Moist Carrot Cake Loaf Recipe: No Butter, No Oil, Low Sugar

This carrot cake is what happens when cozy meets “I know what I’m doing.” Moist, warmly spiced, lightly sweetened, and packed with real ingredients without any weird aftertaste, no sugar crash, no regrets. It’s the kind of cake that disappears fast and has people asking, “Wait… this is actually good for me?”

Answer: Yes. Mind your plate. 😎

Carrot Cake Loaf

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup unsweetened apple sauce

• 1/3 cup pure maple syrup

• 2 eggs

• 3/4 cup lactose free, Greek yogurt

• 1/2 cup oat flour

• 1/2 cup gluten free flour or organic unbleached flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 2 tsp cinnamon powder

• 1/2 tsp nutmeg powder (optional)

• A pinch of salt

• 2 grated large carrots

• 1/2 cup crushed pecans

Cream Cheese Frosting

4 oz cream cheese

2 tbsp Greek yogurt

2 tbsp pure maple syrup

1 tsp vanilla extract

*Makes 8-10 slices

Directions

1. Blend or thoroughly mix apple sauce, maple syrup, eggs and yogurt in a medium sized mixing bowl.

2. Add the dry ingredients and mix gently, then fold in the grated carrots and pecans.

3. Pour into a greased parchment paper-lined loaf pan, and even out the batter.

4. Bake at 350 F for 40-50 minutes,

   • Room temperature (airtight, cool, dry place): 3-4 days

   • Refrigerator (airtight): 5–7 days

   • Freezer (wrapped tightly in foil or airtight container): 2–3 months

Benefits of This Carrot Cake Loaf

• Lower sugar than traditional carrot cake Sweetened primarily with maple syrup and naturally occurring sugars from carrots and applesauce, this loaf avoids the sugar bomb most carrot cakes deliver.

• No refined oils or butter Instead of heavy fats, moisture comes from Greek yogurt and applesauce, giving you that tender crumb without the greasy aftermath.

• Better digestion support Carrots, oat flour, and pecans are packed with fiber, which slows sugar absorption and supports gut health... So, a bathroom break might be in your near future. 😏

• Higher protein than standard cake Greek yogurt and eggs add protein, helping with satiety and blood sugar balance compared to typical dessert loaves.

• Cleaner ingredient profile No bleached flour, no artificial additives, no unnecessary fillers.

• Blood-sugar–aware (not sugar-free) Designed for mindful indulgence. While not diabetic-certified, it’s far more balanced than the standard recipes.

• Sustained energy, not a crash Balanced macros + fiber + fat = fewer spikes and fewer regrets.

• Moist without compromise Let’s be honest, this matters! It’s indulgent and nourishing, while adding the same richness as a carrot cake.

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