjoy your delicious, sugar-free chocolate carrot cake! It pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea, and can also be enjoyed as a guilt-free dessert or snack.
Nutritional Information (Per Slice)
- Servings: 6-8 slices (depending on how thickly you cut it)
- Calories: 170 kcal
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 5g (from carrots and natural sweetness)
- Protein: 6g
Tips for Success:
- Choose Sweet Carrots: For the best results, use naturally sweet carrots. This will enhance the flavor of the cake and reduce the need for too much sweetener.
- Sweetener Options: Feel free to use any sweetener you prefer—erythritol, stevia, or even monk fruit work well. Adjust the amount to your taste preference.
- Gluten-Free Option: This cake can be easily made gluten-free by using certified gluten-free oats.
Serving Ideas:
- Serve with a dollop of sugar-free whipped cream or a sprinkling of grated sugar-free chocolate for extra indulgence.
- For added texture, you could fold in a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds into the batter before baking.