Williams Sonoma Carrot Cake (Healthier Version)
"Adapted from the book Williams Sonoma baking essentials but altered a bit. Subsittuting agave for the sugar and applesauce for a large part of the oil does not compromise taste at all. This healthier for you version tastes great!"
- Ready In:
- 1hr
- Ingredients:
- 14
- Serves:
-
8-10
ingredients
- 4 large carrots
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1⁄4 teaspoon ground mace
- 1 1⁄2 cups agave nectar
- 4 eggs
- 3⁄4 cup applesauce
- 1⁄4 cup canola oil
- 1 orange, zest of, grated
- 1⁄2 cup raisins, plumped in hot water and drained
- 1 cup walnuts or 1 cup pecans, toasted and chopped
directions
- Preheat an oven to 350°F Butter and flour a 9-by-13-by-2-inch baking pan.
- To make the cake, peel and grate the carrots. You should have about 3 cups. Set aside.
- Over a sheet of parchment paper or a plate, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and mace. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the agave, eggs, oil, applesauce and orange zest and whisk thoroughly to combine. Stir in the carrots. Using a rubber spatula, fold in the flour mixture until almost completely incorporated. Add the raisins and nuts and fold to mix thoroughly. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake the cake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 35 to 40 minutes. Watch the time closely at the end so the cake does not overbake. It might have to bake a little longer if you use a different type of pan so just keep checking it and inserting a toothpick until it comes out clean. Transfer the pan to a wire rack and let cool for 15 minutes. Place a cake rack on top of the pan, invert them together and lift off the pan. Let the cake cool completely. Cover the cake with a slightly damp clean kitchen towel so the outside does not dry out as it cools.
- Transfer the cooled cake to a serving platter. Using an icing spatula, frost the cake with a thick layer of frosting. Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Makes one 9-by-13-inch cake.
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RECIPE SUBMITTED BY
I was born in Honduras, Central America. I came to the states when I was about 2 yrs old and now currently have a full time job in the medical field. I have a family of 100+ relatives also living in Austin and we all share a passion for good food. I am known for the foods that I prepare for my dinner parties and special occassion gatherings. Weekends at my house are packed with family and friends because we usually have the grill going. I also have a knack for baking. I have been told by several people that I should open my own bakery or restaurant...which I am seriously considering in the near future. I absolutley love to cook and this is why Zaar is a heaven sent! I like to take other peoples feeings into consideration when rating recipes so my rating system reflects that. I do not rate below a 3 just for the simple fact that everyones taste is different and what might taste magnificant to some, might not be too great for others. I always give everything a second try unless I absolutley hate it (then I take a second look at the recipe and find out what attracted me to this recipe and how can I alter it a bit to my taste). I usually spend my free time brainbstorming recipes and creating them with my beautiful daughters (pictured above)!
