close up of diabetic friendly carrot cake

Diabetic-Friendly Easter Carrot Cake

Having the Easter bunny in town is one of the hardest tests of a diabetic’s willpower.  It’s almost as bad this side of Halloween.  

The best way to beat the bunny at the treat test is to make your own diabetic designed sweet treats.  What better to start a happy holiday than an Easter Carrot Cake that is yummy enough for even the most sweet-obsessed diabetics. 

So, when you are looking for a festive dessert that lets you celebrate Easter without the sugar spike? This Diabetic-Friendly Easter Carrot Cake is a moist, flavorful treat made with low-carb ingredients and naturally sweet elements. Packed with grated carrots, a blend of almond and oat flour, and topped with a creamy, sugar-free cream cheese frosting, this cake is as wholesome as it is indulgent—perfect for keeping your blood sugar in check while enjoying a holiday classic.


Why You’ll Love This Cake

  • Low-Carb Indulgence: Uses almond flour and a portion of oat flour to reduce carbs while maintaining a tender, buttery texture.
  • Naturally Sweet & Spiced: Grated carrots and unsweetened applesauce add moisture and natural sweetness, while cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger create a warm, festive flavor.
  • Guilt-Free Frosting: The cream cheese frosting is made with sugar-free powdered sweetener, offering all the creamy indulgence without the extra sugar.
  • Versatile and Customizable: Enjoy variations like pineapple, raisins, or an extra spice kick with cloves or allspice to suit your taste.

Ingredients and Why They Work

For the Cake:

  • 2 cups almond flour (or a mix of almond and coconut flour)
    Provides a low-carb base with a soft, nutty flavor.
  • ½ cup oat flour (or additional almond flour for lower carbs)
    Adds structure and moisture while keeping the overall carb count in check.
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
    Helps the cake rise for a light, fluffy texture.
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
    Works with acidic ingredients to ensure a tender crumb.
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
    Infuses warm, comforting spice into the batter.
  • ½ teaspoon nutmeg
    Adds depth and a hint of sweetness that pairs perfectly with carrot flavor.
  • ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
    Provides a gentle, zesty kick that balances the sweetness.
  • ¼ teaspoon salt (optional)
    Enhances the overall flavor profile.
  • 3 large eggs
    Binds the ingredients together and helps the cake set.
  • ½ cup unsweetened applesauce (or mashed banana for natural sweetness)
    Moistens the batter and adds natural, subtle sweetness without extra sugar.
  • ¼ cup sugar-free maple syrup (or 1-2 teaspoons granulated monk fruit sweetener/stevia)
    Delivers a rich, sweet maple flavor that’s sugar-free.
  • ¼ cup melted coconut oil or avocado oil
    Provides richness and helps keep the cake moist.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    Enhances all the flavors with its warm, aromatic sweetness.
  • 2 cups grated carrots (about 3-4 medium carrots)
    Brings natural sweetness, moisture, and that classic carrot cake flavor.
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
    Adds a delightful crunch and healthy fats.
  • ¼ cup unsweetened shredded coconut (optional)
    Boosts flavor with a tropical twist.

For the Frosting:

  • 8 oz cream cheese (softened, full-fat or reduced-fat)
    Creates a smooth, rich base for the frosting.
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened)
    Adds creaminess and a subtle buttery flavor.
  • ¼ cup sugar-free powdered sweetener (like Swerve or monk fruit)
    Sweetens the frosting without spiking blood sugar.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    Infuses the frosting with a lovely, warm sweetness.
  • 1-2 tablespoons unsweetened almond milk (to adjust consistency, if needed)
    Helps achieve the perfect, spreadable texture.

For Garnish (Optional):

  • Chopped walnuts or pecans
    Enhance the flavor and add crunch.
  • A sprinkle of cinnamon
    For a festive, aromatic finish.

Suggested Equipment

  1. Mixing Bowls
    For combining wet and dry ingredients separately.
  2. Electric Mixer or Hand Mixer
    Helps achieve a light, fluffy butter and sugar mixture.
  3. Measuring Cups & Spoons
    Ensures precise portions for perfect texture and flavor balance.
  4. 9×13-inch Baking Pan
    A standard pan size ideal for this cake.
  5. Parchment Paper
    For easy cake removal and cleanup.
  6. Wire Cooling Rack
    Allows the cake to cool evenly before frosting.

(Links above are placeholders—use your favorite kitchen tools!)


Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

  1. Preheat the Oven & Prepare Pan
    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
    • Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients
    • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups almond flour (or your chosen blend), ½ cup oat flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon nutmeg, ¼ teaspoon ground ginger, and ¼ teaspoon salt (if using).
  3. Mix Wet Ingredients
    • In another bowl, beat 3 large eggs.
    • Stir in ½ cup unsweetened applesauce, ¼ cup sugar-free maple syrup (or alternative sweetener), ¼ cup melted coconut oil (or avocado oil), and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
  4. Combine Batter
    • Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture, stirring until just combined.
    • Fold in 2 cups grated carrots, ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (if using), and ¼ cup unsweetened shredded coconut (if using).

Step 2: Bake the Cake

  1. Assemble
    • Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
  2. Bake
    • Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  3. Cool
    • Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before frosting.

Step 3: Make the Frosting

  1. Cream the Ingredients
    • In a mixing bowl, beat 8 oz softened cream cheese and ¼ cup softened unsalted butter until smooth and creamy.
  2. Sweeten and Flavor
    • Add ¼ cup sugar-free powdered sweetener and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
    • Beat until well combined, adding 1-2 tablespoons unsweetened almond milk if the frosting is too thick.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

  1. Frost the Cake
    • Once the cake is completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top.
  2. Garnish
    • Optionally, sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans and a dash of cinnamon on top.
  3. Slice and Enjoy
    • Slice into 9-12 bars and serve at room temperature.

Tips & Tricks

  • Make Ahead: Prepare the cake and frosting a day in advance and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Texture Preference: For a moister cake, opt for a mix of almond and coconut flours; for lower carbs, use more almond flour.
  • Flavor Boost: Add a bit of extra lemon zest or a drop of vanilla extract in the batter for an enhanced flavor.
  • Garnish Creativity: Experiment with different toppings such as unsweetened shredded coconut or a light dusting of powdered erythritol for extra sweetness and presentation.

Why It’s Diabetic-Friendly

  • Low-Carb Flours: Almond and coconut flours provide a rich texture with significantly fewer carbs than traditional wheat flours.
  • Sugar-Free Sweeteners: Using monk fruit or erythritol keeps the sweetness without the blood sugar spike.
  • Natural Flavors: Fresh applesauce and citrus zest enhance the flavor naturally, avoiding the need for added sugars.
  • Balanced Nutrition: With healthy fats from coconut oil and protein from eggs, this cake is a balanced treat that supports steady blood sugar levels.

Ready for a Festive, Guilt-Free Treat?

Gather your low-carb ingredients and let your electric mixer and baking pan do their magic. This Diabetic-Friendly Easter Carrot Cake is the perfect way to celebrate the holiday—rich in flavor, full of wholesome goodness, and designed to keep your blood sugar in check. Enjoy every bite of this delightful, health-conscious dessert!

Diabetic-Friendly Easter Carrot Cake

Low-carb version of a carrot cake, perfect for celebrating Easter without spiking your sugar.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Dessert
Servings 12 people
Calories 262 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Cake:

  • 2 cups almond flour or a mix of almond flour and coconut flour
  • ½ cup oat flour or additional almond flour for lower carbs
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ½ tsp nutmeg
  • ¼ tsp ground ginger
  • ¼ tsp salt optional
  • 3 large eggs
  • ½ cup unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana for natural sweetness
  • ¼ cup melted coconut oil or avocado oil
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups grated carrots
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans optional, for texture
  • ¼ cup unsweetened shredded coconut optional, for added flavor

For the Frosting:

  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1-2 tbsp unsweetened almond milk if needed, to adjust consistency

For Garnish

  • Chopped walnuts or pecans
  • A sprinkle of cinnamon

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the almond flour, oat flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt (if using).
  • In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then mix in the unsweetened applesauce, sugar-free maple syrup (or sweetener), melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract.
  • Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
  • Fold in the grated carrots, chopped nuts (if using), and shredded coconut (if using).
  • Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely in the pan before frosting.
  • In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
  • Add the sugar-free powdered sweetener and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined. If the frosting is too thick, add a splash of unsweetened almond milk to reach your desired consistency.
  • Once the cake is completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Garnish with chopped nuts and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
  • Slice and serve at room temperature. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Notes

Tips for Keeping It Diabetic-Friendly:
  • Use sugar-free maple syrup or a natural sweetener like monk fruit or stevia to keep the carb count low.
  • Opt for almond flour or a low-carb flour blend to reduce carbs and add healthy fats.
  • Include grated carrots for natural sweetness and moisture without added sugars.
  • Use a sugar-free frosting to keep the dessert balanced and blood-sugar-friendly.
Flavor Variations:
  1. Pineapple Carrot Cake: Add 1/2 cup of crushed unsweetened pineapple (drained) to the batter for extra moisture and flavor.
  2. Raisin Carrot Cake: Stir in 1/4 cup of unsweetened raisins (soaked in warm water to plump them up) for a touch of natural sweetness.
  3. Spiced Carrot Cake: Add a pinch of cloves or allspice for a more complex spice profile.
Keyword easy, family, family friendly, festive, holiday, low carb, low sugar, spring

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