Christmas is a time for cakes but cakes invariably have a lot of sugar in them. It’s almost impossible to make a cake without sugar in it so I set out to find one that included very little if any refined sugar.
Refined sugar is the worst kind of sugar – any nutrients like vitamins or minerals have been stripped out and all that’s left is a whole bunch of empty calories that will drive your blood glucose levels up and quickly lead to fat storage.
When I discovered this recipe, I knew I was onto something good. It contains no refined sugar and its sweetness comes from maple syrup and stevia (What is Stevia ?).
Don’t get me wrong – this cake, like all cakes, contains a lot of calories, but those calories come from relatively healthy sources which makes it much better than most store-bought cakes.
The first time I tried this recipe, I was pleasantly surprised just how good it tasted. It quickly become a real family favorite. It’s not exactly a traditional Christmas cake but orange and nutmeg, two of the ingredients you’ll find in this recipe, are definitely Christmas staples.
Note: Avoiding sugar is by far the most effective and simple way to lose weight. the Start my free plan The 20 No-Sugar Days Diet.
Ingredients – Makes 12 servings:
For the cake
2 ¼ cups whole wheat or gluten-free flour
2 ¼ teaspoon baking powder
¾ teaspoon baking soda
2 ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¾ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoon coconut oil or unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
3 large egg whites, room temperature
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
½ cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
¼ cup pure maple syrup
1 ¼ teaspoon vanilla crème stevia
¾ cup nonfat milk
2 ½ cups freshly grated carrots (about 4-5 medium, peeled first!)
For the frosting
1 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 ¼ teaspoon vanilla crème stevia
Method:
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line two 9” round cake tins with lightly greased baking parchment.
In a large bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
In another bowl, mix the coconut oil, egg whites, and vanilla. Stir in the yogurt and mix until no large lumps remain. Add the maple syrup and stevia. Gradually add the flour mixture and the milk, stirring gently all the time. Gently fold in the carrots.
Divide the batter between the two prepared pans. Bake at 350°F for 24-28 minutes, or until the center feels firm to the touch. Allow to cool for 10 minutes before turning out onto wire racks to cool completely.
For the frosting, put the Greek yogurt, cream cheese, and stevia to a medium bowl, and whisk with an immersion blender until smooth.
Spread a generous spoonful of frosting on top of one of the cake layers. Place the second layer on top. Finally, frost the tops and sides. Sprinkle with the topping of your choice. I like cinnamon but cocoa would work too.
Nutrition – per slice:
185 calories
Carbs 27.5 grams
Fiber 3.7 gram
Fat 4.2 grams
Protein 9.7 grams
More Low Sugar Desserts for Christmas
My favorite low sugar desserts for this Christmas here.
My weight loss plan using Meal Replacement Shakes
15 Meal Replacement Shakes Recipes
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